In 1912, Mr. Palmer and son John divided the business between St. Lawrence and the centre of Ramsgate. Both enjoyed bellringing at St. Lawrence Church.

”My father was a volunteer fireman in the old Ramsgate Fire Brigade when horsedrawn vehicles were used for tending both fires and funerals. During the First World War he continued in the Fire Brigade and was awarded the OBE for his service to the town. Chatham House School was a military hospital at the time and Stonar was an embarkation and disembarkment port for the troops and much of his funeral work was connected with the armed services.




Over the years, the premises have been greatly extended to incorporate our Private Chapel of Rest, garages and workshops. We are able to arrange for funerals and cremations to take place not only for the immediate locality but in any part of the world. We pride ourselves in retaining the business as a strictly family concern. The personal and caring service and advice which I, and all who so loyally assist me, are able to extend to the bereaved is most rewarding.”
Inez takes up the story from here:
Mum and Dad so enjoyed working extremely hard in the business together and combined with this, made my childhood days exceptionally happy ones.
Dad would often be found working hard either in the office or the workshops into the early hours of the morning, often with staff members in the workshops assisting. Handtools were the order of the day!!
Mum and Dad decided to cease the building side of the business and invited a very loyal member of staff at the time (Ted Borley) to continue with it in his own right but Ted decided that he would not wish to be involved in the constant necessary paperwork.


I so loved my job in the law working for a local firm of Solicitors, specialising in Wills and Probate, but eventually decided to take very early retirement from that in 1994, my Father by then being confined to a wheelchair, and wishing to continue running the old family firm.
It was at this time that Glynns Garage in Ramsgate had decided to cease operations, they having so happily and efficiently supplied local Funeral firms with necessary vehicles, drivers and pallbearers. Many times Peter Bradley, so very well-known locally for his support and loyalty, could be seen scrambling under vehicles (all manual in those days) in horrendous weather conditions, ensuring all was well both inside and out, so that the vehicle would be “spot on” for its important function on the day.

Dad sadly died in 2006 but I have enjoyed the privilege of continuing his good work of helping and advising bereaved families over the years.
Phillip Shale has been a hard-working and loyal team member, starting at the very bottom in March 2000 and gradually and efficiently working his way `up the ladder`. When I felt the time was right, some years ago now, I asked Phillip if he would like to assist me in arranging Funerals and Cremations. We set to and he soon learnt from me the practical side but most importantly, the delicate and sympathetic manner in which to assist bereaved families at what must surely be, one of the most distressing times of their lives.
I have received much heart-warming “feed back” from our bereaved families about both Phillip and our team as a whole and in mid-2021 decided to ask Phill if he would like more involvement in the Business.
He said he would, so in June 2021 I floated a small Company, which consists of us both as the Directors (myself being the Managing Director).


Phill deals with day-to-day matters and I am on hand to give guidance and advice where needed, always thinking of the wonderful relationships built up with our loyal families over the years, of which I am most appreciative.
Although I have no intention of giving up working personally in the Business, Phill’s involvement has enabled me to have more free time to enjoy with my husband, Brian, to whom I was married in July 2020.
Brian is most supportive and has, of course, known and worked with the team for many years in his own professional capacity.

Golden Charter funeral plans…..A simple way to plan ahead
With nearly 1 million people planning ahead with Golden Charter, you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be taken care of. In fact, 92% of customers report satisfaction with the service, and 91% would recommend it to a friend.
Call H. R. Palmer now on 01843592720 Based in Ramsgate, we serve throughout the Thanet area and beyond.





