Page 158 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Born and living most of his life in the local area Simon first became involved in the
profession when, as a youth he attended the funeral of his Grandmother. His impression
was of a rather uncaring service to someone who was very special to the family. He was
particularly concerned with the lack of respect shown to the family to someone they all
deeply cared for. He made himself a promise that he would have his own business by the
age of thirty.

At the first opportunity he applied for, and became a YTS Trainee at a local firm, where
he learned the basics of the trade. Later he joined and managed a firm of Funeral
Directors in Worcester. It wasn't long before he was hiring vehicles and conducting
Funerals on his own account in Redditch in conjunction with his job as Manager.

So successful was he that he opened his first premises at Headless Cross, in a converted
retail shop along with his mother Christine. This then was the first Funeral Directors
business to open in Redditch for more than 120 years. The business went from strength
to strength and soon outgrew the premises. By this time the four brothers were
completing their Army service, and so it was a logical step for them to join forces and
make Thomas Brothers a real family concern.

With bigger premises becoming available at Crabbs Cross, the company again grew in
size. With his Father and Mother's help the new buildings and offices were given a homely
and tasteful makeover. A new Vehicle Storage area and State of the Art Facilities were
built at the rear of the building.

Again the business became a victim of it's own success. New additional premises were
sought and the company extended to both Alvechurch and Wythall. Again the influence of
mother Christine came to the fore in embellishing the first impressions of visitors.

Simon has been at the forefront of supporting Local Churches, Charities and Sport,
including no less than four Football Teams, various Golfing Tournaments, Netball teams
and many others too numerous to mention. Every year both our MP and the Mayor have
been provided with personal limousines as part of his support for the Astwood Bank
Carnival.

It has become a common sight recently to see Funeral Corteges all over the Midlands
preceded by a walking Top hat and Silver cane – just one of Simon's sartorial trade marks
to perfection and respect .......... a much copied example of perfection to detail.

Page: 158 © RLHS 2015