Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors opens new branch in Birkdale in Southport

A quality independent funeral directors is opening a new branch in Birkdale in Southport this September.

Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors started out in Parbold in West Lancashire before opening its second branch on Manchester Road in Southport in October 2021.

The firm, which is owned by David Massam and Charles Marshall, is now looking forward to offering its services to residents in the Birkdale area and beyond as they open at 2 Crown Buildings on Liverpool Road, opposite The Crown pub.

People are invited to call into the premises on the opening day, Monday, 5th September, any time between 9am and 7pm. Alternatively anyone is welcome to call in any time to meet us or you can book an appointment via our new number of 01704 321234

Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors offer 24 hour guidance and support and it is hoped that the location of the new branch means that more of the community will feel they have an option within their community. Their professional team works around the clock to ensure the highest in standards within the profession at local, affordable prices. They are also pleased to offer several affordable funeral packages for those wanting a professional service without to financial stress.

The new branch will be headed up by Funeral Director Joanne Bruder, a former dog handler with Merseyside Police, who knows the area well.

Joanne spent many years living in Birkdale while her daughter, now 23 years old, attended Farnborough Road Junior School. She now lives five minutes’ away in Scarisbrick.

Joanne Bruder, Funeral Director at the new Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors branch in Birkdale in Southport

David Massam said: “Joanne has come to us from a national funeral company, indeed we have both come here from national funeral care chains at one time or another. We have both seen how national chains work, and neither of us like it. There is a better way for people who can be offered a very personal service. As funeral directors, we are there from the moment someone passes away all the way through to the funeral service and beyond.

“After Jo came on board with us, the discussion came up about opening a new office in Birkdale and how we could better support more people locally.

“Birkdale is an amazing place, but there is no other independent funeral director there now.

“As soon as we saw the building, we knew it was going to be a really good place for us. The area is wonderful and full of lovely people who have been very welcoming thus far and are positive about another independent business in the area.

“We are going to offer lots of new services for the local community. They will include a regular Bereavement Cafe, to help and support families who have lost loved ones.

“We are keen to provide bereavement counselling to people as well, a role we are looking to fill at the moment. If anyone knows someone suitable for this role please get in touch with us.”

They have made one of the rooms at the new branch a dedicated counselling room and fully advise people to make use of the service they are providing in the area.

Joanne Bruder said: “I started working at Massam & Marshall in Southport in June. I really enjoy working here! I have been getting used to a new and better way of working which is truly client focussed.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the new branch opening in Birkdale, I love the area and know lots of people in Birkdale. It is such a nice place. Having been a police officer with Merseyside Police for over 20 years, having a role within the community and speaking with people is something that comes naturally to me. I feel really suited to this role. In my spare time, I have been a volunteer with MHA, a pioneer of person-centred dementia care in the UK. I am looking forward to taking part in the Memory Walk for Alzheimers in Aintree on 4th September.

The new Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors branch in Birkdale in Southport

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone when we open in September.”

Visitors will be able to do just that at the forthcoming Open Day.

David Massam said: “We are looking forward to people joining us for our Open Day on Monday, 5th September. We would love to see people coming in to have a chat with us, have a cup of tea, have a cup of coffee from our lovely coffee machine, have a piece of cake, any time between 9am and 7pm. Our normal opening hours will be between 10am and 4pm to start with and then we have the option to open for longer as and when required. We are also appointment based so can work outside these hours either in our branches or we will come to you in the comfort of your own home.

The new Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors branch in Birkdale in Southport

“Anyone is welcome to call in and say hello, and to come and ask us any questions they have – there is no such thing as a silly question to ask for us!

“As an independent funeral director we go far above what a national funeral director is able to offer.

“What we offer through Massam & Marshall is a very personal service for people.

“When families come in to see us we are with them every step of the way, from when a person passes away, to when the funeral takes place, and then afterwards as well.

“To us, after-care is very important, which is why we offer services such as bereavement cafes.

“We are a member of the Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors, which means we are overseen by a national body and are assessed regularly to help us to ensure that our standards are the highest they can be.

David Massam, co-owner of Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors

“Funerals involve a lot of event management, but the difference that independent funeral directors make is that we offer that human side, we listen to what people want and what they need.

“Since we opened our new Massam & Marshall on Manchester Road in Southport last year, we are already getting families returning to us, or people coming in to see us because of recommendations from other people. It’s lovely to see things like that, it truly makes our work  worthwhile.” 

• Massam and Marshall Independent Funeral Directors is situated at 137-139 Manchester Road in Southport and at 5 The Common, Parbold, and from 5th September 2022 will also be at 2 Crown Buildings, Liverpool Road, Birkdale. For more details call: 01704 321234 or visit: www.massamandmarshall.co.uk

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