Stephanie J Mason - SJM - Funeral Directors

23/09/2026

21/09/2026

“Thank you for everything Ken” now it’s your turn to rest - Rest peacefully ❤️xx

Sad news today as Normandy veteran Ken Hay has passed away at the age of 101.

Those who saw Ken on television over the years may remember him sharing his remarkable wartime story, including an appearance on BBC One’s Songs of Praise for its D-Day 80th anniversary programme in 2024. He also appeared in televised D-Day coverage, speaking openly about what he experienced during the Second World War.

Ken was still a teenager when he served with the 4th Dorset infantry regiment and arrived in Normandy shortly after D-Day. During a night patrol on 7–8 July 1944, he was captured by German forces and eventually taken to Poland, where he was forced to work as a prisoner of war in a coal mine.

As the war neared its end, Ken survived a gruelling march westwards before eventually being liberated by American troops. He finally arrived back home on 4 May 1945, just days before VE Day.

In later life, Ken became an ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial and devoted a huge amount of his time to visiting schools and telling children about what his generation had experienced. The youngsters he met came to know him affectionately as “Grandad Ken”.

His dedication was recognised with an MBE for services to his community, while France awarded him the Légion d’honneur.

Ken continued returning to Normandy well into his later years, determined that the stories of those who served would not be forgotten.

When he was once asked how wars could be stopped, his answer was wonderfully simple: “Love.”

Rest in peace, Ken Hay. What an extraordinary gentleman.

18/09/2026

A question we’ve been asked many times - Can pets attend a funeral?

In some circumstances, yes. If a pet was an important part of your loved one’s life, it is completely understandable that you may want them to be part of their farewell too.

Whether a pet can attend will depend largely on the venue where the funeral is taking place. Crematoria, cemeteries, places of worship and other funeral venues may each have their own policies, so permission should always be checked beforehand.

It is also worth considering how comfortable the pet will be in an unfamiliar environment with a number of people present. For the right pet and setting, however, their presence can be a meaningful and comforting part of the service.

If having a much-loved pet at the funeral is important to your family, let your funeral director know when making the arrangements. We can speak with the venue, find out what is possible and help you consider the most appropriate way to involve them.

Funerals are incredibly personal, and including the people, memories, and sometimes animals, that meant the most can help create a farewell that truly reflects someone’s life.

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

Beautiful flowers, as always , from Joanne’s Florist 🤍🤍###

10/09/2026

Introducing you to “Direct Cremation Birmingham” -

“Not another direct cremation post🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️”
I can hear you saying!!

Well, yes, it is but with one very important difference! - this one comes with the very unusual reassurance of LOCAL care throughout.

When you choose our “Direct Cremation Birmingham “service, your loved one remains close to home, cared for locally by us and will be cremated locally too, at Birmingham (Perry Barr) Crematorium.

You can have the peace of mind of knowing exactly where they are being cared for and that they remain in familiar local surroundings.

❤️ Your loved one stays close to home

🏡 Cared for at our beautiful local funeral home
Your loved one will rest in our care until the day of their cremation – and you are very welcome to visit them.

📍 Cremated locally in Birmingham
The cremation will take place at Birmingham (Perry Barr) Crematorium, keeping your loved one close to home throughout.

🤝 Local people providing local care
You have the reassurance of knowing exactly where your loved one is being cared for and by whom.

🌿 Simple, dignified and affordable
There is no attended service at the crematorium, allowing us to provide a simpler and more affordable option without compromising on dignity or care.

💐 Remember them in your own way
You can then choose to remember and celebrate your loved one’s life in your own way, at a time and place that feels right for you and your family.

☎️ Compassionate support throughout.
We will guide you through all the arrangements, providing clear information and personal support from the moment your loved one comes into our care until their cremation.

“Direct Cremation Birmingham”

✓ Your loved one stays local
✓ Cared for locally
✓ Cremated locally
✓ Simple and affordable
✓ Dignified and compassionate care
✓ Support from a local team you can speak to

For more information about what is included and the costs involved, please contact us for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.

The local alternative to being taken miles away from home.

Local people caring for local families.🤍🤍xx

02/09/2026

What a huge step forward!! And so very welcome 🤍xx