Welcome to our new Branch Manager

We are delighted that Lorne Miller joined us on Monday 15 June as Branch Manager at Tester & Jones Funeral Services.

“I am really pleased to have been given this opportunity and the first few weeks have gone really well,” says Lorne. “At the moment, I am absorbing everything that’s happening here and seeing how everyone works together.”

This marks a return to the team for Lorne, who spent five years with us 20 years ago.

“Back in 2005, I had no experience in the funeral industry at all but answered an advert for a pallbearer,” Lorne explains. “From there I developed a role ‘back of house’ – bringing loved ones into our care and looking after them until the day of the service, as well as managing the vehicles, preparing coffins and organising the display of any floral tributes etc – the things Glenn and Mike do for us now. It was a very solid ‘apprenticeship’ and really informed me over my following two decades in the industry, as I’m now familiar with all the different aspects of running a funeral home.”

Lorne says that, while at school in Uckfield, he never would have imagined that his career would have gone in this direction.

“I had always intended to join the army,” he explains. “But, a motorbike accident meant I had to rethink my career choice. However, looking back, I truly believe this was what I was meant to do. It’s an honour to support families during such a difficult time and when a card arrives with a note of thanks, it means everything. It is really gratifying that you’ve made a difference to someone.”

Now he’s back with us at Tester & Jones, Lorne says he is bringing a huge amount of experience to the role of Branch Manager.

“I’ve done everything involved in a funeral business from driving the hearse and conducting services to arranging,” he says. “During that time, I have only ever worked for independent funeral directors and that was a conscious decision. I like the flexibility this gives us to support families. Funerals have become increasingly more bespoke and we always say we’ll do anything a family wants us to do – as long as it’s legal…”

He adds: “Over the years, I’ve become really attuned to reading the situation with families. You see every emotion in my role; sometimes there are tears and, quite often, there’s a little laughter. After being in this privileged profession for as long as I have, I am still learning every day. I never take anything for granted and my passion never wanes.”

After 20 years, Lorne is enjoying being back at Tester & Jones and working alongside Glenys once again, as well as getting to know the other members of our team.

“We’re a small team here, but a really good one, and everyone brings something different,” he says. “I can see how much the team gets involved in our community locally – particularly Glenys and Jo. When I was here previously, the Bereavement Group had just been launched and to see how that’s grown over the years – with Glenys’ passion and dedication – is amazing.”

In his spare time Lorne spends valuable time with his family and enjoys baking; he’s already promised a couple of cakes for our Macmillan Coffee Morning in September! He keeps up with old school friends in Uckfield, enjoys playing golf and also loves the sunshine – whether that’s on holiday or, more recently, here in Sussex during this hot summer.