hergest & cavell

In 1995 I joined the Co-op as a funeral arranger instantly falling in love with the funeral profession. For over 15 years I managed large regions for several funeral businesses in the corporate sector. My passion is helping families create exceptional funerals, creating the right goodbye for them.  I am truly glad to be back at the very heart of what we do focusing on what really matters. My team are all truly exceptional people.

I have been a Funeral Director for over 20 years serving the communities of Dartford & Gravesend  Opening my own funeral home with my wife has always been my dream and having taken that opportunity I intend to continue to make a difference. I am pleased to give families the time they deserve and making sure they are looked after in every way possible.

Married for 35 years, we have 2 daughters and to date one grandson called Oscar. We are a social couple and love spending time with family and friends. Funerals have been a way of life for us for over 25 years. We are down to earth everyday people with a desire to help and support others and do aa great job. Having lost loved ones ourselves, we are sensitive towards others and go above on beyond to make every funeral special.

Joanne is the eldest daughter of Peter & Paula Hergest, and at the age of 30 changed her career in special care dentistry to join the family business. Joanne has been raised with funerals being a very strong part of family life.

She truly understands the commitment required each and every day to ensure  that the funeral a family arranges is truly memorable. 

Having worked  in funerals with her aunt Paula in a  corporate environment, Rachel joined the family business in 2022 taking responsibility for the funerals in the Dartford office. With several years working  in Dartford, Swanley and Bromley areas, Rachel truly understands the local communities and the ways we can work better to ensure the best possible experience at such a sad time.

The team at Hergest & Cavell also includes Ian, Rob and Melanie. These special individuals are all funeral professionals with years of experience wo have all worked alongside Paula & Peter  over the past 25 years.

Ian a former Funeral Director, Robert A Funeral Operative and  Melanie a dedicated Funeral Arranger. We are lucky to have them as part of our extended family working to support you.