Porthleven's F.E. Strike and Sons commemorate its 100th year

F.E. Strike and Sons a family-run business, serving Porthleven, Helston, and surrounding areas, will commemorate its 100th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1924 by Frank E. Strike BEM, the company has been a pillar of the community, providing compassionate support and care to families during their time of loss for generations.

Iain Strike, the third generation to lead the family business, has been at the helm for over 25 years, carrying on the legacy of his grandfather and father, Alec.

Chris Strike along with his grandfather Alec (Middle) and father Iain (Right) (Image: Stock) Having joined the business at the age of 18, Iain has dedicated his entire working life to serving the community with the same compassion and professionalism as his grandfather and father.

Alongside his son, Chris, step-daughter Kerry and other family members they continue to embody the family's dedication to providing personalised and respectful services tailored to individual needs.

Throughout its century of service, Iain said he has seen a change in the way funeral services are now held. He said: “There are more funerals now which don’t have hymns, but instead have music. A lot more funerals are celebrant-led.

“There are also a lot more cremations nowadays than burials. A lot more people are choosing to have direct cremations instead of a service.”

Kerry Thomas (R) of F.E Strikes with the 'Letters to Heaven' postbox (Image: Kathy White) However, the company remains committed to its core values of compassion and personalised care, ensuring that every individual's farewell is unique and meaningful.

F.E. Strike and Sons has integrated deeply into the Porthleven community, establishing strong relationships with local professionals and actively supporting local initiatives.

In previous years, the funeral directors were also responsible for all of the military funerals for RNAS Culdrose. 

This year, they partnered with the Porthleven Environment Group (PEG) to install a "Letters to Heaven" postbox in the village cemetery, a touching initiative inspired by a young girl's desire to express her grief.

The first letters which were posted were by Iain's grandchildren who wrote letters to Dawn, Kerry's mum and Alec, Iain's father.

As the business celebrates its 100th anniversary, Iain hopes to see future generations continue the tradition of caring for their community.