Refurbished funeral business premises officially opened in Swaffham

The refurbished premises of Swaffham firm Chapmans and Thornalley Funeral Services were officially opened last week.

Swaffham Mayor Colin Houghton cut the ribbon during the event last Thursday when members of the public were invited to look around the site and meet members of the team.

It is managed by Derek Gaskin and Peter Dyer along with Catherine Kennedy. They all work closely with Ray and Andrew Thornalley, of Thornalley Funeral Services in Lynn.

Said director Andrew Thornalley: "There was a good turnout, which was better than we had expected and a positive response to the open day. People were able to ask questions about any queries they may have had about funerals.

"There was an opportunity for visitors to see our horses, which are regularly used for funerals, as well as take a look around the premises. They were shown around the offices, the chapel of rest and behind the scenes where we prepare the coffins, putting on the final touches."

Significant refurbishment work has been undertaken since the Thornalley family bought it in June 2016. The business used to be known as Chapmans Funeral Services, but now operates as Chapmans & Thornalley Funeral Services.

Derek ran Chapmans Funeral Services for many years whilst Peter has a long background in the funeral profession and has worked at Thornalley Funeral Services in Lynn for several years.

Catherine joined the Swaffham team after working previously in the funeral profession too.

Thornalley Funeral Services Ltd, based in Lynn, is owned and managed by the Thornalley family. The directors, Ray and Shirley, son Andrew and his wife Abi, have for many years taken pride in delivering the best possible service and care, to bereaved families in and around West Norfolk.