Meet our Team

Barry J. Gibbs (Dip. F.D. NAFD)

Funeral Director & Company Director

Born and raised in Chard, I began my career in the funeral profession in 2001 as a bearer, after being a local postman for more than 16 years.

I quickly realised that being able to support a family and help them with the difficult task of arranging a loved one’s funeral was a rewarding and fulfilling role that I wanted to pursue.

I gained my diploma in Funeral Directing in 2006 and established B. Gibbs Funeral Services with the help of my family in 2011.

I am a member of Chard Rotary Club and love gardening. Claire and I have 2 grown up children, and 2 grandchildren. Hannah who lives in Northern Ireland and Robert who lives in Bristol. Both still provide assistance within the business when required.

Claire E. Gibbs

Business Manager and Company Director

Born and raised in Gloucester and living in Chard for more than 30 years, I began my career as a Nurse, working at Weston Super Mare General Hospital. On moving to Chard, I worked at Chard Hospital before starting a family. I went on to work in a Nursing Home and finishing the last 20 years as a District Nurse on the Community.

After 30 years I decided to retire from Nursing and join Barry full time in the family business.

I am a member of Chard Road Runners, and in my spare time when I'm not gardening, you will see me out running, trying to keep fit for the next race.

Barry and I have 2 grown up children and 2 grandchildren. Hannah who lives in Northern Ireland and Robert who lives in Bristol. Both still provide assistance within the business when required.

Barry and Claire are joined by a team of professional staff. Together they strive to deliver the highest standards of funeral care to each, and every family they look after.

Chris Collings

Funeral Director

I was born in Taunton, and raised in the heart of Exmoor, before moving to Chard 20 years ago.
After a career in agriculture and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, I changed direction into the funeral profession in 2014 as a part time pall bearer advancing to full time funeral operative. Wanting to continue in the funeral profession, I later joined B. Gibbs Funeral Services in 2023 as Funeral Director and I am currently studying for my Dip FD qualification.
I am married to Amanda, and on our days off, we love hiking and navigating across Dartmoor and other parts of the British countryside.
I am also a keen photographer, drummer and musician, and a natural technology geek, so I’m often the first port of call for friend’s tech queries.