Funeral Times its 2 2020

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2020 Vol.20 No.2

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Non-religious funerals in Northern Ireland Meaningful and bespoke funerals Humanist funerals are non-religious ceremonies that focus on the person ö©Ë © Þ ¬ ɇ æ© ½¬£ æ© ü ½ ɇ Ä the relationships they forged. They are based on the humanist perspective that every life is valuable and unique.

Each ceremony is suited to the person ö©Ë © Þ ¬ Ä æ© £ ½¬Ä¤Þ Ë£ æ© × Ë×½ ö©Ë ½Ëõ æ© ÃɌ s Ä © ½× Ú Ã Ã Ú æ© × ÚÞËÄ ö©Ë © Þ ö¬æ© Ä ê× æ ½ Ú æ¬ËÄ Ë£ ½¬£ ɇ ö©¬½Þæ others may take a more solemn tone.

A humanist funeral is the perfect option £ËÚ £ 콬 Þ Ä £Ú¬ Ä Þ ö©Ë ö Äæ Þ¬Ä Ú ɇ × ÚÞËÄ ½ Ú ĉ æ¬ËÄ ËÄ æ© ½¬£ Ë£ æ© ¬Ú ½Ëõ ËÄ Þ ɫ ö¬æ©Ëêæ Ú ½¬¤¬ËÄɌ c©¬Þ can be especially important if the person ö©Ë ¬ ö Þ ÄËæ Ú ½¬¤¬ËêÞɌ

A funeral can include time for silent Ú ĉ æ¬ËÄ ËÄ æ© ½¬£ Ë£ æ© Þ Ɍ This time is inclusive of people from all º¤ÚËêÄ Þ Ä × Ë×½ ö¬æ© Ú ½¬¤¬ËêÞ beliefs can take this opportunity to say Þ¬½ Äæ ×Ú ü Úɇ ¬£ æ© ü ö¬Þ©Ɍ

Find your local celebrant Our funeral ceremonies are conducted by humanist celebrants. Contact your ½ Ú Äæ æË ü æË ĈÄ Ëêæ ÃËÚ Ëêæ Þ ü¬Ä¤ ¬¤Ä¬Ĉ Ä × ÚÞËÄ ½ £ Ú ö ½½Ɍ BALLYCASTLE John Foley 07949 114455

BELFAST Richard Lavery 07802 839543

BELFAST MaryLou McShane 07962 906236

NEWTOWNABBEY ]æ ö Úæ +˽ Ä 07971 634098

BALLYMENA Lisa Wilkinson 07759 514139

BELFAST Maire De Buitlear 07841 860276

DERRY Julie Hassell 07510 851612

NORTH DOWN Trevor Molloy 07549 946622

BANBRIDGE Joan Davis 07546 954222

BELFAST Cathy Graham 07595 927494

DUNMURRY Janni Knox 07890 861690

HUMANISTS UK info@humanists.uk 020 7324 3060

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LISBURN Sheena Bradley 07732 143183

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Humanist Ceremonies™ is part of Humanists UK, a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 285987) and company limited by guarantee (no. 228781).

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Kevin and Kathy Kyne p5

Making a difference p66

Contents

Curtain comes down on a great double act Declan Higgins reflects on the careers of Kevin and Kathy Kyne .................................. 5 IAFD News . .............................................................................................................................................8 Funeral Partners protecting the traditions of long-established businesses ........... 18 BIE News ................................................................................................................................................26 Adjusting during the pandemic how Grey’s of Templemore managed during lockdown ..................................................34

BIE Awards Ceremony p27

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING CONTACTS: Graham Brown, Ruth McQuillan, Vikki Crangle, Paula Hanna Tel: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI

Still supporting those with Heart Disease ............................................................................. 37 SAIF News ............................................................................................................................................38 Dr Bill Webster - Professionals don’t grieve, do they? .....................................................40 NAFD News .........................................................................................................................................45 Dennis Daulton does it the easy way ......................................................................................53 Padraic Cawley on rituals of the Irish funeral ......................................................................58 Service made to order by Mary Elizabeth Dillon ..............................................................63 Jennifer Muldowney on how we can all make a difference . ....................................... 66 Mattie Lennon on social distancing and Castleisland men .......................................... 70

Funeral Times is owned and published by: InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF E: sales@funeraltimes.com

Classifieds .............................................................................................................................................80 Disclaimer: Readers are urged to support the magazine’s advertisers, but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any claims made or implied in the advertisements. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising. Opinions expressed in this magazine by contributing writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contributed for inclusion in this magazine but no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from the use of published articles. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent. Articles and photographs for inclusion are welcomed but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for their loss or damage however caused.

FuneralTimes | 3

4 | FuneralTimes

The curtain comes down on a great double act Declan Higgins reflects on the retirement of Galway funeral directors Kevin and Kathy Kyne The writer Stefan Emunds once said: ‘Time is an illusion, timing is an art’. And with that, a fifty year partnership of faithful service sadly came to an end when Kevin and Kathy Kyne informed their community in Moycullen, Co. Galway that they were retiring from the funeral business. That weekend, a page turned over on a large chapter of the history of the village of Moycullen.

I first came to know Kevin and Kathy in 2012 when I started with Conneely Funeral Directors in Galway. I was fortunate in that my seemingly unending apprenticeship (arguably still incomplete) meant that I got the opportunity to observe many funeral directors in their work. While I was virtually unknown within the business, Kevin and Kathy were renowned throughout the county, having run a supermarket in Moycullen for many years and having been solid pillars of their community throughout that time. Kevin also drove a bus that transported people with special needs to and from their homes and care centres; it was not just the bereaved that entrusted their loved ones into Kevin’s care.

Kevin and Kathy’s time as funeral directors spanned the transition from providers of vehicles and coffins and burial habits to a profession that now embodies the very essence of

Kevin and Kathy Kyne pictured in the garden of their home in Moycullen in April after the announcement of their retirement (picture courtesy of Seán Lydon) pastoral care. Of the people in their care, they would always have a little anecdote of how they played a part in the theatre that is life in small villages in Ireland; Moycullen is no different. They were, more often than not, looking after their friends and always managed to achieve that delicate balance between genuine empathy and utmost professionalism.

Anything less than optimal perfection would not pass beneath their attentive eyes. The smallest details were prioritised alongside the larger ones such as the church, the cemetery or crematorium, the coffin and the funeral notice. In my early days in Flood Street, I remember one

marginally creased shirt being hoisted from my hands by Kathy and taken to be ironed. When she carefully handed it back to me, I realised I had been given an incisive lesson: there is a marked difference between what will suffice and what is perfect.

The folding of the sheets of the coffin was a meticulous and delicate process, bordering on ceremonial in its reverence.

Everyone entrusted into their care was treated with the utmost dignity, the same level of dignity that would be afforded to a member of their own family; there is no higher standard than that.

The Kynes were often asked to look after the funeral FuneralTimes FuneralTimes | | 51

arrangements of people outside of Moycullen, which bears strong testament, if any were needed, to their reputation as funeral directors with the marque of distinction. They understand grief in a way that grief psychologists and sociologists never will, an understanding gleaned from years of standing discreetly by the side of bereft parents, sorrowing children and communities laboured with the pain of loss. Though they will no doubt see it differently, those they served by caring for their departed loved ones will be forever in their debt.

In many ways, their story is the story of Moycullen, occupying a place, as they did, for many years, in the heart of the village. They bore witness to the transformation of the village, the funeral business and life in Galway, all the while providing a constant of care and compassion.

The role of a funeral director has changed immeasurably over the past two decades, from the provision of a coffin or casket and hearse to that of a highly detail orientated events coordinator and confidant. My friend’s father passed away some years ago while I was working in the U.S. When I got back we talked for some time about what had happened and the funeral.

He described the Kynes not as ‘having done the funeral’, as would be the common parlance around these parts, rather he said, they ‘looked after us’. My friend’s comment remained with me for a long time.

Recently I was asked to arrange the funeral of a family member of my own. The death was sudden and unexpected.

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“The role of a funeral director has changed immeasurably over the past two decades, from the provision of a coffin or casket and hearse to that of a highly detail orientated events coordinator and confidant”.

We required some practical assistance, and without hesitation I called Kevin. Nothing was too much trouble, and he assisted and offered to assist in any way he could. I think I capture the views of funeral directors throughout Galway when I say, both he and Kathy were not just exceptional funeral directors in their own right, they were steadfast and valued colleagues too.

I am grateful now, as I know many others are, to have had the benefit of their advice, experience and wisdom. Their stories and anecdotes charted the change in the profession from the days of laying out in the home to modern embalming and RIP.ie. Kevin and Kathy are blessed with impeccable memory, able to recall with ease events from yesterday, yesteryear and decades ago and the fine details of the many funerals they looked after over the years.

The Galway Bay FM broadcaster Keith Finnegan regaled the people of Galway on his radio show with the story of his own father, George’s funeral in 2011. His father had planned his funeral meticulously, leaving several gratuity envelopes aside.

One of the envelopes was for the funeral directors, in this case

the Kynes. Some time after the funeral, Kevin went up to the Finnegan’s house to return the envelope: there was too much in it and it was to be offset against the account. This was but one of the many examples of integrity transcending all that they did in their years of service.

They move now to the next chapter of their lives. They are regulars on the dancing circuit, and they can now swing around the ballrooms without the possibility of a ‘first call’ coming in. I know they both will continue to be much sought after advisers and confidants to their community and to the funeral directors in Galway. The people of Moycullen and all those touched by and enfolded in their compassion and care in all the ways it was shown over the years are sad to see this day come.

But, in the words we have heard many times before: to everything there is a season. And for Kevin and Kathy, it is their time to enjoy what I know will be a fruitful retirement after five decades of faithful and unwavering service.

To them, our gratitude, and that of the many families they have served, will be enduring.

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IAFD News Note from president of Irish Association of Funeral Directors I

t is hard to believe it is May already, particularly in these strange and difficult times. The funeral directors of Ireland have had their most difficult few weeks during this global pandemic not seen for generations.

We have been tasked to help bereaved families in unknown times and hugely difficult circumstances. It is a constant battle as the situation is evolving week to week. So far, you have performed remarkably to continue the high standards expected of funeral directors and are doing yourselves proud.

It is most commendable that even in these challenging times and when funeral directors and their staff are risking their lives, we still try to come up with ways to serve bereaved families and to find ways to celebrate the deceasedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives with creative and respectful tributes. We continually try to focus on those grieving and having limited funeral services by adding other ways of honouring the deceased.

Although times are beginning to return to some sort of normality, this country, like others, still faces a huge battle against the virus going forward. We still have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our staff, the bereaved and the public. We cannot lose sight of that in the coming weeks and months. I urge everyone to keep complying with government guidelines to keep everyone safe.

IAFD will continue to communicate and liaise

with different government departments and offer all the advice we can until this pandemic is over. We are here for our members but will seek to assist non-members. We will always answer the questions we can and give advice that we feel is appropriate. It is imperative, as funeral directors, that we continue the good work we have been doing so far. Be safe out there and mind each other.

Yours sincerely, Robert Fanagan

Education

W

hile no official announcement has been made, the IAFD Board are monitoring the situation and considering all possibilities to run the Education Program commencing in

September 2020. A decision will be made shortly and members will be kept informed.

8 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News IAFD Covid19 Committee I

n March 2020 the IAFD Board recognised a dedicated team was required to assist the Board with how it should respond to COVID-19 pandemic. A committee of recent past presidents and others was formed to provide support to members and funeral directors across Ireland. The IAFD COVID-19 committee has worked tirelessly with Government, first responders, church leaders and media to ensure the voice of funeral service was heard at the highest level. President, Robert Fanagan, sits on the National Oversight Mortality Group and the National Covid-19 Bereavement Group, he has been instrumental in attaining recognition of funeral directors as key workers and arranging the supply of PPE to IAFD members.

Media interest was significant, and Colm Kieran delivered consistent key messages on behalf of the Association with the focus very much on compliance with HSE guidelines and reassuring

bereaved families. Public announcements containing important information relating to funeral services during the pandemic were placed with main media outlets alongside a joint Irish Association of Funeral Directors/National Association of Funeral Directors announcement in Belfast Telegraph.

Information flow to Members and NonMembers was extremely important and several versions of Frequently Asked Questions were issued along with guidance on how to manage a funeral business in these unprecedented times.

The above is only a small flavour of the work that has been carried out. We trust funeral directors have felt supported by the Association and that funeral service has been represented in a positive manner. On behalf of IAFD Board we would like to extend our thanks to the COVID-19 committee who gave their time freely and advice willingly.

Increased interest in IAFD Membership

T

he Irish Association of Funereal Directors has seen a significant increase in new members so far this year. Since January it has received 15 new membership applications, which is more than would usually be received in an entire year.

IAFD’s Membership Officer, Fintan Cooney says that he attributes the increase to three factors.

Firstly, IAFD’s profile and awareness has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association has been a leading voice for the funeral profession and featured prominently in national media over the past few months.

Secondly, now more than ever Funeral Directors are seeing the benefit of being a member of a national organisation, which is representing their interests and needs at the highest levels.

Thirdly, Funeral Directors are recognising the benefits of IAFD membership, which include professional indemnity insurance, a legal advisory service and an education programme among others. For an annual membership fee of just over €400/£360, this really does represent excellent value for Irish Funeral Directors.

For more information on how to become an IAFD member visit www.iafd.ie

FuneralTimes | 9

IAFD Contacts Robert Fanagan (President) Fanagans Willbrook Street, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 Ph: 01 4931000 Email: robert@fanagans.ie

Mary Cunniffe (PRO) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village Dublin 6W Mobile: 085 8010742 Ph: 01 4907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com

Donal Forde (First Vice President) Forde & Sons Funeral Home South Gate Bridge Cork Co. Cork Ph: 021 4318222 Email: fordes@indigo.ie

Fintan Cooney (Membership Officer) Fanagans 54 Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ph: 01 4167700 Email: fintanjen@gmail.com

Edwina Fitzgerald (Immediate Past President) Fitzgeralds Funeral Directors Channel Road Rush Co. Dublin Ph: 087 3512949 Email: edwinafitzgerald78@gmail.com Dara Gillespie (Hon. Secretary) Finlays Funeral Service Tierney Street Ardee Co. Louth Mobile: 086 7923472 Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com Niall Mulligan (Hon. Treasurer) Heffernanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Directors Trim Co. Meath Mobile: 086 8208501 Ph: 046 9438662 Email: heffernansfd@gmail.com 10 | FuneralTimes

Tom Lawless Lawless Funeral Directors Mucklagh, Tullamore Co. Offaly Ph: 057 9322622 Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie Dermot McCarthy McCarthyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork.

Ph: 029 56044 Email: dermot@mccarthyfuneraldirectors. com Niamh Sweeney John Sweeney and Sons Fairgreen Arklow Co Wicklow Ph: 0402 32333 Email: niamh@johnsweeneyandsons.ie

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NI humanist celebrants offer new ways of working in response to the coronavirus On 23 March 2020, the UK Government introduced new restrictions on social gatherings including stopping all social events except funerals. This announcement was followed by a recommendation that only immediate family should attend funerals.

W

hile burials are still taking place in Northern Ireland, with close family only and social distancing in place, Belfast City Council closed the chapel at Roselawn Crematorium to mourners, therefore cremations are being carried out with no one in attendance. Families unable to have a ceremony elsewhere at this time may have a deferred memorial ceremony or choose to have a ceremony online.

New ways of working In light of the new measures and restrictions, Humanist Ceremonies™ celebrants in Northern Ireland are offering planning meetings via telephone or video calls rather than meeting in person.

For anyone who needs to self-isolate while organising a memorial, our celebrants will make everything as easy as they possibly can, and there is no need to meet face-to-face.

Our celebrants will spend time needed getting to know a loved one’s life story, and will work with the family to draft a meaningful, fitting tribute.

14 | FuneralTimes

They can offer a choice of the following ways to hold ceremonies: 



Assistance with planning and preparing a memorial service to be held later in the year An online ceremony that people can join in real time.

Deferring a memorial ceremony A memorial ceremony allows people to come together

to grieve, remember, and celebrate a life lived.

When restrictions are lifted, such ceremonies can take place at a location of the family’s choosing - in the home, the town hall, a local pub, a garden, the local park, or even at the beach.

Humanist celebrants have a great deal of experience in conducting memorial services outdoors. In the event of the virus still being present in the population when the memorial service is held, then

in line with current guidance, holding a memorial ceremony outdoors could make it easier for mourners to avoid close contact.

Online ceremony An online ceremony offers the opportunity for everyone to participate from their own home. In the same way that we hold two minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; silence at the same time on Remembrance Day, there is something unifying in knowing that others are doing the same thing at exactly the same time as each other, but in their own homes. With some forward-

planning, symbolic acts such as everyone simultaneously lighting a candle can be incorporated into the remote memorial, and at the

appropriate time in the service, your celebrant can indicate this communal activity to everyone participating at home.

Find a celebrant To find your local Humanist Ceremonies celebrant, visit humanistceremonies.org.uk/find-a-funeral-celebrant. Or you can refer to the directory on the inside cover of this Funeral Times.

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Protecting the traditio funeral businesses in F

ormer owners of some of Northern Ireland’s longest established funeral directors are at the forefront of supporting their communities as families face the current lockdown restrictions and the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

During these unprecedented times, the continued involvement of respected, longserving Funeral Directors is equally invaluable to Funeral Partners, which acquired 18 funeral homes in late 2019, making them the leading funeral provider in Northern Ireland.

Funeral Partners encouraged former owners to remain at the helm of the businesses, including fourth generation Funeral Director Jon Baird at Bairds of Antrim and third generation Funeral Director James Brown at Belfast-based James Brown & Sons, who are providing invaluable support to the business continuity and integration process.

Other family members were persuaded to return to their former businesses as they became part of the high-quality Funeral Partners network. These include long-serving Funeral Director Ellison Sloan, who was married into the founder’s family, at Joseph Poots & Son in Portadown, and Peter Mulholland, who has returned in an ambassadorial role to Mulhollands Funeral Directors, with branches in Carrickfergus and Larne.

“

It is nice to be working with people who are willing to invest time and money in making sure the business serves families and supports the community.

18 | FuneralTimes

Beverley Brown At James Brown & Sons, which has now expanded to six branches including funeral homes in South Belfast and Dunmurry, James Brown’s daughter Beverley has also returned to the business in a community and business support role to help ensure a smooth transition.

Beverley is assisting the management and funeral teams to re-establish the outward looking community focus for which the businesses were held in high regard. During the COVID-19 pandemic there is an emphasis on providing appropriate support, wherever possible, in local communities.

Beverley said: “I really like the way that Funeral Partners place a lot of value on the experience of people who have been around funerals a long time.

“It is nice to be working with people who are willing to invest time and money in making sure the business serves families and supports the community.”

ns of long-established unprecedented times

Jon Baird Jon Baird is also excited about the future of his business with Funeral Partners. He has seen investment in new signage with major refurbishments planned. Jon explained: “My aim is to uphold the name above the door. Antrim is a small town, everybody knows everybody else and we have good relationships.

“As a former owner, you want to be freed up to spend more time supporting local families and less time on administration. Funeral Partners share our core values, they understand that the families we work with are the foundation of all funeral businesses. They understand that our

role is looking after the community and being part of the community.”

Regional Development Director Julian Hodgkinson explained: “Funeral Partners is committed to preserving the heritage of these respected businesses which have dedicated themselves to serving their communities for many, many years.

“We know their former owners and Funeral Directors have great pride in their businesses and have earned the trust and respect of generations of local families. As our teams and communities face the challenge of Covid-19, it has proved vital that we have been able to maintain that continuity and commitment.”

While some former business owners are seeking to retire or slow down, Funeral Partners is keen for them to keep in contact or become community ambassadors, perhaps conducting funerals when families ask for their involvement.

“

Funeral Partners share our core values, they understand that the families we work with are the foundation of all funeral businesses.

They understand that our role is looking after the community and being part of the community.

Funeral Partners is interested in further expansion in Northern Ireland and would be happy to have an informal and confidential chat with any Funeral Directors who are considering selling their businesses. Contact Chief Executive Officer Sam Kershaw, directly on 07834 531822 or email: sam.kershaw@funeralpartners.co.uk or Acquisition & Mergers Director Steve Wilkinson on 07528 970 531 or email: steve.wilkinson@funeralpartners.co.uk FuneralTimes | 19

Protective Divisions from Duffy Coachbodies Offer the Opportunity to Safely Resume Limousine Operation.

Ready to fit Mercedes Limousine divisions are now available to purchase from Duffy Coachbodies.

For weeks Duffy Coachbodies have been working on the development of a retrofit division kit for Mercedes Limousines, all while offering the highest level of safety and separation between the driver and passenger compartments, ensuring Funeral Directors can return to offering limousine services safely.

Managing Director Gerard Duffy set the project in motion when discussing the effects of Covid-19 on the funeral service and the impact of the apparent reduced service available to be offered by funeral directors to their clients.

The first prototype system was developed on the latest model Mercedes E-Class 213 Series Limousine. The aims were to create a solution which would look as if

it was always part of the original Mercedes Limousine, this involved shaping the division to match the contours of the E-Class interior while maintaining the same quality of finish as the original limousine.

When speaking to Funeral Directors about the project it became apparent it would be important to allow for removal of the division at a later date should it no longer be required. Duffy Coachbodies

made careful consideration into the fixing strategy to ensure that the division could be reliably secured into place with no lasting damage created should the division be removed from the vehicle at a later date.

This has taken the form of a lower composite panel trimmed in matching leather combined with a shatterproof polycarbonate upper screen.

Functionality was of utmost importance, with the aim to create complete separation of the driver and passenger compartments, while maximising legroom for both the driver and passengers. This was achieved with a continuous rubber seal across the floor of the vehicle running into the center console, original draft excluder seals were utilised along the vertical edges of the panelling and polycarbonate, with a further rubber seal added across the top portion to seal against the headlining and/or glass roof.

20 | FuneralTimes

Believed to be a first in the coachbuilding industry, fresh air from the air conditioning system is taken directly from outside the vehicle to the rear compartment through extended 3D printed air ducts.

Control of the central air ducts is maintained and can be adjusted by passengers for their comfort. This provides further reassurance that there is no unnecessary mixing of air between the two compartments.

The aim was to design and manufacture the division to a standard in keeping with the rest of the limousine and fitted by a semi-skilled person in less than two hours without any damage to the underlying limousine should the customer opt to take it out at a later date. For Irish based customers Duffy Coachbodies are pleased to offer the fitting service on site at their Factory based in Dundalk, for UK customers instructions will be provided for the funeral director to fit the division themselves or to use the services of their preferred garage or body shop for expected fitment in less than 2 hours. Duffy Coachbodeies will liaise directly to provide any support required.

Currently options of the division are available to fit the current model E-Class 213 series limousines and the previous model 212 series.

A variant for the 211 series is under development and will be available shortly. These divisions are available for all Mercedes Limousines not only those built by Duffy, but those built by Binz & Colman Milne.

The divisions are priced at ÂŁ1,200 plus VAT & delivery.

Visit www.duffycoachbodies. com for more information or contact Duffy Coachbodies directly by calling: 00 353 429334312 or email: info@duffycoachbodies.com

FuneralTimes | 21

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Funeral Times Trade Show 2020 Postponed

F

uneral Times Trade Show 2020 has, like many other planned events, fallen victim to the COVID19 pandemic.

The National Show Centre, Swords, Dublin has been taken over as a testing centre by the Health Service Executive and as such are unable to guarantee availability of the venue. The National Show Centre has been forced to cancel all booking for the foreseeable future.

Funeral Times will stay in touch with the National Show Centre as things progress and try to book the first suitable date.

We have been in contact with stand holders and everyone understands the situation, however both exhibitors and Funeral Times are keen to get business moving again when it is safe to do so and look forward to welcoming Irish funeral directors to the trade show as soon as possible.

NATIONAL SHOW CENTRE Stockhole Lane, Cloghran, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Tallon Mortuary y Specialists Professional, Confidential and Caring Services

School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification at your own pace • The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists Sch School hooll of Embalming’ offers students and reg registered giste ered d embalmers the highest standards off so teaching and practice in a supportive ortiv ve environment, with full use of ourr training facility.

• We offer both Distance Learning g and attended courses.

For further information and to discuss how this course might work for you please contact us:

Glyn Tallon - 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: 086 826 8876 / Fax: 046 903 6001 Web: www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com Email: info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com FuneralTimes | 23

New Delivery - Fearghas Quinn

Patrick McHugh, Strokestown, Roscommon, receives his new 3 door Insignia hearse from Fearghas at Quinn Hearse & Limousine

CIVIL FUNERAL CEREMONIES Padraic Cawley MICF Civil Funeral Celebrant

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24 | FuneralTimes

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FuneralTimes | |251 FuneralTimes l

BIE News BIE News Ireland Division Hi all, Well, after such a great turn out and such an interesting and educational first meeting of the year, who would have guessed what was going to happen next.

We had such an event packed year planned for the division and the response to being able to view an autopsy was huge. Unfortunately, Covid - 19 stopped us in our tracks, but this is only temporary. We may have to reinvent the way we achieve things as a division, we may have to look at holding meetings in a different manner, but positive and active thinking will get us there. All the plans, guest speakers and educational clinics will go ahead soon and we are looking forward to growing the division in the very near future. It was so encouraging to see so many members and students attend our last meeting with such positive attitudes. A big congratulations also to those who received their membership certificates, we know you will do the division proud. The Division’s “Sheila Dicks Cup” for highest practical mark had joint winners this year. Congratulations to Aoife McGuill and Jenny Tighe.

On a final note I think every Funeral Director and Embalmer in the country should be extremely proud. This pandemic is something we had to work with, dealing with families and situations that may have been way out of our comfort zones. Hats off to each and every one of you for still giving all these families the dignity, comfort and respect they deserve, and for giving it with such professionalism. We have an industry to be proud of. Stay safe people and take care of each other.

Thank You. Cyril Gantley

BIE Irish Chairman

26 | FuneralTimes

Aoife McGuill

Robert Fehily

Aoife McGuill

Ruth Quane

Jenny Tighe (received cup from Ann Shepherd)

Anna O’Reilly (receiving flowers)

Aoife & Jenny (joint recipient’s of the Sheila Dick’s cup) FuneralTimes | 27

List of BIE Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2020 National President: Bobby Hopkin-Hoggarth MBIE Imm. Past President: Dr Phil Gore MBIE 1st Vice President: Dianne Hughes National PRO & National General Secretary: Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01332 349035(BIE) Mobile: 07786 432014 E: karencaney@btopenworld. com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle FBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 E: michael@silsloe.wanadoo. co.uk Editor: Gwen Schofield FBIE 9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100 E: gwen.schofield@ntlworld. com Master Fellow: David Kaye FBIE Student Liaison Officer: David Coster MBIE

IRISH DIVISION Chairman: Cyril Gantley MBIE 336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile: 085 7671582 E: cyril.gantley@mortuaryscience.ie Secretary: Susan Moran 20 Cedarwood Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Mobile: 086 0619500 E: susan.moran@mortuaryscience.ie National Council Rep: Pamela Murphy MBIE 14 Parknasillogue Court, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Mobile: 085 7415421 2nd National Council Rep and Treasurer: John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co.Cork Mobile: 087 6390087 E: jmhawe@eircom.net NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION Chairman Pat Harley, MBIE 67 Creggan Road, L’derry BT48 9DA Tel: 07712 899137 E: pat.harley@hotmail.co.uk Vice Chairman: Mrs N Taggart, MBIE 11 Alderley Crescent, Newtownabbey BT36 7WY

Tel: 07917 220073 E: nikkiknockaning@aol.com 1st National Council Representative: Laurence O’Neill MBIE 98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast BT11 9JP Tel: 028 9062 0099 E: oneill8210@hotmail.com 2nd National Council Representative: Ellison Sloan MBIE Tel: 028 3833 6175 Treasurer: Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Tel: 028 2766 2265 E: andrew@mcmullanfunerals. com Secretary: Liam Edwin Boyle, MBIE S. Clarke and Son Funeral Directors 12 Court Square, Newtownards, Co. Down BT23 7YN Tel: 07713 575501 E: liamboyle15@hotmail.co.uk 1st Educational Committee Representative: Stephen Shields MBIE James Brown & Sons 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9045 1021 E: jamesbrown.belfast@ funeralpartners.com Student Liaison Officer Charlie Poots MBIE

Our Crematorium, Facilities and Remembrance Garden are available 7 days a week to accommodate Families and Funeral Directors (no weekend surcharge) Memorial Keepsakes

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FuneralTimes | 29

The highly anticipated new 3-door Insignia hearse Combining stylish design with modern practicality, this fresh offering from Quinn Hearse & Limousine packs a big punch for a 3-door model.

The new Insignia 3-door follows in the footsteps of its larger counterpart, echoing the smooth bodylines, unique design and high build quality that is known as standard at Quinn’s.

Deceptively spacious, the Insignia boasts a full 8’ 4” deck – even with the seats fully extendedmeaning the funeral director can enjoy the comfort of the large cabin regardless of the size of coffin or casket.

The Insignia offers a range of convenience and safety features such as lane departure detection, parking sensors, reversing camera, smart phone projection and wireless phone charging.

Built to order, with a choice of deck finish,

30 | FuneralTimes

custom interior lighting and storage options, this vehicle can be moulded to the needs of the individual. Also available to order with Vauxhall, Opel, American Buick or Australian Holden exterior, the Insignia is as versatile as it is efficient.

Prices start at £59,995 stg (subject to VAT).

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FuneralTimes | 31

Ian Hazel Funeral Directors, Sutton Coldfield took delivery of their latest ambulance at just the right time. “McAllister Coachbuilders worked very hard in getting our new Ford Transit Custom based ambulance registered and delivered to us on Good Friday, despite Evans Halshaw, the Ford dealership, being on lockdown.”

“The timely and personal delivery of our new Ford Transit Custom based Ambulance ,

by Gerry McAllister himself on Good Friday enabled us to have an extra ambulance available over the busy Easter Holiday period .”

“We are a very Eco Friendly company and with this in mind were very pleased to take delivery of the first Ford PHEV Transit Custom based ambulance, enabling us to do all our local work running purely on electric power.”

“This State of the Art ambulance provides a very high specification at very competitive prices”

“Having specified an ADR Anti-Bacterial Lining Kit was the best decision we could have made, not knowing at that time we would be dealing with Covid-19 infectious cases.”

“This McAllister Ambulance conversion on the latest Ford Transit Custom PEHV has come at the perfect time, as it was ordered to replace our existing second Ambulance, but due to the current circumstances we find ourselves in, we have a need of all three ambulances presently.”

“This vehicle represents the latest top of the range specifications with high quality engineering all at very competitive prices.”

McAllister Coachbuilders

Ian Hazel Funeral Directors, Sutton Coldfield 32 | FuneralTimes

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Funeral Supplies Donegal Ltd. Leghowney Donegal Town Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: +353(0)74 9723715 Fax: +353 (0)74 9723742 Mobile: +353 (0)87 2376169 www.funeralsupplies.ie FuneralTimes | 33 info@funeralsupplies.ie

How Greyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Templemore adjusted to Covid 19

Greyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Home, Templemore

C

ovid 19 or the corona virus arrived on our doorstep and the advice on how to handle every aspect of it as far as a funeral director was concerned, arrived as fast. Constantly conflicting and sometimes frightening accounts of what happened in other countries and what could happen here, and how to prepare for the worst scenario, very quickly became an everyday event. So much so 34 | FuneralTimes

that it was hard to know what was factual and what was not, especially as the information very often came from what we considered informed and reliable and educated sources, people we believed were educated to handle such a situation, that would give us good advice on how to prepare and survive during something we had never seen or experienced. We took all advice on board, even though

it was painful to listen to some of it, we listened and had our own meeting and decided to keep up the professional standards offered by us to families who trusted us over the years and I believe this was one of the proudest moments I have ever had in my career.

Backed 100% by my Wife and staff, we then put what resources we had into place in order to deal with this new challenge, Covid 19.

The investment in our premises was to prove to be the number one asset in our corner, something I have believed in since the first day I walked into my friend David McGowan’s funeral home almost 30 years ago. David installed in me a belief that the funeral home was your number one asset and money invested in it was never wasted, so when I built my funeral home in 1996, it became a life long ambition to have it up to a very high standard inside and out, something that now stood no end to help us in this new challenge. This would indeed prove to be our number one asset. The complete and dedicated commitment of everyone who works here was every bit as essential, and together we set out a plan that has carried us through.

The investment in the funeral home included state of the art embalming facilities and equipment which gave us confidence to be able to work in a safe environment.

Another investment was a scholarship I won which enabled me to study and receive a masters degree in restorative art, in Liege University.

The year I spent here concentrated very much on embalming highly infectious cases, something I couldn’t have foreseen then, that would stand so much to me now.

This knowledge was invaluable and along with some serious infectious case handling qualifications also received by my fellow embalmer, we were fully equipped to provide no change in the professional embalming service offered

by Grey’s, something which defines our funeral home service.

The funeral home has over 100 parking spaces and is over 6000 square feet inside, something I thought would initially be a hindrance, very soon became an absolute blessing, despite falling numbers in attendance at funerals we were very quickly and easily able to offer social distancing by having a minimum of 5 feet distance between people at any one time while visiting the funeral home. Our two state rooms became a very important part of our service and when the numbers attending funeral were reduced, we still had so much room to ensure all guidelines were adhered to at all times, but still allowing our families as much visitation time as they required.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET Another investment which proved invaluable was a fast internet service in our funeral home and a very good web site which was developed over the years. A serious boost to this was our Manager Thomas Bourke, who proved invaluable and his knowledge of everything technical was to shine and provide families with unreal live streaming, which enabled them to have their complete funeral service under our roof, offering a serious and very dignified funeral service without leaving our funeral home until interment was to take place.

Complete, dignified and very respectful services took place in our funeral home and I must personally thank all the Clergy

who so kindly officiated at these services, making them so special to grieving families.

Thomas developed our online condolence book, which we could then email to families and they could share without printing, yet another help to the environment while improving our service.

I believe we took the right approach, improving our service and developing to a new world which we all have to face and get used to. We believe there was enough disruption to life and death without us adding to a families grief and refusing to offer the professional service we have become respected for. We had no choice but to adjust and change a little, but I believe in holding on to the values which made us what we are, showing respect for both the deceased and bereaved. Our investment in our knowledge, skills and premises helped us to keep up and improve our standards, something I have always believed were more important that funeral vehicles and will be remembered long after a number plate digits are forgotten.

The number one asset of course was my fellow workers who decided from day one to provide all services in a dignified and professional manner, from first contact from a family, to final interment, everyone worked to ensure all standards were maintained at all times, something I am very grateful for. We improved every aspect instead of cutting back, sticking to our original motto “dedicated to those we are privileged to serve”.

FuneralTimes | 35

New Delivery - Pierce Coachbuilders

Joe Shannon collecting a hearse for Thompsons Funeral Home of Limerick from Pierce Coachbuilders

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Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

Mini Stroke, Massive Warning – How you can others.

NI help Chestyourself Heart &and Stroke still supporting

chest, heart and stroke survivors

Consultant Stroke Physician, Dr Brian Gallen, sits on Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s Board of Governors and believes many of the patients he works with had aAt TIA before their fullIreland stroke, Northern often without realising.

Stroke and Carers Support Groups: providing the chance to take part in activities to build confidence and increase independence with people in we similar situations.

Chest, Heart and Stroke are still here for the over 330,000 local people PREP & Taking Control Programmes: helping to rebuild “I regularly seewith patientschest who have living heart and stroke conditions, who lives and confidence. had a Transient Ischaemic Attack are more vulnerable (TIA) or mini-stroke, before their full to COVID- 19.

Prevention: individual health stroke. Some have been diagnosed advice and public health awareness but often when I am assessing Aisleen Hamill,campaigns. e recognise the current situation and treating them, they willthat tell me NICHS Care about other recent symptoms, is having a huge impact on the lives of Coordinator onResearch: a funding ground– which in retrospect I believe were those living with these conditions, including support call tobreaking one local research which signs of a TIA. the thousands who depend on our services, changes lives. of the thousands “Every dayare I see the having devastation who now to self-isolate and protect of people with How your donations support our that stroke causes.against I see patients chest, heart and themselves the virus. Protecting the work. who have a life of disability ahead stroke conditions Dr Brian Gallen, Consultant health of ourand service users top priority £10 – Will provide 25 crucial ‘Life of them, partners families whois our who are living Stroke Physician.

After Stroke’ information booklets, become overnight, andso ofin the current crisis. and carers it continues to be ‘shielded’ lives.to help stroke survivors rebuild course the grief of those whose In light of this, and in line with the government their lives. loved ones did not survive. that if someone gets treatment calls their and plan to continue this service for the guidance that has prevented usfor from running a TIA, through a TIA clinic, £17crisis – Pays visit core from aofStroke “There many ways prevent a risk a fullbegun stroke is reduced.

A TIA duration of the – for it isa the what our ourare usual face totoface services, weof have Family Support Co-ordinator in the stroke happening in the first place is a warning sign that cannot be charity is about. operating a telephone support service, providing aftermath of a stroke. and a good place to start is by ignored.”

Our staff are currently working tirelessly from essential advice and emotional recognising theguidance, body’s own warning £25 – Paysour for one person to mechanism, There’s a NICHS has recently launched an their homes to ensure services continue supportthe to TIA. local people. attend a PREP scheme for a week. leaflet enclosed with this pack awareness campaign to highlight and it is important that people know we are still that the people normally whichWe listsknow the warning signs to lookwho what you need to know about mini here for and– that we care. attend our services are very worried atFor this Will enable up to 5 people out for. strokes. more information onthem,£50 to attend Stroke ‘Mini We encourage peopleNICHS’s to readweekly the COVID-19 time and have reorganised our the staff to Stroke, ensureMassive Warning’ Activity Groups.

“A TIA has the same symptoms and campaign visit www.nichs.org.uk/ information for people living with chest, heart that receive support causes asour a fullservice stroke. users But during a ongoing ministroke and stroke conditions that available ona £100 – Will payisfor 4 hours of TIA the body breaks downcalls the clot with regular phone that answer basic researcher’s time, to carry before lasting damage haslink been our website atclinical www.nichs.org.uk/COVID19. health queries and people to other local out research into the diagnosis done to the brain.

Our clients can continue toofcontact theirand services and support during this coronavirus and treatment chest, heart stroke illnesses.

“Butoutbreak. when you are experiencing local NICHS Care Co-ordinator or phone our Although it is vital that the vulnerable the symptoms, you don’t know if 1 in 10 people who a mini switchboard on 028 9032 adopt ‘shielded’ lives to protect themselves by have they will go away or not, so you need stroke will suffer a full stroke 0184 for advice and ongoing isolating to apeople to call 999. at home, it must not lead within week. support during these feeling left alone. We are committed to “The statistics say it all – 1 in 10 How NICHSand can help: challenging times. providing ongoing support to our clients people who have a TIA go on to Stroke Family Support: helping Nobody should feel alone community.

To days havethe a fullwider strokechest, within heart a week.and stroke families in the difficult However recent hasover shown stroke. right now. dateawe havestudy made 8,000following supportaphone

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09/05/2018 FuneralTimes | 37

20:57

Join the association thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading the way.

Representing and promoting the interests of 850 independent funeral directors.

SAIF is at the forefront of tackling the big industry issues that matter to you.

As the united voice of independent funeral directors we have led the way in setting the highest standards of professionalism and conduct within the industry. By joining SAIF you too can demonstrate that you uphold this same commitment.

For over 25 years SAIF has been promoting and protecting the interests and values of independent funeral directors. Supporting our members is at the heart of everything we do, listening, responding and engaging to secure your independent future.

Join SAIF now: visit saif.org.uk or call us on 0345 230 6777 or 01279 726 777

38 | FuneralTimes

Saif News Saif News SAIF Associated Services Please remember that SAIF provides a range of resources and support for it’s members that include not only assisting the staff of member firms but also their clients, especially due to the current Coronavirus pandemic. These can be found on the COVID-19 page on the secure members website but also find below as a reminder: SAIFSupport (for member’s staff) Tel: 0800 077 8578 Email: help@saifsupport.co.uk SAIFCare (for member’s clients) Tel: 0800 917 7224 Email: help@saifcare.org.uk Online chat box on saif.org.uk & funeraladvice.org.uk SAIF Repatriation Helpline (members only) Tel: 0800 311 2177 SAIFInsure (insurance for funeral directors): Tel: 0203 603 4194 Funeraladvice.org https://www.funeraladvice. org/ A guide for the public in understanding the funeral process.

SAIF are continuing to send out briefing updates by email and if you are a SAIF member and are not receiving these please either email info@saif. org.uk or call 0345 230 6777 with the required contact details.

SAIF are also providing regular webinars to support our members – to register please either check the briefings or visit the events page on the SAIF website https://saif.org.uk/events/ If you have missed any of the updates or missed previous webinars these can be located on the COVID-19 page in the members secure area.

Video Meetings Due to the coronavirus, changes have occurred in how meetings are now taking place by using third party conferencing facilities, such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft teams.

To ensure that embarrassing situations do not

occur it is advisable to set basic rules. Below are some suggestions that could be adopted.

• don’t record any discussions without permission • where possible, make video calls from a quiet, clutter-free location, • dress appropriately (many people forget this!)

• advise other attendees at the start of the meeting about possible interruptions (if appropriate) • turn mobile phones off, or switch them to silent • avoid sitting in locations with a source of bright light behind you as it reduces image quality • use a headset if possible • if any conversations take place in side chat panels, make sure they are professional at all times (these conversations can be accessed and seen by others in some platforms) • set a specific time and duration for the meeting.

• try to keep meetings as short as possible – if the meeting needs to go on for a period of time, schedule in breaks Several participants Where there are several participants in an online meeting: • assign an overall host or facilitator • produce a brief agenda or points to be discussed in advance • in group calls, switch your microphone off when not speaking (this avoids unnecessary interference and feedback) • decide who will speak and when, e.g. in a set order or as they have something to say.

FuneralTimes | 39

Professionals Don’t Grieve, Do They?

By Dr Bill Webster I could hardly believe my ears!

I attended the funeral service of the wife of a funeral director I have known and respected for many years. It was, as you would expect, a beautiful tribute and an expertly conducted ceremony. My friend directed the service with grace and dignity that rose above the grief we all knew he was experiencing in the loss of someone he greatly loved and who would be terribly missed.

Afterwards I commended him on how well the service had gone and he bravely and very professionally thanked me as we shared a few words. But as I stood among the large crowd in attendance, I overheard something that shocked me.

“Well,” someone was saying, “he’s really handling this so well. But there again, he’s a funeral director, right, so he’s used to it.”

There seems to be a perception “out there” that funeral professionals, first responders, police and fire officers, doctors and medical people, and others who “see this all the time” are somehow going to maintain professional composure and deal with personal situations with the same resources as they handle their professional responsibilities.

So, how’s that working for you?

Some weeks later, as I sat at lunch with my friend, it was obvious that it wasn’t working and he was struggling through, as he described it, “that dark place”. And I could relate, because after the death of my son, the reaction of many was because I was a grief counselor and understood the theory, I would be better equipped to deal with my personal grief and just get on.

Why does this perception exist? I think there are several reasons: 40 | FuneralTimes

1. People are impressed when, in some of the most difficult moments of their lives, they can count on someone to “take charge”, to “pull things together” when they are falling apart.

We could give countless illustrations of how this opinion could be formed in situations involving those trained to respond with strength and objectivity as they assist people at critical times. That, after all, is their job.

So when tragedy or crisis personally affects that professional, the perception is they will respond with similar fortitude as they do in their job. Obviously, it should go without saying that this is a myth, and I hardly need explain why.

But as we try to understand WHY people buy into it, I suggest they might feel threatened when someone who has always shown strength and composure seemingly “loses it”, wondering what hope is there for them if a professional falls apart?

Most people would rather not go there!

2. But flip the coin! I suggest that we as professionals are affected by the same myth.

Experience has taught us how to maintain our composure and objectivity while at the same time showing empathetic understanding for our clients.

“Well,” someone was saying, “he’s really handling this so well. But there again, he’s a funeral director, right, so he’s used to it.”

After all, this is not about US, it is about THEM. But that is just the point.

When a personal loss occurs, it IS about us.

But perhaps we quickly dismiss it as nothing to worry about, thinking to ourselves, “I’ve dealt with this stuff before.”

If I have learned one thing in this past year it is this. Being an expert in grief, crisis or tragedy does not prepare you for when it happens to you. It is one thing to know it in theory, but it is quite another to experience it.

Most of us understand the difference between Grief and Mourning. Grief is how we FEEL after a loss; mourning is how we EXPRESS those feelings. And there in a nutshell is the problem.

After any significant loss, someone can feel like their heart is breaking, but when people ask us how we are, we say “I’m doing fine”.

So the dilemma is “Where does the bereaved FD, or grief counselor, or other professionals go to express their grief?” are reluctant to go to colleagues, because we have an investment in appearing to be “doing well”. Besides, we rationalize, what can they tell us that we don’t know already, and that may be so!

So what can you do if you are concerned

about a grieving colleague? Keep it simple.

They probably appreciate friendship more than “counsel”.

Take them to lunch. Sit face to face and ask them whether they would like talk about their experience. Reassure then that it is OK not to be OK. Call every now and then to let them know you are thinking about them. Be there for them especially on those difficult days, personally or professionally. Make specific offers of support rather than generalities like “If there’s anything I can do.”

Above all, LISTEN. Don’t dispense advice.

Remind yourself, as William Shakespeare wrote, “Everyone can master a grief that is not his own.”

So the dilemma is “Where does the bereaved FD, or grief counselor, or other professionals go to express their grief?”

First you hurt, then you heal Dr. Bill Webster understands grief not just in theory, but also from personal experience. In his book, “First you Hurt, Then you Heal”, Dr. Bill outlines a road map for the grief journey in a series of articles that take us through the process .

He begins with a chapter entitled “I Didn’t Plan for This” that gives people an understanding of what they may experience in the early days after a loss. The book then goes on to give us an understanding of grief, some insights into various situations of loss, and some strategies to help us work through the process.

This book will be a helpful resource for those who are going through a grief process as well as containing much relevant and practical information for those who would like to know what they can say and how they can help someone who has experienced a significant loss. It will also serve as a basic knowledge and layman’s guide for those in the helping professions such as nurses, teachers, funeral directors and those who seek to support grieving people, young and old, through their work. “First you Hurt, Then you Heal” provides practical, down to earth and effective insight into one of the most difficult topics and most misunderstood experiences of life.

First you Hurt, Then you Heal: A Road Map for the Grief Journey (Kindle Edition) is avaialble to buy on Amazon.

FuneralTimes | 41

Body Storage Cabinet & Temporary Body Storage

3 ply Surgical Mask 50 pack

PP2 Respirator Masks 50 pack

50ml Disinfectant Hand Sanitiser Bottles Mazwell (Dodge) 5lt Concentrate Disinfectant: Dilution rate 75 parts water to 1 part concentrate

High Quality U-Zip Body Bags

Foaming Disinfectant Hand Rub

Full face visors 10 pack Black Nitrile Gloves (All sizes)

Representing the needs of almost 4,000 funeral homes, the National Association of Funeral Directors is the “Voice of the Funeral Profession”, supporting members and assuring the public of high standards for more than 100 years.

The NAFD is influential • Consulted by Government on legislative issues • First call for the media on funeral / bereavement issues • Established cross party groups in all four UK Parliaments / Assemblies • Universally endorsed professional qualifications

The NAFD is inclusive • We are financially independent of any other organisation • We campaign on issues affecting all members equally • Members range from small independent firms to groups and Co-operatives • We are totally democratic with one member, one vote - irrespective of the number of funeral homes

The NAFD is supportive • Best benefits package within the sector, saving up to £5,000 a year on essential business costs • Free helplines for financial, legal and employment law, HR, public relations and repatriation issues • Free £5m professional indemnity insurance per UK funeral home member - unique within the sector • Free insurance against tribunal claims, H&S and tax prosecutions

The NAFD is trusted • NAFD members are trusted by consumers to deliver our Funeral Promise: • A funeral that is a fitting farewell, at a price they are comfortable with • Treating bereaved families with respect and acting with integrity • Fulfilling any special wishes and requests • The right to independent redress if the need should arise

Your business will be Stronger by Association with the NAFD. Apply to join today and start taking advantage of the benefits of membership.

Call: Su Lewis on 0121 711 1343 ext. 20.

Visit: www.nafd.org.uk/whyjointhenafd 44 | FuneralTimes

NAFD News NAFD commissions mortality rate modelling to help firms prepare In early May, the National Association of Funeral Directors commissioned the consultancy Europe Economics to produce scenario models that show what the future path of the UK mortality rate might look like to September 2020, especially as lockdown is lifted.

The results suggest that, even if the government is successful in controlling the spread of coronavirus at a national level, postlockdown, some regions of the UK could be in for a significant second peak of deaths, from all causes, and that second peak could be higher if lock down is lifted less successfully.

With funeral directors under significant and sustained pressure, the NAFD has been pressing Government on a weekly basis for the modelling data upon which it is basing its strategy for COVID-19 to support future planning. With no information being provided, the research was therefore commissioned to provide funeral directors with some idea of what could come next, to allow them to plan effectively under various scenarios following a lifting of lockdown.

The scenarios model potential deaths from all causes, not just COVID-19 and are based on bringing together published, respected data, including: • Two scientific views of the Infection Fatality Rate, one promoted by Oxford University, the Swedish government and Stanford University and the other promoted by Imperial College London and others.

• Scientific analysis of the reproduction rate in different regions of the UK during the lockdown.

• ONS (and equivalent) weekly deaths data from the four nations of the UK. • A range of other known and published information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

It should be noted that the data provides only an approximate indication of the range within which deaths in each area of the UK lie, under a set of plausible scenarios reflecting the very considerable scientific and policy uncertainty at this time. The models use epidemiological and other scientific assumptions drawn from the current literature, but do not endorse any specific conclusions, given the very considerable scientific debate there is about many aspects of these matters at present.

Commenting on the findings, Andrew Lilico (leader of the Europe Economics team) said: “The current situation includes great uncertainty regarding both how things are now (e.g. the infection fatality rate of COVID-19 and how many people have already been infected) and how things might evolve in the future (especially regarding the reproduction rate postlockdown and what will happen to non-COVID deaths).

“Although a number of overall figures for expected final fatalities from COVID-19 are discussed in the press, that is of limited value to funeral directors who need to understand how many deaths there might be in their regions at particular dates, and about deaths from causes other than COVID-19. We hope that the models we have produced, though they cover a range of possibilities reflecting current uncertainties, will assist funeral directors in making their business decisions and in providing the best service to bereaved people over the next few months.”

Jon Levett, Chief Executive of the NAFD, added: “What is striking about the modelling is that, based upon the most cautious model of how many Britons have already become infected, different parts of the UK and different regions FuneralTimes FuneralTimes| |451

within England would see significant second peaks with even a successful lifting of the lockdown - most notably Scotland*, Wales, and the North East & Yorkshire.

“If lockdown is lifted less successfully, the impact is even more striking, with the potential for those regions to see a second peak that is actually higher than the first. The North West, South West would also be significantly affected by a less than successful lifting of lockdown, while London, the East of England, Midlands and Northern Ireland are predicted to have a far lower impact.

“This suggests that, until such time as we know which of the two models is prevailing, funeral directors in many parts of the UK need to prepare themselves for a significant potential second peak in the death rate – should the government’s easing of lock down measures not go as well as they are hoping. It is a further indication of just how volatile the situation remains and the importance of working together to get this right as a nation, be that as individuals, as organisations or as governments.”

“Given the funeral sector’s central role in responding to the pandemic and the importance of having a robust funeral profession at this very difficult time, this also highlights the importance of the ongoing dialogue between the sector and Government about the potential support

“If lockdown is lifted less successfully, the impact is even more striking, with the potential for those regions to see a second peak that is actually higher than the first.

246| FuneralTimes | FuneralTimes

that might be needed by funeral firms, in the short and long term. What is needed will vary from firm to firm and government support can take many forms. To date, the NAFD has focused on issues that will be helpful for all firms, including to interest free loans (which was subsequently granted through the introduction of Bounce Back loans, improvements to the typical 10-week wait for approval of Funeral Expenses Payments by the Department for Work & Pensions and a VAT freeze on PPE – which was announced last week.”

The intention is to update these models regularly, as new inputs are available - such as the details of how lock down will be lifted in different parts of the UK, the experience of lifting lock down in other countries, progress towards effective therapeutic treatments etc.

Andrew Lilico, who has led the Europe Economics team for this project, is one of Europe’s top economists and the holder of a PhD in Game theory – the study of mathematical models of strategic interaction among rational decision-makers. He is a regular commentator on BBC television and radio, and on Sky, Bloomberg and CNBC Europe. His firm, Europe Economics, is also providing the NAFD with analysis of the economic impact of COVID-19 on the funeral profession in the short and long term. *Scotland mortality data is gathered slightly differently and therefore there is a greater level of uncertainty around the precise accuracy of these findings – although they do indicate risk significant enough to suggest funeral directors should plan for its likelihood.

NAFD presses Government to introduce Crisis Funeral Loan The National Association of Funeral Directors is urging the Government to introduce a Crisis Funeral Loan to assist thousands of bereaved people having to unexpectedly pay for a funeral.

With funerals having increased around 30% since the COVID-19 pandemic began and given its economic impact, with unemployment rising sharply, there are now more people struggling with their finances, including the cost of one or in some case two funerals.

This puts increased burden and mental strain on bereaved people at an already very difficult time. The Crisis Funeral Loan would help alleviate that, while also ensuring that the Government does not suffer financially in the long term.

Jon Levett, Chief Executive of the National Association of Funeral Directors, the profession’s largest trade body, said: “It is a desperately hard time for those losing loved ones during this pandemic, and worrying about being able to pay for a funeral, and in some cases two, can heap worry onto people at a time when they are already grieving.

“A simple loan, payable back over 12 or 24 months, would take so much of that stress away.

“The Government has sought to help people through these difficult times, and the introduction of the Crisis Funeral Loan would show a proactive and compassionate approach and be a huge help to the bereaved.”

A background research document stating the case for the Crisis Funeral Loan has been written

by Alison Crake, past NAFD president and senior partner at Crake and Mallon Funeral Service. It is available to download from the NAFD website, along with her letter to the Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister.

The NAFD has proposed to the Government that the loan can be administered through two existing mechanisms, the Bounceback Loan and Child Funeral Fund.

Mr Levett said: “By proposing existing mechanisms, hopefully it removes levels of

structure and administration that will help the Government, which has always stressed that it is keen to help bereaved people.”

The NAFD works hard to ensure the profession is recognised for its role and supported by Government.

Given the funeral sector’s central role in responding to the pandemic and the importance of having a robust funeral profession at this very difficult time, the NAFD has been in discussions with Government on other topics too, throughout the pandemic, to seek practical support for the sector on key issues. Among the NAFD’s requests were for access to interest free loans (which was subsequently granted through the introduction of Bounce Back loans), improvements to the typical 10-week wait for approval of Funeral Expenses Payments by the Department for Work & Pensions and a VAT freeze on Personal Protective Equipment – which was announced at the start of May. In addition to representing funeral directors in meetings with a wide range of government departments, the NAFD also continues to ensure that it takes up all opportunities to highlight the work of funeral directors as key workers to the public. Facebook posts asking the public to include funeral workers in their thoughts each Thursday have now reached a collective total of more than a quarter of a million people – with Twitter posts on the same theme reaching a further 50,000 people.

NAFD spokespeople have now responded to more than 150 media interview or briefing requests with coverage including BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, You & Yours, ITV News, ITV Good Morning Britain, BBC regional radio and television, Sky News and all of the national media news outlets in print and digital form, on multiple occasions.

It was also heartening to hear a shout out to the profession by Graham Norton, on his BBC Radio 2 show, inspired by tweets the NAFD exchanged with the singer Hazell Dean.

3 FuneralTimes| |47 FuneralTimes

NFE 2021 - the countdown has begun!

Friday 11 – Sunday 13 June 2021 -Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire The National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) is one of the top three funeral trade shows in the world and is attended by professionals from all over the globe. More than 4,500 people attended the 2019 show. With just twelve months to go, exhibition space is selling out fast for NFE 2021 with 59% already sold.

Given the challenging circumstances in which the profession finds itself, the National Association of Funeral Directors has extended the discount for space only until the end of June 2020 - so don’t delay, book today!

New for 2021 will be the opening of a dedicated education arena offering a broader range of content than ever before. We are actively looking for expressions of interests from potential speakers - so please do get in touch if there is a subject on which you would like to address the profession.

We are anticipating needs for post COVID-19 additional measures in respect of cleanliness and social distancing and are building these needs into our planning for the show to ensure that it will be a safe and enjoyable experience that meets the needs of any Government

48 | FuneralTimes

requirements at the time.

We are also bringing back our dedicated team of stewards, to support and assist exhibitors throughout the show, as many exhibitors found them to be a welcome addition at the 2019 event, helping to make the experience of exhibiting as positive as possible.

Visitors and exhibitors will also be able to enjoy a welcome break from the show floor at one of the new expanded catering outlets that will be available across all halls.

NFE 2021 will, once again, offer a range of sponsorship packages that provide a compelling brand proposition for suppliers to the sector and which are individually tailored - no one size fits all.

Secure your space today to ensure you have an important opportunity planned into 2021 where you can focus firmly on the future of your business as the funeral sector re-shapes and re-energises itself in its longer term response to the coronavirus pandemic. Contact the team today at funeralexhibition@nafd.org.uk or visit nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk.

Finlay Tierney Street Ardee Co Louth Ireland t: roi: +353 (0) 41 685 3603 - t: uk & ni: +44 (0) 870 241 0652 - f: +353 (0) 41 685 6353 - e: info@finlaygrp.com

- w: www.finlaygrp.com

FINLAY in COVID-19 We are committed to supporting the needs of the Funeral Sector through the pandemic period and as we move to the conclusion of the first phase of the pandemic period we wish to let you know how we have changed and adapted our business to support you now and in the months ahead.

Planning / Guidance for 2020-2021 We do not know what the remainder of 2020 will bring but we can take nothing for granted.

Steps we have taken to prepare our business • We continue to proactively adapt and update our business and our Team for working through the pandemic period.

• We have prepared and keep an up to date forecast model of all potential mortality rates both Covid and all causes.

• We currently have wood supplies in process or on hand to produce c.2,500 coffins and we intend to very carefully plan our material supply lines to ensure adequate materials are always available.

• We continue to spend significant time forecasting our material needs and planning our supply chain to ensure raw material supplies are available as needed and to help navigate the inevitable supply chain closures which will follow through 2020-2021 and beyond. When the lockdown took effect, we prepared a supply chain plan and we found that we have 149 operational suppliers from eleven countries. We continue to talk with these suppliers on a daily and weekly basis to understand how they are planning for and managing the new realities for operating a business.

• Over the past nine weeks we have recruited and trained up to 15 additional Team members for our business to cover both increased outputs together with cover for Team members who have had to selfisolate. Currently, we have enough work on to maintain our extra staff for now and we will continue to monitor the mortality rate in planning our Team needs. It normally takes up to 12 weeks to train new members in the factory so all credit to Alan McDonnell (Factory Foreman), John Devitt (Health & Safety Officer), Martin Carroll (Warehouse Foreman) and our Team Leaders (Pawel, Gordon and Aurelija) for managing this training during the pandemic period.

• We have adapted and will further adapt our Factory operations to ensure safety for all employees to allow social distancing and increased output. Our Factory workstations provide adequate physical distancing for all our colleagues.

• Our Factory is now operating for more hours each day with a 6:30am start time and 9pm finishing time.

Steps we will take if necessary, to prepare our business • As we see how the pandemic evolves, we will adapt and change our business working to support you our Partner Funeral Professionals as best we can.

Finlay Team We believe a business is only as good as the people in its Team, our ability to react to prepare our business has been a credit to our Team who we are deeply grateful too.

We are your Partner whether you are a current Customer or not, we will do our utmost to support you and your bereaved Families when you need us.

Excellence in Funeral Products and Services Registered Irl: 129795

FuneralTimes | 49

What to do with post cremation remains ?

Are families unsure about what to do with their loved one’s ashes after a cremation service?

With the increasing popularity of cremation there have been many suggestions and family quandaries as to what to do with the ash remains post cremation.

Many products are now on offer to families such as cremation jewellery, scattering, placing in an existing grave if available, splitting them up in keepsakes and sharing between family members.

Without clear direction, many end up in urns on top of mantlepieces or kept in the back of presses or even under the bed, waiting to be found and passed on to somebody in the future. How many end up scattered leaving family wondering where to visit if the site has become a shopping

50 | FuneralTimes

carpark. Or the piece of glass that no longer is fashionable gets left in a drawer to be forgotten.

How many families would like to have their cremated remains placed in their own garden, allowing others to see, visit and remember them.

Allowing the ash remains to be relocated if that becomes a need due to moving.

The Urn Tower Memorial Vault gives families the option to keep their loved ones’ cremated remains in a variety of places that they may have a special connection with, such as home. It can be extended if needed to accommodate additional family or even companion urns. Being an above ground memorial it can move with you if that need ever arises or can be passed on to the next generation keeping the family legacy alive.

Urn Towers Ltd are also working with several councils around Ireland to install our Memorial Vaults in cemeteries to provide ash interment options to families at sites where these facilities do not exist. We also provide an end to end service – purchase/ engraving/placement/ registration – at some of these sites.

For some families where existing graves may no longer be able to accommodate new interments the urn tower memorial vault can be placed on the grave in certain circumstances.

We would be delighted to discuss options with undertakers who are interested in offering families a new option as part of their service to families who have chosen cremation.

I can be contacted on my personal email stephen. power@urntowers.com or mobile +353 (0)872232572 More information is available on our website www. urntowers.com

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Obit - Supporting you through difficult times W

e realise that this is a particularly stressful time for Funeral Directors across Ireland and the UK. Since the COVID-19 outbreak we have completely reprioritised our workload so as to keep Obit running as smoothly as possible and respond quicker to our customer’s requests for support.

One such request that we fast-tracked recently was the ability to leave condolence messages directly on the published death notices. Given the difficult circumstances

52 | FuneralTimes

and travel restrictions, this is often the only way people can sympathise with the deceased’s family. Obit customers could already connect their own websites with Obit and publish a live listing of their notices but this allows them to provide an additional service to their clients. All Condolence messages are reviewable and can be easily collated into a Condolence Book for the family.

Reviewing our traffic logs we also noticed that a lot more of our traffic was coming from

mobiles and tablets. It’s clear people are working from home or on the go much more than before. Obit has been designed with mobile in mind and we are constantly updating it to ensure it works great no matter what device you are using.

We offer a 30-day free trial to new customers to help you see if Obit is right for you. So if you are interested in becoming part of the Obit family please get in touch, we’d love to have you on board.

Doing it the easy way

By Dennis Daulton It happened several years ago, thirteen to be exact, and I can’t get it out of my mind.

We’ve all experienced those cases which we recall over and over again, hoping someday to forget. I sometimes think about my Connecticut colleagues, along with the first responders, who had to face and endure the tragedy that happened at Sandy Hook, CT in December of 2012. Without question we serve when summoned.

I’m also reminded of particular challenges I faced when discussing the use of wax and restorative techniques with colleagues, when doing an embalming program or speaking at a mortuary school. I need to stress the fact (not as a sales representative, but as an embalmer) that every funeral home should know about Easyway and to have it on hand. Sooner or later you will need it. Wax works well, but not nearly as well as Easyway. Let me take you back to that Friday evening when I thought my day and work week was over.

The call came from a funeral home owner and a good friend, now deceased. I was his Dodge rep at the time and did trade embalming at his firm for many years.

“Dennis, my embalmer is ill and I desperately need your help tonight. On a call we are handling the medical examiner said there will be no autopsy, but it isn’t a pretty sight. Are you available?”

I was. He went on to explain that the individual died from severe blood loss due to cutting his own throat.

If you have your own well-stocked embalming kit, which you should if you are a trade embalmer, you will be able to meet most any challenge. Just hope that the funeral home you’re going to has all the chemicals and supplies you’ll need. For years I’ve been sure to have several bottles of both Dis-Spray and Basic Dryene with me, and recently added Halt GX, for that unexpected tissue gas case.

My mind was racing as I drove the old New England back roads to my friend’s funeral home that late evening. Cut his own throat? How could anyone do that to himself, I thought. On occasion the case at hand triggers the memory of a particular death of long ago. I was recalling on this night the death nearly 57 years ago of an elderly woman who had gone into her sauna, which was out behind the barn near the chicken coop. With a one edge razor blade she cut deep into both of her armpits, multiple times, and slowly bled to death on the sauna floor.

As a young apprentice I was horrified. The selfmutilation was sickening. In my mind I can still smell her blood. This came back to me this night as I anticipated what I might encounter. Armpits can be hidden. It’s hard to hide a neck.

Be thankful if you find a good teacher and one who is patient and takes the time to instruct. It’s also a plus if he or she reassures and freely compliments when it is appropriate. Mine did.

Fortunately I had a good mentor back then… several over the years, in fact. The best way to learn is to stand next to a competent embalmer.

Be thankful if you find a good teacher and one who is patient and takes the time to instruct.

It’s also a plus if he or she reassures and freely compliments when it is appropriate. Mine did. Everyone needs encouragement. Besides, someday the student just might embalm the teacher. Think about that if you are currently the teacher. I’ve embalmed several of my mentors.

I arrived at the funeral home just as the removal personnel were returning from the medical examiner’s office with the deceased. Anxiously, I stood on the opposite side of the table where the stretcher was placed. I pulled the pouched body towards me onto the table. I gently | 1 FuneralTimes| 53 FuneralTimes

If the truth be known, few of us in this profession want to be heroes. What we want is that when the funeral is over, it was a positive experience for the family and friends. unzipped the pouch and was horrified by what I saw. This handsome, solidly built, middle-aged man, a disabled Gulf War veteran, was around 6’3” tall and weighed about 240 pounds. The deep cuts in his throat were repulsive. It appeared that he used a scalpel, or an extremely sharp knife to end his life. There were two cuts. The second, deeper laceration was longer…ear to ear. This laceration was so deep that the jugular vein was clearly visible when I took two aneurism hooks to separate the flesh to locate the jugular vein and common carotid artery. These lacerations are what we usually see on automobile accident cases when the body has come in contact with glass or sharp metal. It seemed impossible that this was self-inflicted.

The first thing we need to do on such cases is to stand back, take a deep breath, and assess our approach. We should then topically disinfect the deceased, position the body on body rests, and wash it thoroughly. The deceased’s blood-soaked clothing was partially removed by the emergency/hospital personnel. He was covered with blood. I topically disinfected the body by liberally spraying Dis-Spray, followed by cleansing with Germasidol Soap which is now called Dodge Prep Soap. An abrasive soap pad is helpful, but be careful when using it on any tissue which will be shown, such as the face and hands. Another helpful product is a degreaser, a concentrated solution sold in a gallon jug which can be purchased at most hardware or discount stores. It is an excellent blood solvent, especially on dried blood, and it also removes the ink used by the medical examiner’s office for finger printing.

I was able to embalm this case with a one point injection (carotid), and drained intermittently via the jugular vein using a drain tube. Building up back pressure with the drain tube assured complete saturation of all tissue and reduced the chance of multiple point injections. I used 2 | FuneralTimes

a combination of Introfiant, Metasyn Firming, Rectifiant, Metaflow, Restorative, and Icterine Dye, along with warm water. I also added eight ounces per gallon of Dis-Spray as a precaution for possible tissue gas. Following the arterial injection, cavity aspiration, and injection of Dri Cav cavity chemical into the thoracic and abdominal cavities, I placed cotton into the lacerations and saturated them with Basic Dryene, using a syringe to slowly dribble the product onto the cotton. This phenol chemical cauterized the tissue prior to suturing. After trimming and cleaning his fingernails, I removed the cotton and sprayed the area with Dis-Spray, which neutralizes the phenol odor. I applied an adequate amount of White Kalon Massage Cream below the incision to prevent the burning of normal tissue if the Basic Dryene drips down (which it usually does).

The case was coming along nicely. I learned over the years never to rush, and never to put a time limit on the challenge at hand. Just keep going until you become so tired you can’t work any longer, and plan on returning at a later time to finish. Or work until the job is done. Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of returning. The hour was getting late, but I was getting that second wind because I was gradually seeing positive results.

Both incisions were sutured with a waxed polyester thread, Dodge’s #761411. I prefer this strong, small thread for suturing the carotid incision, and it is especially good for a head autopsy.

Fortunately, I had an Easyway kit in my car.

Have you ever heard of or used Easyway? It was developed by the dental field. It is a two-part mixture of a powder and a liquid. Mixed together, it becomes a gel, similar to honey, and hardens to a rubbery substance. Unlike when using wax, the remains can be moved without cracking the restored area and family members can touch the area without damaging it. Once applied to tissue, sulci lines can be created and smoothed over Without viewing, this family might have wondered for the rest of their lives what his physical condition was.

Now there was no need to wonder.

with Dry Wash II, which is the solvent. These sulci lines can be drawn using the edge of a spatula. Or sharpen one end of a cosmetic brush in a pencil sharpener and use the point to draw these lines and indentations so that it looks like normal tissue. The “smooth look” is too artificial looking.

When using wax, you should also apply the sulci lines. Dry Wash II is also a good thinner for wax and it will smooth out the “natural” lines (sulci) on Easyway before it sets. A liberal application of the powder that comes with the kit, and brushing it off, sets the product to receive the application of cosmetics. This last step is critical. “Easyway Tips & Techniques,” written by my associate at Dodge, Jay Rhodes, is available on our website under technical information. Scroll down to Embalming Articles, or contact our office or your Dodge rep for a copy to be emailed, faxed, or mailed to you. Remember the days when we could only use wax and hoped that no one would touch the area, or that it would not be disturbed when casketing the body? Those days are over when using Easyway.

My responsibility on this case was only to embalm the body. I was not expected to be involved with restoration, dressing, and casketing. The funeral home personnel did this quite well. I just couldn’t leave this night knowing there was something else I could do to greatly enhance the appearance of the deceased. I had learned from the owner of the funeral home that the gentleman’s parents and his only daughter wanted desperately to see him. He was divorced.

I mixed the Easyway and applied it over the sutures. The results were astounding. The owner of the funeral home returned to the embalming room just as I was finishing. He was always appreciative, but he was a man of few words, and he didn’t excite easily. His comment was, “Wow! I can’t believe it!”

He would become the hero to this family, and they’d forever be grateful. If the truth be known, few of us in this profession want to be heroes.

What we want is that when the funeral is over, it was a positive experience for the family and friends. That’s all we can hope for. I returned to this funeral home on a sales call two days later and was able to see the deceased several hours prior to his funeral. He was dressed in his military uniform. Easyway extended up from under his shirt collar. Everything appeared perfectly normal. Even the trained eye would not notice

a difference between this product and human tissue. Another great quality about Easyway is that a translucent cosmetic can be applied over it. Wax, on the other hand, requires opaque cosmetics only, is easily disturbed, and rubs off.

I did make one mistake the evening of the embalming. I had peeled a bit off shortly after it dried. The rubbery, adhesive product does peel off when much effort is used, but it leaves a line of demarcation or a slight ridge the farther back you peel from the edge. This was on the left side and could not be readily seen. When blending onto the tissue with Dry Wash II, it can be feathered out and appears to be human tissue.

My peeling taught me to leave well enough alone.

The deceased was an artist. His paintings were displayed throughout the funeral home for those in attendance to see and appreciate. One might wonder what he could have accomplished in life if things had been different. We never know the burdens others carry. I looked at his paintings, and then glanced at him in his casket as I had some private moments alone with him prior to the service. What a tragic loss this was, I thought.

Somehow I had difficulty realizing this was the same person I embalmed several days earlier.

Easyway made it all possible. Without viewing, this family might have wondered for the rest of their lives what his physical condition was. Now there was no need to wonder.

His family, relatives, and friends were well aware, I was told, of the manner and cause of his death.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us at: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford.

Ph. 00353 43 33 49702 /00353 87 2486668 FuneralTimes FuneralTimes| |553

New Delivery - Fearghas Quinn

Padraig Ward, Ward’s Funeral Home Ballybay, with his new 5 door E-Class hearse, fresh from Quinn Hearse & Limousine

Pearson Repatriation Service (UK) A small independent family run company offering a fast and reliable service 24 hours a day.

As part of our service to you, we can: • Repatriate the deceased from the UK • Provide a coffin and interior • Provide embalming services

Telephone +44 (0)1484 844289 Proprietor Clive J Pearson LMBIFD. DIP.FD. MBIE Manchester Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK, HD7 6EY 56 | FuneralTimes

www.coachbuilders.ie sales@coachbuilders.ie Tel: +353 87 269 0044 Ballyfinane, Firies, Killarney, Co. Kerry

FuneralTimes | 1

Centuries old rituals of the traditional Irish funeral

By Padraic Cawley Civil Funeral Celebrant The coronavirus pandemic has caused upheavals in many aspects of life, but perhaps none more than in the ritual of death.

They say the Irish “do death well.” But for people mourning the dead now, there will be no traditional Irish funeral.

Funerals are a deeply ingrained part of Ireland’s culture. Hundreds typically attend funeral services and it’s not unimaginable for 1,000 people to file in to churches, crematoria and funeral homes over the course of the two-day ritual to shake hands — “sympathize” — with bereaved family members. At the wake, people eat, drink and tell stories; there is often an open casket, and friends and neighbours will line up to say a last prayer or goodbye.

These are rituals that go back centuries and they are firmly established in the national psyche. People talk of “getting a great send-off.”

Ireland may have a relatively low death count from COVID-19 in comparison with other countries, but the epidemic is nonetheless changing how the country mourns. Death notices in the local paper or online no 58 | FuneralTimes

longer include funeral details.

With attendees limited to 10 people, no one outside the immediate family can go to them anyway. Condolence books and sympathy cards are no longer allowed, pens and paper being just another source of potential transmission for the virus.

Crematorium services are now limited to one time slot, and currently restricted to 10 mourners, and larger families are having to decide who attends. One positive is that technology can provide some comfort by recording or live streaming a service for the wider family and friends to view, and in a small way feel included in the proceedings.

While some may feel that posting a death on social media may be tacky, it is now so common, that maybe right

now as we are all stuck at home, it is the best we can do.

As an industry, the funeral profession is one of caring, of giving, and of doing our utmost to assist and ensure that every family gets the best possible service. It is just so heartbreaking to witness a family’s grief, and it goes against the grain when we are restricted in what we can offer. As a celebrant, I am very conscious of ensuring that every family gets the dignified and meaningful celebration of their loved ones life that they deserve, within the short time slot.

Hopefully, as the restrictions ease we will get back in some way to doing what we Irish do best when it comes to death.

None of us want to see the ‘Death of the Irish funeral’

Mourners who were unable to attend a service, sent flowers instead to be placed on the pews, to shine love in their absence, supporting the grieving family in a very visible and tangible way

Through our own personal experience we received the inspiration to set up Treasured Keepsakes, to give people a wide variety of options upon a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing should they choose to keep a lock of hair, cremated remains, a piece of jewellery, a photograph or anything that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a small keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn.

Funeral directors we are currently working with have tailored our service to suit their needs. We have two options of how our service can work for you. If you wish you can buy our products from us at a wholesale price and sell them directly to your clients. Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly.

We would hope that by recommending our service we will enhance and add value to your business at no extra cost to you.

For more information contact us or visit our website Tel: 01 825 4579 From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 info@treasuredkeepsakes.ie www.treasuredkeepsakes.ieFuneralTimes | 59

Working within guidelines T

he Covid-19 pandemic has affected practically every aspect of normal, everyday life.

Some have seen minor changes while certain parts of what we have taken for granted for years have seen fundamental change. One of these hugely affected areas is funerals. The death of a loved one or friend is something that everyone has to face at some point along life’s journey and the rituals we observe at such times are precious to us, sacred even.

Having so many of these comforting and reassuring rituals taken from us has made these past months so much more difficult and painful for so many. It has fallen to funeral directors around the world, and certainly here at home, to find ways to work in tandem with Government guidelines and within the necessary health and safety restrictions to allow the bereaved to mark the passing of their loved one with dignity and respect and to allow each funeral to be a true, albeit different commemoration of the deceased individual.

Here at Lakelands Crematorium, we have been very aware of the challenges our global situation has presented us, and we have sought new and imaginative ways to faithfully, but safely arrange each cremation. As has always been the case, we have sought to work with funeral directors who come to us for cremation services in responding to the bereaved

60 | FuneralTimes

Lakelands Crematorium, Co. Cavan family and friends’ wishes. This can mean streaming the service online from our crematorium through our webcam or having the service recorded so that a copy of it can be shared with the family afterwards.

Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, we’ve been able to connect with family members who’ve been unable to journey to the service, so that they might speak and share memories and reflections of their loved one.

In the same way, in certain, more restricted cases, we’ve been able to allow clergy and civil celebrants to offer prayers and words of consolation, even when they’ve been unable to be here in person. We have felt it especially important at this time to be able to open our doors to immediate family members and close friends, and although the numbers allowed at our services by Government guidelines have been greatly restricted, we know how important it is for even a small number to be able to be present on their loved ones final journey, just as they themselves acknowledge the importance of being able to represent the wider circle

of loved ones who would be there in normal circumstances.

Naturally, we have followed all social distancing protocols within the crematorium, as well as offering hand sanitising stations, both for visitors and our staff, who have had access to PPE from the very beginning, from gloves and masks to full body protection when needed. We have worked in conjunction with, and have supported our local Churches in their efforts during this difficult time and these efforts have been deeply appreciated by those who have had to come to us during this time.

We will continue to help all who come here to the best of our ability until such time as our old ways can return, with the wakes at home, time for viewing and sympathising and the Mass or Service in the church or chapel. In the absence of a sympathetic handshake or a reassuring hug, the need for an open ear and an understanding heart is felt all the more. In ways both professional and personal, we will continue to offer such support here at Lakelands Crematorium.

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McAllister Cars Specialist Coachbuilders

McAllister Cars is a family owned and operated business who have been trading within the funeral sector for over 35 years. During this period of time the company has developed an awareness of the funeral professions needs when it comes to funeral vehicles. We have put our expertise into developing a range of vehicles for the modern day Funeral director from our private ambulance removal vehicles fitted with our easy bearer rise and fall lifting system to our selection of ceremonial vehicles. The latest being the Mercedes W213 based hearse and limousine. We can also supply alternative vehicles such as the Mercedes Vito ceremonial vehicle which can be fitted with a single or double deck system in the customers choice of finish.

Here at McAllister Cars we dedicate time and effort into ensuring that the design and range of options available in all of our funeral vehicles match the individual needs and desires of the client to suit their business.

Easy Bearer II Lifting System and ADR Antibacterial Lining

Kit is the most technologically advanced private ambulance

conversion within the funeral industry, built from stainless

steel and fitted with the lining kit makes it easy to clean and   � available for most vehicles.

Mercedes Vito Ceremonial Vehicle An alternative option to the traditional hearse it has a full size deck with removable bearer boards, it can be fitted with a single or double deck system in customers choice of finish.

For more information please contact us Tel : 01555 728360 Email: info@funeralvehicles.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ www.funeralvehicles.co.uk 62 | FuneralTimes

Memorial services made to order The Covid 19 crisis has had a profound affect on the Funeral industry including those who are involved in Civil Funeral Services. Just as traditional services and Masses have been altered considerably so too civil services have been unable to carry on allowing for the deceased’s family to say a personal and fitting farewell.

Mary Elizabeth Dillon of Civil Funerals Ireland feels the time is coming to offer fitting memorial services to families who were unable to carry out a funeral service they wanted for their loved one due to the Covid 19 restrictions. She believes that a memorial service can have all the elements of a funeral service, music, poetry, tributes and as much input from the family as they choose. But

the beauty of a memorial service is that it can take place at a time and place of the families choosing. This allows the celebrant to work with the family in a more relaxed way, without the pressure of knowing they have only 3 days to plan and have everything in place. Also the venue for the service can be chosen to suit the family, rather than going to a crematorium and having a set time slot, and length of time, a family can choose a venue suitable to themselves, maybe the funeral home or maybe a room in a local hotel.

The service can be held in the evening, which may also allow more people to attend, or at the weekend. As ever, Mary Elizabeth will work with each family to make the memorial service personal, unique and completely right for the

deceased and those who have been bereaved. Previous memorial services she has prepared and delivered have been for people who have died abroad and for whom the family were unable to attend the funeral. A memorial service was arranged later, at the time when the grief had moved to a less raw point and the service became part of the closure for those present and part of their healing.

Whether to have a memorial service or not is entirely a matter for the family involved, but it is an option which allows people to come together having been kept apart for so long. Mary Elizabeth feels it offers an opportunity to be together in a relaxed yet structured way and to share in grief and joy memories of the person that has been lost.

By Mary Elizabeth Dillon

Civil Funerals Ireland Simple, unique, personal funeral services

• An alternative to the traditional • Celebrating Life • Reflecting the wishes and beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones • Provides an opportunity to pay a fitting tribute • Any suitable venue can be used

Mary Elizabeth Dillon is available between 9am - 11pm 7 days a week Tel ROI: 0402 91273 / Mobile: 087 957 4476 Email: info@civilfuneralsireland.com

Funerals conducted throughout Ireland

FuneralTimes | 63

The next regeneration New Hearses & Limousines

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For longer journeys, a powerful 2.0 litre petrol engine delivers great economy, while for shorter, slower journeys, the 1.4 kWh electric motor takes over to deliver whisper-quiet, clean and efficient motoring.

64 | FuneralTimes

With a regenerative braking system that charges the battery by capturing up to 90% of the energy normally lost when braking, the hybrid range of Coleman Milne hearses and limousines is light years ahead.

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Jennifer is author of ‘Say Farewell Your Way’ - a funeral planning guide for Ireland, blogger of www.theglamreaper.blogspot.com, creator of Irish Glass Memorial Jewellery line: Humans www.celtic-ashes.com; Pets - www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com, planner of Memorials at funeral homes and talker - @TheGlamReaper on Twitter and Tedx 2017 Any questions just ask - muldowney.jennifer@gmail.com

By Jennifer Muldowney

We can all make a difference!

COVID, Quarantine, Isolation, Social Distancing, Corona Virus - we have heard these words hundreds if not thousands of times over the last 3 months and will again for another 3 months no doubt. It is all anyone can talk about.

In March, a video posted by the media outlet Corriere Della Sera showed a convoy of military trucks transporting around 60 coffins from the overwhelmed morgues of Bergamo, Italy to cremation sites in other towns. New York, where I currently reside, became the ‘new’ Bergamo in April. The new epicenter.

I work in Manhattan mostly, in the funeral industry, and when COVID-19 officially took off here in the US I had my first little panic attack – what if my mom or dad or any of the people I love back home, were dying of this horrid virus and all I could do was Facetime them? This was the reality people the world over faced, our loved ones dying alone and then, remembering and grieving them, alone.

Incredible community spirit 66 | FuneralTimes

has been shown all across the world, where “Beautiful flowers,” have been placed in lieu of physical presence in churches and venues showing “People are with you” during the funeral, which was broadcast live from a quaint town in Washington State, USA.

And colourful processions like this 72 strong tractor entourage in Ohio are littering the world map showing distinct respect and communities in mourning, all this showing we are more together than ever before.

When I think of the funeral industry and their efforts during the quarantine, I am reminded of a story about a young girl who was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” The girl bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference for that one!”

In this tale – the girl is any responder – first, or last

in the case of the funeral industry and the starfish are us all, washed up in the terrible storm of COVID19.

We absolutely cannot make a difference to everyone, but we can make a difference to those we pick up. Whether you are a funeral director, or a videographer helping to stream funerals or a funeral home cleaner disinfecting everywhere or an office manager keeping everyone sane and on track â&#x20AC;&#x201C; YOU are making a difference and we, the starfish, thank you for your service.

As someone whose own work in New York has evolved from memorial planning for hundreds to now streaming to hundreds, it is a sad time for all and a time of great change.

But the Irish were never ones to be beaten by change or

restrictions and this applies here too, we must evolve and

most of all continue to be kind to ourselves and others.

I have shown 8 ways to help families continue to memorialise their loved ones during COVID19, I am sure you have your own ways but if you need any inspiration, check out the list on my blog â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theglamreaper.com

New Delivery - Fearghas Quinn

Quinn Hearse & Limousine provided a sleek new E-Class 5 door hearse for Halligan Funeral Directors, Rathvilly, Co Carlow FuneralTimes | 67

Adapting to a pandemic H

ow Eulogica can help Funeral Directors handle the new challenges.

The ongoing pandemic has brought a number of challenges to Funeral Directors. Some areas have seen a spike in the number of deaths, and extra care is required when dealing with bodies that may be infectious. But the main challenge has perhaps been with regards to routines; New ways of meeting the bereaved, changes to pricing and documentation and of course, changes to the funeral itself due to social restrictions.

Funeral companies that use Eulogica have a head start. Due to the flexibility in the software, Eulogica installations can be tweaked with relative ease according to the new needs now emerging. Below are some examples of how Eulogica users across several countries have benefited from the power of Eulogica lately!

On the issue of documentation, any new forms that need filling, or changes to existing forms, can be managed by way of updating the relevant reports in Eulogica. It may also be necessary to change the wording of some letters, perhaps to explain that the company is not able to provide a regular service due to the pandemic.

The pandemic may also require changes to

68 | FuneralTimes

Eulogica products, services and templates.

A common issue has been that the planning of funerals now increasingly takes place on the phone or by video call, rather than in person. Also, funerals will more often involve a graveside service and a future memorial service.

Whole templates and packages can be set up as required by the new circumstances, or existing ones reconfigured, perhaps to reflect lower prices when a full service cannot be provided. One client has designed a specific â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Coronavirus packageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for victims of the pandemic, represented by a Eulogica template.

Also, templates that are not going to be relevant these days, due to social distancing or other restrictions, can be temporarily hidden.

As for the ceremony itself, live streaming is popular now. While Eulogica does not do the actual streaming, the software can help with its administration. A funeral service record for live streaming can be prepared for adding to funerals, to ensure costs and other aspects are properly managed. Confirmation letters can be extended to explain the details of streaming for families who desire this option.

In areas with a higher number of deceased due to the pandemic, good planning is important.

Some affected clients have requested new reports to show what coffins will be required for upcoming funerals.

With less time in the office and perhaps more funerals, mobile access to task management and some very basic funeral data becomes handy.

The Eulogica Companion app lets you have access to this basic data on your mobile phone.

Finally, in many countries, businesses are now advised to let staff work from home as far as possible. Eulogica Cloud is our answer to this.

We can ensure all of the information in Eulogica is accessible from home offices in a safe and convenient manner.

To summarise, the Eulogica software can help you in several ways to cope with the pandemic, perhaps with some tweaks or addon modules. If you have questions or would just like to have a chat about the possibilities, please do not hesitate to contact our support team on phone +353 (0)1431 9760 / +44 (0)845 3519 935. email enquiries@eulogica.co.uk.

New Delivery - Fearghas Quinn

Leo Donaghy, Beragh, Co Tyrone, collects his new 3 door Insignia hearse from Fearghas Quinn

New Delivery - Fearghas Quinn

Three generations of Fowleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Dromahair, take delivery of a new E-Class 3 door hearse, supplied by Quinn Hearse & Limousine FuneralTimes | 69

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND “CASTLEISLAND MEN”

By Mattie Lennon THE Republic of Ireland IS in virtual lockdown.

Theatres, pubs and many stores closed. Since I was born in the first half of the last century I am cocooned. It is a scary time but we haven’t lost our sense of humour.

Róisín Meaney wrote; I ate my way through last week, As I waited for covid to peak I must try harder To bypass the larder, Or I’ll never regain my physique.

DESPITE the darkness, inter-county rivalry hasn’t died a death. The following dialogue between two Meath men was overheard at a wake in Nobber.

“I hear a Cavan man is after getting’ the virus.”

“Well there’s one thing certain, he won’t give it to anyone. I heard of a couple in Mullahoran, during the lockdown an’ they were watching Mass on the television. When it came to the collection they turned it off.”

THE late Niall Toibin told a story of the Castleisland woman who went to visit her son in Hartford, Connecticut. Her luck was in when she saw a name that she recognised in the “deaths” column in the local paper, because in brackets it said “late of Castleisland.” Off she went to the funeral parlours, unfamiliar terrain to her. She blundered into the first parlour where some lonely Greek exile was laid out under the bored gaze of a blacksuited attendant.

The poor woman burst into tears, and the Kerry mourners on their way past to the correct parlour, heard her keening bitterly: “Oh 70 | FuneralTimes

Mosheen, if ‘twas back in Castleisland you were, it’s more than one little maneen you’d have guarding your casket.” From then on, Greeks in Hartford were known, among the Irish as “Castleislandmen.”

Q: What do accountants use for contraception?

A; Their personalities.

That’s a horrible joke and I wouldn’t dream of telling it in polite company. But it reminds me of the time that the old accountant was on his death-bed in Newbridge. He has summoned all his family to his bedside. The room was full to capacity. In a weak voice he asked his wife, “Are all our children here?” When she assured him that they were he asked, “Are my brothers and sisters and all my cousins in the room?” Once again she answered in the affirmative but he had a further question. “If everyone is here why are the lights still on in the kitchen?”

IT would appear that some young people are not taking the advice of experts seriously. I’m doing my best to stay alive anyway. Because, in the words of the late John B. Keane, “A dead man is no good to anyone except undertakers and propagandists.”

And in this time of trauma when it is necessary to live a day at a time we should pay attention to Robert H. Smith’s “The Clock of Life.”

The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour.

To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed, To lose one’s health is more, To lose one’s soul is such a loss That no man can restore.

The present only is our own, So live, love, toil with a will, Place no faith in “Tomorrow,” For the Clock may then be still.

SOCIAL Distancing is not a new phenomenon. It’s a long time since I encountered it first. It was a harvest night in 1969. I was parallel with the perpendicular outside the Marquee in Puulaphouca with a young one (well she wasn’t that young!)

The Parish Priest came on the scene and, in a stentorian voice, commanded, “You should be two feet apart.” “Be God Father” says I “I’m here for the past twenty minutes trying to get her two feet apart.”

I saw the following in the Social and Personal section of a provincial newspaper in March. “Single man with toilet rolls would like to meet female with hand sanitiser . . . for good clean fun.”

WHEN restrictions were somewhat relaxed I attended a wake in what is known locally as “the Latin-quarter of Ballinastockan.” A female mourner lamented, “Poor Miley has gone to his eternal reward after decades of celibacy.” I knew that Miley was married and had several offspring and since I left school two days before my fourteenth birthday the lady’s

statement was a conundrum that I wasn’t in a position to solve. Luckily enough I was seated beside an erudite gentleman who was married to a local woman. He could see my confusion and explained, “Celibacy can be a choice in life, or a condition imposed by circumstances. While attending a “Harmony for Couples” weekend, in Naas, Miley and his wife Kate listened to the instructor declare, “It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are

important to each other.” He then addressed the men, “Can you name and describe your wife’s favourite flower?” Miley leaned over, touched Kate’s arm gently, and whispered, ‘It’s Odlums, isn’t it?’ Thus began Miley’s life of celibacy.

WE are told that we should turn our stumbling blocks into stepping stones. We now have a major stumbling block and converting it into a stepping stone will be difficult. But we can do our best.

‘Eco friendly hearse’

FuneralTimes | 71

NEW DELIVERY - DUFFY COACHBODIES

Ian Cunningham of Cunninghams Funeral Directors takes delivery of a new Duffy/Mercedes 213 Series E-Class Hearse.

Cunninghams opted for a traditional burl walnut deck in keeping with the traditional proportions of the hearse design.

Duffy Coachbodies would like to thank Cunninghams for their continued support.

Duffy coachbodies were proud to deliver the largest number of funeral vehicles in one week to Irish Funeral Directors in the month of April this year. A total of six hearses and two removal vehicles were supplied to the industry.

C E h

To fo

NEW DELIVERY - DUFFY COACHBODIES

Gerard Duffy of Duffy Coachbodies hands over a new Duffy/Mercedes E-Class Hearse to Kevin & Billy O'Connor of Jerh O'Connor & Sons Ltd., Funeral Homes Cork. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connors opted for the exclusive line front grille to match in seamlessly with their recent purchase of two new Duffy/Mercedes 6 door Limousines & existing extensive fleet of Duffy/Mercedes Funeral Vehicles.

72 | FuneralTimes

Jose of t

Lockdown accelerates move to online notices The covid lockdown will be seen to have fast forwarded a lot of change in the funeral industry, particularly in technology.

At Funeral Times we have witnessed a sea change in the use of funeraltimes.com for death notices. With the lockdown accelerating the decline of newspapers and many people stuck in their homes using the internet, we saw records tumble in both the number of readers and their engagement with the site through sympathy notices and Facebook messages.

RIP.ie will also have seen a spike in traffic and reached new audiences who previously used printed media.

Funeral directors in the north have made funeraltimes.com an almost unique vehicle where

close to 100% of death notices can be found and this has made it the go to site for death notices.

On 31st May funeraltimes. com brought to an end a six year relationship with Independent News and Media. The original idea for was funeraltimes.com to work with funeral directors in the north while Independent News and Media used the software to develop inotices.ie in the south using a shared database. We believe that arrangement has run it’s course and now intend to allow all funeral directors in Ireland to register with and use funeraltimes.com There has always been a level of crossover in all border counties and the new freedom will allow funeral directors to access the site without restriction.

SOCIAL DISTANCING SIGNAGE

We will keep you in touch with future developments and if you have any queries or wish to place a notice contact us at notices@ funeraltimes.com

PLEASE KEEP 2 METRES APAR T. THANK YOU

Funeral Times will design, print and supply any signage necessary for your funeral home and office.

• Non-slip, fully washable floor stickers for social distancing • Washable plastic wall posters for bathrooms and sanitising stations • Outdoor and indoor banners • All can be customised to suit your company colours and incorporate logos where appropriate

Please Wait Here PLEASE KEEP 2 METRES APART. THANK YOU

To help protect yourself and others please wait here until a member of staff advises you otherwise.

CALL US ON: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI

PLEASE KEEP 2 METRES APART

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FuneralTimes | 73

Jaguar XF Limousine and Hearse by ‘Wilcox’ The Jaguar XF Limousine and Hearse is one of the latest new models manufactured

by Wilcox Limousines.

The range is available with the option of either petrol or diesel engines. Included in the comprehensive specification is 8-speed automatic, Satellite navigation, Bluetooth, DAB stereo, alloy wheels, keyless start, soft close doors, cruise control, xenon lights with LED signature and heated seats.

The XF limousine, created utilising CAD techniques usually reserved for the Aircraft Industry has carbon fibre and aluminium panels,

thus the vehicles will be long lasting and durable also, due to their lighter weight, fuel efficiency is increased. The limousine features extralong rear doors, for ease of access for the rear seat passengers. The interior width having been optimised by the

subtle interior design, so that the limousine offers more practical interior space than the donor saloon.

For more information, please contact our Northern Sales Office on 01942 259860 or Southern Sales Office on 01753 480600.

Two new silver Jaguar XF Limousines together with a XJ Hearse about to be loaded into a covered transporter for delivery

Silver ‘Wilcox’ Jaguar fleet for Victoria House Funeral Service A ndrew, Apolena and Carl formed Victoria House Funeral Service in 2013. Having all previously worked for major groups in the funeral industry, they decided to set

up their own business. They offer their services to the town of Hartlepool and surrounding areas. Professional funeral directors, they are members of BIE, FAS, NAFD and SAIF.

(L-R) Andrew Evans, Apolena Wilson and Carl Mean, taking delivery of a pre-owned Jaguar fleet from Wilcox Limousines Ltd. 74 | FuneralTimes

To help stand out in Hartlepool, they opted for a different colour to normal vehicles. They had the hearse and limousine fully repainted by ‘Wilcox’ as part of the vehicle preparation.

The vehicles came with a high specification including luxury leather, air suspension, large double deck, led lighting, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, heated seats and cruise control. Built from aluminium and fibreglass they offer excellent longevity.

Wilcox Limousines Ltd would like to thank Andrew, Apolena and Carl for their business and wish them every success.

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For further information contact Paul Foley on Tel. 087 675 7532 Email: info@thedirectorscut.ie FuneralTimes | 75

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NEW DELIVERY - DUFFY COACHBODIES

Celine & Niall Mulligan of Heffernans Funeral Directors Trim, Co. Meath, collect a new Duffy/Mercedes 213 Series E-Class Hearse from the Duffy Coachbodies Factory in Dundalk. Niall was welcomed on site during the build and helped guide the development and install of a bespoke stretcher and trolley storage system in the new hearse.

Heffernans also took the option of aTrim, panoramic glasscollect roof inatheir Celine & Niall Mulligan of Heffernans Funeral Directors Co. Meath, new Hearse.

Duffy/Mercedes 213 Series E-Class Hearse from the Duffy Coachbodies Factory in Dundalk. Niall was welcomed on site during the build and helped guide the development and install of a bespoke stretcher and trolley storage system in the new hearse.

Heffernans also took the option of a panoramic glass roof in their Hearse.

NEW DELIVERY - DUFFY COACHBODIES

Joseph Lannon of Lannon’s Funeral Directors, Skerries, meets with Gerard Duffy of Duffy Coachbodies to take delivery of the newest addition to Lannon’s fleet, a 213 Series E-Class Hearse. Lannon’s opted for a panoramic glass roof which serves to improve the display of the coffin and highlight the floral tributes.

Joseph Lannon of Lannon’s Funeral Directors, Skerries, meets with Gerard Duffy of Duffy Coachbodies to take delivery FuneralTimes of the newest addition to Lannon’s fleet, a 213 Series E-Class Hearse. Lannon’s opted for a panoramic glass roof which| 77 serves to improve the display of the coffin and highlight the floral tributes.

Making your business mobile with an app on your phone Funerals, as well as weddings, church services and all sorts of other events are going on-line and funeral directors are coming under increasing pressure to provide the facility to their clients.

Whatever the future looks like, it is going to be significantly different than the past. In March we heard commentators, politicians and our friends speak of ‘getting back to normal’, very quickly that has moved on to talk of ‘the new normal’.

Once lockdown was imposed on the community it made traditional wakes, funerals, burials and cremations impossible and part of the solution was to stream services on the internet.

Many funeral directors have stepped up to the plate and called on the services of local specialists who can record or stream services. A good number of funeral homes and churches already have fixed cameras in place and an arrangement with

78 | FuneralTimes

a streaming service to put their events on line.

However, these fixed cameras don’t help when funeral directors are asked to stream a service in the family home, or a graveside service. For these it is either necessary to engage a specialist or to try to stream off a mobile phone.

County Armagh man, Ryan McBroom was approached by a funeral director with the problem and was able to adapt an app which he and his company have been successfully using in schools across the country.

‘Our live streaming system is a

unique product in Ireland. We offer not only live streaming from a fixed device but we can also provide a custom branded app that gives funeral directors the ability to stream directly from a mobile phone.

The app can also be used by the end customer to view the stream. The benefit of being able to provide both is that you then have full flexibility of what you want to stream or record, meaning the family can end up with a complete video containing recordings from the wake, the church service and the graveside’.

The streaming service has a number of important features including recording so that family who are attending the service can view later and retain for future use.

This is a low cost, simple option which can be easily operated by staff with minimal training.

Contact Ryan McBroom on 048 3886 8402 or r.mcbroom@bssolutions. co.uk for a no obligation demonstration.

ased es

ctors

NEW DELIVERY - DUFFY COACHBODIES Donal Forde takes delivery of a new Duffy/Mercedes 5 Door Hearse from Gerard Duffy, the Hearse will complement their new Duffy Limousine which they recently took delivery of this year along with their other Duffy Funeral Vehicles.

Fordes also opted for a panoramic glass roof on their new hearse.

Tommy Dermody of P.Molloy & Sons Funeral Directors, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, takes delivery of a first callFuneralTimes hearse with | 79 folding deck in a modern vouge grey laminate. A sliding bumper protector & protective rubber matting ensures

Classifieds... Classifieds...

FOR SALE

2007 Mercedes E Class 280 Hearse

Scottish Repatriation Service Any time, any place, anywhere, day or night!

Specialising in and out of Scotland & Ireland, call now for a competitive quote on:

T: 01294 552213/273939 Excellent Condition, Pullmann Hearse, Diesel, Automatic, 50,000 Miles

Price on application Contact J. Kiely & Sons on 058-42200 or 086-8123719

Family Run Funeral Directors PART OF THE BENNETTS GROUP

• All paperwork and third party fees arranged • One to one personal service • Silver Funeral Fleet available for Hire

For Sale 2008 MERCEDES ECLASS HEARSE 2001 MERCEDES ECLASS HEARSE

33,000 miles, Price €19,995

48,000 miles, Price €6,995

2008 MONDEO DIESEL REMOVAL HEARSE WITH DECK

180,000 miles, Price €1,500

All vehicles, with current NCT and taxed to 2021.

For further information please contact: Seán Feehily Funeral Services, Sligo 087/2411114

email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com 80 | FuneralTimes

Classifieds... Classifieds...

HAND SANITISER STATION Ideal for getting your funeral home open for business + Delive

ry

• Stations carry a dispenser for hand sanitising liquid or foam • Shelf for dispensing gloves, towels or masks • Enclosed bin for disposal of gloves, masks or paper towels • Can be fully branded to suit your funeral home

• All messages can be altered as government guidance changes over time

CALL US ON: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI

Frank Keogh & Sons

PATRICK RYAN

Funeral Repatriation Services

& DAUGHTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS SPECIALISING IN REPATRIATION TO ALL PARTS OF IRELAND

Woodbrook, Bray Co.Wicklow Telephone:

ROI - 086 8440208 NI - 00353 86 8440208

TEL: 020 8567 1664 FAX: 020 8566 4795 6 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA Email: office@pryanfunerals.com Website: PATRICK-RYAN.CO.UK COVERING LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES

email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com FuneralTimes | 81

Classifieds... Classifieds...

• Provincewide service available • Experienced Drivers

MERCEDES LIMOUSINES MERCEDES S CLASS MERCEDES MPV MERCEDES HEARSE AVAILABLE

JBFS

For enquiries please contact James on

Mob: 077 3428 3181/ Tel: 028 3884 9151 or visit: www.jamesbartonfuneralservices.co.uk or email: jamesbarton75@gmail.com

Matthew L. Jones FUNERAL REPATRIATION SERVICE • South Wales based • 24 Hour removal & repatriation service • Long & short distance throughout UK & Ireland • Inclusive of airports & ferry ports • B.I.E qualified embalming service • Also Hearse & Limousine hire available

Mobile: 07815 866 652 Tel: 01267 236 787 (24hrs) email: info@funeralservices.wales www.funeralservices.wales

FOR SALE DUE TO CLOSURE OF BUSINESS Large Selection of Grave Ornaments, Grave Plaques and Silk Wreaths.

Please Contact 00353 (0)86 404 5234 For Further Details

email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com 82 | FuneralTimes

Wilcox traditional design meets the luxurious modern Jaguar XF Financed from just £350* per week Petrol or Diesel Engines

Aluminium structure Extra height Extra width

All wheel drive option

Extra long rear door

• Jaguar Authorised Convertor • ULEZ compliant • Platform payload proven • 3 year combined warranty • Various finance & part exchanges available • *£20,000 deposit. Full details upon request

enquiries@wilcox.uk 01753 480 600

w w w. l i m o u s i n e s . c o. u k