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Beckford’s new funeral home provides a sensitive and appropriate setting for what is so clearly a sad and poignant time for families coming to terms with the death of a loved one.

Clad in European natural larch to complement its rural surroundings, the state of the art building integrates modern design and functionality with great empathy for the feelings of the bereaved, providing a peaceful environment that reflects Beckford’s staff’s deep care and consideration for the families they serve.

The new building houses a reception area and offices, meeting rooms, a garage area and a chapel of rest that enables services for over 50 people. The chapel has a sophisticated audio-visual system, which has an internet-based music system allowing any music to be played whilst accompanying images. These facilities are second to none.

Beckford’s chairman, Phil Duquemin said:

"In the design we have been sensitive to the rural nature of the area. We purchased the adjoining field and removed the derelict glasshouses and reseeded. We have tried to ensure that the structure blends in well with the existing environment and have planted nearly four hundreds trees and bushes concentrating on plants that are natural to Guernsey. At the rear of the building we have reseeded the meadow with natural wild flowers amongst the meadow grass. We believe that the building offers an attractive and peaceful setting for arranging or conducting a service as well as for those seeking some time for quiet reflection."

A key consideration for Beckford’s was the design of a building that met with the highest modern standards in energy conservation as well as blending well in to the rural landscape.

Said Mr Duquemin:

"We believe that renewable energy has an important role in reducing CO₂ emissions and in particular the installation of solar technology as an effective means of reducing a building’s carbon footprint. It is good for the environment and has no emissions. We installed two large solar panels to collect solar energy on the south-facing roof. We then installed two eco store boilers and heat exchangers. This enabled us to utilise as much heat in the building for hot water and under floor heating without losing it in the atmosphere. The air conditioning plant provides fresh air and a heat recovery system for the building as a whole. The aim is to minimise the carbon footprint as much as possible."

Beckfords has a chapel that allows services catering for over 50 people. It has a sophisticated audio visual system which has an internet based music system which allows any music to be played. The facilities are second to none and show Beckfords commitment to its vocation.

“The whole premises and land provide bereaved families with a brand new facility complete with the latest technology but underpinned with an extensive knowledge and empathy and attention to detail in an environment that is both peaceful and reflects the importance of the families it serves.”

Clem Duquemin

Proprietor

Clem Duquemin the Proprietor of Beckford’s started his training with S.A. Pedley Funeral Directors in West Yorkshire whilst an evacuee during the war. He has a lifetime experience within the field of undertaking.

After World War II when Guernsey was liberated from the Nazi Occupation Clem returned from Yorkshire and continued his undertaking business within the Island alongside his carpentry business. Later he branched out into the growing industry, growing crops of daffodils, tomatoes and later freesias. He also held the position of Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church for 36 years.

Clem merged his company with Beckford’s on the retirement of Mrs Bertha Way in 1983, who was at that time the Proprietor of Beckford’s. Clem later retired from his carpentry and growing business to concentrate solely on funeral directing.

Although Clem has retired from funeral directing he is still actively interested in Beckford’s and his advice and experience is certainly still respected.

Philip Duquemin FCA

Chairman

Philip Duquemin is the son of Proprietor Clem Duquemin. Philip is a chartered accountant by profession. He worked for KPMG in Guernsey and South Africa. He joined Nashua International (later to become NRG) in Guernsey where he was regional financial director for the international subsidiary operations before becoming managing director of NRG International in 1995 and later board member of Gestetner Holdings PLC. The NRG International operation was responsible for the European, Middle East and Africa distributor operations of Ricoh Group with offices in Guernsey, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Moscow and Dubai. NRG International became one of the most successful Ricoh companies in the group. Philip left the Group in 2007.

Phil now provides consultancy services as well as being chairman of a few local companies including Resolution IT Ltd an IT services company. He is also a member of St Saviour’s Douzaine.

Jane Duquemin

Managing Director and Funeral Director

Jane Duquemin is the daughter of Proprietor Clem Duquemin and has always had a background interest in the funeral business.

After many years working within the Finance Industry and as a Legal Secretary she took time off to raise her three children. Since 2001 she has taken a more active role within Beckford’s as Managing Director and Funeral Director.

She feels that it is one of the most rewarding occupations and being able to help a family through a difficult time gives an enormous amount of satisfaction. Jane says “Death is a natural part of the life cycle and it is a privilege being able to offer a sensitive, sympathetic and above all professional service for people in a time of need.”

Dennis Wherry

Funeral Director

Dennis Wherry joined Beckford’s as a Funeral Director after spending time serving the community as a Policeman. Prior to his time in the Police Force he spent 13 years in the Royal Air Force.

Both his experiences within the Air Force and Police Force have equipped him to become a caring Funeral Director still serving the community with empathy and professionalism.

Beckford’s receive many commendations on Dennis’s care and consideration and attention to detail.

Andy Mahy

Funeral Director

Andy Mahy joined the Company after seeking a change in career. He has gained experience in dealing with the public whilst running his own business. He conducts himself in a professional and compassionate manner whilst being sensitive to the needs of others which has been beneficial in his role as Funeral Director. He is always willing to go the extra mile in minimising the stress and anxiety of the bereaved and ensuring that their wishes and that of the deceased are respected in the conduct of the funeral.

Julie Williams

Secretary and Monumental Advisor

Beckford’s secretary is Julie Williams who has been with the firm since 1999. Julie has a very compassionate, caring nature, offering a sympathetic approach, which is apparent as the first point of contact in her capacity of telephonist and receptionist. Her duties also include support and administration which she handles with care and efficiency.

Julie has gained many years experience within the monumental side of the business, which she now oversees. She is able to advise on all aspects of providing a lasting memorial including not falling foul of local cemetery rules and regulations. Julie can also arrange renovations and alterations to existing memorials.

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