For many residents of Horsham, funeral director, Freeman Brothers, is truly part of the furniture. The company marks 170 years in business during 2025, and colleagues are organising a public event to celebrate – read on to find out how you can get involved…
Horsham’s longest-established business
First set up in 1855 by Bede Freeman, we believe that Freeman Brothers is Horsham’s longest-running business. There’s no way of knowing what he envisaged when he began trading, but we suspect that Bede didn’t picture his company still having a home on North Parade, that a sixth generation of his family would be involved in the business, and that there would now be a further three offices across the county.
Business growth aside, other unexpected innovations back in 1855 would’ve been the telephone, motor vehicles, and many other things that we now consider contemporary basics! It’s hard to conceive of how different life was, as there are so many things that are part of the business’s day to day running that we now take utterly for granted.
Supporting local people for generations
It’s a privilege to be repeatedly chosen by our customers to fulfil their needs. On a regular basis, we are told that a family has used our services for generations and, in recognition of this fact, we aim to support our communities in return.
The latest part of this is that Freeman Brothers will host an event on Wednesday 10th September, which is free to attend. Visitors can join our team at Hills Cemetery Chapel – which Freeman Brothers operates on behalf of Horsham District Council – in order to learn more about the company’s history, meet with suppliers, and engage with other local charities and community groups.
A series of informational sessions is being planned, on topics such as discussing funeral plans, how to prepare a ceremony, and more. You will be able to speak to our expert Funeral Arrangers, as well as finding out information about our sister company, J. Gumbrill. A local solicitor will be in attendance, which is an ideal time to discuss matters such as Wills and probate.
Reflections in the Chapel
For the last five years, Hills Cemetery Chapel has been home to the Freeman Brothers Community Remembrance Service, which has taken place each December. Plans are underway to run the event again in 2025, but this is a chance outside of this event to visit the venue. You’ll be able to see what the space is like, what facilities are on offer, and, if you like, take a moment for quiet reflection. One of the activities available will be a personal act of remembrance, the space to contemplate those you miss.
Opposite the Chapel is a room which is suited to gathering with other guests, and here we will be serving refreshments kindly provided by local venue, Holiday Inn London Gatwick. There will also be a variety of exhibitors in this space – local community groups that could be useful contacts, plus other relevant local businesses.
Prizes to be won!
It wouldn’t be a celebratory event without a competition! Freeman Brothers is pleased to present a free prize draw, with offerings such as afternoon tea at Holiday Inn London Gatwick.
Colleagues at Freeman Brothers are looking forward to sharing their work with you, and meeting more members of the community in a day that differs from their usual duties. As we are generally busy conducting our normal services, it’s a rare opportunity to engage with our customers in this way, and we look forward to welcoming you.
The Funeral Fayre takes place on Wednesday 10th September from 11.00am until 3.00pm, and if you would like to find out more, please email us.
