Staff Profiles

Simon Helliar-Moore

Simon was born and educated in Taunton. During his formative years, he became a Bishops chorister at Wells Cathedral and represented Somerset as a founding member of the Somerset Youth Choir, singing in many of the Churches around Taunton.

A wonderful opportunity to take a school work experience placement with a local Funeral Director, left him certain of his chosen career path. On leaving school, Simon took up this calling in 1994.

Exciting opportunities to obtain his professional qualifications and training in London were offered to Simon in 2000. Taking up this once in a lifetime challenge, Simon moved to London and began his training within a busy Funeral Directors. During this time, Simon trained and worked as a chauffeur/bearer, mortuary manager and Funeral Director, taking on the responsibility for over 40 Funeral Homes across North and East London.

Having gained this invaluable experience, Simon was asked to lead and manage a community of established Funeral Homes in Bath, as a Community Manager. During his time in Bath, Simon fostered close links with Bath Abbey, arranging fund raising concerts on several occasions.

In 2006 Simon returned to Taunton to work alongside Nigel Ford, caring for the bereaved for the next ten years, until establishing Crescent Funeral Services in 2016, to ensure that the families of Taunton will continue to have access to an independent, fair and caring Funeral service.

Outside of work Simon enjoys travel and theatre as well as continuing to enjoy his lifelong passion of choral music and continues to sing when he can.

Jason WooD

After the experience of a family bereavement at the age of 14, Jason knew that working within the funeral profession was going to be the right career path for him to take.

At 15, Jason completed week’s work experience at a nearby Funeral Home and having completed his exams, he left school at 16 and immediately enquired with local Funeral Directors about possible employment opportunities. Unfortunately, a position was not available but, undeterred, he grasped the opportunity this gave him to work on a casual basis with other local independent Funeral Homes, gaining valuable experience along the way. At the same time, Jason worked full-time in a residential care home, before becoming involved with supporting those in the community within their own homes.

At the age of 22, Jason moved to Birmingham to properly commence his career in the Funeral profession. He begun as a Funeral Services Operative, within a small independent firm of Funeral Directors.  The draw of country life, however, led him back to the West Country, where he was fortunate enough to find another Funeral Services Operative position within the County of Devon.

The opportunity to train towards becoming a fully qualified Funeral Director arose, whilst working with his previous employer, and will continue to do so here at Crescent Funeral Services.

Jason brings with him a fresh and dynamic approach to working within the profession, together with a passion to support those seeking our guidance and to assist with delivering a personal and individualised service to the families of Taunton and its surrounding communities.

Robert Helliar-Moore

Following a career in education spanning more than 15 years, Robert joins the family business as Office Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience in managing the day to day administrations and assisting in the co-ordination of staff and the overall running of the Funeral Home.

During his time within education, Robert’s passion for pupil centred care and progression saw him rise through the ranks to Head Teacher, leading a school for children on the Autistic spectrum. Over the last two years, he has supported and advised schools specialising in helping students with Dyslexia. During his time he was awarded the accolade of 'Autism Champion' from the National Autistic Society for his exceptional work in supporting young people with the disorder.

With his efforts and drive, he was successful in leading the school to an ‘outstanding’ judgement by Ofsted and saw him being awarded a regional Autistic champion, having been nominated by students and parents.

Robert hopes to bring this drive and enthusiasm to the running of the systems and structure of the Crescent Funeral Services office, allowing for the professional care to continue for families throughout and beyond the funeral arranging process.

As an immediate family member, Robert has over the years taken an active role in both supporting and assisting Simon with various aspects of work within the profession and looks forward to gaining further knowledge and experience now that he has joined the team.

James Chorley

James has recently left school at 16, born in Taunton and growing up in the Funeral Service environment. His Father Adam was a local funeral director which has had a big impact on James's chosen profession.

James completed his work experience at Taunton Funeral Services, which has only enhanced his desire to pursue a career in the Funeral profession.

James's interests and hobbies include cycling, spending time with his family, going to concerts and getting out and about on his new moped. 

"I am really looking forward to learning from my new colleagues and bringing my own personality and good nature to the Crescent Funeral Services."

Crescent Funeral Services has a highly experienced and professional team of staff, who support our families every step of the way.