Me and my friend joker on duty in very wet conditions
Despite the terrible rain today, our beautiful horses Ista and Joker did us incredibly proud, carrying a much-loved lady with dignity and grace on her final journey. 🖤🐴
The weather may have been against us, but nothing could take away from such a beautiful and fitting farewell.
A privilege, as always, to be entrusted with such a special final journey.
Marc Stephens Funeral Service
A Plea to Dog Owners 🐴
Today, whilst conducting a horse-drawn funeral, we experienced an incident that could very easily have had serious consequences.
A large, powerful dog was allowed to run towards our horses, barking and completely off the lead.
Our horses are experienced, beautifully trained and accustomed to working in public, but they are still horses. A dog running at them aggressively or barking can frighten even the calmest animal.
Thankfully, our horses and experienced carriage team remained composed and professional, and the funeral was able to continue safely.
After many years of conducting horse-drawn funerals, it is disappointing that we still have to make this request:
If you see horses approaching, please put your dog on a lead and keep it under control.
It takes only a few seconds and could prevent a serious accident involving the horses, carriage crew, mourners, pedestrians and other road users.
Please help us keep everyone — including your dog — safe.
Marc Stephens Funeral Service
Dolly Parton — 1946–2026 🤍
Some people leave behind more than songs.
They leave behind memories, kindness, laughter and a little bit of themselves in millions of lives.
Today the world has lost the incomparable Dolly Parton — a remarkable songwriter, performer and humanitarian whose warmth seemed every bit as great as her talent.
From humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming one of the most loved entertainers in the world, Dolly never seemed to forget where she came from. Behind the glamour was a woman renowned for her generosity, particularly her extraordinary work giving books to children through the Imagination Library.
And then there was the music.
Songs that accompanied people through love, loss, happiness and heartbreak — and will continue to do so for generations.
Perhaps no words could be more fitting tonight than the title of one of the greatest songs she ever wrote:
“I Will Always Love You.”
Rest peacefully, Dolly.
Thank you for the music, the laughter and the kindness.
The world will always love you. 🤍
