We understand how difficult this time is. Our principal purpose has always been to offer as much — or as little — support as is wanted and needed. Our experienced team is available twenty-four hours per day, three hundred and sixty-five days per year, and we have a range of services to suit different tastes, budgets, and requirements.
Our History
Founded by Harry Tomes
Harry Tomes Funeral Directors was founded before the Second World War by the late Harry George Barham Tomes and his wife, Phyllis. The business began as a Taxi, Coach & Private Hire company, serving the local community of Bournemouth.
The Transition to Funeral Services
After Harry's return from the war, he began receiving requests from local families for funeral services. Recognising the need in the community, he purchased a hearse. Harry's warm and caring personality meant he soon became the person of choice when bereavement struck a family.
Dedicated Funeral Directors
In the 1950s, Harry transitioned his business to concentrate solely on providing funeral services. He built a reputation across Bournemouth and the surrounding area as a compassionate, dependable choice for families in their hour of need.
The Next Generation
Harry's three sons — Trevor, Adrian, and Andrew — continued the family tradition from their premises at Barham House (named in memory of Harry George Barham Tomes) at 31–33 Tower Road, Bournemouth. They remained committed to adhering to the values of personal care and attention so very important during the time of loss.
A New Chapter, The Same Values
Harry Tomes Funeral Services are now situated at 15 Somerset Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, alongside our partners, George Scott Funeral Services — a family-owned and personally managed funeral directors established in 1899. Whilst we have moved, we share the same values and uphold the same level of service that Harry himself set more than 80 years ago.
Our telephone number and email address remain the same. We are here for you — twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Our Values
Care
Every family we serve is treated with the same compassion and individual attention. No two families are alike, and we never treat them as such.
Sensitivity
We recognise that grief takes many forms. We offer as much or as little involvement as each family needs, always guided by their wishes.
Attention to Detail
It's the little details that make all the difference. We take care of everything so that you can focus on what truly matters.