Long-established funeral directors in Fareham and Gosport to work together after merger

M Coghlan Ltd began trading in 1861, while E J Crossland went into business four years earlier, in 1857.

Eddie Crossland died in 1999 and, as is usual in these circumstances, local funeral directors in the area took on the task of carrying his coffin. Richard Coghlan was honoured to be one of those bearers taking Eddie into Holy Trinity Church in Gosport for the funeral.

Richard said: 'Both companies have been family-run for generations and we hope to keep that ethos of '‘family'’ going as we work together from both premises.

'We can now offer a wealth of experience to local people in and around the area, looking after your family at your door, when needed.'

M Coghlan Ltd has now welcomed the sixth generation - Richard's daughter Sophie King and son Daniel - into the business.

Richard added: ‘We believe in training our staff to the highest standard.'

Richard, Sally Walton and Daniel all hold diplomas in funeral directing and the company also has three members of staff, Kevin Squires in Gosport and Tom Stevenson and Georgie Kneller in Fareham, in training with the British Institute of Funeral Directors.

Their tutor Sally, on completion of her own training, will be able to offer government accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to nursing homes/rest home staff, plus doctors and nurses regarding aspects of the funeral profession.

Following the merger, work is now taking place at both premises - 129 Forton Road, Gosport and Westbury Road, Fareham.

Richard explained: 'We'll be giving both premises a newer, fresher look and feel, but the services offered will still remain at our high standards.

‘So when you need to visit either premises, you'll be assured of a warm welcome from established and familiar staff, as well as some new faces as we settle in.

'We hope to make the transition as smooth as possible, but please bear with us as necessary changes are made. In due course we'll hold open days at both premises so look out for these, but please feel welcome to pop in to meet with us as you pass by.'

Contact M Coghlan Ltd on 01329 282711, or E J Crossland on (023) 9258 0074.