Funeral directors established in 1858 opens seventh branch
One of the longest-established funeral directors in the East Midlands has opened a new site in Derby – its seventh branch in total.
Wathall’s Chaddesden branch was officially opened this week by two city councillors representing the ward, Jonathan Smale and Jerry Pearce.
The family firm’s new site on Nottingham Road will be managed by longstanding employee Sarah Yeomans.
Wathall’s has been in business since 1858 and has a network of branches across Derbyshire and Staffordshire at Allestree, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Borrowash, Burton-on-Trent and on Macklin Street in Derby city centre.
Cllr Jonathan Smale said: “It is great to see a well-known family business expanding in the city and particularly into the Chaddesden area.
“Nottingham Road is a thriving business community and I know that the neighbouring businesses will extend a warm welcome to Wathall’s.”
The refurbishment of the building was overseen by business development manager Bec Wathall, who is from the sixth generation of her family to work for the company.
She said: “There has been a great deal of interest in the office opening – particularly when we uncovered the old post office sign above the front door during the refurbishment.
“We are delighted with the results of the refurbishment which has provided us with a comfortable and easily accessible environment where families can feel at ease as they pre-plan and arrange funerals and visit their loved one in the Chapel of Rest.
“We also have sample memorials and all the information available for our sister company Art Stone Memorials to enable families to choose a lasting memorial to their loved one – whether that is for their own garden or the cemetery where they are laid to rest.”
Managing director Helen Wathall MBE added: “I have wanted to open a branch in Chaddesden for some time to better serve the local community here who have previously come to our other Derby branches.
“We look forward to becoming part of the Chaddesden business community and are particularly grateful to the two local councillors for their warm welcome and good wishes.”
