About Us

“Human life is precious. Just as every person is different and special, so the end of any human life is an important event.”

Established in 1921 by Robert William Alderson, Alderson’s Family Funerals has remained a family-run operation ever since. Robert’s son Bernard took the reins until 1980, by which time Bernard’s son, Norman, was ready to lead the company, becoming the third generation of his family to do so.

Norman has run the company expertly with the assistance of Chris Williams and Tina Pickering, and in 2017, he was joined by his daughter, Kathryn, who became the fourth generation in the family business.

By passing down heritage and wisdom through each generation, Alderson’s Family Funerals has developed to offer a truly one-of-a-kind service that only a family can provide. With warm and caring advice and a diverse array of funeral options, we want to make sure that your final tribute to your loved one is special. We will use our expertise to guide you through all the aspects of arranging a funeral, ensuring that you are not at any point rushed.

If you would like to learn more about the heritage of our company, or if you have recently experienced a bereavement and simply want some advice during this time, please contact us.

Meet our team

Norman Alderson

Director

In 1980 Norman left the teaching profession to join the family business due to the retirement of his father Bernard. He studied for his Diploma in Funeral Directing and then went on to gain membership of the British Institute of Embalmers. He then became a tutor and taught many students including Chris Williams and Tina Pickering who both joined the business. Norman has strived to maintain the professionalism and dedication of his predecessors in providing a personal service to the bereaved and is delighted that his daughter Kathryn has now joined the team.

Kathryn Allerton

Director

Kathryn studied for her Degree in Marketing at Sheffield Hallam University before taking up various posts relating to her qualifications. However, in 2017, Norman was delighted when she joined the family business to become the fourth generation to continue the family business and she will continue to maintain the high standard and reputation which the business already enjoys. She has already proved to be an excellent Funeral Director and office manager, and has recently started her studies for the Diploma in Funeral Directing.

Chris Williams

Funeral Director

Since leaving school Chris spent a few years working in retail, but it was always his ambition to work in the funeral profession. In 1994 he came to work on a 6 month YTS scheme and proved to be very competent. In 1996, the opportunity arose for Chris to join the business as a full time assistant funeral director and quickly enrolled on a study course to become a member of The British Institute of Embalmers. He then studied tor the Diploma in Funeral Directing with Norman, who was then a tutor for The British Institute of Funeral Directors. Chris continues to serve the business with expertise and compassion and has become very much an integral part of the team.

Tina Pickering

Funeral Director

Tina joined the business in 2004 as Norman felt that a female funeral director would be beneficial to the business. Having experienced the bereavement of a child herself, she helped run a bereavement support group and she quickly proved to have the necessary skills to assist those who were suffering a similar loss, as well as every other bereavement. She studied to gain her Diploma in Funeral Directing and continues to be a valuable asset to the business, particularly in looking after our female clients and especially in helping those who suffer the loss of a child.

Talk to one of our friendly staff 0191 373 1828

Let us help you create a fitting tribute for a loved one

Call us on 0191 373 1828 Email us on: enquiries@alderson-funerals.co.uk or request a callback using the form below

Come & see us, we are here to help

Ushaw Moor: Flass Terrace Ushaw Moor Durham DH7 7LD

Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 17:00 Sat: by appointment Sunday: by appointment

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FAQs & Advice

To help you during this difficult time, Alderson’s Family Funerals have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their respective answers below.

If you would like to take further steps to remember your loved one after the funeral, there are a number of different options available to you. For example, you could consider our range of keepsake items, such as scatter tubes and memory stones, memory bears, keepsake jewellery or you could put your loved one’s name in the memorial book.

It’s not always easy to know what flowers would best suit the funeral you are arranging, but it’s not uncommon to see any of the following: sprays, wreaths, sheaves and baskets, posies, hearts and cushions, and crosses and letters. If you would like to see our flower brochure or would like some expert advice from our team, please contact us.

Yes you can, but in order to do this, we will need the deeds or definite confirmation as to the location. Most councils require the deeds or an indemnity signed. There are often strict rules regarding the erection of memorials in churchyards and cemeteries and we can advise you of these at the time.

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