Bespoke funerals in Stoke-on-Trent

Harry Dawson Funeral Services has a long and prestigious history established by John Dawson in 1872. From its original site in Reservoir Road, Normacot, near to the Recreation Ground, it moved to 90 Alexander Road in 1896. John Dawson was a handsome, powerfully built man with a character to match. Through his skill and hard work he achieved early success in this line of work. His genuine care and consideration for the people in Normacot and the surrounding areas was evident from the beginning and continues in the business to this day. He was a clerk and sexton at the Church of the Holy evangelists, Normacot for 45 years.

This close contact with the Church, designed by Gilbert Scott and given by the Duke of Sutherland, was maintained by Sally Dawson. The widow of John's eldest son, Harry, who died in 1928 from wounds sustained in the great war, took over the responsibilities of both family and firm. She had two sons, Harry and Jack who she trained in all aspects of the business, making sure that they served full apprenticeships as joiners. Sally was clerk and sexton from 1927 until 1966, expanding the business in every way. She died in 1985, aged 96 years, still in possession of her strength of character and indomitable spirit.

 In 1954 the business moved to its present address and prospered for many years. Later in 1970, Jack moved to premises in Uttoxeter Road, while Harry remained at 105 Upper Normacot Road. Harry has a unique and detailed plan of the names and locations of every grave in Normacot Churchyard, thereby retaining for posterity the names of local people and their social history. After 1970, no new graves were possible at Normacot. Harry retired in 1995, after which Paul and Nicola Davies took charge of the business. They have updated and improved the premises and brought this family firm to its rightful place in the 21st century.

Our premises are still in the tranquil setting which has been virtually unchanged for nearly 100 years. In the grounds there is a spring of pure, drinkable water, which never freezes, it even has its own edible water cress! During the mid-1800's, Carters supplied the growing industrialised town of Longton with pure water from Normacot's numerous springs.

In the very different world of the 21st century, Paul Davies maintains that "A family business can only succeed when the family works as a team. My wife and co-Director Nicola, who is in charge of accounts makes this possible. Her understanding of my unsociable hours are the basis of our business success and a happy family life. Few family firms remain, but Harry Dawson Funeral Services has already spanned 3 centuries in Normacot. Nicola and I are here to serve the people in Normacot and surrounding areas with the highest of professional standards, care and consideration".