News & Events
Amanda is New President
Amanda proudly became the National President of
the British Instititute of Funeral Directors
in the Autumn of 2023, representing the whole of the UK's Independent Funeral Directors.
She is currently planning the Annual BIFD Conference & Gala Dinner at Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, for October 2024, where she will be providing a warm Yorkshire welcome to many BIFD members from across the UK.
The Friendly Brass Band, from Halifax, will start the proceedings and there will be a Yorkshire Theme
throughout the whole evening!
Annual Memorial Christmas Tree Day
All are welcome to our Annual Memorial Christmas Tree Day on
THURSDAY 14th DECEMBER 2023
11am to 3pm, where you can create & place a Memorial Christmas Tag for your loved one, on our beautiful Norwegian Spruce, in the Greenwood Room.
Tea, Coffee & Mince Pies will be served, with donations to Overgate Hospice appreciated.
WHITEKNIGHTS Founder has Spectacular Funeral
It was such a privilege to carry out the Celebration of the Life of VIC SISWICK, on 23rd November.
Vic was the founder of WHITENIGHTS Yorkshire Blood Bikes, a voluntary organisation who deliver blood to hospitals & hospices, out of normal working hours.
Over 40 of the bikers who volunteer for WHITENIGHTS turned out to escort Vic to his final resting place - before taking him on a ‘Tour of Respect’ around Calderdale Royal Hospital, despite the wind & rain.
Pictures used with kind permission of Vic’s family
Double Funeral of Keith & Dawn Spencer
It's not every day that we carry out a Double Funeral - but very sadly, Keith, then Dawn passed away within two weeks of each other earlier this summer. Their son, Nick, wrote these heartfelt comments.
''Nothing will ever prepare you for losing both parents in short succession - furthermore, I also faced the additional challenge of living on the other side of the world, in Australia.
Amanda and her team simplified the requirements for us, when only a week into planning one funeral it became a joint funeral.
I highly valued the personal time and commitment from Amanda, and I felt confident that Mum and Dad would have approved.
A sincere thank you for helping us to create a memory that was a very fitting Celebration of Lives."
With kind permission of Nick Spencer, July 2023
20th April 2023
Prepaid Funeral Plan Open Day
Everyone knows where to find our Funeral Parlour at Salterhebble Hill in Halifax - and we have a large, FREE CAR PARK!
So come along to our Open Day on
THURSDAY 20th APRIL 2023 (11am-3pm) for a nosey inside, and to meet & get to know Amanda, her son Michael, & Jill, our friendly Funeral Assistant, all here to answer any funerial questions you may have.
FREE TEA, COFFEE & CAKES
We’ll also have a ‘Prepaid Funeral Plans’ expert on hand, to discuss making financial provision for the future.
Don’t go to the corporates, stay LOCAL & support your INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN Funeral Directors who are the only ones that can give you & your loved ones the truly PERSONAL SERVICE that they deserve - however simple or elaborate a funeral you’re thinking of.
1st March 2023
New for 2023!
Chapel of Rest Funeral Service
(followed by a Direct Cremation)
Families are often waiting for up to four weeks for a timeslot at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland. This can be very distressing, as the funeral service plays an important role in the grieving process. To help relieve this stress on our families, we can offer the following service much sooner.
The Funeral Service would be held in our comfortable, air-conditioned, private Chapel of Rest (maximum capacity is 40 people) followed by a Direct Cremation (also known as an Unattended Funeral). The cremation would take place at a crematorium of our choosing at a time and date chosen by the Funeral Director, and would not be on the same day as the service in our Chapel of Rest. Including care & collection of the deceased during normal working hours from a hospital or coroner’s mortuary**, the crematorium fee, doctor's fee, Minister/Celebrant to take the service, and a good quality wood veneered coffin*.
This option is ideal for funerals which will have a smaller gathering, as our Private Chapel of Rest is cosy & intimate; a perfect space to say your final goodbye. This service also represents a significant saving of over £570 compared to the service being held at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland.
All Inclusive Total Cost - £2,859
Optional extras may be added if desired.
(please visit our
Price List Page
for full details)
5th January 2023
Cost of Living Price Freeze
Due to the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ that we are seeing during these cold Winter months, we have decided to FREEZE our Professional Fees for all of our Cremation & Burial Plans at Amanda Dalby Funeral Services until the Spring - 20th March 2023. See our Funeral Costs
page for a full breakdown of our Plans:
www.halifaxfunerals.co.uk
Please note: additional fees & disbursements beyond our control remain subject to change, including Crematorium, Church, Cemetery, Minister & Celebrant fees, doctors fees, flowers, newspaper notices & orders of service.
18th July 2022
Nationwide Heat Warning
It’s going to be a hot one this week, so we’ll have our ice-maker going for cooling drinks & welcome air conditioning on at the Parlour.
Park Wood Crematorium is operating normally, and the chapel is very cool.
31st May 2022
Jubilee Bank Holiday Opening Times
Our office is closed from Thursday 2nd June, for the Platinum Jubilee Weekend, and will re-open on Monday 6th June.
However, we will still be available on the phone should our services be required - 01422 253 593.
21st March 2022
Coronavirus Update
Death Registration Changes
From Friday 25th March 2022 all registrations will be carried out face to face. Only one informant is needed for a death registration. They are welcome to bring one other person with them for support, but only a maximum of 2 people will be admitted into the interview room. Anyone else will be asked to wait outside.
From this date the copy certificates will be issued at the appointment, for a fee of £11 each. There is no free or original certificate. The registrar will also provide a reference number which can be used to access the Tell us Once service.
Relatives should make an appointment before going to the Register Office. Appointments can be booked online via the Council website, or over the telephone on 01422 288080.
Park Road/Elland Road/A6025
4th February 2022
We are pleased to announce that the main road between Park Wood Crematorium and Brighouse is now open again, after almost two years of being closed.
This road is known as
Park Road,
Elland Road or the
A6025, and it's reopening is great news for anyone travelling from Brighouse to Park Wood Crematorium.
Direct Cremation Advertising on Television
18th January 2022
There is a lot of Social Media & TV advertising at the moment, promoting ‘Direct Cremations’ or ‘Unattended Funerals’ at discounted prices, and for people who don’t want ‘a lot of fuss’ to mark their passing, when the time comes.
Please be assured that Amanda Dalby Funeral Services can also provide these services, but with our usual PERSONAL TOUCH - so that you still feel looked after & loved at the sad time of the loss of your loved one
Call Amanda & Michael to meet up & discuss your options, for pure & simple funeral services on
01422 253593
We’re here for you, for whatever type of funeral you wish for - FACE TO FACE with genuine, personal help & support.
3rd November 2021
Coronavirus Update
The Autumn good news is that
Calderdale Council have removed the restrictions on the number of mourners at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland.
People are also permitted to stand in the chapel, as well as in the vestibule.
Face masks and the use of hand sanitiser as you enter and leave the chapel are requested, but not mandatory.
Most religious buildings are allowing large attendances, with the Halifax Minster permitting 450 mourners, for example.
After 18 months of disruption to funeral services, we are so pleased to be almost back to normal.
If you would like to speak with Amanda & Michael about your options please do not hesitate to contact us on
01422 253 593.
9th September 2021
Coronavirus Update
A little bit of good news for our families, as we turn the corner into Autumn.
Park Wood Crematorium have informed us today that they will be
allowing full capacity (up to 88 seated mourners) back in their Service Chapel, from Monday 13th September 2021 onwards.
Also, they are
removing the ‘black taped barrier’ which has been in place throughout the pandemic, in front of the catafalque (the stand where we place your loved one’s coffin).
This means that
mourners can now touch the coffin before leaving the chapel.
Singing & live music will also be allowed, once again.
Please note that everyone will still be asked to sanitise their hands, on their way into the building, and encouraged to wear face masks.
Unfortunately, any mourners above the 88 limit will still be asked to remain outside of the Chapel, and will not be allowed in the overflow or vestibule area.
14th July 2021
Coronavirus Update
From Monday 19th July
56 MOURNERS will now be allowed to attend a funeral in the Service Chapel at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, in rows of 4 only.
No mourners are permitted in the vestibule area.
Calderdale Council are requesting that face masks & hand sanitiser continue to be used.
Also, family & friends will now be allowed to carry their loved one into the service.
The Waiting Room will re-open, but the coffee machine will remain out of use. Toilet facilities remain open.
This is subject to ongoing review by Calderdale Council.
Burials remain unrestricted for mourner attendance.
24th May 2021
Amanda is Elected to the National SAIF Executive Committee
We are proud to announce that Amanda has been elected to serve on the leadership team of a national trade body representing family-run funeral businesses.
Amanda joined the Executive Committee of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) at its recent AGM, which took place online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The group, which is led by the trade association’s President and Vice Presidents, oversees the business of the organisation, with responsibilities for amending its code of practice, upholding standards amongst members and promoting best practice in care for bereaved families.
In her role as Executive Committee member, Amanda will attend meetings throughout the year alongside other members from across the four corners of the UK and will serve on the group for 3 years.
Amanda is looking forward to making a difference for independent funeral businesses, which conduct around 70 per cent of funerals in the UK annually.
“I am passionate about promoting the independent funeral sector and about giving the best possible service to the bereaved, especially under the recent restrictive times” she said.
Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, warmly welcomed Amanda to the Executive Committee.
“Independent funeral businesses across the UK face a range of challenges, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, forthcoming regulation of funeral businesses and prepaid funeral plans, and changing funeral trends. It’s imperative at this time of transition that the sector is led by some of its most talented members representing different regions of the UK and I’m delighted to welcome Amanda to our Executive Committee as I’m certain she will make a valuable contribution to the profession,” Mr Tennens said.
SAIF was established in 1989 to represent small and independently-run funeral businesses. Since founding it, SAIF now has more than 2,000 funeral homes in it’s membership, including an incredibly diverse section of the funeral profession, with independently-run funeral firms serving bereaved families in both urban and rural settings. Business sizes vary from sole traders arranging as few as 20 funerals a year to multi-chain operations serving diverse communities and delivering thousands of funerals per annum.
Additionally, many independent funeral directing firms are family concerns, some with generations of owners spanning decades and even centuries.
SAIF’s main areas of work centre around: raising standards through the SAIF Quality Assurance Programme and member Code of Practice; helping more funeral directors attain recognised qualifications from the Independent Funeral Directors’ College; and promoting wellbeing amongst funeral directors and their clients via initiatives such as SAIF Support and SAIF Care.
The Association supports the regulation of the funeral profession and online price transparency, and is committed to working with government and policymakers across the UK to promote high standards within the sector for the benefit of bereaved families.
We have been a proud SAIF member for over 14 years.
4th May 2021
Coronavirus Update
The Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) have confirmed to us today that as of Monday 17th May 2021 the number of people allowed to attend a funeral service in England will be decided by each venue's
capacity to host mourners in a 2 metre socially distanced, Covid secure way.
We have contacted Park Wood Crematorium today, who have informed us that their service chapel capacity remains at 20 mourners, with a further 8 mourners allowed in the vestibule area.
Capacities at other venues will vary (places of worship, funeral homes & other crematoria), and some may allow for more than 30 mourners to attend. We will advise you, depending on your chosen venue.
The number of people permitted at a wake or commemorative event, such as a stone setting or ashes scattering will increase from 15 people to 30 people as of 17th May 2021.
Further guidance is expected from the government, on whether the social distancing rule will shift from 2 metres to 1 metre plus; SAIF understands that a review is underway and will update us as soon as information on any changes becomes available.
22nd February 2021
Coronavirus Update
All restrictions placed on funerals could be lifted on or after 21st June 2021, according to
HM Government's 'COVID-19 Response Spring 2021' document. However, during this period, funerals will continue to be subject to the 30 mourners at services and 6 at commemorative events (including ashes scattering).
Park Wood Crematorium still only allow 20 mourners in the service chapel, and 8 in the vestibule.
It is only during the second step, which is targeted for no earlier than 12th April 2021, that the limit for commemorative events will be lifted to 15 people.
Step three is expected to be implemented no earlier than 17th May 2021, and the limit for all life events will continue to be 30 people.
The final step, step four is when all of the legal limits for funerals will be lifted. This is planned for no earlier than 21st June 2021.
4th February 2021
Coronavirus Update
Please be aware that the current waiting time for funerals/cremations at Park Wood Crematorium, Halifax & Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby are currently 4 weeks.
This is due to 'out of area' funerals taking place at Park Wood (with neighbouring authorities only allowing 10 & 16 mourners in their service chapels) and the fact that Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby are only carrying out 5 funerals per day, instead of the usual 10, due to technical issues.
Mourners are restricted to 20
in the service chapel at Park Wood Crematorium, with a further 8
allowed in the vestibule area (28 in total).
Mourners are restricted to 16
at Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby.
Face masks & hand sanitiser use are mandatory at both crematoria, and the relevant social distancing is strongly advised in all areas.
6th January 2021
Coronavirus Update
During this new National Lockdown, our services will continue as close to normal as possible.
Park Wood Crematorium have confirmed that funerals can still go ahead with x20
mourners in their Service Chapel, and x8
mourners in the vestibule area (x28 in total).
Other crematoria do differ, however most Churches, graveyards and cemeteries will also allow upto x30 mourners to attend funerals and burials too.
Please note that ashes scatterings can now only be attended by 6 people.
If you require advice, assistance or wish to discuss any aspect of our funeral services, please do not hesitate to contact Amanda & Michael on 01422 253 593
We are still here for you.
13th October 2020
Coronavirus Update
Just to allay fears that only x15 mourners can now attend a funeral in Calderdale - the information on Calderdale Council website late yesterday afternoon was INCORRECT.
Park Wood Crematorium office have stated today that the number of mourners permitted to attend REMAINS
at x20 in the service chapel, and x8 in the overflow, vestibule area - 28 IN TOTAL.
Churches, graveyards and other venues will still allow up to x30 mourners to attend a funeral or burial, social distancing allowing.
The good news is that from 14th October, up to x15 people can attend a wake/sit down funeral tea in a restaurant or pub that serves food.
Please note; this cannot be in a private home, unless those attending live in the same household, or are part of that bubble.
23rd September 2020
Coronavirus Update
Funerals are exempt from the rule of 6. A maximum of 30 are allowed to attend a service, at the discretion of local councils. Calderdale Council are allowing 28 people to enter the crematorium building at Park Wood; 20 inside the chapel, with a further 8 permitted to enter the vestibule area at the back.
For burials in council cemeteries, 30 mourners are permitted to attend, as long as they adhere to 2m social distancing.
The rule of 6 does apply to ashes scatterings in the crematorium grounds, and for ashes interments in any of the council cemeteries.
8th August 2020
Coronavirus Update
From 8th August 2020, face coverings are mandatory in all funeral homes, Churches, and crematoria.
Therefore, all attendees must wear face coverings inside the crematorium building at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, at Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby, and in all religious buildings (unless they are medically exempt). The use of hand sanitiser is also mandatory as you enter and exit each building, and social distancing should be observed.
Face coverings are not mandatory at burials, but social distancing should be observed in graveyards and cemeteries.
Thursday 16th July 2020
Crematorium Attendance Update
Park Wood Crematorium, Elland are now permitting up to 28 mourners to attend funerals in their building;
x20 in the service chapel and x8 in the vestibule area.
At present face masks are not mandatory, however use of the hand sanitiser in and out of the premises is mandatory.
Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby are permitting 10 mourners to attend funerals in their chapel.
Thursday 18th June 2020
Coronavirus Update
Following a meeting with The Revd. Canon Hilary Barber, Vicar of Halifax, we are pleased to announce that both Halifax Minster and its sister Church, St. Mark's Church, Siddal, can hold funeral services prior to a burial or cremation.
Please call us on 01422 253 593 for more details.
Wednesday 10th June 2020
Coronavirus Update
From 15th June up to 15 mourners will be allowed into the chapel at Park Wood Crematorium. In addition, a further 5 mourners will be allowed into the overspill area, where they can view the service on the screens.
Calderdale Council has requested that all attendees wear a face covering (which does not have to be a surgical mask) and use the hand sanitising stations, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Friday 22nd May 2020
St. Paul's Cathedral 'Remember Me'
St. Paul’s Cathedral have launched an online memorial page called ‘Remember Me’ for all those who passed away due to the Coronavirus.
If your loved one passed away with the virus, and they lived in the UK, you can add their name, photo, and a short message to the page by following this link.
Also, here is a video from HRH Prince Charles, speaking about ‘Remember Me’.
Wednesday 13th May 2020
Coronavirus Update
Mourners in Calderdale will soon be able to enter the chapel at Park Wood Crematorium once more to attend the funeral service of a loved one.
From today, any new bookings will allow up to ten mourners to enter the crematorium chapel to attend a service.
The chapel will be adapted so that those attending the funeral are able to observe social distancing safely.
Those unable to attend the funeral service can watch on the free webcasting service.
For more information click on the link below;
Thursday 23rd April 2020
Coronavirus Update
We are pleased to announce that due to new Government Guidance, Park Wood Crematorium has re-opened their grounds to the public.
We are also hoping that Calderdale Council will follow the same Government Guidance & re-open the service chapel.
Currently, mourners are banned from entering the chapel with their loved one, and are only able to hold a short service outside of the building, next to the hearse.
This is against Government Guidance, and also against basic human rights. A small gathering of up to 10 mourners could easily be accommodated, with social distancing & safe hygiene measures in place.
If you would like to write to the local council, to appeal to them to make this change, please address your concerns to:
Robin.Tuddenham@calderdale.gov.uk
Or appeal to our local MP:
holly.lynch.mp@parliament.uk
Thursday 16th April 2020
Coronavirus Update
Following pressure from Funeral Directors, Ministers/Celebrants, and bereaved families, Calderdale Council have reversed their decision to ban mourners from the crematorium.
As an alternative, 10 mourners (plus a celebrant/minister) are allowed to hold a small service directly outside of the crematorium, before the coffin is taken into the crematorium chapel unattended. However, if a family chooses this option, the live webcast & recording of the service will not be available.
Direct cremations are still available, with the live web broadcast & recording, if a family would prefer that option.
In both cases, a Memorial Service could be held later on in the year, to allow more people to pay their respects in memory of their loved one.
If you have any questions, please call Amanda & Michael on 01422 253 593.
Friday 3rd April 2020
Fully Qualified & Licensed to Practice
In this time of uncertainty, look for a QUALIFIED
funeral director, as we have the best support & most updated information from both the government & our professional bodies - such as The Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors, The British Institute of Funeral Directors, and the National Association of Funeral Directors.
Both Amanda & Michael have completed the Diploma in Funeral Service and are fully licensed to practice.
Call us on 01422 253 593.
Wednesday 1st April 2020
Coronavirus Update
It is with much sadness that we have to inform families of the deceased that Park Wood Crematorium will only be holding ‘Direct Cremations’ from Monday 6th April, due to the Coronavirus pandemic situation.
No family members or other mourners will be allowed to attend the crematorium.
As funeral directors who aim to provide a caring & personal service to families, this is going to be a very difficult time. But can we assure you that we will still do our utmost to provide the very best support & advice for you, your family, and your loved one as we guide you through making ‘Direct Cremation’ arrangements.
We also have a beautiful Service Chapel, seating up to 40 people, which can be used to hold a meaningful Memorial Service at a later date. Additionally, we can organise a ‘Virtual Funeral’ through a system on the internet.
Burials are still being permitted by Calderdale Council, but with only 10 mourners present.
Please call Amanda or Michael if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the above on;
01422 253593
Friday 27th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
To book a telephone appointment to register a death, you must contact the register office of the district in which the person has died, on the following telephone numbers;
Calderdale Register Office tel. 01422 288 088
Huddersfield Register Office tel. 01484 221 030
The registrar will then call you at the time and date that you have booked with them. In order to register the death, you will need to tell them the following information about the deceased;
Date of death
Place of death
Name and surname
(also details of any previous names or names that the deceased is otherwise known by)
Sex
Maiden surname of a woman who has married
Date of birth
Place of birth
(town or county if born in the UK, or country if born overseas)
Occupation
(this includes 'Retired')
Usual address
Relatives will be encouraged to use the online certificate system to order death certificates. If this is not possible, you can order these over the phone, and they will be posted.
Relatives will also have the details of how to access the 'Tell us Once' system sent to them.
Friday 27th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
As of Monday 30th March, families will need to register the death of their loved one over the phone, rather than in person, in order to adhere to the Government's social distancing regulations.
More details to follow.
Thursday 26th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
As the number of mourners allowed at the crematorium is now limited to ten people, Calderdale Council have reduced the crematorium fee from £860 to £742, a saving of £118.
The staff in bereavement services are doing their best to help the bereaved families in Calderdale, and we thank them for their continued support.
Wednesday 25th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
We have received some more clarity on the guidelines regarding funerals.
All Churches, religious buildings and chapels are now closed. However, funerals can still take place at crematoria/cemeteries.
Although funerals are exempt from banned social gatherings, the maximum amount of mourners allowed is now set at 10 for cremations and 20 for burials, and social distancing of 2 metres will be expected at all funerals. In addition, families should not leave their cars until the hearse arrives; at which point they may enter the crematorium/graveside.
All services at Park Wood Crematorium will be recorded. A downloadable link will be sent to the next of kin within 48 hours of the service, which can then be shared with anyone who wishes to view the service.
We understand how difficult this will be, especially for larger families, but we will do our absolute utmost to make sure that each funeral is personal and a true reflection of the person who has died.
Amanda & Michael take great pride in providing a personal, bespoke service to all families, and will continue to do so within the current guidelines set by the government.
If you have any questions, please call on 01422 253 593
Friday 20th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
Due to overwhelming demand of the web broadcast facility, local crematoria have advised us that these will not be able to be viewed LIVE, but will be made available as a downloadable link approximately 24 hours after the service has taken place.
Things are changing on a daily basis, and we will continue to keep you all updated as much as possible.
Wednesday 18th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
We would like to reassure our families that our funeral services are carrying on as normal.
New guidelines received from the government and church bodies advise that all funeral services can now only take place either at the crematorium or graveside, however, services with small numbers of people attending can still take place in our chapel of rest and at some Churches if they allow it.
Parkwood Crematorium and Huddersfield Crematorium are now offering live streaming of services for people who can not attend the service which has to be booked in advance of the service taking place. This will be free of charge.
Please call Amanda & Michael on 01422 253 593 and we will do our best to answer any questions.
Tuesday 17th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
Representatives of the country's funeral directors, crematoria and cemeteries are meeting with senior Whitehall officials on Tuesday to discuss a set of national coronavirus guidelines for those involved in after life services.
In the UK, the National Association of Funeral Directors is calling on the government to issue clear national guidance for all funeral directors and associated services to follow.
Amanda & Michael are on hand to help, so please call on 01422 253 593 if you have any questions.
Monday 16th March 2020
Coronavirus Update
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Park Wood Crematorium are offering a free web broadcast of all services to those who do not want to attend funerals at the crematorium.
Our funeral services are carrying on as normal, until we receive further government instructions to do otherwise.
Please feel free to call us if you have any questions, Amanda and Michael are always on hand to help. Tel. 01422 253 593
Thursday 12th December 2019 11am -4pmMemorial Christmas Tree Open Day
All are welcome to join us to place a decoration on our beautiful real Christmas Tree, in memory of your loved one. Free tea, coffee and mince pies will be available. Donations for Overgate Hospice would be welcome.
