A special goodbye
Contact Us

honouring life

Put simply, honouring life means showing respect and acknowledging the unique life path of your loved one. It’s all about the relationship.

Honouring the life of your loved one speaks directly to the relationship you shared and, as with all our families, we look forward to helping you decide how best to celebrate that relationship and honour the person you have lost. Eric F. Box can make suggestions that will enhance your ideas and create a fitting, memorable event.

Funeral Transport

There was a time when the words ‘Funeral Transport’ meant so-called ‘ordinary’ hearses with black limouisines. No more!

This aspect of the modern funeral has evolved beyond recognition and, whilst there will always be a place for traditional vehicles – indeed Eric F. Box Funeral Directors has its own Jaguar fleet – there is also a place for specialist vehicles.

Explore The Fleet

Burials

Human burial practices are the manifestation of the human desire to demonstrate “respect for the dead.” Cultures vary in their mode of respect. Burial can be seen as an attempt to bring closure to the deceased’s family and friends.

Psychologists in some Western Judeo-Christian quarters, as well as the US funeral industry, claim that by interring a body away from plain view, the pain of losing a loved one can be lessened. Many cultures believe in an afterlife. Burial is sometimes believed to be a necessary step for an individual to reach the afterlife.

cremation

The decision to cremate a loved one is very personal, with people of all colours and creeds deciding to say goodbye at the local crematorium chapel for a raft of different reasons.

Without doubt it has become more socially acceptable but, at a wider level, cremation, for some, is considered more environmentally friendly than burial, whilst for others it offers greater flexibility when it comes to memorial services; options for cremation services are almost limitless.

Before the funeral

When someone has died and the shock of their departure has started to dawn, there are a series of protocols that must be followed.

You will probably want to inform friends and relatives of your bereavement, either in the newspaper or via an announcement card. You may also need to take a decision on whether or not to have the body brought to your home, or a place of worship, ahead of the actual service.

At the funeral

What will my funeral look like? How do I tell everyone it’s taking place? What will happen on the day itself? Who carries the coffin? These are just a few of the many questions you will have.

Choosing to have an Order of Service at your loved one’s funeral is not only a simple way of personalising the service, but they can also be taken away by mourners as a keepsake of the day.

 For centuries many people have chosen to express their sympathy through flowers, bringing colour to a sombre occasion. Floral tributes can be personalised to provide you with something that captures your feelings.

After the funeral

Your loved one has been buried or cremated. What now?

It doesn’t end there. Does anything need to happen to those lovely bouquets that people sent? I didn’t have any flowers but what happened to all those donations that people gave towards my designated cancer charity? Don’t people meet up for a sandwich and a cuppa after a funeral?

Reach out to our friendly and dedicated team to explore the next steps.

Catalogues

The majority of our catalogues are available in hard copy, however, many families like the instant fix of being able to download them immediately, so we have included the most important ones below. They cover various aspects of the bereavement process from choosing a coffin to shaping your own funeral whilst you are still alive. We hope you find them useful.

Coffins, Flowers
& Stationery

Monumental Masonry, Urns
& Jewellery

Booklets on Bereavement
& Transport

The Fleet

Box's Fleet

Over the decades, Eric F. Box has always tried to provide the finest funeral vehicles for its families, a tradition that continues to this very day. Our fleet of funeral vehicles are the prestigious Jaguar Daimler limousines and hearses, all of which feature our traditional black livery. Eric F. Box is proud to support British industry because its fleet was manufactured by Wilcox Limousines and Eagle Specialist Vehicles, like ours, a family owned business based in Westhoughton, Lancashire.

black hearse parked by church with limousine
Black and white photo of a funeral hearse parked

Horses

The magnificent horse­drawn funeral is a sure way to turn heads and create an even more memorable service reminiscent of a Royal funeral or state occasion. The Dutch Friesian is the traditional funeral horse, more commonly known as the “Belgian Black” and, in recent years, it has regained its historic popularity, existing well side by side with modern cars to provide what is regarded as the ultimate send off.

Motorcycle

There are four different types of motorcycle hearses to choose from including three with custom built coffin sidecars, as well as a trike that pulls its own hearse. A must for all bikers and enthusiasts, these vehicles are subject to availability since they are hired from a third party specialist and come with experienced riders. All the motorcycle vehicles can be used as a direct substitute to Eric F. Box’s Jaguar hearse.

Other Transport options

In order to create meaningful services, we offer a range of different and alternative funeral vehicles that families can hire to make their loved one’s funeral special and meaningful. However, please note that all of these specialist vehicles are hired in from third party suppliers across the UK, and are subject to availability. Any of them can be used as a direct substitute to Eric F. Box’s normal Jaguar hears

After Funeral Care
Although the day of the funeral is over, our care does not end. We are here to assist you and your family through the grieving process. One of the services we offer is Bereavement Care in a series of books. We send out a set of 4 books over an 11 month period starting at the third week after the funeral. They are designed to arrive at the time where your grief has progressed to. We send these books to those families in need of reassurance. Please contact our office if you would like more information on our after funeral care. Our caring team are always available to assist you, and help you through a very difficult time.

Other Helpful Organisations

  • The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
  • National Association for Grief and Loss
  • Reach Out
  • Support After Suicide
  • The Anna Centre
  • Bendigo Community Health Services
  • Lifeline
Please do not hesitate to contact your Funeral Director for further information. Remember, we are here when you need us. That is our promise.
Personalising A Funeral

You can create a funeral that reflects the unique and special qualities of your loved one. The secret is to add personal touches. Here are some thoughts: Choosing a Celebrant or Clergy member, asking mourners to wear a special something to the funeral, select some life symbols to be displayed, light a candle, give guests a printed item to take home, project photos on a screen during the funeral service, include humour during the funeral, select music and special readings/ poems, invite other associations such as RSL or maybe have a balloon or dove release.

To often we hear that the funeral was ‘just a funeral’. Here at William Farmer we want the service to honour and celebrate the life of you or your loved one. Reflecting the personality, traits and stories that made up the persons life. Maybe through music, photos and stories this can be done, or maybe through a specially designed coffin or a live band. We will help honour the life being celebrated with suggestions, advice and a listening ear to help create a fitting tribute. If it’s legal, it’s possible.
Funeral Service Formats
You can choose a wide range of formats for a funeral service. There is no ‘right’ way to format a funeral service, this is completely up to the family. Our Funeral Directors will provide advice and guidance during this time of planning. There are many formats available, these are just a few of the most popular below:

Helpful Points

  • Church or Chapel service followed by a burial
  • Church or Chapel service followed by a cremation
  • Private burial followed by a public memorial service
  • A graveside service
  • Service held in the crematorium chapel
  • A Private family service held at the family home
  • An informal gathering held in our reception room

If you or a loved one has an association with a church or religious group your clergy will most likely be your first choice. May you you or your loved one has not attended church for many years, but would still like a clergy member, your Funeral Director has easily arrange this. You may prefer a celebrant to lead the funeral service- we have celebrants that we can highly recommend to you. Maybe a family member would like to lead the service, this is ok to. If available, and at the families request, our Funeral Directors can also assist as an MC.

You or the person who has died may already know the clergy or celebrant. However, this is often not the case and we will ensure that the person we recommend will help honour and celebrate the life being farewelled.

Eulogy Guide
A eulogy is a speech made during a funeral service which is about the person who has passed away and is often a very important and memorable moment during the funeral. A eulogy can be made up of personal anecdotes, stories, favourite sayings and idiosyncrasies, or a combination of all these. The eulogy may be delivered by the Minister, Priest or Celebrant of the service or by a family member or friend. Public speaking is always a difficult task and coupled with the emotion of a funeral service of a loved one can make a eulogy very difficult and challenging to deliver.

Helpful Points

  • When and where was the person born
  • Nicknames and/or names known to others
  • Parents names - where they met and married
  • Brothers and Sisters
  • Early childhood - localities and interests
  • Schools attended, awards gained
  • Academic or trade qualifications and achievements
  • Some interesting items about childhood days
  • Details of any war or military service
  • Stories shared with others
  • Details of marriages, divorces, children, significant relationships
  • Details of grandchildren/great grandchildren
  • Details of any Club memberships, position held
  • Details of sporting achievements
  • Details of any hobbies or interests, travel, crafts etc.
  • Details of historical significance
  • Preferences, likes and dislikes
  • Details of activities e.g. music, theatre etc.
  • Any special stories, sayings, qualities that are significant to others
  • Special readings, music or poetry to be included
Mortuary Care & Viewing

Mortuary Care

When a loved one is brought into our care, they are looked after in our mortuary care centre. This is where we care for those that have passed away by bathing and dressing them. Our team of experienced mortuary technicians will carefully and respectfully carry out any family wishes whilst maintaining the highest level of dignity at all times. Sometimes families wish to assist in the care process and we highly encourage this. After mortuary care, a family’s loved one will safely rest in the chosen coffin until the day of the ceremony.

The Viewing

The viewing is a time for family to support one another in their grief. During this time your loved one will be resting in there coffin, allowing you and others who loved the person to acknowledge the reality of the death and to say goodbye. You may consider giving friends the opportunity to come into the viewing. If possible, try not to leave the viewing last minute. Allow enough days between the death and the day of the service to benefit from the viewing.

Floral Tributes
Select flowers that were meaningful to the person who died or solely as an expression of your love. Perhaps you can think of something more appropriate than flowers to be displayed on the coffin or casket. The choice is yours. We work with a wide range of florists in Bendigo, however you may prefer to use the florist you have always gone to, this is ok to. We will organise and handle all the floral tributes on the day of the service with tremendous care and respect at all times.
Unique Urns
Cremation Jewellery
Accessories
Eco Friendly Urns
Ceramic Urns
Wooden Urns
Metal Urns
Expressions Coffin Range
Casket Range
Eco Friendly Range
Coffin Range
Viewing Room
Selection Room
Choosing a coffin or casket can be an extremely important and symbolic choice for your loved one. Many funeral homes have chosen to remove there display rooms, we see the true value in being able to feel and touch when selecting and always encourage families to take their time in this room.
Arrangement Rooms
Arranging a funeral involves making a lot of decisions. Our arrangement rooms provide privacy and comfort where you can contemplate decisions without distraction. Home consultations can also be arranged.
Outdoor Reflections Chapel
Maybe you want something a little different, a space that is in a natural environment surrounded by garden- The Outdoor Reflections Chapel was designed for a place for family and friends to gather in a less formal environment. You may choose to hold a service, or maybe just have a gathering in honour of your loved one. No matter which you choose, this space can celebrate life in a unique environment.
The Oakley Room
Most families like to gather following a funeral for tea, coffee, refreshments and to share memories of their loved one or friend. An option for families; is to choose to use the catering facilities of William Farmer Funeral Directors. Our refreshment room at our Bendigo Chapel is named the “Oakley Room” in recognition of W.H. Oakley Funeral Directors which was incorporated with William Farmer many years ago. This facility included an indoor/ outdoor area that help creates a pleasant ambiance for various size gatherings and provides plenty of seating for family and friends.
Reception Room
The Reception Room is located on site at our Victoria Street Chapel. Recognised as Bendigo’s largest facility, it offers a space to gather following a funeral service amongst family and friends. In 2020 we remodelled the reception room to ensure we continue to provide the families of Bendigo the very best. A wide rang of catering options is available to your family, together with freshly brewed coffee, tea, juice and water.
Bendigo Branch

The William Farmer Memorial Chapel has many years of history attached to it, and has the capacity to seat 100 people plus standing room. This traditional chapel is tastefully decorated and has been used by families for many generations. The Memorial chapel offers updated Audio Visual Equipment for music and photo presentations. The Oakley Room is our refreshment room at this location, and will comfortably cater for refreshments following a funeral service.

We also have a large carpark beside this chapel for family and friends to park in during the funeral service and refreshments following the funeral. Located on site is a lovely outdoor seating area for family and friends to gather prior to the funeral service commencing.

Eaglehawk Branch

Opened in 2010, the William Farmer Victoria Street Chapel was designed as a place for reflection, celebration, reunion and our community.
With the main chapel seating 280 people with plenty of standing room, this chapel provides a beautifully peaceful atmosphere. Set among manicured gardens and plenty of parking, this chapel offers state of the art Audio Visual Equipment, Video Streaming, Service Recording and a Hearing Loop for the hearing impaired. We also have a playground to help entertain young children before, during and after the service. In addition to this chapel, we also offer a large outdoor chapel.

Conveniently located across from the Eaglehawk Remembrance Park and Bendigo Crematorium, our chapel allows families to accompany their loved ones on there final journey. Often a very special and meaningful time.

Our Reception Room is Bendigo’s largest and newest dedicated after funeral function centre and courtyard. With audio visual facilities and a fully equipped kitchen, we can cater to every need and request. Our staff will ensure you are looked after and that your time following a funeral service is stress free and comfortable.

Connor Hampton
Connor joined the team at William Farmer in early 2019. You will often find Connor greeting you when you visit our office or when you phone for assistance. He brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and is frequently helping to provide support to families in this area. Connor’s genuine want to provide care and compassion to the families we care for is a great benefit to our team.
Timothy Attwater
Tim is not only a dedicated community member and family man, he also is a valued member of our team. Tim’s professional support and care for our families is paramount. His nature of wanting to help others, and looking for ways to better what we do is of great benefit to our team here at William Farmer. Tim regards a funeral service as a very important event in a family’s life and is often assisting our Funeral Director’s on the day of a service.
June Andrew
June has completed studies in grief counselling, bereavement, and mortuary technology. This formal training is only a small portion of the skills June brings to William Farmer. As our mortuary manager, her sensitive and caring demeanour has proven to be of great comfort to grieving families with loved ones in our care. Her attention to detail ensures every aspect of our mortuary care is carried out to the highest level, with dignity and respect at all times. In addition to providing the highest level of mortuary care, June is also a Funeral Director. Her range of skills is often a great comfort to the families we care for and every aspect of the funeral is planned and carried out according to each family’s wishes. June’s passion and sensitivity, and her grief and bereavement background are a great asset to the team at William Farmer and she believes that her role is more of a “calling” than a job.
Jesse Cattell
Jesse has been a Bendigo local for many years now, and is the nephew of Andrew and Heather. Jesse joined the William Farmer team 9 years ago and whilst being a young funeral director, his commitment to his work and dedication to the families we care for is paramount. He finds it a great honour to look after families, and assist them to celebrate their loved ones life in a unique, individual and special way. Jesse is an active member of the community through his involvement with the State Emergency Service, Cystic Fibrosis, Bendigo Easter Fair Society and many sporting groups. He enjoys exploring new technology and ways to create a different experience for the families of William Farmer. Jesse was awarded the prestigious 2019 Australian Funeral Directors Association Scholarship for his presentation on the importance of funerals, innovation and modernism within the industry. His prize took him to Chicago and Canada in October 2019 to interact, network and develop further at the worlds largest funeral convention.
Heather Hampton
Heather grew up in Bendigo and attended Girton College and Bendigo High School. In her younger years she played Basketball, Netball and Tennis. She also enjoyed coaching Netball. Heather and Andrew met at her first job Hampton’s News agency, and since then have worked together for the majority of their lives. They are married and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Heather manages the office, looks after the advertising, arranges funerals and assists on funeral services. She helps those who wish to pre-plan their funeral service by discussing and recording down their wishes. She is very caring, thoughtful and a friendly person, who is always trying to make life a little easier for their families. Her hobbies include writing, cooking, jigsaw and crossword puzzles.
Andrew Hampton
Andrew was educated at Gravel Hill School, Bendigo High School, Dookie College and the College of Advanced Education (La Trobe University). Andrew has always been involved with the community and has been an active member and volunteer in- Apex, CFA, Rotary, Bendigo Yacht Club, Land Care, and the Bendigo Caledonian Society. In 1987 Andrew and Heather made a life changing decision when they purchased William Farmer so that it would remain a locally owned, independent business. Andrew enjoys being involved with families, helping them farewell a loved one. He and Heather are proud to own and operate there business which has been part of Bendigo’s history for 150 years. They strive to ensure that honesty; integrity; care; and compassion; are the cornerstones of the way they operate their business and continue to look for new ways to improve the experience for their client families, staff, and the community.