FEATURE
Our family taking care of your family
G
enerations of families have put their trust in Hollowells Funeral Directors which has a company history that dates back 70 years. In 1952 it was a family run business, and this commitment continues in 2022 with Paul, Annette, Simon, and Clare carrying on the Hollowell legacy. It was at the end of the second world war when Bernard Hollowell returned to Brafield to be reunited with his wife, Essie, and begin a job in the local cycle shop as an employee of Mr Johnson. Bernard and Essie lived in ‘The Hollies’ on Bedford Road, Brafield where in 1947 their son, Paul Hollowell, was born. After the war the transport industry began to change, more motor cars appeared on the roads needing petrol to run, so a hand pump was installed at the Brafield Cycle Shop. To move with the times, the name was changed to Johnson’s Garage and further petrol pumps installed. Along with the petrol pumps, the business also owned two cars, a Chrysler and a Dodge. These were used for private hire, taking people to Northampton and on Saturdays on holiday to Great Yarmouth, Skegness, and other seaside resorts. Sadly, in 1952, Mr Johnson was taken ill and died. His widow decided to sell the business and kindly gave Bernard and Essie first refusal. Keen to take Mrs Johnson up on her offer, Bernard borrowed money from his parents and the Bank. The business was purchased, and a new era began. With the Hollowell family in charge, the small business flourished over the next few years. The old cars were replaced by two second hand Humber Pullman limousines, and the petrol pumps were changed to electric powered pumps. During this time, Northampton funeral directors asked Bernard if he would make available the firm’s limousines for funeral services, and so the Carriage Master side of the company was born. With this change came a new name for the company – B. Hollowell & Son. Paul Hollowell, who was about eight years old at the time, proudly used to point to the sign over the shop door and say to people ‘that’s me!’. The limousines became more popular than ever, serving funerals for other towns including Stony Stratford, Towcester, Brackley, Wellingborough and Kettering. Keeping up to date with the automobile trends, the Humber Pullmans were replaced with Austin Princesses, then Daimlers and eventually, Mercedes limousines. Soon six limousines could be seen leaving and returning to the company’s Brafield garages. At the age of 19, Paul joined the family business, which had grown substantially by this time. 12
Annette & Paul Hollowell cutting the cake at the 50th Year Garden Party and (inset) the anniversary cake
Staff were employed to work in the shop and part-time limousine drivers for the booked events including funerals and weddings. Annette, Paul’s fiancée stepped in to help run the business, and in 1968 Paul and Annette were married at all Saints Church, Flore. The following year Simon was born, followed by Ann and then Clare – the next generation of the Hollowell family. On October 15th, 1972, the funeral home of B. Hollowell & Son was established at 4-6 Bedford Road, Brafield-on-the-Green. Business grew and in 1978 another property was acquired, and the company opened its funeral home in Northampton at 148 Beech Avenue, Abington. In 1987, the neighbouring property, 150 Beech Avenue was purchased, and the catering suite was added to the already growing list of services for funerals supplied by the company. Annette, a trained florist, created floral tributes out of her own workshop at Beech Avenue. WK Burbidge was a popular taxi and funeral service in Northampton and when Bill Burbidge retired in 1992, B. Hollowell
& Son acquired the company. Hearses and limousines were changed from Daimlers to Fords then to Vauxhalls and then to the distinctive Mercedes with the special number plates 100 BHS that are recognised across Northampton today. 2014 brought a significant change to the business when the name was changed to Hollowells – industry was changing and a new, modern image was needed. The company was well known and was usually referred to as Hollowells, so it was an easy and natural transition. 2020 saw Hollowells become a Limited Company, still providing the same high level of service. > Hollowells have complete packages to look after the families who choose the team to care for their loved ones. Offering guidance on the registration of death, taking care of loved ones prior to the funeral, a funeral director who will make all the arrangements, transport, bearers and after care support. Paul Hollowell said: “The Hollowell’s work family is here to support and guide during a difficult time. Our family taking care of your family.”
August 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire
