A FUNERAL firm in Newlyn is to mark its 180th anniversary next year.
H N Peake, based in Tolcarne, was taken on by funeral director Jeremy Burt two years ago and he's keen to make it clear that, despite a change of ownership, little has changed in the company's strong ethos over the decades.
"I am taking Peake's forward on the basis that it always was: a small, family-owned independent firm," he says.
The funeral home was established in 1830 by a local boat-building family, the Peakes.
Although they sold up to previous owner Graham Kent, who still drives the hearse and conducts the occasional funeral, there are no plans to change the title.
"Keeping the name gives continuity and people are more reassured that it's still run by somebody with family values," says Mr Burt, adding that attention to detail is the key to good service in the undertaking industry.
"Because of the nature of the business, we only get one go at doing a funeral. So I wouldn't want to be any busier; if you try to do too much, with the nature of this work, we can let things slip. We want it to be perfect and exactly what the client wants."
He thanked the close-knit communities of Newlyn, Penzance and the surrounding villages for their ongoing support.
"I want to reassure people that we are still here, tucked around the back," he says of H N Peake's premises behind Lower Art Gallery Terrace. "I always say to people, We are there when you need us and not before. There is no rush."
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN