Independent Funeral Directors
Swindon • Wiltshire
01793 611060
24 Hour Service

Est 1916

Blackwells was established in Cricklade in 1916 by the Blackwell family and since then has arranged funerals for thousands of families across Wiltshire and the surrounding counties.

We opened our premises in Cheney Manor Road in 1999 to extend our family services to the people of Swindon.

We have all lived in the area all our lives and fully understand what is needed to support the community in meeting their needs.

We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of professional compassionate care and support.

Our service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Arrangements can be made in the comfort of your home, or we welcome you to our premises in Swindon and Cricklade.

Nigel Keen

Director

Our story

Robert Orford

Director

Our story

Susi Valero

Director/General Manager

Meet Susi

Hugo Kennard

Funeral Director

Meet Hugo

Russell Osman

Funeral Director
Meet Russell

Ken Grey

General Assistant

Meet Ken

Mark Oborne

Operations Supervisor

Meet Mark
Tinikka Mason

Tinikka Mason

Funeral Director

Meet Tinikka
Samantha Wilson - Funeral Director

Samantha Wilson

Funeral Director

Meet Samantha
Victoria Kennett

Victoria Kennett

Funeral Arranger/Trainee Funeral Director

Meet Victoria

Emily Winstanley

Administrator

Meet Emily

Our story

Directors Nigel Keen and Robert Orford have been close friends since 1970 – and funeral directors in 1995. Both had enjoyed successful careers: Nigel in his family’s construction business and Rob in agricultural finance.

The transition to funeral directors began in the early 1990s when they learned that the Swiss makers of a new eco-coffin wanted to launch their innovation in the UK. Nigel and Rob saw a worthwhile new challenge.

In 1992, after extensive research into the world of coffins and funerals, they took on UK distributorship of the eco-coffins, and a new career beckoned.

In their previous occupations, construction and finance, reputation is everything. If you want to meet the high expectations a local community has the right to expect, exceptional customer service should be a given.

Nigel and Rob saw they could apply this in their new careers, combining traditional funerals with personal attention to detail for every family faced with organising a loved ones’ funeral when emotions are high, and they feel most vulnerable.

An opportunity came up when Maurice Cowley, of Cirencester’s Cowley & Son Funeral Directors, was looking to retire. With no heirs, he wanted his business to remain independent rather than being sold to a large funeral service multiple. By 1995, Nigel and Rob had become the proud owners of Cowley & Son and qualified as funeral directors alongside their staff.

When the owner of another independent funeral director, Blackwells Funeral Services in Cricklade, also wanted to retire, Nigel and Rob acquired that business, opening a branch of Blackwells in Swindon in 1999. Six years later they purchased Matthews Funeral Directors in Malmesbury, opening a branch in Tetbury in 2016.

Over the last 30 years, Nigel and Rob have built a small, independent group of funeral directors serving local communities, employing qualified and compassionate funeral directors who offer families the high personal service they should expect.

Susi Valero

Director/General Manager

“I have always worked in the funeral business. I joined straight from school after doing some work experience at 15 years old and then volunteering in my spare time during weekends and holidays.

“It might sound unusual to those who don’t understand the sector, but it was clear to me from the moment I started the difference a good funeral director can make to the families they work with at one of the most difficult times of their lives.

“I really admired my colleagues because I saw how, with care and compassion, the guided the bereaved through the unfamiliar processes after the death of a loved one.

“As soon as I’d finished my school exams I joined a funeral director in Swindon, first as a driver and bearer, and never looked back. Over the years I’ve developed my career as a funeral director and manager.

“I often wondered where the calling came from to be a funeral director, and it was only after a few years that we discovered that I wasn’t the only one in the family. When we traced our family tree back, I had a relative who had been in the same business. And I still feel honoured and privileged to do what I do.”

Hugo Kennard

Funeral Director

“I joined the profession in 2024 after nearly two decades of working as a musician for the Church.

“Caring for people at one of the most challenging times of their lives is a huge privilege and helping to alleviate some small amount of their stress and worry at the most emotionally traumatic times of their lives.”

Outside of work Hugo loves his busy family life in Cirencester, spending time within the community and socialising with friends.

Russell Osman

Funeral Director

“I’ve lived in Cricklade all my life and after school I studied motor vehicle technology and worked in the trade for 33 years, running my own garage in Cricklade for 16 Years.”

“Having retired early from the motor trade early I felt the need for a new challenge.”

Russell joined the profession in 2017 as a driver/bearer, progressing to become a funeral director in 2020.

Married for 26 years to wife Jenni, Russell has served on Cricklade Town Council since 2012 and is currently chairman of Community and Leisure and services, and serves on the planning committee.

Ken Grey

General Assistant

“I was born in Malmesbury and for many years was landlord of the Cat & Custard Port in Shipton Moyne.

Successful pub landlords have to be good listeners and anticipate people’s needs, often even before they know themselves.

I joined Matthews of Malmesbury & Tetbury in 2009 feel very proud to have been part of the business for the last 15 years.”

Mark Oborne

Operations Supervisor

Mark was previously a builder and landscaper before joining Cowley & Son in 2022 first as a bearer/driver before being offered a full-time job.

“Helping families through their loss is the most rewarding vocation a person can do, especially when you get positive feedback from the family.”

Tinikka Mason

Funeral Director

Tinikka joined the profession in 2024 as an administrator and funeral arranger. She had previously worked in the care sector and as an assistant at the local crematorium where an interest in the funeral sector grew.

“I previously worked in healthcare for many years and enjoy taking care of people. Although I am still learning, I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of my role and feel privileged to be able to provide care and support to families and being able to give everyone the farewell they deserve.

Samantha Wilson

Funeral Director

With over 10 years of experience in funeral directing, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to supporting families during their most difficult times.

‘After a period working in live-in care and travelling, I returned to the industry with a renewed passion for providing sensitive, personalised support. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate loss with dignity, care, and understanding.’

Victoria Kennett

Funeral Arranger/Trainee Funeral Director

Victoria always felt a strong calling to work within the funeral industry and was grateful for the opportunity to begin her journey in March 2025.

‘It is a true privilege to support and guide families during some of the most difficult times in their lives, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate, respectful care every step of the way.’

Emily Winstanley

Administrator

Emily joined Cowley & Son in 2025 as Administrator. She brings a diverse professional background, having previously worked with in both the charitable and transport sectors, before transitioning into accountancy in 2020.

‘I am proud to be part of a dedicated team and considers it a privilege, to support and care for families during some of life’s most difficult moments.’