Most people at some time in their life will be responsible for assisting with the arrangements of a funeral. It is a time when many...
Memorials
Beckford’s provide over 200 designs of hand carved memorials. All are made of high quality materials such as Italian marble, granites and...
Standards
Beckford’s is the first and only Guernsey member of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
In a profession which has for many years been unregulated in who can set up and operate as a funeral director, Beckford's felt that it was important that they first voluntarily adopt standards of care and operation already established by a respected society such as SAIF as a precursor to it accepting membership to its organisation.
SAIF was established in 1989 to promote and protect the future of the independent funeral directors. With over 700 members SAIF is now recognised by UK Government Departments, and many overseas organisations, as the voice of independent UK funeral directors.
What sets SAIF apart from other trade organisations in the funeral profession is the Quality Assurance Programme. Each year one third of the membership base as well as the examination of new member applications is audited. It is the most robust and detailed oriented program available to the funeral profession in the UK.
Beckford’s was accepted into membership of SAIF in 1990 after a vigorous inspection by the Society, including inspection of its training and procedures, its premises, health & safety practices, accounting systems and many other aspects of the business.
All members of SAIF must have a long and well established trading history. Many of SAIF's members have been family businesses for several generations. One such member is A. France & Son, of Holborn, London. The firm has been in the France family for over 200 years and buried Lord Nelson in 1806.
Slightly ‘younger’ at 135 years Beckford’s has been established in Guernsey since 1875 and has been in the ownership of Clem Duquemin since 1983 when the business was merged within his existing firm.
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.
