AB Walker Thatcham Funeral Directors

Local, independent funeral directors in Thatcham, here to support you at any time.

AB Walker Thatcham Funeral Directors provides compassionate, professional and personal funeral care for families across Thatcham, Newbury, Bucklebury, Woolhampton and the surrounding West Berkshire area. From our funeral home at 40 The Broadway, Thatcham, RG19 3HP, our experienced team is here to help whether someone has just died, you are arranging a funeral, or you would like to talk about planning ahead.

As long-established, family-run funeral directors serving local communities since 1826, AB Walker offers trusted support with funerals, cremations, burials, direct cremations, green funerals, funeral plans, memorials and bereavement guidance.

You can call our Thatcham funeral directors on 01635 873672 at any time. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Funeral care in Thatcham from a family-run funeral director

Choosing a funeral director is one of the first important decisions a family may need to make after someone dies. At AB Walker Thatcham, we understand that this can feel overwhelming and emotional. Whether you live in Thatcham town centre or surrounding areas like Newbury, Bucklebury and Woolhampton, our team is here to support you with local knowledge, practical guidance and genuine care.

You do not need to have all the answers before contacting us. Rachel and our Thatcham funeral team will listen, explain what happens next and guide you through each step at your own pace. We will help you understand your options, make practical arrangements and create a funeral that reflects your family’s wishes.

From traditional funerals and cremation services to burials, direct cremation, green funerals and personalised celebrations of life, our role is to make a difficult time feel more manageable.

What to do when someone dies in Thatcham

When someone dies, the next steps depend on where the death has happened and whether it was expected. Many families contact us before they know exactly what is needed, and that is completely fine.

As a general guide:
If the person died at home, you may need to contact their GP or NHS 111 so the death can be verified.
If the person died in hospital, a care home or hospice, the staff will usually help you with the immediate next steps.
If the death was sudden or unexpected, the police or coroner may need to be involved.

Once you feel ready, you can call AB Walker Thatcham and we will explain what happens next.

Our Thatcham funeral directors can help you understand what to do first, what paperwork may be needed and when funeral arrangements can begin. Read our guide to what to do when someone dies.

Get in touch

Feel free to contact us using the branch contact details provided. If you would like immediate assistance please call us on 01635 873672 – anytime.

Office address

A.B. Walker
40 The Broadway
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG19 3HP

Telephone number

01635 873672

Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Public holidays: Closed

For 24/7 out-of-hours emergency assistance, please call 01635 873672

Here at AB Walker, we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. Why not take a virtual look at our Thatcham branch to help you prepare for your visit.

Facilities– Our Thatcham funeral home offers a calm and welcoming space for families to make arrangements and spend time with their loved ones. The branch is located in Thatcham town centre and has private meeting rooms, a chapel of rest for visits, disabled WC facilities and nearby bus stops, with parking close by at Waitrose or The Co-op for those travelling by car.

Your loved one will be cared for here on site by our experienced team, and we also have facilities to support Sikh and Hindu washing rituals where required.

Funeral arrangements can be made in person, by telephone or by email, and Rachel, our Thatcham-based funeral arranger, will guide you with kindness, clarity and care at every stage.

AB Walker funeral directors Thatcham

More information

Cremations, burials and direct cremations in Thatcham

A cremation funeral includes a service at a crematorium chapel or woodland hall, followed by cremation. A church service or other religious ceremony may also be held beforehand or afterwards.

A burial funeral may take place at a cemetery, churchyard or natural burial ground. A service may be held beforehand or afterwards at a church, cemetery chapel, woodland hall or another meaningful place, or simply outdoors at the graveside.

A direct cremation is a simpler, unattended cremation without a formal funeral service. Some families then choose to hold a separate memorial service, celebration of life or private gathering.

A green or natural burial may be suitable for families looking for an environmentally thoughtful funeral with natural materials and a simpler approach.

Whatever option you are considering, our team will help you understand what is possible locally and support you with care.

Funeral costs and prices in Thatcham

We believe funeral pricing should be clear, transparent and easy to understand. Our Thatcham team can talk you through the choices that affect the total cost of a funeral, including the type of service, crematorium or cemetery fees, transport, flowers, printed materials, celebrant or minister fees, and any personal touches you would like to include.

When comparing funeral directors in Thatcham, it can help to ask:
What is included in the funeral director’s fees?
Which costs are third-party fees?
Is 24-hour support available?
Is the funeral director local to Thatcham?
Are prices clearly explained?
Can the team support with both practical arrangements and bereavement guidance?
Can they help with cremation, burial, direct cremation and funeral planning?
Our aim is to help families make choices with confidence, never pressure.

 View our funeral prices.

Comparing funeral costs

What AB Walker doesn’t charge you extra for, and what sets us apart.

We do not charge extra for

  • Family viewing in the chapel of rest
  • Additional staff or bearers
  • A funeral notice Memory Giving page. This provides you with a link for friends and family to view the service details. The link can be shared by email, social media and messaging, and also gives the option of in-memory charity giving with Gift Aid
  • Access to specialist bereavement support

What AB Walker doesn’t charge you extra for, and what sets us apart.

 

*Excludes direct cremation

What sets AB Walker apart

  • Proudly independent and family-owned, serving our community for almost 200 years
  • Highly trained, experienced and compassionate team here to support you
  • A long-standing reputation for exceptional personal service and care
  • Modern, well-maintained facilities of the highest standard
  • An eco-conscious fleet of vehicles
  • Recognised professional accreditations for both our company and our staff
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
  • 200 year community presence in the Thames Valley

Thatcham FAQ’s

Yes, you can call our Thatcham funeral directors on 01635 873672 at any time, day or night. We will explain what needs to happen next and guide you through your first steps.

Why choose AB Walker funeral directors Thatcham?

Families choose AB Walker Thatcham because we combine the reassurance of a long-established family funeral director with the care, attention and local knowledge of a team based in the town centre.

At AB Walker Thatcham, you can expect:

  • A local, independent and family-run funeral service
  • Compassionate guidance from experienced funeral professionals
  • Support by phone 24 hours a day
  • Help from the first call after someone dies
  • Funeral arrangements tailored to each person and family
  • Cremation, burial, direct cremation and green funeral options
  • Clear funeral price information
  • Help with prepaid funeral plans
  • Memorial options, including masonry, urns and keepsakes
  • Bereavement support after the funeral
  • Private parking at our Thatcham branch
  • A trusted history of supporting families since 1826

Our aim is to give families in Thatcham, Newbury, Bucklebury, Woolhampton and the surrounding area practical help, thoughtful guidance and genuine care when they need it most.

Trusted by families since 1826

AB Walker Team Values