After H C Patrick of Alton closed in the 1970s, the manager Charles Read opened his own funeral business at 5 Normandy Street, Crown Hill, Alton. Years later, Charles Read, who went on to become Mayor of Alton, purchased a second-hand Austin Vanden Plas hearse (registration GOU 763D) from E Finch & Son through John Ford.
After Charles Read’s death, his daughter Jennie Ward took over the family business assisted by Keith Cox. After her daughter’s wedding, she sold the business to John, Tony and Martin of Ford Mears, which they later operated from Turk Street, Alton.
As part of the Ford Mears group, Charles Read & Daughter continues to provide a caring and professional service to the local community around Alton. Further investment in the business by Ford Mears has meant that Charles Read & Daughter is now able to offer a wider range of services and vehicle options, whilst still providing a personalised service that honours the legacy of Charles Read & Daughter’s independent, family-run business.
