A. G. Down Funeral Directors in Bridport was established by Arthur Down on his return from World War 2 and sold to Eric Dunford in 1979. Eric was joined by his wife, Joyce, in 1985. Eric was born in Bridport and Joyce in the Marshwood Vale; both have strong connections within the local communities. Eric and Joyce have the interests of the Funeral Profession at heart and have both served as President of the Western Counties Area Federation of the National Association of Funeral Directors.
They were joined by Joyce’s son, Julian Hussey in the early nineties, after he had gained his Diploma in Funeral Director and having worked in the Funeral Profession in various parts of the country.
Having worked closely with W. G. Potter in Axminster, the family purchased this business on the 1st January 1992. At that time the Funeral Director at W. G. Potter was helping Overmass & Chapple in Seaton as their Funeral Director was unwell. The owners wished to sell the business and the three combined in May 1992.
When Laurence Richards retired he wished for the name S. J. Richards & Son, Colyton to continue its association with the Funeral business. We helped him to achieve this by incorporating the name alongside that of Overmass & Chapple.
Julian & Karen met whilst studying to become members of the British Institute of Embalmers, as she was working as a Funeral Director in Hampshire at the time. They married in 1995 and, once the children were in full time education, Karen joined the firm on a full time basis.
In spring 1999 contact was made by the owners of E. A. Dodd & Son in Honiton who wished to sell their business and this was completed on the 1st June 1999.
Having helped many families within the Otter Valley, it became apparent that we needed to offer families a Funeral Home in Ottery St. Mary. Under the established name of E. A. Dodd & Son we opened here in December 2016.
We are fortunate to have been joined by Funeral Director, Jerry Parkhouse, in January 2012. Jerry was born in Exeter and brought up in Exmouth. He has an extensive background of over 30 years in the funeral industry and is well known in the local community.
In 2019, local Funeral Director, Darren Holt joined the team at A. G. Down. Darren is an experienced Funeral Director and obtained his BIFD Diploma in Funeral Services in 2016 and is well known in the local community
