Trusted, respectful, caring

Planning a funeral is never easy. It’s a time filled with emotion, reflection, and the heartfelt wish to honour a loved one’s memory in a way that truly feels right. At Stephen Tester Funeral Directors, we understand the weight of this responsibility, and we’re here to gently guide and support you through every step of the journey.

Our commitment is to stand beside every family, not just throughout the funeral, but in the days that follow too. We’ll listen carefully to your wishes, offering guidance and compassion as we help you create a service that feels personal, meaningful, and true to your loved one’s life.

Based at Beacon House on Park Road in Crowborough, our dedicated team of caring, respectful funeral directors brings over 30 years of experience to the families we serve. Whether you’re looking for a traditional service, something more personal and unconventional, an intimate gathering in our own Beacon House Chapel, or an unattended farewell, you can trust us to carry out your wishes with warmth, compassion, and care.

We hope you find the information you need here on our website. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to arrange a meeting — either in the comfort of your own home or at Beacon House — we’re here for you, 24 hours a day.

Trust us to be there for you

At Stephen Tester Funeral Directors, our team is made up of trusted, respected, and genuinely caring people who understand how important it is to be there when it matters most. We’re not just funeral directors — we’re listeners, supporters, and guides, here to help families navigate one of life’s most difficult moments with warmth, compassion, and honesty. Every member of our team takes pride in providing a service that’s personal, thoughtful, and handled with care.

Stephen Tester - Director

Stephen Tester has worked in the funeral profession for over 30 years. A true Sussex boy, he schooled at Rotherfield and Crowborough and has served the people of Crowborough for most of his adult life.

Known and respected within the local community, Stephen has always taken great pride in maintaining the trusted reputation his work has earned.

Stephen says, “Looking after families and their loved ones is a privilege that should never be taken for granted. We are here to serve our community and guide them through their darkest of days with care, respect, and honesty.” These are the values Stephen continues to uphold through Stephen Tester Funeral Directors.

Kim Eastwood - General Manager/Funeral Arranger

Kim joined the team as General Manager and Funeral Arranger, bringing with her a warm, compassionate approach and a wealth of experience within the bereavement sector. She began her journey in 2020, working at Kent & Sussex Crematorium and with an independent funeral director, and has since completed the Funeral Practitioner Course delivered by the Independent Funeral Directors College (IFD).

Before entering the profession, Kim’s career spanned several industries, including banking, retail, construction, and insurance — always with people and care at the heart of what she did.

Kim says, “Families come to us when they are at their lowest, and we are here to help them, guiding them through the process and shouldering some of the responsibility. Every family is unique, and it’s a privilege to help them create a service that truly reflects their loved one.”

Roy Bastin - Funeral Director

Roy, originally from Surrey, has made Crowborough his home for the past 28 years, living and working in the town with his wife and four children. His career has always centred around caring for others — from pastoring a fledgling church to working locally at Waitrose, and later, joining the funeral profession where he’s found great personal fulfilment supporting local families.

Roy says, “For me, being a funeral director is about more than arranging a service — it’s about being there to listen, to care, and to walk alongside people in their sorrow. It’s a privilege to support families when they need it most.”

Outside of work, Roy enjoys motorcycling, playing golf, and being an active part of the Crowborough community he calls home.

Meet more of our people

Testimonials

Really excellent. Nothing was too much trouble compassionate and personable.

They took care of everything which took the burden off of us. We lost my aunt and uncle within 2 months and used them for both.

They were fantastic and explained everything to us and asked what we wanted. Highly recommend.

Jonathan Doeman - March 2025

Really excellent. Nothing was too much trouble compassionate and personable.

They took care of everything which took the burden off of us. We lost my aunt and uncle within 2 months and used them for both.

They were fantastic and explained everything to us and asked what we wanted. Highly recommend.

Jonathan Doeman - March 2025

Our home, at your service

Let us guide you around our home and show you what we can offer for your loved ones funeral.

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