Leading South West funeral venue Bristol Memorial Woodlands has appointed Steve Begbie-Dilks as a new funeral director.

Steve, 58, has 12 years’ experience in the funeral industry having spent the majority of his career in newspaper print production working for the Bristol Evening Post and Daily Mail.

Since joining another local funeral firm in 2009 Steve has turned his hand to everything from working in the mortuary to driving hearses.

His new role at Bristol Memorial Woodlands in Alveston will see him supporting families as they plan their loved one’s funeral and ensuring the day runs smoothly from start to finish.

Steve, from Coalpit Heath, said: “I am relishing my new role with Bristol Memorial Woodlands. Coming into the funeral business later in life happened by accident when I took up a position in-between jobs. I ended up staying and working on the operations side of the firm for over a decade.

“Now as a funeral director at Bristol Memorial Woodlands I can say I’ve had a whole new lease of life and I’m thoroughly enjoying working for such a wonderful organisation, where attention to detail and the best interests of the families we care for are always top priority.

“It’s an honour to support and comfort families during such a sad and difficult time in their lives. Helping people remember and pay tribute to their loved ones is so important and we try to make the process as easy and pleasant as it can possibly be.

“I treat everyone with care and professionalism and always remind customers that they have plenty of time and choice when planning their special occasion.”

Steve joins existing Memorial Woodlands funeral director Scott Walker. The woodlands is a 100-acre site just north of Bristol where families can hold a funeral followed by a burial and tree planting at the picturesque site, which is held in trust for future generations.

Whole morning or afternoon services and celebrations are available for less than the average price of a cremation and there is the added benefit of burials being more environmentally friendly.

Chris Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “We are delighted to have Steve join our team here. Already we can see the way he puts families at ease and goes above and beyond to make each experience personal.”

Outside of work Steve is a qualified UEFA football coach running a successful local Under 16s team.

For more information about Bristol Memorial Woodlands visit www.memorialwoodlands.com