ABOUT
Jill Glencross
Born in Carlisle, I have lived in the village of Dalston with my family for several years. My husband Russell Hind, children Abbie and Matthew and our black cat Lenny! From a very young age my ambition has always been to become a Funeral Director and after almost 24 years in Pathology, I decided it was time to fulfil my dream. I have previously worked for Walker's, Michael Walsh and John Tremble Funeral Directors (who are no longer independently owned but owned by the chain DIGNITY). When the opportunity came up for me to become an Independent Funeral Director I felt the time was right.
During my time at the Cumberland Infirmary after having my children and working only part-time I also volunteered at Eden Valley Hospice helping provide respite care, love and attention to patients and their families. I have previously worked as a Health Care Assistant on the wards at the Cumberland Infirmary alongside my post in Pathology.
The knowledge I gained during my time in Pathology liaising very closely with Her Majesty's Coroner, GP's, families, Bereavement Services and Funeral Directors has proved invaluable.
Since 8th October 2018 we have cared for over 350 loved ones and their families (updated 28/12/20). I am so proud of what I have achieved and the business is going from strength to strength. You will not get a better service anywhere else. Read our outstanding reviews on FB and Yell.com. We always go above and beyond and nothing is too much trouble.
Peter Watson
Born at Nealhouse, Nr Thursby, and lived and worked in the Carlisle area all my life, currently living at Lowry Hill within the city, with my wife of 39 years, Carol, we have 3 grown up children and Smudge our Jack Russell terrier.
Following the sudden death of my sister, and subsequently my mother, this heightened my desire to become a Funeral Director. Having worked for North West Water (United Utilities) for over 31 years, being offered voluntary redundancy at the age of 50, this gave me the greatest opportunity of my life, and I fulfilled my dream to become a Funeral Director.
During the past, almost 11 years, I have arranged in excess of 1100 funerals for families, and still feel that the next family is as equally important as the first I arranged. I often get asked is the job not repetitive, and morbid, nothing could be further from the truth, every family is unique, every funeral is different, and personal to that family.
The most important thing is ‘get it right’, ‘get it right first time’ and to only make promises you can keep.
I also respect the importance of seeing the whole process through from beginning to completion; and with the recent creation of Dalston Memorial Ltd in partnership with Jill, we can now offer a service to provide new memorials, additional inscriptions and general memorial maintenance.
Jill and Peter are available 24 hours to offer a friendly, personal,
caring and professional service, just call (01228) 317373.
Michael Walsh
Michael Walsh, Funeral Director has been conducting funerals with kindness and compassion since 1986. After selling the business to Dignity many many years ago, Michael has decided to help us out when people request him. He has such an amazing reputation and we are so proud that he will only do services for us. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch. Michael is happy to do funerals for families when requested.
Russell Hind (Jill’s Husband)
Born in Carlisle, Dalston has been my home for over six years since moving here with Jill and her children, Abbie and Mathew and we love the community spirit of the village.
My background has been over forty years in the motor trade since leaving school.
Whilst initially I did not share Jill's passion for the funeral business, her vision, drive and enthusiasm became quite infectious and it was not long before my interest was ignited.
When we were given the opportunity of the premises in the square we knew it was too good an opportunity to pass.
On being furloughed from my own job, I became more and more involved in the daily operation and saw at close hand how incredibly rewarding it is to care for families and their loved ones.
Jill has a quite unique style and her incredible attention to detail is what I believe sets her apart from other Funeral Directors and is the fundamental source of her success.
Bringing Peter into the business one year ago has further enhanced our standing as he brings a wealth of experience with him and he also shares Jill's vision.
Julie Whitfield
Julie is the latest member to join the team and has only been with us a couple of months.
A farmer’s daughter, Julie originally lived near Hesket-New-Market, before moving to the village when she married 32 years ago. Having been with the same publishing company for nearly 40 years, always in an admin role, Julie took the decision to leave the business when changes came in following the
Coronavirus pandemic.
Following the death of her dad 7 years ago, and after being so well looked after by the Funeral Director dealing with all the arrangements, she then felt, if she ever changed direction in her employment, a Funeral Director’s would be the place she would love to work.
When the position for an Admin/Mortuary Assistant became available, and right on her doorstep, Julie applied and was delighted to accept the role.
She is thoroughly enjoying being part of a small family business, whom she feels are 100% committed to the families they look after with such tender care and compassion and feels it is an honour and privilege to be able to work alongside the rest of the team, helping to look after families and their loved ones in our care.