TRADITION IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
A.B.Walker is actually a seventh generation business that has been in the Walker family for five generations having been started by Mr Benjamin Dunn in 1826. Subsequently, Alfred Blyth Walker married his granddaughter and eventually acquired the business in 1882. The current working members of the family are all Executive Directors of the company: brothers Julian and Matthew and Matthew's wife Melissa. In addition, Julian’s wife Nicola Kirk, a practicing lawyer, is a non-executive director who is joined on the board by Non-Executive Director Giles Delafeld and Non-Executive Chairperson Helen Webb. As with any family business, the heritage, values and culture of our family are readily infused into everything we do; when offering such a personal service, we believe this makes all the difference. Family History A.B. Walker was established in 1826 in Reading as ‘Coach Masters’; the Walker family originally from Marlow moved in the 1870’s to Crown Street, Reading before settling on the present day site on Eldon Road in the 1930’s. Over the generations, they became part of the identity of Reading and in time branched out to the communities of Bracknell, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Thatcham, Henley-on-Thames, Caversham, Tilehurst and Woodley in recognition of the need to be locally embedded in order to provide an appropriate local service. Our family history has had more than its share of conflicts, accidents, unexpected deaths, unexplained births, intrigue and captivating perseverance and loyalty. Each generation seems to have brought something new; as in the past, the current custodians will be looking to the next generation to affirm their accomplishments.
Services include:
- Arrangements that are tailored to meet your family's needs
- Viewing of the deceased in the chapel of rest
- Advice and guidance at every step, including registering the death
- Hearses, funeral vehicles and bespoke transport options
- The option of a dignified funeral now and memorial service later
- Memorials and tributes
- Local expertise and knowledge Cremation or burial at any local crematorium or burial site
- Prepaid funeral plans
- Funeral services of all faiths and cultures