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New branch for family firm
With more than 200 years experience
spanning seven generations, a new branch of a
family-run funeral directors opened its doors
this month.
Lodge Brothers, now in Thames Ditton
High Street, has been in business since 1780 and
has a long and distinguished history.
The firm’s chairman, Robert
Lodge, took over the mantle from his father 21
years ago and is determined to keep the company
in the family. Mr Lodge, who lives in the village,
will run the new branch. He said it offers a much
needed service.
“There was no funeral director
in Thames Ditton and we felt that because it is
a close-knit community, it would save people the
stress and strain of having to travel long distances
to make arrangements,” he said.
“I feel very passionately
about there being a branch in the village, having
lived here for seven years. It is a very privileged
position as a funeral director because you get
to help people at the worst moments of their lives.
It is very much a vocational position.”
The company operates a 24-hour service
for its clients.
Mr Lodge was delighted with the
new branch, which includes a tastefully-furnished
arranging room and a display of memorial masonry.
“We have been very lucky because
the premises here are in very good condition.
It has not taken much to turn it into what we
wanted,” he said. “We want it to be
a very welcoming place with a lovely feeling of
tranquillity. I want to put people at ease and
it is a really nice setting.”
Today, the firm is run by six members
of the Lodge family, including four of Robert’s
cousins and his sister.
Mr Lodge believes the history of
the firm marks it out from it competitors.
“We are not a multinational
firm. I am sure they are very good but people
respond to the fact we are family run,”
he added. “We have a very good reputation
and a lot of people go by that. From the moment
that someone dies, we offer a complete service.
You can phone us at any time. We will conduct
all funeral arrangements and we have someone who
will take the service as well. We want to take
any stress away from the family so they can get
on with grieving.”
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