We were pleased that my late husband was made to look so nice and peaceful, especially as we had to wait two weeks, before a funeral slot became available. We were asked if we wanted soil or petals, to throw into the grave - we opted for petals, BUT WASN'T informed that we had to supply them. We had to throw sand/stones that had been dug up. So I would say to Gemma,,,,,,,I hope this has now been rectified. The office was often closed, other people said the same. I cannot forgive Gemma and her husband, for blaming me for breaking the headstone, we purchased from them. I was told 'You must have touched it, before the glue was dry'. The manager photographed the 'crack' in the stone, which showed it was done BEFORE the setting 'glue' was placed around the OUTSIDE, of the stone. I told her that I had not touched it - she then blamed a gravedigger, saying he must have knocked against it with his spade. My late husband is on the end of a small row, nobody is behind him. Gemma was informed she would be banned from using the cemetery, if she tried this dodge again. My family were so upset at Gemma continually moving the 'tips' box around with her foot, which none of us had seen used before. It is customary to give a tip at the end of the funeral, upon arriving home, when you shake hands and thank them. I had to get Trading Standards involved, as Gemma refused to replace the headstone, she was forced to give me a refund - I then purchased the same stone from LOVEGROVE, who laid it without any problems. Gemma removed her stone immediately, even though I asked her to please leave it on, until the replacement was ready. A lady buried just beyond my husband, had the wrong colour stone laid by A J BROOKE, we were told by the family we met over there one day. It was supposed to have red in the stone, instead it was plain brown. The family knew it was incorrect as the deceased's daughter was buried in the cemetery with the chosen stone. Gemma told the daughter, "My husband says I don't have to give you anything", when they asked for it to be either changed or a rebate. They settled I was told, for the sum of two hundred pounds - but, obviously didn't have the stone of their choice. I think the word HONEST, should be removed from their advert. read more

We recently used A J Brooke after my mum died as they were recommended by a friend and (despite the circumstances) I'm so glad we did. Gemma was great at explaining the choices available and was keen to ensure that the service was exactly what we wanted. There was never any pressure to upgrade or buy extras we didn't need or want, which I really appreciated (especially at a time when you just want to keep things simple and straightforward), and the service was extremely professional, respectful, and as good as it could be. Gemma also put us in touch with a Humanist Celebrant, Clare Grove, who spent a few hours with us, getting to know who mum was and greatly assisting us in deciding how the service should be led. Her eulogy was fantastic and really captured the essence of who mum was and what she meant to us all. Without revealing what we paid, I'd also say that I think the price was quite competitive. And we were shown a full breakdown of the charges on an invoice before we decided to go ahead. Hopefully I'll never have to, but I would happily recommend them to anyone. read more