Our story.

J & R Killick Limited was established in West Wickham during 1879 by the great grandfather of the current directors Michael and Peter Killick. We are an independent company that is has always occupied the present building in West Wickham which was built by the founder of the Company, James Killick.

 

Up until May 2001, the Company was also builders and joiners. The tradition in a village was for builders to also carry out funerals; as a carpenter could make the coffin, a labourer could prepare the grave and a bricklayer construct a vault and so the name undertaker was given to this profession as we would undertake all aspects of a funeral.

 

In the 1930's an additional office was opened in Hayes, Kent to enable us to serve a wide area including Bromley, Beckenham and Chislehurst. This office was unfortunately bombed during the War. We then relocated our Hayes office to its current location 47 Station Approach, Hayes, Kent in 1947 and this became our building department office.

 

In 2001, the directors of the Company decided to close down the building and joinery division of the company to concentrate solely on funeral directing or else know as funeral directors. The old joinery workshops were re-furbished and our facilities at West Wickham were totally modernised. The office at Hayes is now occupied by a charity shop and we maintain a small presence there.

 

The family has been very proud to serve the West Wickham and Hayes area and we also cover Shirley, Croydon, Addiscombe, Beckenham, Bromley, Orpington, Chislehurst, Keston and Biggin Hill. We carry out funerals using mainly Beckenham Crematorium but also use any of the other local crematoria if required. We cover all cemeteries and can give advice and options available including woodland burials.

 

Our funeral fleet had, for many years, comprised classic Austin Princess Vanden Plas vehicles. We have now purchased a modern fleet of Fairlane vehicles, keeping the classic Vanden Plas hearse and still use this when the need arises. The modern fleet is in the new style of low line vehicle which is fully air conditioned, with automatic transmission and their superb interiors provide mourners with absolute comfort. We can also offer a Victorian horse drawn hearse (please refer to our fees page).

 

The Company has always been family owned and orientated. We are NOT part of a large group of companies, you can be assured of the very best attention to detail, service and dedication. Our experienced staff, which now includes the next generation (Adam and Gareth) ,will help and guide you through the funeral arrangements, offering you some options and ideas on a personal basis.

 

Please ask for our portfolio which contains brochures and information all with pictures on the very wide range of products and services available which you will find extremely useful. We can also give you background information and advice on pre-arranged funeral plans.

 

We are a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors. All of our facilities and offices are located at our West Wickham.

Registered office: 112 High Street, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 0ND.

Company Registered in the UK and Wales, Registration Number: 04243206