New funeral home in Newtownabbey extends reach of historic Belfast business

Long-established Belfast business James Brown and Sons Funeral Directors has opened a new funeral home in Newtownabbey to extend its personal service to a wider community.

James Brown and Sons, established in 1904, is part of the Funeral Partners network of   high-quality funeral homes and the new premises brings its total number of funeral homes to seven. The business has had a funeral home in Whiteabbey since 1980 so the new address in Newtownabbey extends the area it covers, providing a local service to the community.

James Brown, whose grandfather founded James Brown and Sons and has 60-years’ experience in the funeral professions said: “Working with the wider community is important to us.  Through Muchloved, the online tribute charity, we have helped families raise over £114,000 for good causes in memory of their loved ones, including the NI Hospice and Dementia NI, and are looking forward to doing more in the Newtownabbey community.

“This year we have launched a £20,000 community fund to support local charities and not-for-profit organisations in Belfast and the surrounding areas.”

Julian Hodgkinson, Regional Development Director (Northern Ireland) for Funeral Partners said: “James Brown and Sons have been serving the people of Belfast and surrounding areas for nearly 120 years.  This new funeral home in Newtownabbey demonstrates how Funeral Partners are continuing to invest in the business by providing a high-quality service to Belfast and surrounding communities in north Belfast.”

The funeral arranger at the Newtownabbey funeral home is Claire Mcilroy, who has more than four years’ experience. She said: “We look forward to providing local people with a personal service that includes advice and support when planning a funeral. The facilities at the new funeral home includes two rest rooms where families can visit their loved one in a private and peaceful environment.”

Claire adds: “As we are new to the area It is important to build relationships with local organisations and groups. That’s why I am reaching out to them and attending meetings to let people know we are here and the bereavement services we provide.”

Members of the community can enjoy refreshments and meet the Newtownabbey team at the open day on Monday 25 July or pop in anytime between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

The funeral home is situated in newly renovated premises – Unit 3, Beverley shopping centre, Carnmoney, Newtownabbey BT36 6QD. It can be contacted on 02890 023223 (office hours and out of hours) or email jamesbrown.newtownabbey@funeralpartners.com . Free car parking is available.

For more information on how  to apply to the community fund please visit www.jamesbrownfuneraldirectors.com/james-brown-sons-community-fund/

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