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
About Us
A.J.Wakely & Sons Chard is a family-run funeral director in Chard that has been providing an independent funeral director service to the bereaved since 1986. In the summer of 2026, they moved from Holyrood Street to brand new, larger premises at 59 Fore Street.
A.J.Wakely & Sons date back to 1897, and they opened an office in Chard in 1986. Over the past three decades they have built a long-standing association with the community by helping bereaved families and working with local churches and groups. At the end of 2018, the office was refurbished to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for families to visit.
The Chard funeral home is run by Leah Wakely, who has a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration (DipFAA). In 1996, after leaving school, Leah started her career in Bridport working and training alongside her father, David Wakely, and brother, Simon Wakely. Following a career break to raise a family, Leah returned to work in 2014 at the Lyme Regis office, later moving to run the Chard and Ilminster offices. During her time with A.J.Wakely & Sons she has enjoyed directing funerals for local families and building relationships with local churches and businesses.
A.J.Wakely & Sons Chard are proud members of: National Association of Funeral Directors & The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors. Call them today to begin planning the perfect funeral for your loved one.
What Families Say
AI Summary
Many families describe the staff as kind, caring and supportive throughout the funeral arrangements and on the day itself, with several noting that this compassionate approach made a difficult time significantly easier to manage.
Families frequently mention the professionalism and efficiency of the service, alongside the willingness of staff to listen to their wishes and personalise the funeral, with a number commenting that nothing felt rushed and they were never pressured in their decisions.
Several families highlight the accessibility and responsiveness of the team, noting they were always available to answer questions and help with any issues that arose, and that staff went above and beyond what they expected in handling both the funeral itself and related matters.
This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.
Verified Reviews
Verified Reviews
5Margaretta Timson2nd Jul 2024
We had to arrange a funeral with AJ Wakely for the third time in as many years, and I must say that everything was handled impeccably. Leah was exceptional in providing unwavering support, going above and beyond her duties as an undertaker. The entire team at AJ Wakely demonstrated outstanding care and empathy, proving to be a credit to the company. Without Leah's support, we wouldn't have been able to navigate through that challenging time, and for that, we will always be grateful to her and the team.
5Tilly Landon3rd Apr 2024
Having the initial meeting at our home helped greatly. Leah took time to explain the process, the options and asked questions in a gentle way when making the arrangements. Consequently the Funeral Service was perfect.
5Margaret Payne29th Feb 2024
Very friendly, very sensitive and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your wishes are carried out. Local knowledge and access to services helping to make this difficult time manageable.
5Brian Packington7th Feb 2024
Very professional everything was perfect. My wife of 50 years was treated with respect and dignity and I was treated with patience and compassion. At no time did I feel unsure, pressured or rushed.
5Martin Earles4th Jan 2024
Understanding and excellent link to facilitate all arrangements that needed to be made.
First class service throughout.
5Tim Brown4th Dec 2023
Excellent service would highly recommend made a difficult situation easier
5Brenda Partridge26th Nov 2023
The family were very pleased with the service we received they were professional, friendly and supportive, nothing was to much trouble and there was always someone at the end of a phone with any queries we may have had .
5Andrew Harrison1st Aug 2023
Wakely’s funeral director s have been absolutely fantastic. They dealt with all the aspects of my mother’s funeral with care, compassion and sympathy. They arranged everything perfectly. The day went so well. I thank them profusely for their excellent services, and would recommend them to anybody.
5Mark Adds4th Jul 2023
Very friendly and professional.
4Susan Chick1st Jul 2023
Leah,Paul and Kate were all very kind and helpful with the funeral of our mum Dorothy Jarvis. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they were very approachable and caring. The funeral went very well. Everything we asked for.
5Kay saunders15th Jun 2023
I would like to take this opportunity to say thankyou from start to finish for my Mums funeral arrangements and the service was first class from all at Chard. Made a very sad time slightly sad but very much less stressful.
Thankyou from all the family
5Katherine Barnett28th Apr 2023
Wonderful friendly,kind service. I've never met anyone who is so bright,jolly and friendly as Leah Wakely. A bright light at a person's most darkest days. Nothing is too much trouble,will help any way they can to make the funeral as stress free as possible.
5James Graham5th Apr 2023
very good, saved a lot of problems
5Brian Bowditch31st Jan 2023
Very friendly and helpful at such a sad time. Thank you Wakelys.
5Lorriane Allen31st Jan 2023
From start to finish I had all the support I needed. Was always on the other end of the phone if I needed to ask questions. Everything was dealt with much care. Would definitely recommend to family and friends.
5Sandra Logan12th Jan 2023
Friendly staff
5Moira Vaughan17th Nov 2022
Professional, pointing us in the right directions at the appropriate times.
5Jan Foote14th Jul 2022
excellent communication from the start very helpfull and understanding,there help and advice made things much easier for our family.
would reconment there services to anyone.special thanks to leah and kim
5Adrian Howe30th May 2022
Fantastic service and very professional
5Nicola Greenway23rd Sep 2021
We chose A J Wakely & Sons because of their very good local reputation. We felt totally justified in this decision as the service was just as we hoped in that it was helpful and friendly at the same time as being tactful and understated. Much appreciated!
5Glynis Putt14th Sep 2021
At such a sad time it was it was good to have all arrangements etc taken away from me and dealt with in such a friendly professional way, I would highly recommend A J Wakely for their professional, friendly and kind service
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
Margaretta Timson2nd Jul 2024
We had to arrange a funeral with AJ Wakely for the third time in as many years, and I must say that everything was handled impeccably. Leah was exceptional in providing unwavering support, going above and beyond her duties as an undertaker. The entire team at AJ Wakely demonstrated outstanding care and empathy, proving to be a credit to the company. Without Leah's support, we wouldn't have been able to navigate through that challenging time, and for that, we will always be grateful to her and the team.
Tilly Landon3rd Apr 2024
Having the initial meeting at our home helped greatly. Leah took time to explain the process, the options and asked questions in a gentle way when making the arrangements. Consequently the Funeral Service was perfect.
Margaret Payne29th Feb 2024
Very friendly, very sensitive and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your wishes are carried out. Local knowledge and access to services helping to make this difficult time manageable.
NAFD Member
SAIF Member