Cara Mair

We are a dedicated team of women offering a professional service to the highest standards. We believe that every funeral can be a unique experience, truly representing the life, beliefs, and wishes of the deceased, as well as their friends and family.

We fully understand that whilst you are grieving is not the easiest of times for making important decisions. We help to slow things down, to ensure that you have the space to come to terms with, and consider, the kind of ceremony that you feel would be the most fitting.

Cara Mair is co-founder of ARKA Original Funerals and our Funeral Director and Consultant. She has experience in all aspects of the funeral profession and is there to offer a fully participative funeral service where the bereaved can truly be as involved in all aspects of the arranging, preparation and ceremony as they might wish.

Cara is also available as a consultant to help families and friends who wish to carry out all aspects of the funeral themselves, and simply need advice or support. This service is available at home, or here at ARKA Original Funerals, and can cover all areas of concern for the bereaved in the organisation and implementation of the funeral.

Belinda Chapman has worked with ARKA Original Funerals for several years and has been fundamental in the development of the services we provide. She has vast experience as a celebrant, is co-founder of Light on Life, creators of ceremonies for all life events, and has supported many of our families in creating poignant personal ceremonies.

Sue Tyhurst

Sue Tyhurst is one of ARKA Original Funeral’s funeral arrangers and also works in the caring professions. She is an accomplished musician and has supported a number of families who have wanted to include live music within the ceremony.

Jean Francis works with us on reception at our Surrey Street office, has been a planner and caterer for several years and has helped to arrange many significant events to mark the milestones of life. She strongly believes in the importance of saying goodbye and has written Time to Go, published by iUniverse. She gives talks and runs workshops that give guidance in planning ‘Celebrations of Life’, whether they be funerals, or memorial ceremonies.

Wendy Halsted

Wendy Halsted is an Interfaith minister and works with us both as a celebrant and on reception at our Surrey Street office. She works sensitively with families and/or friends to create a unique and meaningful ceremony, which meets both the wishes and beliefs of the deceased as well as those close to them. Wendy is also a qualified music therapist and a founder member of Compassionate Voices, a group which offers support through sound and meditation for those who are dying and those who have died.