A J Wakely & Sons Ltd, Sherborne
A family owned business serving communities across Dorset, Somerset and Devon for over 125 years
Funeral Services
- Traditional burial
- Simple funeral
- Traditional cremation
- Home visit
- On-site parking
- Chapel of rest
Funeral arrangements
- Home visit
- 24 hour telephone support
- On-site parking
- Chapel of rest
- Hearse
- Limousine
- Horse-drawn hearse
- Bespoke vehicle
- Coffin
- Personalised coffin
- Casket
- Headstone / Plaque
- Urn
- Memorial jewellery
- Floral tributes
- Charitable donations
- Newspaper announcement
- Online obituary
- Memorial book
- Order of service sheets
- Music
- Video tribute
- Funeral webcasting
- Catering
- Dove release
- Balloon release
- Fireworks
Types of funeral
- Traditional burial
- Simple funeral
- Traditional cremation
- Green funeral
- Direct cremation
- Burial at sea
- Non-religious funeral
- Anglican funeral
- Roman Catholic funeral
- Muslim funeral
- Jewish funeral
- Sikh funeral
- Hindu funeral
- Buddhist funeral
- Children’s funeral
Financial arrangements
- Financial advice
- Wills & probate
- Pre-paid funeral plan
Additional services
- Repatriation
- Bereavement counselling
- List of mourners
About Us
A J Wakely & Sons is a family owned business with branches operating throughout Dorset, Somerset and Devon, having first Established in Bridport in 1897. The Sherborne Funeral Home opened in 1999, serving the bereaved for over 25 years.
A J Wakely’s highly trained staff have extensive knowledgeable of local community resources and will do their best to help cater to specific requests, from arranging simple or traditional services, to elaborate and highly personalised, bespoke funerals.
Together with Catherine, office manager, the Sherborne branch is run by Funeral Director Richard Wakely, who has a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration (DipFAA) and has been working for A J Wakely & Sons since 2014. They are supported by Matthew Patterson, manager of the Yeovil branch and operating as Funeral Director at A J Wakely’s Sherborne, Crewkerne and Wincanton offices.
Whether pre-need or at-need, call A J Wakely & Sons Sherborne today to request a quote, engage their services or set a plan for the future.
What Families Say
AI SummaryMany families emphasise the care and consideration shown throughout the funeral arrangements, describing staff as sensitive, compassionate and attentive to their needs during an emotionally difficult time. Several note that the team handled many of the practical arrangements on their behalf, liaising with other organisations and taking administrative burden away so families could focus on grieving.
Families frequently mention the professionalism evident on the day of the funeral itself, with many describing how smoothly everything ran and how well they were guided through each stage. A number describe feeling reassured and at ease, and several mention that the service allowed them to give their loved one a fitting tribute.
Many families also raise communication, noting that staff were readily available to answer questions, responded quickly when contacted, and were willing to adapt arrangements to meet individual wishes and requirements.
This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.
Verified Reviews
Verified Reviews
Professional Standards
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NAFD Member
Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.
What they do
- Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
- Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
- Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
-
SAIF Member
Businesses are checked before they are admitted to SAIF and work to the Society’s Code of Practice.
What they do
- Inspects businesses before granting membership
- Represents independent and family-owned funeral directors
- Offers free, independent arbitration if something goes wrong
Latest Verified Reviews
Trevor Manuel 28th Aug 2026
Professional and thoughtful care and consideration throughout the process. Nothing too much trouble, just had to ask.
Philip Hughes 27th Aug 2026
Professional service through out from outlining the process of the funeral to liaising with all other bodies on our behalf.
Roger Salt 27th Aug 2026
Very sympathetic and attentive