About Us
“DJM Robinson & Son Funeral Directors are an extension of the family when you need it most. David and his team carried out their duties in the most bespoke, personalised manner, with dignity, respect, empathy and compassion and provided immeasurable support to us as a family at the time of our immense loss. Whilst it is of course a profession, David and team treat their work as a vocation. From the moment we made contact, they were 100% committed to our family and our needs, taking us through each step of the process calmly and at our pace in easy-to-understand terms. They wrapped their arms around our entire family circle. We were never rushed, they had all the time in the world for us, regardless of any other commitments they may have had that day. They go above and beyond what you would ever expect from a funeral directors and in the weeks following the funeral, this empathy, compassion and care has continued. We will always be eternally grateful for the support we received from DJM Robinson & Son.” Family of the late James Beattie, Finvoy
Our Team
Our History
Samuel Robinson
The business evolved initially under the stewardship of Samuel Robinson, who farmed at Culcrum, a townland about 2 miles from the village of Cloughmills. As well as farming, Samuel was a skilled carpenter and he would have been called upon to make coffins by neighbours’ families at their time of need.
The oldest record we have of supplying a coffin is – “1852 – December 9th. Coffin 7/6; Mountings 1/6; Total: 9 (shillings).” Coffins continued to be made at Culcrum until the early 20th century, but this eventually gave way to procurement from specialist manufacturers. Samuel also became Post Master at Culcrum in 1881, further diversifying his business (farmer, carpenter, Post Master and Undertaker).
David John Megaw Robinson
His four sons and one of his daughters emigrated to U.S.A. to develop their livelihoods and in 1895 his son, David John Megaw Robinson, returned to the Farm on the death of his mother. He further developed the “Undertaking Business”, as it was then known and acquired a new horse drawn hearse in 1897 from “Montgomery Coachbuilders”, Ballymena. This vehicle was used until 1927, when it was replaced by a “Marstons” horse drawn hearse from Birmingham. Both these vehicles are still in our possession and on display at our Funeral Home to-day.
David Crawford Robinson
The first motorised hearse (an Austin Six) was acquired in 1937, by which time David Crawford Robinson had become involved in running the business, becoming a member of The British Institute of Embalmers in 1951.
The company has been a member of the N.A.F.D. (National Association of Funeral Directors) from early in the 20th century, this is the professional body which represents the majority of funeral service companies in the British Isles.
David John Marshall Robinson
David John Marshall Robinson, current owner and great grandson of Samuel, has worked in the business for over 50 years, on a full time basis for the last 25. Previously David had a career as a senior executive with an international textiles company. He holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing and the Diploma in Funeral Service Management and, in 2021, was awarded an M.B.E.
Alistair McMullan
The company’s senior associate, Alistair McMullan, holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing, having won N.A.F.D.’s “Scales Award”, after attaining the highest marks in the UK in the Diploma in March 2012.
To-day our modern fleet of vehicles, the renovated Funeral Home and related facilities, along with the dedication of the family and our associates, ensures the provision of a professional and compassionate service.
Timeline
1852
Our earliest record of Samuel Robinson supplying a Coffin.
1897
David John Megaw Robinson acquires a new horse drawn hearse from Montgomery Coachbuilders, Ballymena.
Both this and our Marstons horse drawn hearse have been fully restored and can be viewed at our premises.
1937
David Crawford Robinson is now running the business and purchases the first motorised Hearse, the Austin Six.
1951
D.C. Robinson becomes a member of the British Institute of Embalmers.
1960
Sam McKane and David Getty, pictured at Robinsons of Culcrum with the Armstrong Siddeley Hearse
1969
David John Marshall Robinson, current owner, conducts his first funeral.
1980
John Hamill & William McKane pictured with the Armstrong Siddely Hearse
1998
James Wright alongside the Daimler Hearse.
2003
Robinsons of Culcrum Funeral Home is opened
2020
David Robinson, Alistair McMullan & William Lamont with our current Fleet.
