hergest & cavell

In 1995 Paula started as a funeral arranger instantly falling in love with the profession. Her career spanning 35 plus years managing  large regions for several funeral businesses in the corporate sector.  Paula and her family have built an exceptional team of people who really do care.  Unlike the corporate sector, they are able to dedicate their time to the bereaved providing exceptional support, guidance and professional care making each goodbye personal and the best it could possibly be. 

 Peter has been a Funeral Director for over 25 years serving the communities of Dartford & Gravesend.  Opening his own funeral home with his wife has always been his dream. He is extremely proud of what he and Paula have built and having both his daughters in the business has made the dream complete. He intends to continue to make a difference and is pleased to give families the time they deserve and makes sure they are looked after in every way possible.

Simon joined the Team in 2026 to help deliver a quality service on the day of the funeral.

Simon brings with him with a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in the funeral profession for many years in the Medway towns and at Thames View Crematorium.  

He is truly been an asset to the team and continues to ensure that families are looked after in the caring and professional manner that H&C are renowned for. 

Joanne is the eldest daughter of Peter & Paula. 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 any family arranges is truly a memorable occasion. Joanne also  manages the day to day running of the business.

Rebecca is the youngest daughter of Paula & Peter and joined the business in 2026 after 16 years establishing her career in rail contracts and customer care. Rebecca has longed for the opportunity to join the family business and brings the passion and commitment needed to serve alongside her family providing exceptional care to families in their time of grief. Rebecca supports the running of the business providing resource and administrational support to both families and the team.

 Having worked in funerals with her aunt Paula in a  corporate environment, Rachel joined the family business in 2022 taking responsibility for the Dartford funeral home. With several years working  in the Dartford and surrounding 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. 

Rachel is also our memorial specialist and advises on headstones, plaques and other memorialisation options.

Sam has been with business for 2 years and previously worked at the Ellenor Hospice. His caring manner makes him an asset when dealing with bereaved families.

Sam works across both branches and with the funeral Team on the day.