Reaching a centenary in business is a milestone worthy of recognition, so on the warm evening of Thursday 25th June, family, friends, colleagues and members of the funeral profession gathered at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth to celebrate 100 years of Head & Wheble Funeral Directors – a truly remarkable achievement for one of Bournemouth’s longest established funeral businesses. A Century of Compassion: The Head & Wheble History The roots of this esteemed Bournemouth firm trace back to the early part of the 20th century. Founder George Head, supported by his wife Minna, established the business with a clear vision: to advise and support bereaved friends, relatives, and associates with the utmost care.
Having worked alongside J.J. Allen (of Westbourne) since the 19th century with his brothers from a young age, George developed the deep sensitivity and care required to excel as a funeral director. From these early beginnings, the family business grew year after year, built on the foundations of community recommendations. In 1926, George officially established his Funeral Service at 1a Oxford Road, Lansdowne, Bournemouth—the very premises where the current generations continue to operate to this day. In 1943, George formed a partnership with another existing funeral director, Charles Wheble. Both partners, supported by their wives, were leading lights in their respective churches and clubs, cementing the firm’s place at the heart of the community.
Passing the Torch Through the Generations The post-war era brought the next generation into the fold. In 1946, following his service in the Royal Navy, Philip Head joined his father in the family business. Ably supported and encouraged by his wife Esmé, Philip maintained and developed strong friendships within the local community, upholding cherished family traditions while steadily carrying the business forward. Recognizing the timeless importance of trust and compassion during bereavement, Philip welcomed his son—and grandson of the founder—Simon, into the business in 1992, alongside his wife, Catherine. Both Simon and Catherine remain actively involved in the day-to-day operations today, and their tireless efforts have been paramount to sustaining the business into the modern era. The future of the firm looks equally bright. In 2016, Simon and Catherine’s two sons, James and Robert, entered the business. As the fourth generation, they are successfully retaining the strong family influence that surrounds a traditional independent firm, ensuring its longevity for many years and generations to come.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future Since George Head first opened his doors in 1926, societal attitudes towards death and the expectations placed upon a funeral director have undoubtedly evolved. However, the Head family continues to serve the Bournemouth community by firmly adopting the strong principles laid down by their founders, seamlessly blending them with modern facilities and contemporary service.
Representing the National Association of Funeral Directors were National President Darryl Smith and his wife, Lesley, Vice President Julian Hussey and his wife, Karen, together with Southwest Standards & Quality Manager, David Hunter, who joined Simon and Catherine Head, their son Robert, staff, family members and invited guests in marking this significant occasion. Everyone at the NAFD extends their warmest congratulations to Head & Wheble Funeral Directors on this exceptional milestone and wishes the family every success as they begin the next chapter of what is already a remarkable story.
National President of the British Institute of Funeral Directors Clive Pearson, his wife Leanne and First Vice President Phil Gore attended the 100th anniversary celebrations of Head & Wheble Funeral Directors in Bournemouth, where they thoroughly enjoyed an evening filled with warmth, reflection, and celebration. To reach 100 years of continuous family service is a rare and beautiful achievement in our profession. The BIFD applauds Head & Wheble for their unwavering commitment to dignity, tradition, and community over the last century, and we wish them continued success for the next hundred years.
During the event an introduction speech was given by the family’s 4th Generation Funeral Director Mr Robert Head, “Our centenary celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on a century of supporting families through life’s most difficult moments. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to mark this special milestone and to those who have placed their trust in our family over the past 100 years. Here’s to honouring our history, celebrating our community and continuing to serve future generations with the same dedication and kindness.”
Robert also welcomed his father and Owner of the business Simon Head, Darryll Smith, National Association of Funeral Directors and The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance (their nominated charity of the year) to say a few words. Linda Magistris from the Good Grief Trust who they have recently partnered with was also in attendance – it is their 10-year anniversary this year and they are taking huge steps forward in the bereavement sector.
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DAILY ECHO ARTICLE:
Head & Wheble funeral directors marked 100 years in business | Bournemouth Echo
