Funeral directors expand with new Derby branch

Independent funeral directors Wathall’s has expanded after opening its latest branch in Derby.

The family-owned firm has opened its latest branch in Burton Road, Littleover, bringing its total number of branches to eight.

The branch, which was previously a retail unit, has been fully refurbished, and features an arranging room and chapel of rest for families to visit their loved ones.

There is also a dedicated area with samples of headstones and memorials which are designed, created and installed by Wathall’s sister company, Art Stone Memorials.

Helen Wathall MBE, who is the fifth generation of her family to head up the company, said: “Over the generations, we have always been dedicated to providing local services to local communities and to support people at times of greatest need in a number of ways.

“I have wanted to open a branch in Littleover for some time to better serve the local community here who have previously come to our other Derby branches.

“I was therefore delighted to be able to secure these premises, which give us the space to provide comfortable and private rooms for families to pre-plan and arrange funerals, as well as a chapel for families to be able to say their final goodbyes to a loved one.

“The Littleover branch will also enable families to peruse the new ranges of urns and keepsakes as well as discuss memorials and headstones which are designed, created and installed by our sister company Art Stone Memorials.”

The branch is managed by experienced funeral arranger Karen Knighton, who worked in the NHS before entering the funeral services profession and then joining Wathall’s in 2022.

She said: “Having worked at various other Wathall’s branches, I am delighted to have responsibility for the new Littleover branch.

“Littleover is a thriving business community, and we look forward to becoming part of the local efforts to provide a welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike.”