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Plan Ahead,
With Confidence and Clarity

Whether you’re considering a pre-paid funeral plan or simply want to document your wishes, we’re here to help you take the next step — on your terms, in your time.

Contact us

Why Waterhouse Funeral Directors & Heathfield Funeral Directors

We have established a legacy of trust, honesty, and dependability over four generations and more than 100 years.

As an independent, family-owned funeral director, we prioritise understanding your unique wishes. We will work with you to tailor a funeral plan that incorporates every personal preference, from specific hymns or music to any other personal touches you desire.

These discussions can be held at our premises, in the comfort of your home, or over the phone or 
email,
entirely at a time that suits your convenience. 

Golden Charter
Funeral Plans

A funeral plan is an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan. As customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family. A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as the cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.

At Waterhouse Funeral Directors and Heathfield Funeral Directors, we work in partnership with Golden Charter to provide you with a simple way to plan ahead. As one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers1, Golden Charter has helped nearly 1 million people to plan ahead2, so we’re completely confident in offering their plans to you.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible. When you get in touch, we’ll be happy to discuss your funeral requirements and tailor a plan to suit you. Rest assured a plan from Golden Charter is available to all UK residents regardless of age or state of health.

A plan to suit your needs

As an independently owned funeral director, we’ll take the time to understand your wishes and tailor a plan to suit you. We can discuss these at our premises or in your home, at a time that is convenient for you. If you’d prefer to discuss this over the phone or via email, we can assist with this too. You can tell us about any preferences you have in mind – the type of funeral you would like to have, hymns, music or any other personal touches – and we’ll make sure your plan takes these into account.

Payment options to suit you

With a Golden Charter funeral plan, you can pay for your plan in several ways. Spread the cost or make a one-off payment – simply choose the one that’s right for you. We will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

The retail price of your funeral plan is representative of the equivalent cost of a funeral today plus an arrangement fee of £325 which is retained by Golden Charter to help cover the costs of setting up your plan.

Your payments are held within the Golden Charter Trust. With almost £1.21 billion under management3, the Trust is operated by a Board of Trustees, completely independent of Golden Charter. Their role is to hold your payments and ensure that the funeral director services in your plan can be paid for at the time they are required – however far into the future that may be. For more information on how your payments are protected, please visit goldencharter.co.uk/faqs

Our funeral director’s services will be covered in your funeral plan, which means our fees will be fixed at today’s prices and protected against rising costs. These services typically include:

  • Professional services and making arrangements for the funeral
  • Transportation of the deceased from the place of death to our premises, chapel of rest or other suitable location
  • Care of the deceased and preparations for family viewing if requested
  • Advice on the certification and registration of death and related documentation
  • Provision of funeral vehicles
  • Advice on bereavement counselling
  • Coffin or casket requested

Although a pre-paid funeral plan can cover all of the services above, there are some additional third party costs to consider. These are the costs for essential, non-funeral director services required to carry out a cremation or burial which need to be paid at the time of the funeral. These costs are outside our control. Depending on the plan type chosen, a Golden Charter funeral plan can include a contribution towards some third party costs. They may include:

  • Crematorium fee
  • Minister or officiant’s fee

Cemetery fee: the opening of a new or existing grave for burial or interment of cremated remains

Other third party costs that may be associated with a funeral include:

  • Purchase of grave or lair
  • Hire of church or other venue
  • Fees for organist or soloist
  • Memorial, such as a headstone, entry in a book of remembrance, or the planting of a tree
  • Catering, floral tributes and newspaper announcements

There will only be more to pay at the time of the funeral if the third party costs exceed the allowance when you buy your plan, or if the costs increase by more than the growth of your plan.

However, even if prices rise in the future, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing there’ll be nothing more to pay for our funeral director’s services included in the plan once your plan is fully paid for – guaranteed.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch today

Contact us: Get in touch with our teams at our Burwash or Heathfield offices to discuss
your funeral requirements.

Discuss options: Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible.

Tailor a plan: We will help you tailor a plan to suit your specific needs.

Contact us

For further information please contact us on:

Email: enquiries@waterhousefunerals.co.uk 

Contact Number: 01435 882219

Golden Charter ‘Independent Way’ 
Pre-Paid Funeral Plan Brochure >
Buy A Pre-Paid Funeral Plan Online >

1 Based on a Golden Charter analysis and independent research of the 
funeral plan market size as at December 2024

2 Correct at December 2025

3 Confirmed by Golden Charter Trust’s audited accounts at 31 March 2025.

Looking after you as a customer

As a Golden Charter plan holder, you’ll receive personalised plan documents, which include a summary of your plan, our details, your plan holder certificate and a personal membership card for you to carry in your purse or wallet. You can add a nominated representative to your plan if you wish to do so. Your nominated representative will receive a letter which will provide details of your plan and our details, as your chosen funeral director. They will have no authority to make changes to your plan.

You’ll also receive a statement from Golden Charter every three years which will be sent via post.

As your funeral director, we’ll hold full details of your funeral plan. When the time comes, one phone call is all it takes to activate your plan and get the arrangements underway.

Golden Charter – FAQ

Yes. Golden Charter plans are available to all UK residents, regardless of age or state of health. If you choose to pay by the instalment payment option then you must be 78 or under when you apply. There are no maximum or minimum age limits if choosing to pay by single payment or by 12 monthly payments.

Golden Charter will send you a plan documents folder with all the information about your plan, as well as a membership card. If you have opted to have a nominated representative for your plan, they will receive a letter shortly after you have purchased your funeral plan. This will advise that you have put a plan in place and provide details of your appointed funeral director. You will also receive a customer statement which will be sent to you every three years using your preferred method of contact.

If you cancel within 30 days Golden Charter will refund the payment you have made. For details of cancellation terms after 30 days of receiving our written acceptance, please see our separate Key Features Document.

If that happens, Golden Charter will contact you to discuss options to reallocate your plan to another funeral director near you.
You can tell us about any special wishes for your funeral when you apply. If these involve extra costs, you will be able to add these on to the total cost of your plan.
Your plan documents folder contains the contact details for your funeral director. When the time comes your family contacts the funeral director and quotes your plan number. The funeral director will then take care of your funeral arrangements.
If you intend to travel overseas, Golden Charter recommend that your travel or medical insurance policy includes cover for repatriation costs back to mainland UK. Your funeral plan covers the cost of transportation of the body from the relevant UK airport or port to the funeral director’s premises.
You can transfer the benefit of your funeral plan to a nominated family member or friend who dies before you, once the total cost of the plan has been paid. Any change of arrangements following such a transfer (for example, a change of address for the nominated family member or friend leading to increased transportation costs) may mean that you need to pay additional sums.
This will depend on the type of payment method you have chosen. Please refer to Golden Charter separate Key Features Document for more information.
Yes, you will be appointed as the plan holder’s representative, and Golden Charter will arrange for all correspondence to be sent to you.
Please let Golden Charter know you are moving so we can update our records. You will have the option to move your plan to a different funeral director, if required.

Choosing What’s Right for You

You may still be unsure if a pre-paid plan is right for you — and that’s perfectly normal.

We’ll help you:

  • Understand your options without pressure
  • Compare plan types and costs
  • Think through personal details and preferences
  • Decide how (or if) you’d like to take the next step

There’s no obligation — just honest guidance from a family-run team that’s helped generations plan with dignity and care.

Let’s Start the Conversation

It’s not about the end. It’s about peace of mind for the future.

Request a No-Obligation Appointment
Visit Your Local Office
Request a Call

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
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.
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.

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