Whenever you need us we are there 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Hi, I'm Claire Austin
Please meet my very helpful & caring staff
Our Staff
All those working within Austin’s are dedicated to providing a caring, sensitive and sympathetic service to the bereaved. Our staff are highly experienced within the funeral profession and many have worked along side the Austin Family for many years.
Kerry gained her NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing in 2007 where she was then given the role of Senior Funeral Administrator. More recently Kerry has been promoted to Funeral Operations Manager and is based at our Head Office.
Kerry Hall Dip FD
Funeral Operations Manager
Joining the team at Harwood Park in July 2022, as Crematorium Superintendent and Registrar, David is responsible for overseeing all crematorium and memorial operations. Having gained an NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing in 1992, and as an approved Tutor for the NAFD, he delivers training for the NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing and the LAFD Certificate in Funeral arranging and Administration.
David Hall MICCM, Dip FD, CTLLS
Crematorium Superintendent
Amanda McArthur joined the business in May 2023 and is responsible for the management of the funeral arrangement team. Since joining Austin’s, Amanda has passed her exam and has a Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration qualification which she passed in December 2023. Specialising in people management and process/systems improvement, Amanda enjoys building high performing teams, with a focus on delivering a uniquely personal and professional service for our clients.
Amanda McArthur LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administration Manager
Gary is the Deputy Crematorium Manager at Harwood Park. Having joined the team in March 1998, Gary is a qualified Crematorium Technician and has an extensive knowledge of all areas of the crematorium. In his role as a manager he oversees crematorium operations and the administration of memorials.
Gary Ford
Crematorium Manager
Maggie has worked mainly in the legal sector as a PA for many years and more recently for the Hertfordshire Constabulary. Maggie joined Austin’s in April 2021 as PA to Claire Austin and is enjoying learning everything about the business.
Maggie Bashforth
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Kevin is the Head of Grounds at Harwood Park Crematorium. He started his career in the grounds care industry fresh out of school at 16 years old, and has now amassed almost 20 years' experience. Harwood Park Crematorium offers a beautifully calming environment to remember loved ones who have passed away, and Kevin is proud to head up the team that provides the setting for this. In his spare time he is a keen angler, and occasional golfer.
Kevin Miller
Head Crematorium Groundsman
Nick was one of the first members of the Harwood Park team when it opened in February 1997. Nick is a qualified Crematorium Technician but plays a role in all aspects of the crematorium including operating the sound system for funeral service and advising families on the availability of memorials in the gardens. Nick is a skilled landscape gardener and is involved in the planning and development of the memorial gardens.
Nick Cuthbert CTTIS
Isabella has been with Austins since July 2019 and is based at Head Office. She is responsible for processing supplier invoices and payment of any funeral related costs.
Isabella Smith
Senior Accounts Assistant
Danny joined Austin’s in 1992 on a Youth Training Scheme. He is now one of our most experienced members of staff and is fully conversant in funeral operations. Danny is highly skilled in the care of the deceased and oversees funeral services as a Funeral Conductor.
Danny Nye
Funeral Operations Assistant & Funeral Conductor
John is one of our longest serving and most experienced members of staff. John started with Austins in October 1979 and is based at our Head Office in Stevenage. John works behind the scenes in funeral operations and as a Funeral Conductor, assisting bereaved families on the day of the funeral service.
John Searle
Senior Funeral Conductor
Before joining Austin’s, Nicola worked in the City of London and for the last 6 years has been working in the construction industry. She is based at our Head Office in Stevenage and is a part of the accounts team for Austin’s and Harwood Park. Nicola enjoys spending time with her family and especially making memories on family holidays.
Nicola Kennedy
Accounts Administrator
Neil joined Austin’s in Feb 2012, running and working in the mortuary. He started working as a Funeral Conductor in September 2012.
Neil Wilkinson
Care Manager & Funeral Conductor
Lisa forms part of the team at Harwood Park where her role is both administrative and compassionate. She works closely with bereaved families as well as funeral directors, ministers and civil celebrants. Lisa’s background is in customer service/logistics including 20 years working as a Logistics clerk. Since joining Harwood Park Crematorium Lisa has passed her exam and has a Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration qualification which she passed in December 2023. Lisa can honestly say that working at Harwood Park has given her the most job satisfaction.
Lisa Bobb LAFD Cert FAA
Crematorium Administrator
June took up the role as Funeral Administrator at Austin’s of Welwyn Garden City in January 2004. She holds the LAFD Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration. June lives in Welwyn Garden City and has established a great rapport with families in the town. Many of whom have become firm friend with June and regularly visit her for a cup of coffee and a chat.
June Bramble LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Jackie joined the team at our Stevenage branch in June 2008. Since which time, she has worked at all our branches. Jackie is an extremely experience Funeral Administrator and holds the LAFD Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration. She is now permanently based at Austin’s of Hitchin.
Jackie Brown LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Richard joined Austin’s in January 2020 based at Harwood Park as Assistant Crematorium Technician after spending 30 years or more within the manufacturing industry in different parts of the UK and Europe in sales and marketing.
Richard Drew CTTIS
Crematorium Technician
Hayley began working within the funeral profession in October 2008. She joined Austin’s as a Funeral Administrator in March 2016 to work at the then newly opened Letchworth branch. Hayley holds the LAFD Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration.
Hayley Gallagher LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Sharon has worked in the funeral profession since 2012, joined the Austin’s team in September 2017 and is permanently based at Austin’s Hertford Branch. Sharon is an experienced Funeral Administrator, and holds the London Association of Funeral Arrangers Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration.
Sharon Garbutt LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Before joining Austin’s, Caroline had a long career in the NHS, including 15 years in the mortuary and bereavement service, where she qualified as a Senior Medical Examiner Officer.
Caroline cares greatly about delivering a compassionate service to bereaved families, doing whatever she can to offer support and reassurance.
Caroline Green LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Kelly joined Austin’s in July 2021 and is based in our Welwyn branch. Being a resident herself in Welwyn, Kelly has extensive knowledge of the surrounding area and has established a great rapport with families from the village.
Kelly Hedges LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Theresa joined Austin’s in June 2021 with 14 years Funeral experience. She is passionate about helping the bereaved through the process.
Theresa Jones LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Veronika has worked over 8 years in the funeral industry before joining Austin’s in October 2022 as a Funeral Administrator. She is very privileged to help and guide families at their saddest and most vulnerable times.
Veronika (Vee) Marsh LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Stevenage born and bred, Lee has worked in a number of customer supporting roles during his career. However, in 2016, when he entered the funeral industry, he felt this is where he could help people the most. Having spent six years as a funeral operative, he is now a Crematorium Technician with the Harwood Park team.
Lee Masters
Crematorium Technician
Kath forms part of a team in the office at Harwood Park, where her role is both administrative and compassionate. She works closely with bereaved families as well as funeral directors, ministers and civil celebrants. Kath’s background is in customer service – including 10 years working in the call centre of a bank – and can honestly say that working at Harwood Park has given her the most job satisfaction.
Kathy McIlroy
Crematorium Administrator
Janine is a member of our funeral administration team at Austin’s in Stevenage High Street. She joined the company in October 2010 and is passionate about her role in assisting bereaved families. Janine holds the LAFD Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration.
Janine Northwood LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Lisa joined the Austin’s team in 2017 she is permanently based in our Buntingford office. Lisa holds the LAFD certificate in funeral arranging and administration.
Lisa O'Connor LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Susannah joined Austin’s working at the Stevenage High Street office in September 2022, however she has been in the funeral industry since January 2006.
Susannah enjoys helping & advising families on all aspects of the funeral process and holds a BTEC certificate in funeral arranging and administration.
Susannah Osborne LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Amanda is a member of our funeral administration team at Austin’s in Stevenage High Street. She joined us in October 2012 following a career in events management within the hospitality industry. Amanda holds the LAFD Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration.
Amanda Paine LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Gary worked in the funeral industry for 4 years before joining Austin’s in February 2017 as a Funeral Assistant. Gary works behind the scenes in funeral operations now as a Funeral Conductor assisting bereaved families on the day of the funeral service
Gary Tayler
Funeral Conductor
Jane joined the Austin’s team in January 2022 as a Funeral Assistant after working for many years for Stevenage Leisure Limited and more recently as Events Manager at a Golf Centre.
Jane Watts LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Chelsea has worked previously as a carer for Alzheimer’s and Dementia for 10 years where she obtained her NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care. Chelsea joined the Austin’s team at the beginning of April 2022 as Receptionist at our Head Office.
Chelsea Whaymand
Funeral Office Receptionist
Julie lives in Ware and has been based at the Ware Branch of Austin’s since its opening in 2009. As an experienced Funeral Administrator, she holds the London Association of Funeral Arrangers Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration. Any queries you may have regarding funerals, Julie will be happy to discuss further with you either in branch or over the phone.
Julie Wilkinson LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Stuart McQueen - Funeral Assistant
Stuart McQueen
Funeral Assistant
Tina originally joined the team at our Buntingford office in 2007. Since which time, she has worked in several of our branches. After a brief respite Tina is now permanently based at the Hoddesdon Office where she will welcome you with a pot of tea and a biscuit. She holds the L.A.F.D. certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration.
Tina Williams LAFD Cert FAA
Funeral Administrator
Jo joined the Harwood Park Crematorium team in May 2023 as a chapel assistant and trainee crematorium technician. She previously worked for 14 years in the postal and delivery sector. Jo enjoys her job as no two days are the same and it is incredibly varied. She finds helping families through a very difficult time, offering comfort and support, very rewarding.
Jo Dawes CTTIS
Assistant Crematorium Technician
Reece Attfield – Funeral Assistant
Reece Attfield
Funeral Assistant
Scott Edis - Assistant Crematorium Technician
Scott Edis
Assistant Crematorium Technician
Kyle joined the Austin’s team as a Funeral Assistant in October 2021 and is the youngest member of our team.
Kyle Blackaby
Funeral Assistant
Michael Bryan - Funeral Assistant
Michael Bryan
Funeral Conductor
Lee Mayson - Funeral Assistant
Lee Mayson
Funeral Conductor
Robin Ratcliffe - Funeral Assistant
Robin Ratcliffe
Funeral Assistant
Alan Taylor - Funeral Assistant
Alan Taylor
Funeral Assistant
Lucy Frusher - Funeral Assistant
Lucy Frusher
Funeral Assistant
Simon Drane - Funeral Assistant
Simon Drane
Funeral Assistant
Arlen is member of the grounds department at Harwood Park Crematorium. His previous employment saw him undertake the care of gardens and sports pitches, providing him with invaluable knowledge and experience that he has brought to his employment at Harwood Park Crematorium. He is a keen Tottenham fan and a general sport all-rounder.
Arlen Phypers
Deputy Head of Crematorium Groundsman
Malcolm is one of the groundsmen at Harwood Park Crematorium. His Grounds care career spans an impressive 39 years, working at various sites and in a multitude of positions. Malcolm is a keen Bowls player, representing club and county.
Malcolm Judd
Crematorium Groundsman
Adam is one of the Groundsmen at Harwood Park Crematorium. His previous employment provided him with the skills and knowledge in caring for greens and general grounds maintenance. He is a motorsport fan, and enjoys riding his motorcycle!
Adam Nye
Crematorium Groundsman
Sam Started working at Austin’s in July 2019 and gained his LAFD Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration in October of 2019. Sam transferred to our Harwood Park Crematorium in 2023 working as one of our Crematorium Groundsman.
Sam Hall
Crematorium Groundsman
Whenever you need us we are there
If a loved one has passed, please call your nearest funeral office for help, support & advice, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
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