Generations of Care, Compassion, and Trust

Est. 1926

A century of compassionate care, blending time-honoured values, with a modern approach.

Established in Burwash in 1926

Our family-run business has delivered exceptional care and standards for four generations. We remain deeply dedicated to upholding our founding values, maintaining the highest standards of service, and continuing a century-long legacy of trusted community care.

Our story began in 1926, when Charlie Waterhouse established the business in Burwash.

A skilled carpenter by trade, Charlie completed his carpentry apprenticeship in 1927 and, like many funeral directors of the time, naturally expanded into funeral directing. Many long-established funeral firms have their roots in building, carpentry, joinery and cabinet making, as these trades provided the skills, workshops, horses and vehicles needed to make coffins and conduct funerals.

Charlie built a reputation for craftsmanship, compassion and service to the local community. Following her nursing training, his daughter Dorothy joined the business in 1964, and together they cared for local families until Charlie’s retirement.

Our History

The family’s tradition continued when Dorothy’s children, Tim and Clare, joined the business after establishing themselves in their own careers. Today, Clare continues to lead the company with David Rhys-Jones, maintaining the values of personal care, professionalism and community service that have guided the family for a century.

Our combined local knowledge and generations of experience enable us to support families with confidence and compassion, helping them navigate the many decisions involved in arranging a funeral at what is often one of life’s most difficult times.

In the late 1980s, Waterhouse Funeral Directors acquired the premises of Heathfield Funeral Directors. For more than 30 years, the two businesses have worked together, providing trusted funeral services across both communities while retaining the same family values and commitment to exceptional care.

Our Present

Our combined local knowledge and depth of experience provide invaluable guidance to the families we care for. We can guide you through all of the different options available when arranging a funeral. From simple, no-fuss funerals to more elaborate services, we can draw on over 100 years of experience, having had the privilege of looking after many hundreds of families over the years, whatever their needs and requirements.
In 2021, we became part of the West & Coe family, something we are truly proud of. West & Coe have been a trusted and respected name in funeral care for many years, and are widely regarded as a benchmark for standards within the profession. Being part of a fourth generation family of funeral directors, this only further strengthens our commitment to the families we serve.

Our Service

The celebration or thanksgiving for the life of a loved one should be a deeply bespoke experience that honours their unique journey. We aim to provide every family we look after with a compassionate, personal service, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring you are never alone during difficult times. Our in-depth knowledge and decades of experience in the funeral industry are matched in quality by our state-of-the-art in-house facilities, both of which we hold to the very highest standards of excellence and dignity. By focusing on unique, personal touches, we ensure that your loved one’s personality shines through in every detail. This meticulous care gives you complete peace of mind that every aspect of the service will be carefully considered, gently guided, and thoroughly discussed with you at your own pace.

Our Team

At the heart of Waterhouse Funeral Directors and Heathfield Funeral Directors is a dedicated in-house team whose collective experience and personal commitment are the true strength of our company.
David Rhys-Jones and Clare Waterhouse lead the company and oversee its day-to-day operations. Alongside directing funerals, they manage our core business departments and lead our 24-hour on-call team, ensuring support is always available when it is needed.

Teresa Powell Fairweather oversees our Heathfield office, arranging funerals, coordinating the interment of ashes, and managing our company accounts. Based at our Burwash office, Zara Rhys-Jones, George Vidler and Jane Rumbold are our wonderful funeral arrangers, working closely with the families we have the privilege to support. They also coordinate with the many professionals who assist us in delivering every funeral with the utmost of care and attention to detail.

Behind the scenes, James Raggett oversees our workshop, premises, and vehicle fleet, supported by Chris Porter and Philip Hawkins, who carry out the essential vehicle preparation, driving, bearing and conveyance duties that help every funeral run smoothly.
Beyond their daytime responsibilities, our in-house team is additionally supported by our dedicated part-time out-of-hours and bearing team, including Brian Curtain, Andy Sutton, Geoff Keeley and Mick Gosden. Together, they all work seamlessly around the clock to provide a dignified, compassionate and professional service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A Modern Vision (1980–2000)

The need for larger premises led West & Coe to purchase the site at Rainham Road South, where a purpose-built funeral home — the first of its kind in Essex — opened in 1982.

The following years brought steady growth, with new premises in Aveley, expanded facilities at Rainham, a purpose-built funeral home in Grays, and an extension to the Dagenham head office.

By the 1990s, the company operated a fleet of Daimler vehicles, including a hearse and several limousines, while traditional horse-drawn funerals also experienced a renewed popularity.

Into the 21st Century

The early 2000s saw major growth for West & Coe, including the acquisition of J. Perigoe & Son and A.W. Court, expanding the company’s presence across East Sussex and Kent. In 2003, the firm celebrated its centenary with community events, a gala dinner, and a memorial service attended by hundreds.

In 2006, West & Coe launched the H.O.P.E. bereavement support programme and also became the main sponsor of Dagenham & Redbridge FC — a partnership that continues today and remains the longest-running sponsorship in Football League history.

Further expansion followed, with the purchase and transformation of the Old Bluehouse Farm in Pitsea (2008), and the arrival of Jamie West and Richard Gillanders — the fourth generation of the family — in 2010 and 2011 . In 2012 the company acquired, J. Jeffries & Son and William Deny, continuing its long tradition of serving communities with respect and care.

Still family-run

Today, Waterhouse Funeral Directors and Heathfield Funeral Directors stand as a testament to nearly a century of dedicated care across Burwash, Heathfield, and the surrounding East Sussex and Kent communities. While our independent, family-owned firm has grown and expanded its reach over the years, we remain deeply committed to retaining our personal local identity. Alongside this growth, we continue to strengthen our long-standing support for the community through charity fundraising, local partnerships, and ongoing investments in high-standard, in-house facilities. Guided by four generations of family experience, we look to the future grounded in traditional values, exceptional care, and deep community trust—serving your family just as we would our own.

More Than a Funeral Service

We have always been a familiar and supportive presence in the communities we serve. Our dedication extends far beyond moments of loss; we are deeply woven into the fabric of local life through everyday connections and a shared commitment to the people of Burwash, Heathfield, and the surrounding areas.

We proudly support:

Local sports clubs

We believe a strong community is built on connection, tradition, and shared passions. We are deeply proud to invest in our local communities by sponsoring the sports clubs that bring people together. Through Waterhouse Funeral Directors, we proudly support Bayham & Lamberhurst Bowls Club, Wadhurst Bowls Club, Hawkhurst Bowls Club, Staplecross Bowls Club, and Burwash Indoor Short Mat Bowling. Meanwhile, our Heathfield Funeral Directors team is honoured to sponsor Hellingly Bowls Club, Horam Bowls Club, Cross In Hand Bowls Club, Heathfield Park Cricket Club, and Heathfield and Waldron Rugby Club. By supporting these vital local clubs, we help ensure our communities remain vibrant, active, and connected.

Friendship and support groups

We are deeply committed to fostering safe, welcoming spaces where neighbours can connect, share experiences, and find comfort. Through Waterhouse Funeral Directors, we proudly support vital social hubs like the Burwash Community Coffee Morning Group and the Burwash Common Community Coffee Morning Group. Meanwhile, our Heathfield Funeral Directors team is honoured to partner with and promote The Heathfield Benefice Friendship and Bereavement Group (Twinn Café) and The Heathfield Benefice Bereavement Journey Course. By supporting these groups, we hope to help ensure that no one in our community has to walk through difficult times alone.

Local events and initiatives

We are passionate about actively participating in local life and supporting the events and initiatives that bring our neighborhoods together. From sponsoring seasonal festivals to rolling up our sleeves for grassroots initiatives, we are proud to be part of the local fabric. We are dedicated to supporting our community through events like the Burwash Common Fete and the Burwash Summer Fair, as well as vital local causes like the Hawkhurst Community Fridge.

Words from
Families We’ve Helped

Heathfield funerals were excellent from the moment I rang up at 2am

after my father had just passed away they couldn't do enough for us as a family. comfort preparation and booklet they post out to you giving step by step guidance was invaluable. On the meeting to arrange the funeral they were professional but they had a lovely caring attitude which was a great comfort. On the day of the funeral after pre phone call to check everything was alright and no further needs, the professionalism was brilliant with such a loving and caring attitude put everyone at ease and I would certainly recommend them 100% when a funeral for a loved one arises. Thank you team .

Absolutely superb service from start to finish

Every staff member was kind and compassionate as well as highly efficient and knowledgeable. I’m really glad I chose this company as they really held my hand throughout a difficult time and produced a lovely funeral that ran seamlessly.

From the initial telephone call made to HFS we received first class efficient service.

We were guided through a sad and difficult time with compassion and understanding. As a family we felt that we had an additional friend walking by our side - Clare and her team are outstanding.

We received a truly compassionate and professional service from HFS for my mother’s funeral.

On the day, the mourners were looked after with great care by HFS staff David and (driver of the following car) Philip. Reflecting back, it’s the small details that reveal their exceptional training and natural sensitivity to the role. It’s an emotional experience to follow a hearse carrying your next-of-kin and Philip somehow intuitively understood the mood, engaging in conversation when we needed it, and respectfully falling silent when we did. All the while, he remained the consummate professional chauffeur.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Heathfield Funeral Services (HFS)

We cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion shown by Heathfield Funeral Services during one of the most difficult times in our lives. From the moment we reached out to them, we were met with kindness and understanding that eased our burden and allowed us to focus on honouring our loved one. The team at HFS went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was handled with the utmost care and consideration. Their attention to detail was remarkable, and it brought us great comfort to know that our loved one was in such capable hands. They took the time to listen to our wishes and offered thoughtful suggestions that truly reflected the personality and spirit of the individual we were celebrating. Their professionalism was matched only by their warmth. Each member of the team treated us like family, providing support and guidance every step of the way. They created a serene environment that made the planning process a little less daunting and allowed us to focus on what truly mattered cherishing the memories of our dear one. Moreover, the facilities provided a peaceful space for family to pay their respects. The service they provided was not just about logistics; it was about honouring a life and offering solace to those left behind. We wholeheartedly recommend Heathfield Funeral Services to anyone in need of compassionate, attentive care during such a sensitive time. Their kindness, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail made all the difference for our family. Thank you, HFS, for your unwavering support and for helping us navigate through our grief with grace and dignity. You have our deepest appreciation.

We have been fortunate enough to have been supported by Waterhouses for both my grandparents funerals as well as my father's so we wouldn't have dreamed of going anywhere else for our dear mother

George supported us with such care and sensitivity throughout our journey in saying goodbye to our mother Robina. He organised the most beautiful funeral with us and Clare and the team supported us on the day. We had complete trust in the whole team and as painful as it was we couldn't have had a more perfect funeral for my mother last week. Thank you so much for being alongside us in our most difficult days and giving our mother the funeral that was as dignified and beautiful as she was. Special thanks to George, we can't recommend him highly enough, all his interactions with us were from the heart and with such care and integrity.

I have know the team at CWH many years being involved in the trade but only had to call on their services for the first time recently. We wanted and expected the best for my late father and were not disappointed.

David and his team are extremely thorough, no unforeseen seem to phase them or vary their approach or the cost. David helped us no end with getting my father released form hospital, advising, in conjunction with the vicar, what the funeral might look like, briefed us, the pull bearers, comprehensively on the day and ensured everything ran smoothly which it did. The service is very slick in a deeply personal way with nothing left to chance and both my late father and the family treated with the utmost of dignity. I am very pleased we instructed CHW and would do so again.

I cannot fault the professional service offered to us as a family

by C Waterhouse & Sons both in preparation for the funeral and on the day itself. It helped us through a difficult time. We were shown such care and kindness - by everyone and especially by Teresa - a really personal service. Heartfelt thanks.

Sadly, 7 months after my sister passed away, my mother died, aged 92

Once again, I asked C Waterhouse and Sons to Look after Mum and make all arrangements. George was fantastic - sympathetic, organised and led me through the process. Having previously met my Mum, I felt that he had a personal connection. David was a huge support at the funeral service. I know one is not meant to be pleased to see Funeral Directors again, but I was. Thank you to the team at C Waterhouse for their care, sensitivity and "human-ness". My sister died suddenly and I had no idea what to do or how to do it. George at C Waterhouse took charge and led me along the planning and funeral arrangements expertly - he showed sympathy and, most importantly for me, with the humour I needed. He was sensitive with my mother who has Alzheimer’s and didn’t understand. At the cremation itself, David took charge, again leading me along every step. The kindness and humanity I was shown was boundless and very gratefully received. I could not recommend C Waterhouse & Sons more highly.

I had not had to arrange a funeral before. Zara at C Waterhouse was absolutely brilliant, offering care, kindness and understanding at a time when I was not really at my best.

She listened to me, answered all my questions and provided thoughtful advice (and tissues). She was like the best friend I never knew I needed. The whole process was made as smooth as it could be, with Zara there to offer guidance and compassion throughout. I felt that both I and my late father were treated with care and respect. Shout out too to the lady who dressed my Dad and made him look respectable for his funeral. I know these people arrange funerals every day but they made me feel as though I was their only customer. This was also the case for Mike and the team of bearers at the funeral who were extremely professional, thoughtful and kind. I like the way that they leave a flower on the coffin before it goes for cremation. If you are looking for a funeral director, I highly recommend them. You will be in good, caring hands.

We have felt very well looked after as a family

Zara explained everything in detail and put us at ease when making difficult decisions. Also making suggestions when appropriate. On the day, Clare was very kind caring and supportive of our requests. I would not hesitate to recommend CWH to anyone needing the services of a funeral director. They listened to us and guided us and nothing was ever too much trouble.

We would like to sincerely thank Waterhouse and Sons,

especially Jane, for the care, compassion, and professionalism shown while arranging my mum’s funeral. From our very first meeting, they guided us through every step with kindness and patience during such a difficult time. The attention to detail was exceptional, and they ensured the day itself ran smoothly and with dignity. Waterhouse and Sons went above and beyond to make sure everything was exactly as we wanted, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. The respect shown towards my mum and our family meant a great deal to us, and we are truly grateful for the support we received throughout. We couldn’t have asked for a more caring and professional service. Thank you again for helping us give my mum the beautiful send-off she deserved.

My family cannot thank Waterhouse enough for the comfort, care and compassion they showed us in our time of bereavement.

From start to finish, their support was exceptional. George was very personable, reliable, and struck just the right tone. He respectfully accommodated the family’s complex wishes, guiding us through our emotional journey with warmth, kindness and professionalism. He explained the process clearly, gave advice where it was needed, and the whole team ensured that everything flowed smoothly on the big day. It was reassuring to know that our father was in safe hands.

Our experience using Heathfield Funeral Services met all our needs

They were very patient and understanding as we tried to make arrangements with which all parties were happy. Additionally, their help and advice meant we could have the funeral and internment within a very tight time frame to accommodate family from overseas. Wendy was a lovely celebrant and included everything we wanted in the service. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services.

Absolutely superb service from start to finish

Having used HFS both for family and witnessed their service at Funerals of friends we did not hesitate to seek their services

when our Aunt the last of her generation passed away in November. Their service is professional & personal to cover the needs of those involved in making the necessary arrangements. We sincerely thank Wendy Mitchell who manages the office and David Rhys-Jones who directed the funeral on the day for ensuring everything went smoothly, respecting all of our wishes. Highly Recommended.

From the initial telephone call made to HFS we received first class efficient service

We were guided through a sad and difficult time with compassion and understanding. As a family we felt that we had an additional friend walking by our side - Clare and her team are outstanding.

We received a truly compassionate and professional service from HFS

for my mother’s funeral. On the day, the mourners were looked after with great care by HFS staff David and (driver of the following car) Philip. Reflecting back, it’s the small details that reveal their exceptional training and natural sensitivity to the role.

I had not had to arrange a funeral before

Zara at Waterhouse was absolutely brilliant, offering care, kindness and understanding at a time when I was not really at my best. She listened to me, answered all my questions and provided thoughtful advice (and tissues). She was like the best friend I never knew I needed. The whole process was made as smooth as it could be, with Zara there to offer guidance and compassion throughout. I felt that both I and my late father were treated with care and respect. I know these people arrange funerals every day but they made me feel as though I was their only customer. This was also the case for Mike and the team of bearers at the funeral who were extremely professional, thoughtful and kind. I like the way that they leave a flower on the coffin before it goes for cremation. If you are looking for a funeral director, I highly recommend them. You will be in good, caring hands.

The entire staff of Waterhouse put so much care and attention into helping us organise my husband's funeral

They provide a superb service and were so compassionate, thoughtful and professional. Zara was absolutely wonderful and guided us through all the necessary steps. I cannot thank you all enough

Waterhouse were outstanding with their professional and compassionate care towards our family

George was so kind and supportive in helping us to make our decisions for my Mum, Sheila’s service. He matched us to a wonderful celebrant, Nicola Elliott, who was amazing and helped make such a painful process more bearable. We cannot thank you all enough.

I/my florist have worked with Waterhouse and many other local funeral directors for many years, for me, Waterhouse have always been just that little bit more special

they aren't a big chain, they are a family run business, they are kind, caring and you feel a sense of peace when you visit them. When We lost our Mum, I knew strait away that it was going to be Waterhouses to take care of our precious Mum. I am a local florist and although I help families choose their final floral tribute for their loved ones, I have never had to arrange a funeral, It initially felt very overwhelming with what had to be arranged until we met with George. George made the whole funeral side of things so easy, relaxed and stress free, he helped guide us throughout with such a soft and caring approach. Personally for me, they are simply the best and would highly recommend them to any family

Waterhouse Funeral Directors provided a superb, sympathetic, thoughtful and professional service

whilst dealing with my wife’s funeral. Right from the very start of the process they offered support & unbiased advice, helping me to make the best decisions during what is an emotional journey. Thank you.

A truly professional funeral director

We were hand held with both empathy and understanding from start to finish, by both the celebrant (Mick Gosden) and all of the Waterhouse staff. All of our requests were efficiently met, which made the day truly wonderful for all of our family and numerous friends. Resulting in a true celebration and a memorable day of our dads life!!

Waterhouse Funeral DIrectors arranged both my parents' funerals

(my father died in 2023 and my mother in early 2026). They could not have been more helpful, more compassionate or easier to deal with. From the first phone call to the final email, they were professional, kind and clear. Both our funeral organiser and the funeral director made us feel supported and extremely well looked after - in such a stressful and sad time, it was a huge relief to think that there was a competent team making sure that everything went smoothly. I recommend them highly - both for their competence and knowledge, and also for their kindness and compassion. It was clear in every interaction that they remembered that, for us, arranging the funeral was a hugely emotional and sad process - and this meant a lot to me.

Community Voice

Supporting Families Beyond the Funeral

At West & Coe, care doesn’t stop at the service. Learn about our continued support for grieving families — from local groups to helpful resources you can access anytime.

New Podcast: Planning Ahead with Confidence

In this episode, we speak with our funeral planning team about the benefits of preparing your wishes in advance — and how it can ease the burden on loved ones.

Honouring a Life, Your Way

From dove releases to bespoke floral arrangements, discover how families are adding meaningful personal touches to create unique and heartfelt farewells.

Local Matters: Backing Dagenham FC

We’re proud to sponsor Dagenham Football Club this season — one of the many ways we stay connected to the communities we serve.

Connect with us to learn more about our services.

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Generations of Care, Compassion, and Trust

Est. 1926

Established in Burwash in 1926