Meet the Team - Allen & Son Funeral Directors

JAMES DRURY

Company Director & Funeral Director

CERT. FP MIFDC

I entered the funeral industry in 2017, gaining valuable experience with long-established, family-run independent funeral directors. I had previously spent 15 years in the ambulance service and have always worked in people-focused roles. With a father in the forces, I lived in various places worldwide during my childhood, including Hong Kong and Northern Ireland, before settling on the Isle of Wight. I moved to Oxfordshire in 1997 and now live in Moreton-in-Marsh. I enjoy a wide range of hobbies, when time allows, such as watching Formula 1, exploring archaeological and historical sites, and reading crime thrillers. I hold several professional and vocational qualifications from past roles, including a Diploma in the Principles of End-of-Life Care. I am, and always have been, committed to maintaining high standards, pursuing continuous professional development, and staying current with new, better practices and guidance, and currently hold a Cert FP qualification in the funeral profession. Whilst working towards the Diploma qualification in Funeral Directing, I have become a tutor and assessor with the Independent Funeral Directors College, helping train the future professionals in the industry. With a background in aeronautical engineering, I am good at solving practical problems, fixing computers, and handling DIY tasks, and enjoy using these abilities to help others. Of course, walking Badger does take up some of my time, but in any spare time, I like to bake, and my shortbread, Victoria sponge, and lemon drizzle cakes are always popular at the charity fundraising coffee mornings we regularly hold.

DIANE DRURY

Company Director & Funeral Administrator

I joined the funeral profession in 2015 after a 30-year career in banking. My main responsibilities include meeting with families to discuss funeral arrangements, offering guidance and support, and managing the office's day-to-day operations. Originally from Staffordshire, I have lived and worked in several counties over the years, but now love living in Moreton-in-Marsh. In any spare time, I share James' passion for visiting castles and cathedrals, and love to take Badger for walks in our beautiful countryside.

BADGER

Office Assistant

Badger, affectionately known as our office assistant or "dog's body," joined us in August 2023 at 12 weeks old. His training is progressing well, though he enjoys more lunch and rest breaks than the rest of the team! A friendly cockapoo, Badger comes to the office every day and loves being around people. He’s happy to say hello and offer cuddles for families who love dogs. For those who prefer not to interact, he can easily be kept in our office, otherwise known as his playroom.

OUR SUPPORT TEAM

Our experienced team of casual staff assist us in ensuring all our services are conducted in a professional and dignified manner, whether it be pall-bearing at funeral services or bringing your loved ones into our care. All are local gentlemen, some of whom have lived in Moreton their entire lives. We are very grateful to have such a dedicated and caring team.

Thank you for your hard work, professionalism and kindness with my father’s funeral yesterday. The order of service and your help in putting that together was perfect. Everything went well and we were so grateful to have you looking after us at the crematorium.
Our family friends and colleagues were very complementary of you, Wendy and the Crematorium and the flowers. Everything was done so smoothly and with such ease. Thank you - we are immensely grateful for making a difficult emotional day so straight forward for us all.

February 2026

Your kindness has meant the world to myself and my sister during this tremendously difficult time.

January 2026

Dear Diane & James
We'd just like to say a big "Thank-you" to you both for looking after us so well during our difficult time. You care and professionalism is second to none and we don't know what we'd have done without you.
You certainly made our journey with Dad much easier with your kindness and constant contact, enabling us to get through our grief a little easier.
Thank you

September 2026

Thank you so much for ensuring that everything went smoothly yesterday, and for your kind support throughout.

April 2026

We cannot thank you enough, especially for looking after my children, enabling them to do something that was so tough for them. Your calm nature and reassuring manner was something I will always be grateful for.
We will always thank you for making one of the hardest times for us so much easier.
Take care of yourselves and thank you again

January 2026