Ashdown Funeral Services

Kelly was an amazing support emotionally and practically on arranging the funeral for my husband. Her attention to detail and getting things right was excellent. Her respect for John in the chapel of rest was outstanding as was her care for us as a family. We had a motorcycle hearse which they organised with us. Toni, on the day was fantastic also and they organised a perfect route for johns last journey on this earth. Thank you all. Lesley

Ashdown Funeral Services Review January 2026 My Father passed away in November 2010. My Mother also wished to use Ashdown Funeral Services, when the time came. Unfortunately, Mum passed in November 2025. Now, we heard that Edward and Rachel Micallef, who were running Ashdown’s, and who undertook the arrangements for my Father’s Funeral were now retired. Was this going to be a problem? My Sister and I made an appointment to meet Kelly Smith at the Belvedere branch of Ashdown’s to discuss my late Mother Joyce’s wishes for her Funeral which was arranged for Tuesday 16th December2025. We needn’t have worried, right from the start, Kelly was perfectly understanding, and immensely courteous to us both given what had just happened. We both sat down in comfortable armchairs and were offered tea/coffee and were told that the three of us would not be disturbed as this was our ‘booked time’. Kelly talked us through all the arrangements, as my Mother wanted to attend Christ Church first, and then Eltham Crematorium. Kelly clearly outlined what we would need to provide. Pictures for the Church Service and the Cremation. Up to five pictures for the ‘Order of Service’ which Ashdown’s would collate and print. Also helping us arrange a meeting with the Vicar, Trevor Wyatt, to obtain his input on the Hymns, Organ music, and Order of Service layout. In the next few days, Kelly was superb with her organisation, arrangement of her Staff, and printing of the Order of Service. We decided ‘on the day’ for us to follow the Hearse in one Limousine. The day could not have been more ‘absolutely beautiful’. Ashdown’s staff on the day were so professional at ALL times in their conduct; walking before the Hearse, carrying Mum’s coffin in the Church and finally into the Crematorium. The day was perfect in every way, Mum would have been so proud. What I did like so very much was the break with the ‘stoicism’ that the staff showed as they drove us in the Hearse to the Wake. This brought us gently ‘back down to earth’ to face our family and friends. During the Wake we received so many comments about how well the day went, which for all of us was so important. The care and consideration shown throughout the day was exemplary. Finally, when the day comes, you will not find a better way to say goodbye to a family member, than by using Ashdown Funeral Services in Belvedere and entrusting in very professional services of Kelly Smith. Thank you all so very much. Chris G

We can’t thank Ashdown Funeral Services enough, especially Kelly, for all their kindness and support during such a difficult time. Kelly was incredibly understanding and patient, explaining everything clearly and guiding us step by step through the arrangements. Everything was handled with such care and compassion, and the service was beautiful. We’re so grateful for the warmth and professionalism shown — it truly made a hard time a little easier. Thank you, Kelly, and the whole team.

My family and I would like to express a huge thank you to everyone at the team at Ashdown’s Belvedere. A few months ago (July 2025), my family and I used Ashdown’s services to bury my mother (rest in peace). From the moment we met Kelly and spoke to her several times on the phone she was a guiding light through a difficult period. She was down to earth, honest, worked with integrity and was personable throughout. Our family had never organised a funeral before, but Kelly and her team were key in demystifying the whole process. We would also like to shout-out Bill, who acted as the funeral director on the day of the funeral. He and all the pallbearers were phenomenal. I would also like to thank Lewis who drove me and my family to and from the funeral location on the day. Honestly, everyone at Ashdown’s were personable and unstuffy which is just what my family and I needed. You could tell that this wasn’t just “another job” for them, they truly cared about our and our loved one’s experience with them. Thank you to everyone at Ashdown’s Belvedere!

Kelly was wonderful guiding us through this unknown process at such a difficult time. She was welcoming, professional, knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. Most of all she was so kind and caring. We knew Dad was being looked after. We can’t thank her enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.