Meynell & Mason Funeral Directors
Funeral directors in Hartlepool, Darlington and Newton Aycliffe, caring for County Durham families since 1879.
Proud to be part of the Dignity group
Experts in care
Setting the highest standards for care, service and facilities
Supporting communities
Working with charities and carers to improve support
Local teams
Guiding families with local sensitivity and understanding
Our locations
Meynell & Mason Funeral Directors
Cemetery Chapel, Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5 7DF
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Trusted by families across County Durham
Rated 4.7 / 5 based on 40 reviews.
Rated 1/5
Father died February they still can't find the headstone that they removed before his interment. Definitely keep away it's so upsetting and it feels like nobody cares.
Kim Bamsey, 27 August 2026
Rated 5/5
Andrew and his team at Meynell & Mason Newton Aycliffe were absolutely marvellous. The very personal and caring service they gave, and their care of my brother was faultless. A real empathy and understanding was shown and very much tailored to our situation - not run of the mill. Thank you very much.
Roxanne Oldham, 3 August 2026
Rated 5/5
We cannot thank Terry enough for the outstanding professionalism, care, and compassion shown while arranging and conducting my auntie’s funeral. From the very first meeting, you treated our family with kindness, patience, and understanding during one of the most difficult times in our lives. Every detail was handled with such dignity and respect, which gave us great comfort and reassurance throughout the entire process. What started as professional support quickly became something much more personal, and I truly feel that I have made friends for life through such kindness and genuine care shown to our family.
The service itself was beautifully organised and reflected my auntie perfectly. Your attention to detail, thoughtful approach, and calm manner helped everything run smoothly, allowing our family to focus on remembering and celebrating her life. Nothing ever felt too much trouble, and you were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and support us every step of the way.
A very special thank you also goes to Jean, who cared for my auntie so beautifully in the chapel of rest, popping in to see her a talking to her. Knowing she was looked after with such gentleness, dignity, and respect brought enormous comfort to our family. Jean’s kindness and compassion during such an emotional time will never be forgotten and meant more to us than words can express.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Terry’s dad, Ben, and the other bearers for the care, dignity, and professionalism shown while carrying my auntie’s coffin down to the cemetery. We are especially grateful to Terry’s dad for taking the time, straight after attending another funeral, to personally collect my auntie from the care home. Such dedication, compassion, and respect shown to both my auntie and our family during this difficult time will never be forgotten. The kindness and support from everyone involved made an incredibly emotional day much easier to bear.
Your professionalism was truly outstanding, but it was your genuine compassion and care that made such a lasting impression on us all. You went above and beyond to ensure the day was special, meaningful, and respectful, and for that we will always be grateful.
On behalf of our whole family, thank you again for everything you have done. We would not hesitate to highly recommend your services to anyone looking for someone who will handle such an important occasion with kindness, dignity, and exceptional professionalism.”
Kirsty Martindale, 16 May 2026
Meynell & Mason
Meynell & Mason Funeral Directors brings together the heritage of four long-established funeral homes that previously served their communities under the names Mason Funeral Service in Hartlepool, Speckmans Funeral Service in Wingate, and John Meynell Funeral Services in both Darlington and Newton Aycliffe. While these funeral homes now operate as Meynell & Mason Funeral Directors, they continue a proud tradition of caring for local families that dates back to 1879.
Our funeral directors are part of the communities they serve and understand the importance of creating a personal and meaningful farewell. Whether you're arranging a traditional funeral, a contemporary service, or something simpler, we'll guide you through every step with compassion, professionalism and respect.
You can find us across County Durham and Hartlepool, supporting families when they need us most. We're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whenever you need advice or immediate assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Advice and guidance
Practical guides on arranging a funeral and what to expect.
What does a funeral director do
What a funeral director actually does, before the day and on it, how they care for the person who has died, and whether you have to use one at all.
Choosing a funeral director
What to look for when comparing funeral directors – local availability, itemised pricing, the care given to the person who has died, and how well they listen.
What to do when someone dies
The first steps after a death, in order – the medical certificate, registering, calling a funeral director and dealing with the estate, with timings.
Types of funeral
The types of funeral to choose between – burial or cremation, religious or not, ceremony or none – and how each can still be personal.
Questions to ask a funeral director
Fourteen questions worth asking before you appoint a funeral director – on costs, care, personalisation and paperwork – and what the answers tell you.
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Our funeral directors are at the heart of their communities, in over 800 locations across the UK. Wherever you live, you'll have an experienced professional by your side throughout, caring for you and the person who has died.