Funeral Times issue 2 2024

Humanist funerals and memorials are non-religious ceremonies which focus on the person who has died, the life they led, and the relationships they forged. They are based on the humanist perspective that every life is valuable and unique.

Humanist funerals and memorial ceremonies are conducted by our trained and accredited celebrants.

FIND YOUR LOCAL CELEBRANT

Michael Conlon 07494 505033

Joan Davis 07546 954222

Ian Deboys 07368 440040

Máire De Buitléar 07841 860276

Terri Gilleece 07801418492

Avril Hawthorne 07854 436914

Stewart Holden 07971 634098

Janni Knox 07890 861690

humanists.uk/ce remonies

Richard Lavery 07802 839543

Michael McAlinden 07305 892201

Mar yLou

McShane 07962 906236

Trevor Molloy 07549 946622

Rachel Smith 07957 474643

Declan Walsh 07859 816585

Lisa Wilkinson 07759 514139

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Within Esker Lawn Cemeter y we have numerous options from which to choose: from traditional burial plots; ash burial or inter ment plots; to columbarium walls, all of which can be purchased in advance of need.

Great attention to detail has been paid by our craftsmen to create an environment in which family members can visit

A LIMITED NUMBER OF BURIAL PL OT S AND ASH INTERMENT OPTIONS ARE AV AILABLE TO PRE-PURCHASE IN ADV ANCE OF NEED

www.EskerLawnCemetery.com

Grey’s funeral home turns green

Thanks to the expertise of Thomas Bourke and Premierav.productions.com we turned our funeral home green for Saint Patrick’s day, a tradition we have upheld for a few years now and I believe much appreciated by our community.

It throws the 100 space car park and funeral home green, but the lights on our national flag are left untouched, making it stand out even more than normal.

We believe this shows our ongoing commitment, respect and dedication to our community and our town, which we are very privileged to be a part of.

We have some further developments and projects currently under way, despite promising to take a little respite after last year’s major revamp of our premises. It is always good to be moving our business in new and hopefully better directions.

Eamonn, Louise & Eddie Grey

NI bereavement support website launched

Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a new bereavement support website for Northern Ireland.

‘Bereaved NI’ can be accessed at Bereaved | Bereaved (hscni. net) and will provide a range of accessible resources for people who are experiencing bereavement and ensure that they have the required information and support for each stage of their bereavement journey.

Included as part of the new fully accessible website will be information relating to palliative care, pregnancy and baby loss, resources for children and young people, information for people who have been bereaved by suicide and those who have suffered a sudden or traumatic loss, as well as practical support including financial and legal advice.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to launch the

Bereaved NI website which will signpost users to appropriate support at each stage of the bereavement journey.

“Early signposting will help people get the support they need, when they need it, which is critical in making the difficult journey to recovery more achievable.”

As well as providing information and support for the public, the website will include a video wall with accounts of lived experiences and a suite of training and education materials for carers and professionals.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride, said: “We know that the death of a loved one is a particularly difficult life experience. The development of the new website will provide a central point for those who are bereaved and need some additional support. For the first time, the new website

will bring together all of the resources that are available in one place for the benefit of the general public, carers, and professionals.”

Dr Patricia Donnelly OBE, Chair of the Northern Ireland Bereavement Network, acknowledged the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the normal grieving rituals when many people may not have been able to experience the same level of face-toface support from family and friends.

Dr Donnelly said: “We know that death during normal times is tough to cope with and it was perhaps even more difficult for those bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognise that there has been a lot of good work by different organisations and groups to develop bereavement resources and this website aims to make these easily accessible for all.”

From left: Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer; Robin Swann, Health Minister, and Dr Patricia Donnelly OBE, Chair of the NI Bereavement Network, discuss the new Bereavement NI website.

Creating lasting video memories

Paul Hughes Video has been providing high quality video services since 1999. As we are all aware, during the Covid-19 pandemic, streaming and filming funerals became ‘normal’. While many churches fitted webcams, not all were able to. For those who didn’t, Paul developed Funeral-Video.net which offers the perfect solution and offers several benefits for families during and after the funeral service.

Funeral-Video.net are committed to the discreet and sensitive recording of a loved one’s funeral service on the day. They will work with the funeral director, to ensure they deliver the quality service families deserve. After the service, the video is edited and then posted on their website so that friends and relatives may pay their respects at a time of their convenience, using a link provided in advance. The video can be password protected or available for public viewing, whichever the family prefers.

Paul has long-standing links with several funeral directors. Here is what two had to say about Paul’s work.

“Paul is an excellent videographer who provides a valuable service to grieving families. He records the funeral services with professionalism and care, and delivers highquality videos that capture the essence of the event. He also offers editing and customisation options, such as adding music, photos, and captions to create a personalised memorial video. I have worked with Paul on several occasions and I have always been impressed by his work ethic, creativity, and compassion. He is respectful of the families wishes and emotions, he handles sensitive situations with grace and tact. He is not only a great videographer, but also a great partner for funeral directors. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a funeral video service.” - Damian

Smith Undertakers

“We have used Paul on numerous occasions to record the funeral services for our clients.

His quality of work and professionalism has been of a consistent high standard.

Paul has time and again assisted us in delivering quality streaming services for the families we help. We hope to continue to work together”Daniel

Mallon, Funeral Director.

Celebrating success: Member achieves standard in IAFD Excellence Programme

In the landscape of professional development, attaining excellence is not just a goal; it’s a testament to dedication and a commitment to growth. Today, we celebrate one such achievement as McGuinness & O’Connell Funeral Directors, a valued member of our community, successfully met the standards of IAFD Excellence Programme.

The Excellence Programme, relaunched in 2023 is designed to elevate standards and represents our commitment to excellence. Through their hard work and determination, Patrick McGuinness and Eamonn O’Connell have met the criteria set forth by the programme.

In celebrating their achievement, we also acknowledge the support of their colleagues who have played a pivotal role in reaching this standard.

Congratulations once again to Patrick, Eamonn and their team on this accomplishment. May their success inspire us all to strive for

Patrick McGuinness and Eamonn O’Connell

excellence in everything we do.

IAFD embraces new technology to enhance member communication

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, staying connected with members is paramount for any association striving for relevance and impact.

Recognising this imperative, Irish Association of Funeral Directors has embarked on an innovative journey to embrace new technologies, revolutionising how they engage and communicate with their members.

Gone are the days of traditional communication methods struggling to keep pace with the demands of a modern, digitally-

driven world. IAFD understands that to effectively connect with members, they must meet them where they are – online and on-thego.

With this vision in mind, IAFD are introducing a state-of-the-art platform tailored to the preferences and needs of their diverse membership base. The work on the introduction of the new platform is at the early stages and IAFD are excited to share more information with you about the positive changes it will bring to Members over the coming months.

IAFD News

Exciting news: Association unveils exciting new Member Benefits!

In a move to enrich the membership experience and provide added value to its community, Irish Association of Funeral Directors is pleased to announce the introduction of exciting new member benefits.

At IAFD, we understand that our members are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re constantly striving to enhance our offerings to better serve their needs and exceed their expectations. With this in mind, we are excited to unveil our latest member benefits.

Among the new additions to our membership package are access to discounted rates for Members who wish to improve their online

presence, discount on healthcare waste disposal and special rates for our Members who wish to install web-streaming in their funeral home without any up-front capital investment.

As we look ahead to the future, we’re committed to continually evolving and expanding our offerings to ensure that our members receive the support, resources, and opportunities they need.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us today and experience the difference of being a member of Irish Association of Funeral Directors. Contact Membership Officer, Fintan Cooney at membership@iafd.ie

IAFD Contacts

Niall Mulligan (President)

Heffernan’s Funeral Directors

Trim, Co. Meath

Mobile: 086 8208501

Ph: 046 9438662

Email: president@iafd.ie

Niamh Sweeney (First Vice President and Educcation Officer)

John Sweeney and Sons

Fairgreen

Arklow, Co Wicklow

Ph: 0402 32333

Email: education@iafd.ie

Paul Reilly (Hon. Secretary)

Oliver Reilly Ltd Funeral Directors

Leinster Street, Maynooth

Ph: 045-868230

Email: info@reillysfuneralhome.ie

Pat Smyth (Hon. Treasurer)

Smyth’s Funeral Directors

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Ph: 0906 626122

Email: treasurer@iafd.ie

Fintan Cooney (Membership Officer)

Fanagans

54 Aungier Street

Dublin 2

Ph: 01 4167700

Email: membership@iafd.ie

John Mark Griffin (Public Relations Officer)

Griffin Funerals

John’s Gate Pennywell Limerick

Ph: 061 415000

Email: pro@iafd.ie

Tom Lawless (Immediate Past President

Lawless Funeral Directors

Mucklagh, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Ph: 057 9322622

Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie

Dara Gillespie

Finlays Funeral Service

Tierney Street

Ardee, Co. Louth

Mobile: 086 7923472

Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com

Donal Forde

Fordes Funeral Homes LTD

South Gate Bridge

Cork, Co. Cork

Ph: 021 4318222

Email: donal@fordesfuneralhome.ie

Kylie Gourley

Funeral Partners Northern Ireland

300 Newtownards Road

Belfast

BT4 1HF

Ph: 028 9045 1021

Email: kylie.gourley@funeralpartners.com

Peter Maguire

Massey Bros

Crumlin Road, Dublin

Ph: 01 4541666

Email: peter@masseybros.com

New Delivery - Quinn Hearse and

Morning Grave Products, Listillion, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Tel: 074 9120449

Email: morningdonegal@gmail.com

Web: www.morninggraveproducts.ie

Paul Browne from Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy with their new 5 Door Hearse from Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Dr Bill Webster receives BEM in New Year’s Honours List

Wellrespected grief counsellor and author Dr Bill Webster who has been a long time contributor to Funeral Times, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) “for services to the bereaved in the UK and in Canada” in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.

“I was completely flabbergasted by this recognition, and feel both honoured and humbled to have had my work recognized in this way,” he said.

“But the biggest reward will always be in knowing that I have helped so many people through their grief journey.”

Dr Webster has conducted many professional and educational seminars on the topics of grief and loss over the last 25 years, and his books have been widely distributed.

He has been awarded the prestigious Fellow in Thanatology in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the field by the Association for Death Education and Grief Counselling.

He was also awarded the British Citizen’s Medal some years ago in recognition of his work in helping communities organize and facilitate local community grief support programmes in the UK.

Dr Webster continues to pioneer new and innovative grief support programmes. In partnership with Malcolm Flanders and Karen Trickett, he is now part of a new initiative called

When Life Changes that will make grief support more easily available and accessible to grieving people in a variety of situations as well as to communities.

The new website www.whenlifechanges.com will be up and running very soon.

Bill plans to be at the National Funeral Exhibition in Stoneleigh in June and looks forward to meeting many friends, old and new, at that time. All at Funeral Times congratulate Bill on this well deserved honour.

Dr Bill Webster - Photo courtesy of Peter Frankland, Guernsey Press

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I feel it’s a very positive step because Funeral Partners share our core values, they understand that the families we work with are the foundation of all funeral businesses. Jon Baird, Bairds of Antrim Funeral Directors

Six more good causes supported by Funeral Directors’ Community Assistance Programme

A Funeral Directors proud of their role at the heart of the community are delighted to have supported six more good causes with their funding initiative.

The John Gray & Co Community Assistance Programme invites projects based within one mile of their funeral homes in Bangor, Holywood and Newtownards to apply for small grants to continue their outstanding work.

Following the latest window of applications, the Northern Ireland Cross Community Angling Club, based in Newtownards, Inspiring Yarns CIC, Little Doves Childcare Centre, the Link Family and Community Centre, Holywood Men’s Shed and Bangor Sea Cadets have all been supported.

Barbara Wilson, Funeral Manager, said her team are passionate about supporting local causes because of their deep-rooted connection to the area.

“Not only are we working in the community and serving families in the area but a lot of us live locally as well,” she said.

“It is lovely to contribute a little bit in the community we live in and support the good work these groups are doing.

“Life is hard, and it has become a lot harder as of late with the increase in the cost

of living.

“People are struggling with things and charities especially are more reliant on support from the local community.

“It is maybe a small amount in some cases, but for some charities it can be the difference of being able to provide their services or not.

In total, the fund has now provided support for 11 different local causes with the third cycle of the fund set to open in April.

For more information about John Gray & Co Funeral Directors and their community work, visit https://www. johngrayfuneraldirectors.com/

Sandra Williamson, Senior Funeral Arranger, Anne Marie Gallagher, Funeral Arranger and Barbara Wilson, Funeral Manager

Funeral Partners promote funding grants at nationwide Funding Fayre

Funeral professionals behind initiatives which have supported grassroots charities spread the word about their commitment to community work at a special event to raise awareness of funding opportunities.

The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action’s (NIVCA) Funding Fayre 2024 connected funders from across the country with good causes and charitable groups.

Representatives from James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors and John Gray & Co Funeral Directors attended the event for the first time, where they were able to discuss their two funding programmes.

These are the James Brown & Sons Community Fund which has supported more than 40 charities in Greater Belfast with close to £50,000 worth of grants since it launched in 2022 and the John Gray & Co Community Assistance Programme which has helped

11 organisations over the last few months in Holywood, Bangor and Newtownards.

Dozens of funders and community organisations were at the event – including some which had previously received support from the funds – and others which it is hoped may benefit in the future.

Beverley Brown, is Marketing Manager for the two funeral brands, and said it was wonderful to be able to promote the initiatives.

“It was a pleasure to talk to people representing so many good causes and funders who are able to help them continue to make a difference,” she said.

“For us it, was great to introduce the two funding

initiatives to people who were not previously aware of them.

“We are hoping people we met will consider applying in future.

“It was also a good opportunity to catch up with representatives from groups who we have supported in the past and learn about their future plans.

“Everyone is very proud of the James Brown & Sons Community Fund, and the John Gray & Co Community Assistance Programme and what we have been able to achieve so far, and we are looking forward to helping more groups in the future.”

Julian Hodgkinson and Barbara Wilson at the NIVCA Funding Fayre

Beverley Brown and Barbara Wilson at the NIVCA Funding Fayre

Eimer Duffy is a Social Media Consultant and Trainer at FIT Social Media. Through bespoke solutions, Eimer helps Funeral Professionals gain a better online presence, build communities and trust online with zero stress and hassle in a short space of time. She also co-hosts The Let’s Get Social Show and you can catch that on all the major podcast channels such as Spotify etc... And for more information on what Eimer provides go to www.fitsocialmedia.co.uk

Is your website’s privacy policy missing something important?

I am sure you agree that social media plays a significant role in our daily communications. Personally and professionally now more than ever. Social media is a great tool to drive traffic to your Funeral home and business website. And so it is essential that there is an indispensable integration of social media guidelines within the privacy policies of your websites. This will ensure respect for privacy, create safe digital spaces, build trust, ensure legal compliance and reflect professionalism. And with this in mind here are some actionable insights to enhance your digital presence while honouring the delicate nature of your services.

Integrating social media guidelines into your privacy policy

The digital footprint of a funeral home and business extends beyond its website. It encompasses all interactions on social media platforms. Integrating social media guidelines into your privacy policy is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity in today’s interconnected world. This integration serves multiple purposes, from protecting client privacy to ensuring your practices align with legal standards and best practices in digital communication.

Respect for Privacy

With the core of funeral service being respect for the deceased and their families. In the sphere of social media and being online, this respect translates into meticulous handling of sensitive information. For example, consider a policy that mandates explicit consent from families before sharing any content related to services or memorials online. This approach not only upholds privacy, but also demonstrates profound respect for the grieving process.

Creating Safe Digital Spaces

Social media, while a tool for online connection, can sometimes become invasive. By setting clear guidelines on what can be shared and how interactions are handled, funeral homes can create a protective digital environment. An actionable insight here can be the implementation of moderated forums or tribute pages where memories can be shared and celebrated in a respectful and controlled manner.

Building Trust

Transparency in how social media is managed reassures families that their loved ones are commemorated with dignity. Highlighting your commitment to privacy and ethical use of social media in your privacy policy can significantly enhance trust. It shows foresight and an understanding of the digital landscape’s challenges and opportunities.

Legal Compliance

The legal landscape around digital privacy is continually evolving. Integrating social media

guidelines into your privacy policy helps ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations. Regularly reviewing and updating these guidelines is crucial to stay abreast of changes. This might involve consulting with legal experts to ensure that your policies reflect current legal requirements.

Reflecting Professionalism

A well-crafted social media guideline within your privacy policy reflects a professional and thoughtful approach to digital communications. It signals to clients and the broader community that you are committed to upholding high standards both offline and online.

Recommendations and Actionable Insights

Updating your privacy policy to include social media guidelines is a step forward in aligning your funeral home with best practices in digital ethics. Start by assessing your current policy and identifying gaps related to social media use. Consider the following actions:

• Develop clear guidelines on the consent process for sharing any content related to the deceased or their families.

• Outline measures taken to protect personal information in digital spaces.

• Specify how social media interactions are

monitored and managed to ensure they remain respectful and safe.

• Engage a legal expert to ensure your policy complies with current laws and regulations concerning online privacy and data protection.

• Communicate changes to your privacy policy clearly and concisely to your clients through your website, social media and direct communications.

All in all…

The integration of social media guidelines into your website’s privacy policy is more than an administrative task; it’s a commitment to maintaining the dignity and respect that the funeral profession stands for in the digital era. By taking actionable steps to update your privacy policy, you not only enhance your professionalism but also provide a safe, respectful, and trustworthy digital environment for the families you serve. I encourage all funeral professionals to review and, if necessary, revise their privacy policies to include comprehensive social media guidelines. This commitment to digital ethics will undoubtedly strengthen the trust and confidence that families place in you during their most challenging times.

Should you require assistance in crafting or updating your social media guidelines, remember that support is available. Embracing

the digital world with care and consideration is a journey we can undertake together, ensuring that our online spaces are as respectful and dignified as the services we provide in person. Want to have a chat or book a free online

video audit of your current online presence, then do get in touch with me, Eimer. Visit www.fitsocialmedia.co.uk for more information. And you can email me at eimer@fitsocialmedia.co.uk. Thanks for reading.

Are you going to NFE?

Delighted to be exhibiting again at The National Funeral Exhibition this year in Hall 2 on Stand 225. And this year will be a little different! Will be in collaboration with Flourishh who are branding and website specialists for the Funeral and Bereavement sector on Stand 226. Do call over and say “Hello!” It would be great to catch up with The Funeral Times community and you can meet our “VERY SPECIAL” guest! I guarantee you will want to meet him….. Oh and don’t forget follow the official National Funeral Exhibition hashtag #NFE24, use it on your social media posts (before, during and afterwards), click on the hashtag to see who else is going and what else is happening!

It was great to attend the SAIF AGM 2024 and Banquet in March with Ian and Carole Henderson in the fabulous Principal Hotel, York and meet up with so many industry professionals and suppliers. A jam packed agenda during the day, engaging speakers, great range of exhibitors and the evening events were superb!

If you have any more questions, send them into Eimer and she will answer them for you, and we will publish them in our next edition. All questions submitted and published can be anonymous if you wish. You can contact Eimer by email at: eimer@fitsocialmedia.co.uk

All glam! Eimer with Ian & Carole Henderson of Flourishh (www.flourishh.org)

Alan Jose, Westerleigh Group Ambassador & Eimer discuss the bear essentials! (www.westerleighgroup.co.uk)

Our recently restored 1940’s Rolls Royce Hearse is available for hire to Funeral Directors, along with one of our drivers, throughout the country.

Meet Alana Gillen: the cleaner!

My name is Alana Gillen, and I am a Biohazard, Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaner.

I wanted to use this opportunity to begin an introduction to those of you that don’t already know me and give you a small idea of what my team and I do, at Specialist Cleaning NI.

Since setting up my business in 2012 we have cleaned everything from greasy chip vans to horrendous drug squats, from high profile million-pound new builds to extreme decomposition. In 2020 we stopped our domestic cleaning services to concentrate fully on the specialists’ solutions that were in high demand.

Unfortunately, we know all too well that not everyone passes away peacefully in bed, not everyone is found straight away, and not every death is a dignified one. However, we are the specialists who provide clean-up and hazardous waste disposal procedures for the aftermath of any type of death.

Full property cleaning is also provided

Our purpose is to provide a responsive, reactive and compassionate cleaning process for dangerous or traumatic circumstances. It is our job to restore things to a safe and habitable condition, to eliminate any potential health risks and to provide a service that deals with the visual distress and fetid odours that are left behind so that victims or families in distress do not have to.

Even though I have personally cleaned up after violent crimes, brutal suicides, fatal falls and many tragic unattended deaths all over the country, I am always humbled at the sheer relief we can offer to those left behind.

Please don’t let the name confuse you, whilst we are based in Co. Antrim, we do cover the whole of Ireland for those in need. Our vehicles are unmarked, with no sign writing to provide confidentiality and discretion. We aim to always respond quickly and professionally, we might just need to grab an extra coffee on the way. Always with a smile, dignity and respect. Even when it’s 2am there’s been a drunken fight and now 3 flights of communal stairs are covered in blood.

After Care

After the initial urgent cleaning service, we also provide, full property clearance and cleaning. Sometimes this is in cases of drug paraphernalia or squalor

like conditions and sometimes it is simply to help families get ready for the next stage. We specialise in hoarding disorders, overwhelming living conditions and self neglect situations and regularly help people create a better, safer home environment to live in. We often see these death and disorder situations crossover. On regular occasions we have found that when a person passes away, it’s only then do families learn of their living conditions. It can be extremely difficult for anyone to understand how or why this happens and even harder to know where to start a clearance and cleaning process. This can also create a lot of mixed emotions including anger within families.

With this being our 12th year in business, providing compassionate clearance and cleaning services for those battling with hoarding disorders, we naturally still complete these services for

Alana in her scrubs!

those who have passed away. We take time to separate important documents and valuables to be returned to family members. I am usually tasked with finding a certain item or keepsake, most commonly a will. Then we declutter the rooms of rubbish and gubbins allowing family to visit safely if they wish, they can then decide on what items and mementos are to be moved to storage or relocated elsewhere. Once they have all important items, we clear and clean the property. With a full maintenance team on board including joiners, painters and gardeners we are able to provide a one stop shop for those heading towards selling homes that are left behind. It may not be the most glamorous job in the world but

I wholeheartedly believe it’s one that makes a big difference. I genuinely love my job and being able to provide a specialist cleaning service for after death, crime and trauma. You might think that it is not always necessary but it is essential to recommend us to a family facing loss, for that mammy who’s teenager has just committed suicide or to the expatriate that have returned home because of the news an elderly parents body as been discovered. We are a vital part of the services. They should not have to face more trauma by trying to clean up afterwards but more importantly they should not

Keep an eye out for Alana in her big blue van!

risk potentially hazardous situations.

Sometimes you just need the wee doll from Ballyclare in her big blue van.

Alana x

SPECIALIST CLEANING SERVICES FOR AFTER A DEATH

We understand sometimes the circumstances of a death can be unpleasant and very traumatic. Unfortunately this can also mean needing a specialist cleaning service.

You can now offer our specialist services within your arrangements. Discreetly and respectfully we clean up all manner of incidents.

specialistcleaningni.com | info@specialistcleaningni.com

Alana Gillen

Celebrating the life of the deceased, reflecting their personal beliefs, wishes, values and traditions. T:

Adrian, Theresa and Dermot Coady from Coady’s Funeral Home, Mayo collecting their 5 Door Hearse by Quinn Hearse and Limousine

My Farewell Wishes: Celebrating success and embracing innovation in Funeral Services

We are delighted to announce that My Farewell Wishes has been honoured with the prestigious Best Startup and Best Overall awards at the recent Cavan Local Enterprise Awards. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the funeral sector. As we prepare to represent Cavan and the funeral sector at the National Awards in May, we reflect on our journey so far and look ahead to the future growth of our business.

At My Farewell Wishes, we understand the importance of providing compassionate and personalised support to families during their time of need. Our mission is to make funeral pre planning as easy and accessible as possible by offering innovative solutions to funeral directors. Our paper forms and guides help funeral directors to ensure all aspects of the funeral have been considered. Our Trust fund ensures transparency and peace of mind for both the pre planner and the funeral director.

In today’s digital age, convenience and accessibility are becoming so important. That’s why we are proud to offer a range of digital

services designed to empower all funeral directors and improve your service delivery. From social media setup and management to tailored pre-planning campaigns and website design, we are committed to helping you connect with your communities and educate them about your services.

Our recent accolades serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. We are honoured to be recognised for our contributions to the funeral sector and remain

committed to raising the bar for excellence in funeral care.

As we embark on this exciting journey to the National Awards, we are so grateful for the support of our partner funeral director community and the trust of our clients. We are confident that our innovative approach to funeral services will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

My Farewell Wishes

Colm Kieran and Aine Tuffy

Colm Kieran and Aine Tuffy

BIE News BIE News Ireland Division

Hi All,

It’s being an amazing start to the year with our AGM and first meeting of 2024. It was held at Pure Reflections Resomarium, Abbeylands, Navan, Co, Meath on the 18th February 2024. It was great turn out for our members. It was so good to catch up with everyone and amazing to see all the new students. Not only was there a great turn out from our members but the day was fun and interesting. We as a Division would like to congratulate Ronan Conneely on receiving his certificate and wish him all the best for the future.

involved and tested our knowledge on anastomosis! A very interesting presentation Andrew! I think it’s safe to say the day was enjoyed by all.

On behalf of our Division I would like say a huge thank you to Elizabeth for allowing us to host our meeting at her Resomarium and for the insight into pure Reflections and to Andrew for his presentation.

The founder of Pure Reflections Elizabeth Oakes kindly gave us a tour and an insight in to the business she has created. This woman is a true inspiration in everything she has achieved!! Elizabeth went through the resomation

process and the equipment needed for the process. She showed us the local hand crafted Urns and all the detailed presentations that are provided to families. Our members were very curious and had many questions and Elizabeth was able to answer every curious question we had! We also had a great presentation from Andrew Floyd called “Handy to Know”. Andrew got everyone

We had a great year last year regarding meetings and this year will be even better so don’t miss out! Our next meeting will be held on the 18th May 2024. All details regarding the meeting will be sent to members soon so keep an eye on those emails.

BIE Irish Chairperson Niamh Cusack

BIE News BIE News Ireland Division

Left to right Cyril Gantley MBIE, Simon Thompson MBIE (NI Division), Ronan O’Flaherty Conneely MBIE and Susan Moran MBIE

L-R: Cyril Gantley MBIE, BIE accredited Tutor, Mortuary Science Ireland, Ronan O’Flaherty Conneely MBIE and Susan Moran MBIE, Mortuary Science Ireland

From left to right: Chairperson Niamh Cusack MBIE, Elizabeth Oaks, Pure Reflections Ireland and Secretary Jenny Tighe MBIE

Chairperson Niamh Cusack MBIE presenting Ronan O’Flaherty Conneely MBIE with his certificate

BIE News BIE News Northern Ireland Division

Hi All,

I trust everyone is well and enjoying 2024 so far.

I would just like to thank the members of the BIE Northern Ireland Division for their continued support to the Division and Iook forward to serving them through my term in Office.

I would also like to thank the officers past and present for the hard work they put in for the Division which benefits us all.

For officers who have taken up their first position within the Division, I wish them well on this important journey and assure them that they will have my full support and that of the entire Division.

We are hoping to bring

a variety of motivational speakers to our meetings, not just about embalming, but also industry related topics as well as hands on refresher sessions with the help of our own Divisional Tutors.

It is important that our members try their best to attend the meetings as this is where they can hear what is going on in the British Institute of Embalmers as a whole. They can have their voice heard, reconnect with colleagues, meet new members, get advice from our tutors, if needed, or just come for a bit of craic.

I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting in April 2024 and until then should you have any problems or questions that the officers can help with, please just contact one of us.

Regards

David Rice MBIE

BIE Northern Irish Chairman

BIE News BIE News

Northern Ireland Division

New Chairperson appointed for BIE Northern Ireland Division

In February 2024, Mr David Rice had the tremendous honour of being installed as the British Institute of Embalmers (Northern Ireland Division) Chairperson and we are confident he’ll do a great job during his term in office.

Congratulations Simon

During the same meeting of the British Institute of Embalmers (NI Division) on 14th February, Simon Thompson from Milne Funeral Services, Co. Armagh was presented with his Certification by the National President of BIE, Mr Richard Van Nes.

Well done to Simon for all his hard work and studying!

Left to right Richard Van Nes, Simon Thompson receiving his certificate and David Rice, Chairman of the BIE (NI Division).

Mr David Rice, Chairman of the BIE (NI Division)

List of BIE Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2024/2025

IRISH DIVISION

Chairperson & Divisional Liaison Officer:

Niamh Cusack MBIE

Ballingowan West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

Tel: 086 3744762

E: cusackembalmings@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson:

Cyril Gantley MBIE

336 kildare Road Crumlin, Dublin 12

Mobile 085 7671582

E.cyril.gantley@mortuary-science.ie

Secretary & Public Relations Offcer:

Jennifer Tighe MBIE

St. Patrick Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 086 8854333

E: Jennytighe30@yahoo.com

1st National Council Rep & National Educational Rep:

Cyril Gantley MBIE

336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

Mobile: 085 7671582

E: cyril.gantley@mortuary-science.ie

2nd National Council Representative:

Alan Kidd MBIE

15 Sraid Na Mara

1st Sea Road, Strandhill Road

Sligo, Co. Sligo Mobile 087 6498623

E. alank1d@hotmail.com

Treasurer and Professional Standards Rep:

Susan Moran MBIE

20 Cedarwood Park Newbridge, Co. Kildare Mobile 086 0619500

E.susan.moran@mortuary-science.ie

NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION

NI Chairman:

David Rice MBIE

Milne Funeral Services

59 Seagoe Road, Portadown BT63 5HS

Tel: 07811 109343

Email: contact@milnefuneralservices.co.uk

NI Vice Chairman:

Nicholas Gormley MBIE

Unit 5, 3 Main Street, Maghera BT46 5AA

Tel: 07761 500902

Email: support@gms-ni.com

NI Secretary:

Jamie Dempster MBIE

S. Clarke & Son Funeral Directors

12 Court Square, Newtownards BT23 7NY

Tel: 028 9181 2168

Email: jamie@sclarkeandson.co.uk

NI Treasurer:

Andrew McMullan MBIE

22 High Street, Ballymoney Co. Antrim

BT53 6AQ

Tel: 028 2766 2265

E: andrew@mcmullanfunerals.com

NI Public Relations Offcer:

Ciaran Bailie MBIE

27 Navan Court

Armagh

Tel. 07523 477852

ciaranbailie@googlemail.com

NI Student Liaison Officer

Charlie Poots MBIE

NI 1st National Council Representative:

Laurence O’Neill MBIE

98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast

BT11 9JP

Tel: 028 9062 0099

E: oneill8210@hotmail.com

NI 2nd National Council

Representative:

Mrs Barbara Fowley, MBIE

Killakee, Rockbrook Rathfarnham,

Dublin 16

Telephone: 00353 (0)86 1911022

Email: barbarafowley@yahoo.ie

NI Professional Standards Rep:

Pat Harley, MBIE

67 Creggan Road, L’derry BT48 9DA

Tel: 07712 899137

E: pat.harley@hotmail.co.uk

NI 1st Educational Committee

Representative:

Deborah McConnell MBIE

James Brown & Sons

300 Newtownards Road, Belfast

Tel: 028 9045 1021

E: jamesbrown.belfast@funeralpartners. com

NATIONAL UK DIVISION

President:

Richard D. Van Nes MBIE

Imm. Past National President: Bobby Hopkins-Hoggarth MBIE

1st Vice National President: Mrs Rachel Shipley MBIE

2nd Vice National President: Edward Williams-Price MBIE

National PRO & National General Secretary: Karen Caney FBIE

White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA

Mobile: 07786 432014

E: ngs@bioe.co.uk

National Treasurer:

Michael Liddle FBIE

10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ

Tel: 01525 860117

E: michaelliddle914@gmail.com

Editor:

Gwen Schofield FBIE

9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP

Home Tel: 01484 851994

Mobile: 07778 279100

E: gwen.schofield@ntlworld.co.uk

Master Fellow:

Karen Caney FBIE

Student Liaison Officer: Adrian Walters MBIE

Tel: 01564 778991

The Griffins, from John Griffins and Sons, Limerick with their new E Class Hearse from Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Atrophy, Bed Sores, and Emaciation

By Randy J. Rogalsky, CFSP, MBIE

Randy has been with The Dodge Company

Canada since 1988 and President of Dodge (Canada) since 1994. He is a licensed embalmer and funeral director.

“It’s not dying I’m afraid of…it’s the getting there.” That was a saying of my mother-inlaw who died in September, 2014 at the age of 94. She had a fall resulting in a broken hip, had the hip replaced, and, as is too often the case, the incision got infected and she declined rapidly and died. We always feared that a broken hip would be the end, and sure enough, that is what happened. Falls resulting in broken hips and strokes happen to many people in rehab.

It’s common at a funeral home to see deceased elderly people with indications of recent surgeries. Often times the staples are still in place because the incision hasn’t healed. There is a risk with any surgery, but to elderly people, these surgeries are often traumatic. She was a petite lady and she wasn’t any more than 95 pounds as she atrophied after the fall. She was instinctive and we could tell that she knew it wasn’t looking good.

When she died, the funeral home’s staff included a number of talented embalmers and we knew them all personally. The particular embalmer who took care of her body called me two days later to come over and have a preliminary look before doing the finishing work. Not everybody gets that opportunity. When he placed her in her casket a few days later, she looked amazing and so natural. She had a perfect, slight smile that is a signature technique of good embalmers I have known over the years, and it’s a technique I learned back in 1976 when I started out. Her hair was perfect as was her makeup and nails.

It was a regular part of the late Todd Van Beck’s programs, and anyone who ever listened to him

speak will remember this. He used to say, “The death rate is 100%.” Truer words could not be spoken. We usually think of the death rate as a percentage of the population that die annually. But he meant, the truth is that we don’t know the hour or the minute, but no one is getting out of this world alive. It isn’t a matter of “if ” but rather a matter of “when.” It’s the getting there that is the variable.

People that have been in funeral or death care profession for many years have seen an example of every kind of death. We have seen car and motorcycle accidents, fires and drownings, too many kinds of accidents to list. There are other types of unexpected deaths, from sudden heart attacks and strokes, to suicides of various means, and murders, too. There are those long lingering deaths from Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, cancer of every form, and from chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and Parkinson’s, to name a few, and the list goes on and on.

For the sake of this piece, the focus is more on hospital, nursing home, and palliative care/hospice deaths. We see gangrene, and amputations, scars from a multitude of surgeries. To live to a very old age without suffering from some kind of medical condition is wonderful and most of us know someone that lived to nearly a hundred or older with little ill health. Frailty and a slower stride is normal as one ages, but there is the occasional person that lives to be very old who still remains active. A physiotherapist who worked with me has a patient who is 107 years old, and still lives at home and walks. But the average

person often develops some kind of sickness or condition that comes along in later life to affect health. We just never know.

I have given much thought about writing this article for a while now. I have learned plenty in the last year. It is no secret that I had a bad run of luck with my health over the past year. I’ve dealt with neuropathy, hepatitis, and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), urinary tract infections, and finally ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). They can take quite a toll on one’s body. It is a real coincidence that many of my challenges were closely related to those that patients suffering from COVID-19 face, but my diagnosis was not COVID-19. Fortunately, if a person does survive ARDS, they are among the 30% that make it. I was told that only three out of ten patients make it. Seven out of ten do not.

The pneumococcal bug in the case of pneumonia, and the virus in the case of the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, cause one’s oxygen levels to crash, which most times leads to a coma, incubation, a tracheotomy, and massive weight loss while on life support. Extreme atrophy, drop-foot, and bed sores are treated with umpteen lines of intravenous medicinal injections, along with hydration and nutritional feeds.

Going into a comatose condition is a similar feeling to being put under an anesthetic. The big difference is you come out of anesthetic within a day or less, even with complex surgeries. In the case of a coma, some last for weeks, sometimes even months. This is difficult to describe frankly. It is complete “nothingness.” No tunnels or white lights, no life flashing before one’s eyes. It was total nonexistence. You see nothing, hear nothing, and in my estimation, there is absolutely no sense of

time whatsoever. In the meantime, the body deteriorates at an alarmingly rapid rate and the atrophy is extensive. If you live through it, you need months of hard work to little-by-little regrow muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments and, of course, regain body weight and strength. To fully recover, one might even grow back a bit of fat. It also takes a lot of time to recapture sensations like taste, smell, and hearing, as well as speech and dexterity. Experience is the best teacher.

I was fortunate to live five minutes away from the largest medical facility in the region. At our hospital there is a full array of specialists and every type of diagnostic imaging equipment. Respirologists, speech therapists, endocrinologists, wound care specialists, radiologists, cardiologists, urologists, fluoroscopists (live moving X-Rays) are among the specialists that many people have never heard of. If treated by one or more of these specialists and if recovery becomes a reality, the real pain comes post-recovery, and a lengthy rehabilitation stage.

Those that die are often left in that atrophied and extremely thin condition that we deal with at the funeral home. Bed sores, or pressure ulcers as they are called, are another horrible problem. We have all seen these on tail bones and heels, and various other parts of the deceased body. These brutal sores occur from constant pressure brought about by one’s own body weight and contact with linens. When a patient lies for weeks and weeks and can’t move, these ulcers that develop are fiercely painful and, should the person survive, they can take months to heal. As embalmers, we see them all the time, complete with the sheepskin that is immediate evidence that the person has

a bed sore. But until you’ve had one, you really can’t define the accompanying pain. I had a couple of visits from friends and customers that jokingly said they should have brought a bottle of Basic Dryene and some Webril to help me out. Aren’t we such a funny bunch! All kidding aside, if it were that easy, patients just might take up the offer.

At the funeral home, when we receive a body into our care that has sustained months of feeding formulations through a tube into the stomach, with catheters and colostomy bags still in place, and with the aforementioned bed sores, and extreme dehydration, we call this kind of case “emaciated.” A well-trained embalmer should be able to handle atrophy and emaciation, the extreme thinning of the face, neck, and hands with little remaining but “skin and bones.” A natural flair, a real eye for restorative art and cosmetology, along with product knowledge, makes accomplishing a healthier appearance of the deceased a real comfort for the family when they say farewell.

Restoring emaciated facial features, hands, and fingers are crucial in the embalming process if we are truly interested in confidently telling the family that we have the ability to make their loved one look really nice. Knowing what a deceased person has been through leading up to their death is helpful. I would certainly be asking those questions to the families I serve if I was back in the funeral home. Taking it from there comes down to one’s ability to fulfill your professional capabilities. To the family that says their loved one is nothing but skin and bones can be an open door to a discussion on how, as a trained restorative artist, you can give them a pleasant final visitation by rolling back all of that pain and suffering. You just need to be prepared. You also need technical supplies such as Feature Builder, Inr-Seel, and quality syringes and hypodermic needles of various lengths and diameters. You can’t do this with a magic wand. The embalming and injection process must include larger than normal quantities of

Restorative and co-injection chemicals like Rectifiant and Proflow. Generous applications of Kalon Cream are also beneficial. Closing the mucous tissues of the eyes and lips with Kalip Stay Cream is also essential to keep the ambient air from shrinking those tissues further than they already. Remove unwanted wrinkles by plumping these tissues with Feature Builder. Make sure to inject the Feature Builder from the hairlines, eyebrows, the corners of the mouth, and in front of the ears to conceal needle injection points. You can also take the sharp edge off the jawline which rolls back months of atrophy and weight loss. Always injecting downwardly, when possible, will prevent the gravitational release of the Feature Builder out of the injection point. If you do have to inject upwardly, a drop of Aron Alpha will rapidly seal the needle puncture.

Cosmetics alone will not make this happen. It takes lots of photographs and a skillful hand. When a family gives you photographs of their loved one, you need to find out how recent they are and take a close look at the body to truly know what you are facing. It is easy to get carried away with feature building, so one needs to be careful so as not to create a different person all together.

There are many articles on this topic, how to feature build, many articles on cosmetics that enhance the dimensions we want to achieve with shadows. There are articles on body positioning and lighting, too. It takes a mastery of all of these skills to become a valuable and respected embalmer.

The shoemaker’s kids too often go barefoot. As embalmers and restorative artists and cosmeticians, we need to know what we would want done to ourselves, not if the day comes but when. Stay true to our profession and do unto others as we would do unto ourselves. It was a pleasure reflecting on this topic, and I am happy to help anyone that wants to know more about these subjects.

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 on the number below: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford.

Ph. 00353 43

Tom Sharkey from Sharkey Funeral Directors, Roscommon with their 5 Door Hearse from Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Saif NewS Saif NewS SAIF Annual General Meeting & Banquet Weekend 22 - 24 March 2024

SAIF 2024 Annual General Meeting and Banquet weekend commenced on Thursday 21st March at the Fulford Golf Course where Brian Hart led the golfers round the 18 holes. David Gosling won the golf with the award being presented by Mark Horton.

Throughout the weekend we had our key sponsors exhibit their services in the Events Centre.

The Friday lunch which was open to all, provided members with an opportunity to network and meet those associate members in attendance, with Mark Horton and his wife Becky welcoming the guests.

After lunch, representatives from the SAIFCharter Executive team (Adam Ginder, James Tovey, John Byrne) provided a funeral director led session which focussed on customer and market insights covering three key areas: the market share; direct cremation and digital adoption.

This was followed by a presentation by Paul Hopkins who gave an insight into the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge which he participated in.

Friday evening, saw guests cruising down the River Ouse on the River Prince and River Palace.

Fun was had by all listening to the music and eating a hot buffet.

Saturday was the working side of the weekend with over 150 members attending the Annual General Meeting.

It began with the National President Mark Horton welcoming the guests and providing an insight into his presidential year and thanking those members and associates who he had visited. Mark then spoke about his nominated charity being the Honeypot Childrens Charity.

He finished by saying that education is important but being a funeral director is just as important.

2nd Vice President Ross Hickton followed reading the obituaries and a minute’s silence was observed in memory of all those who had passed during the year.

The AGM minutes from 2023 and the Accounts for the year end 31st December 2023, were proposed, seconded and agreed en bloc.

Guest speaker Paul Hopkins with Terry Tennens SAIFCharter

Terry Tennens F.SAIF then spoke about public relations and the work & meetings that SAIF have had in relation to the Fuller Enquiry, Regulations and the Code of Practice. He also mentioned about the Mortuary Sub Committee, direct cremation toolkit that is available to members. He also made reference to SAIF’s Quality Management System being ISO certified and benchmarked against a set of standards. That SAIF’s Professional Standards Committee which is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approved body and is certified by the CTSI. SAIF’s Code of Practice is supported by the UK Government Ministry of Justice

The educational events for the upcoming year:

Scotland Conference in Dunblane

22 June 2024

National Education Day in Leicester

5 October 2024

Regional Meetings

Webinars – any themes that would like to be covered to contact Terry

SAIFInsight

Spotlight and SAIF Advantage emails

Terry then finished by summing up what SAIF independent funeral directors stand for:

• Quality

• Professional

• Trust

Elected to the National Executive Committee was Daniel Ginder and Oliver Towner with Gemma O’Driscoll standing down. Declan Maguire to become National President, Ross Hickton as 1st Vice President and Gary Staker becoming 2nd Vice President.

This year we heard from key sponsors about what added value they can provide to SAIF funeral director members as follows:

Obitus – dedicating time in diversifying their

own products to give families more choice whilst trying to make it easy for FD’s. They also advised a re-build of their website. Tributes – provided a summary of their business and how they support members

EPS

GC – their presentation was around partnership and engagement

Westerleigh – this focussed on the topic of growing together through providing more choice and uniquely personal services

SAIFInsure – focussed on the advantages and benefits of having a fellow independent business looking after members and the insurance market position as it is currently and looking forward.

The reports included in the AGM booklet were discussed as follows:

Scottish President, James Morris gave a summary of his report.

Paul Allcock F.SAIF, UK Government Liaison provided an update on the medical examiner process which has been pushed back to somewhere in April 2024, that the Law Commission is reviewing burial and cremation methods including alkaline hydrolysis and human composting where they are looking to bring them in to mainline options. He also mentioned SAIF’s involvement with Ministry

Antonia Wilmot, Obitus

Saturday’s AGM

SAIF Business Centre (Kara Hanrahan, Claire Day, Maria Sherlock)

of Justice, Human Tissue Authority, Financial Conduct Authority following the CMA order where the MoJ has since had input into SAIF’s current Code of Practice.

Simon Helliar Moore, Quality Assurance Chairman, Gary Staker, Membership Chairman and Paul Sillett, Professional Standards Chairman all gave a summary of their report.

James Morris - provided a summary of the written report in the AGM booklet and explained that his role as Chairman is an interim role as undertaking some oversight work. He explained that he is to oversee the integration of the IFD College as part of a broader educational framework for SAIF and the members.

Gemma O’Driscoll led on the Matthew Gallagher Awards and was assisted by David Massam.

The runner up was Kelsey Wait with winner Jordan Peake. As Jordan was not present Gemma would present this privately to him.

Catherine Betley for SAIF Support / SAIF Care along with Brian Hart from SAIFInsure gave a summary of their reports.

Declan Maguire stood in for Craig Caldwell as he could not attend due to a personal bereavement for SAIF Educate. Declan explained that SAIF Educate includes Education Days where topics relating to care of the deceased, mortuary matters, and mental health have been covered. Webinars are also included

covering business and marketing skills as well as a new area of micro learning which are short 20 minute training sessions to provide the skills to support our members in delivering the standards required.

Joe Murren stood in for Craig Caldwell for Mortuary Matters & Embalming and Mark Porteous F.SAIF for Public Relations & Media, where both provided a summary of their report.

Joe Murren then presented on the Scottish Government Regulations and the impact that this will have on funeral directors. He gave a background on the reasons why the Act was created and explained that the Scottish Code of Practice which stems from the Act was approved by the Scottish Ministers on the 31 January 2024 and become enforceable on the 1 March 2025. He then went on to explain the 7 sections of the act advising that the first 5 would impact the funeral director being: Burial, Cremation, Arrangements, Inspections and Funeral Directors.

Following Joe’s presentation there were questions from the floor covering refrigeration / storage and how the regulations will affect companies like Direct and Pure.

Incoming President Declan Maguire mentioned about the work that SAIF has been doing and the challenges ahead. He explained that one of the unique benefits of having the regulations in Scotland further ahead is that SAIF and SAIF Scotland already have an idea of where they

SAIF Fellows (L-R) Chris Parker F.SAIF, Pat Gallagher F.SAIF, Gemma O’Driscoll F.SAIF, Mark Porteous F.SAIF, Joe Murren F.SAIF, Paul Allcock F.SAIF, Terry Tennens F.SAIF, Sean Martin F.SAIF

Create the independent future you want.

While SAIF represents you on the issues that matter.

We know how much you value your independence.

The funeral industry may have changed but our passion for supporting our members has remained the same. We represent you on the issues that matter, from improving understanding of funeral pricing to influencing the legislation which a ects your future

Let us take care of the big picture so you can focus locally on what you do best.

For over 30 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

Visit saif.org.uk or call us on 0345 230 6777 or 01279

726777

want to go and to provide further support to our members. Declan said that he does not have a theme for his year but to keep going.

Sean Martin F.SAIF provided an overview on SAIF Fellows with the following being invited to become Fellows of SAIF for their work and value for SAIF.

Chris Parker F.SAIF invited Gemma O’Driscoll.

Mark Porteous F.SAIF invited Joe Murren.

The meeting formally closed at 13.30

The afternoon was then kept free to those wishing to explore the historic city of York or take the opportunity to visit the Hotel’s leisure facilities.

The Saturday banquet commenced with a drink’s reception for the VIP’s and General.

During dinner there were the customary toasts followed by the raffle. Guests then danced the night away to The Rebel Sounds and with an impromptu set by our very own Executive Committee member David Massam.

Finally, the night ended with the customary late night supper but with a twist of Yorkshire pudding wraps and pizza slices.

Sunday morning saw the installation of officers, with master of ceremonies Mark Woollard followed on from last year who, together with the edited slide show, his with and amusing one liners as well as the customary ‘Task Master Challenge’ for the current, incoming Presidents and the 2 Vice Presidents which had the audience in streams of laughter from start to finish.

The formalities of the morning commenced with Mark Horton thanking the Officers and Executives and the staff at SAIF Business Centre

for their guidance and help during his year in office.

Gratitude was provided to the officer’s present from kindred associations for their presence.

Grateful thanks were extended to everyone for the donations and support towards his chosen charity Honeypot which at the last count had raised approximately £53,000.

The Presidential chain was then presented to Declan Maguire who gave a short speech before officially bestowing Ross Hickton as 1st Vice President, who then in turn passed the 2nd Vice President chain to Gary Staker.

Following Declan Maguire’s speech advising that his banquet weekend will be at The Hilton in Glasgow, next year during the weekend of 4th - 6th April 2025 and his chosen charity being My Name 5 Doddie Foundation which is committed to funding research for effective treatments to motor neuron disease, the formalities of the morning were closed.

L-R: Gary Staker (2nd Vice President), Declan Maguire (President) and Ross Hickton (1st Vice President)

David Gosling, golf winner Mark Horton

The Rebel Sounds

The big chop

Hello, my name is Maria and I am the Membership Administrator at the SAIF Business Centre.

I wanted to raise some money for some very worthy charities, so I have decided to chop my Rapunzel style hair off!

Now you might be thinking that’s no big deal so let me explain why it is a big deal to me.

Several years ago I was unfortunate to be diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, this was the 3rd diagnosis of this horrible disease after also battling a brain tumour previous to that. My treatment consisted of operations, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy which resulted in me losing all my hair. Once I had the all clear I started to grow my hair again only to find out in 2018 that my Mum had Ovarian cancer and would lose her hair to Chemotherapy. I was going to cut my hair at that point so Mum could have a wig made but she decided to embrace the bald so I continued to grow it. I lost my beautiful Mum in June 2022. Once you have lost your hair in this way and then been fortunate enough to be able to grow it back it feels somewhat special and precious.

So I am now willing to cut my long locks off and make a difference by doing so, I am going to donate my hair to The Little Princess Trust www.littleprincesses.org.uk who provide free wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other conditions.

I would also like people to sponsor me and all monies raised will be equally split between the following charities:

www.myname5doddie.co.uk who are committed to helping improve the lives of those affected by Motor Neuron Disease.

www.honeypot.org.uk are a charity working to enhance the lives of young carers ages 5-12 years by providing respite breaks and on-going outreach support.

www.battersea.org.uk in memory of my Mum who was a big supporter of this charity. They support and try to re home as many cats and dogs as possible whilst also offering advice and expertise to pet owners.

All these charities are fantastic and it would mean so much to all of them if we could raise as much as possible to support the great work that they do.

The “Big Chop” will happen around end of May beginning of June time so plenty of time to grow some more hair and get those donations in!

Donations can be made by either entering this link or using the QR code: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding /TheBigChopRapunzel?utm_

term=KD45WMPVy

Thank you in advance Maria

New pendant for Treasured Keepsakes

Treasured Keepsakes are once again adding to their range of keepsake jewellery. They have recently introduced a beautiful Sterling Silver Sun, Moon & Star pendant to their collection.

Through her meetings with families Liza is always hearing what her clients would like to see added to her collection. “I have had a number of requests lately from families looking for a moon or sun pendant. The new sterling silver Sun, Moon & Star is a stunning piece. It has proven to be a very popular addition to our range.

Treasured Keepsakes have a huge selection of keepsake pendants available to you and your families. If you would like to view any of their products or would like to discuss how Treasured Keepsakes can deal directly with bereaved families on your behalf, please do not hesitate to contact them and they will be happy to discuss the options with you. In using their service you will enhance your business by giving the choice of a wide selection of products to your clients but at no extra cost to you.

For more information on any of their products or on how Treasured Keepsakes can work alongside your company contact Liza Webster on Tel: 01 8254579. From NI: 00353 1 8254579 or email:info@ treasuredkeepsakes.ie or visit: www.treasuredkeepsakes.ie

“I love you to the Moon and back”

of jewel lery, a photograph or any thing that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a smal l keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn.

Funeral directors we are cur rently working w ith have tai lored our serv ice to suit their needs. We have t wo options of how our serv ice can work for you. If you w ish you can buy our products f rom us at a w holesale price and sel l them directly to your clients. Alternatively we can o er this serv ice to your clients directly.

We would hope that by recommending our serv ice we w ill enhance and add value to your business at no ex tra 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.ie

Michael White from White’s Funeral Directors, Tipperary collecting their new Passat Hearse from Quinn Hearse and Limousine

We will be in touch in the coming weeks with some exciting updates on the following;

• Our New Factory Showroom will be finished out and ready to display our products

• We will be holding Spring Open Days at our factory, and we look forward to welcoming you to same.

NAFD News

NAFD view: it’s time to ensure all funeral homes are held to the same high standards

The public has the right to feel assured that their deceased loved ones are safe and secure, regardless of where they are cared for, but the current self-regulatory approach leaves some businesses and settings outside of oversight and bereaved consumers without recourse to an independent complaints or redress service.

Prior to the news of a police investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and East

Riding, Yorkshire, the NAFD had already called on the UK Government to strengthen the oversight of the funeral profession.

Andrew Judd, Chief Executive, said: “We believe it is critically important to ensure that all funeral homes are held to the same high standards expected of NAFD members and that the responsibility for this should not be borne alone by trade associations – but also underpinned by Government.

“We would like to see all UK

funeral businesses compelled to meet a uniform quality standard, based on the well-established and tested principles already set out in the NAFD/IFSO Funeral Director Code, SAIF Code and Scottish Government Statutory Code. These are inclusive and able to be met by a wide variety of different business types and size, which protects the diversity of the sector, and benefits consumers by enabling choice.”

NAFD Conference Education Day tackles how to make AI work for funeral businesses and the workplace generation gap

Former headteacher and Generation Z recruitment expert Alex Atherton Rob White of Fortitude Nicsa Global - an IT Support company working with businesses in the funeral sector – will both address NAFD Conference in May on issues critical to the future success of funeral businesses.

Rob, who leads Fortitude Nicsa’s sales and marketing teams will talk about how funeral firms can utilise

Rob White of Fortitude Nicsa Global

technology more to their advantage – including the

opportunities artificial intelligence offers for funeral firms, focusing on how businesses within the funeral sector can benefit from utilising AI as part of their overall business strategy, to save both time and money. He will also highlight how new tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot can support with efficient communication, information and recordkeeping, creating visually appealing presentations or

memorial materials and even personalised learning.

Leadership Coach and expert on Generation Z, Alex Atherton, who works with

IFSO Quality Risk and Compliance Manager

Natalie Thomas has been appointed to succeed Nigel Cooper as Senior Quality Risk and Compliance Manager. Natalie is well known to NAFD members, has more than sixteen years’ experience in the funeral sector having joined the team of inspectors in 2018 after a career in both independent and cooperative funeral businesses. She also holds Funeral Services and Operations Level 2 & 3 and is currently studying for her CertFAA.

“I am delighted to be stepping into Nigel’s shoes – although I am really sad he is leaving us, he will be a tough act to follow.

“The IFSO team continues to go from strength to strength. The number of inspections continues to increase as members have become used to our risk-based approach and the requirements of the Funeral Director Code. We are gathering really important and useful data on compliance and best practice, and we are using it to guide IFSO’s work and shape education opportunities to help members be the very best they can be.

“My aim is to get out and

senior leaders to help improve recruitment, retention and engagement of this generation of young people in the workplace, will also address

Education Day on how to think differently about managing the development of young adults within multi-generational institutions.

about to see members and, along with the team, to make sure we are promoting high standards in the sector at every opportunity. In particular, Scottish NAFD members are an immediate priority as the statutory regulation and licensing regime unfolds and we look forward to delivering and supporting them shoulder to shoulder to showcase their standards and achieve full compliance with the Scottish Government Code. I am particularly looking forward to the National Funeral Exhibition in June, it’s always great to meet existing and potential new members – and you will be able to find us in our own special IFSO section of the NAFD stand and we are also invited to be a part of NAFD Conference in

Windsor in May - please come along to say hello.”

NAFD Chief Executive Andrew Judd added: “I would like to thank Nigel for his work over so many years, supporting members in delivering high quality service to bereaved and deceased people. I am delighted IFSO has appointed Natalie to this lead role within the QRCM team. She brings with her a wealth of experience and ideas that will support our quality assurance programme and offer members the oversight and expertise that we know they value. With the Government and Fuller Inquiry both focused on standards in the funeral sector at present, this is a very important appointment, at a very important time.”

Natalie Thomas appointed IFSO Senior Quality Risk and Compliance Manager

Natalie Thomas

Nigel Cooper

NAFD launches new Gold Partner programme offering exclusive support and benefits from a range of partners

As part of a wide-ranging review of member benefits, the NAFD has launched a new Gold Partner programme – a fantastic range of high-quality tailored solutions and services, negotiated specifically for NAFD members, including, in many cases, valuable member discounts.

Launching the new member benefits programme, NAFD Chief Executive Andrew Judd

said: “Our innovative supplier community brings so much to the NAFD family, and I am delighted we have been

able to secure these valuable partnership relationships that will benefit member firms. This is just the start of a programme of Gold Partners, designed to offer tangible benefits to NAFD members and their clients, with many more in the pipeline that will be launching in the coming weeks and months.”

NAFD Members should log into the new Member Portal to find out more.

NAFD member experience of the Coronial Service in England informs Justice Committee inquiry

Following the survey distributed to members in England, in January, which generated a strong and detailed response, the NAFD submitted a comprehensive, 5,000-word response to the Justice Select Committee’s inquiry in the Coroner Service in England.

Setting out the impact on bereaved people, the NAFD’s report noted that delays across the death management pathways can have a severe impact, both operationally for the public and private sector stakeholders, but also for bereaved people. Where the death is unexpected, and is to be referred to the coroner, this situation is exacerbated significantly.

Rachel Bradburne, NAFD Director of Policy and Public Affairs, authored the report. She said: “The vast majority of category A members interact with their local coroner services on a regular basis and so we have a good overview of the current service provision and, in particular, of the severe regional variation that is occurring.

“It is clear from the survey findings that the whole system is lacking in capacity, exacerbated by the turbulence of the pandemic and the evolving policy environmentincluding the implementation of the statutory elements of the long-awaited medical examiner scheme (to come into effect in April 2024), and

that the impact on bereaved people of the consequences of this is not fully appreciated or understood.

“The survey demonstrates that there has been little improvement in the experience of bereaved people since 2021, from the perspective of the impact on the death management pathway and the operators involved in throughput at different points. In summary, delays in the release of deceased people by the coroner continues to be a problem, with 64% of respondents reporting that delays were either a little worse or had not changed over the last six months, and 12% reporting that delays had got a lot worse.”

Exhibiting space now fully booked for NFE 2024!

Thursday 13 - Saturday 15 June 2024 Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire

More than 200 of the funeral sector’s most innovative firms will be exhibiting at NFE 2024, making it an event not to be missed. Every single one of the stand spaces on the floor plan is now filled, with more than four months still to go until the show opens.

Market sectors as diverse as vehicle fleets, coffins, caskets, professional equipment suppliers, printing and stationery companies, online memorial services, charities, and business advisory firms, will all be represented at the show which, in 2022, attracted more than 4,500 attendees.

The show has moved from a Friday toSunday format to Thursday to -Saturday, providing an additional business day for business leaders across the sector to attend the show, but still keeping a weekend day

to enable smaller and family businesses who might not be able to leave the funeral home during the week, to also attend too.

There’s a firm focus on creating a great visitor experience at the show - with seminar theatres, plenty of options for lunch and several networking areas planned - to make sure a trip to the NFE is enjoyable and productive from start to finish.

The NFE team would like to invite speakers interested in presenting a Continuous Professional Development session in the NFE lecture theatre to submit a short proposal, outlining their proposed topic, to events@ nafd.org.uk.

A small number of product launch slots are also available. Please enquire to the same email address for details.

Build your brand through NFE 2024 sponsorship

Exhibiting at the show and looking for additional promotional opportunitiesor missed out on stand space but still want to promote your products and services to the funeral sector? There are a wealth of sponsorship opportunities and packages available to ensure your business is visible at the event to potential customers.

From branded flags on arrival at Stoneleigh, to digital advertising screens, branded floor

tiles and bags and even name sponsorship of the NFE lecture theatres, refreshment bars and exhibitor reception, there are packages designed to provide excellent brand visibility at a range of prices, whether you’re a major international brand – or a brand new start-up.

You can download the NAFD’s major events sponsorship brochure from the NAFD website events section or request a copy from events@nafd.org.uk.

Jennifer Muldowney is an event planner for memorials in the United States of America and Ireland and is currently partnered with the prestigious Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel in NYC as their in-house event planner.

Jennifer is also notable as author of Say Farewell Your Way, Tedx speaker of ‘Grief as Unique as your Heartbeat’ and host of ‘The Glam Reaper Podcast’.

Check out Muldowney Memorials (.com) to learn more.

By Jennifer Muldowney

AI + Deathcare: Technology + Grief

My three pillars - the three things I have always been most interested in, within the deathcare realm, are digital legacy, environment, and pre-planning/planning your own funeral. While I have largely focussed on the latter two in my 15 years in the space, the digital legacy, online, and the virtual world have always been in the background, fascinating me with every new development. It has probably seen the most development in the last decade over the other two, although all three have come on ions since I began my journey back in 2008.

In an age where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, even death and grieving are not immune to its influence. Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked conversations about how technology intersects with death care, reshaping how we remember and interact with the departed.

One tragic example that underscores this is the case of a Belgian man who reportedly died by suicide after engaging with an AI chatbot named Eliza on the Chai platform. Over six weeks, he expressed increasing pessimism about climate change, receiving responses that his wife described as “confusing and harmful.” This incident highlights the potential risks of relying on AI for emotional support without proper safeguards in place.

On a more positive note, AI has also been instrumental in preserving the legacies of beloved celebrities. Take, for instance, the posthumous release of a Beatles single featuring the digitally reconstructed voice of John Lennon. Filmmaker Peter Jackson utilised AI

tools to isolate and enhance Lennon’s vocals from a 1970’s home demo, offering fans a glimpse of what could have been had Lennon been granted more time.

Similarly, the announcement that an AI model, trained on archival footage, will bring back the voice of French singer Edith Piaf for her own biopic, demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of AI in recreating distinctive voices. Despite Piaf’s passing six decades ago, the AI was able to capture the essence of her voice with remarkable fidelity, providing a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian AI startup Respeecher has been at the forefront of reviving deceased celebrities’ voices, including bringing back voice actor Miłogost Reczek for the video game Cyberpunk 2077 after his passing in 2021. Their work underscores the potential of AI to immortalise the voices of those we’ve lost, preserving their contributions for future generations to appreciate.

In the realm of visual resurrection, hologram technology has enabled the recreation of deceased celebrities for live performances. From Michael Jackson’s posthumous appearance at the 2014 Billboard Awards to Kim Kardashian’s hologram gift from Kanye West featuring her late father, Robert Kardashian, holograms offer a surreal yet poignant way of connecting with the departed. In another example, Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher were digitally resurrected for roles in the Star Wars franchise, while an upcoming film titled ‘Return to Eden’ reportedly features an AI reconstruction of James Dean’s likeness.

As exciting as these developments might seem, the use of AI in resurrecting celebrities raises ethical dilemmas regarding consent, authenticity, and the commodification of posthumous representation. Critics argue that digitally recreating deceased individuals without their explicit consent can distort their legacies and perpetuate exploitative practices. The controversy surrounding the recreation of voices, likenesses, and personas of public figures underscores the need for robust ethical

frameworks and transparent governance in AIdriven death care.

While AI offers unprecedented ways of preserving legacies and immortalising voices, it also requires careful consideration of ethical implications and the need for safeguards to prevent harm. As technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to approach its integration with empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the human experience of loss. (...To be continued in the next Issue 3 2024!)

NEW DELIVERY Pierce Coachbuilders

The caring face of business

- By Ian FeeLakelands Funeral Home & Crematorium, Cavan

Regularly counted among the greatest films of all time, The Godfather has given us many quotable lines that have passed into everyday conversation. “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse” is perhaps the most famous but for a story about a family and its dark and dangerous background, the line uttered by Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone to his brother is a classic: “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.”

While not as quietly chilling as that example, it is fair to say that the space between what is business and what is personal can be a difficult one to traverse at times in the funeral business. Funerals are deeply emotional and personally challenging while business is, well, business. At different times in the course of a funeral and its planning, we’re asked to acknowledge both sides of this coin and to give the required focus to each. It is incumbent upon us all then to consider which side of this equation needs the most attention from us, or perhaps more critically, to ask in which area do we simply have to do better.

Running a business is not easy, and it’s not for everyone. You can be kind and considerate, emotionally intuitive and endlessly compassionate, but have no sense of how to keep a company going, how to be competitive, organised and modern. You can be a good person, just not a good businessperson. The reverse is also true. You can run a professional, slick, finger-on-the-business-pulse company but fail miserably when it comes to engaging with a wounded, frightened, grieving person.

In the funeral business, we have to stand in opposition to the Corleone philosophy, or at least present ourselves as proof that the two can, and indeed must, go hand in hand. Over my now thirty years of being involved with funerals and funeral directors, I have worked with many who are a credit to the profession: emotionally engaged with their clients while also presenting themselves in a reassuringly professional way, ensuring that their business is presented in its best light while also allowing the family they’ve worked with to feel that they have been truly accompanied in their time of need by someone caring and compassionate. Sadly, the opposite is also true and I’m not going to list the ways and times I’ve been shocked, appalled and, frankly disgusted by the attitude of so-called professionals and their lack of empathy, compassion or even common decency. There is an old custom some of us may have encountered in our work where mirrors are covered in the wake house. It has to do with superstitions of the deceased being trapped in the house. Those of us in the funeral business would do well to look at ourselves in the mirror with a critical eye from time to time. We should honestly evaluate how we’re doing, reinforcing the good we do, recommitting to our best intentions and being vigilant about unhealthy attitudes and practices that might creep in to our work. We owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be, both professionally and personally, but we owe it all the more to those who come to us, entrusting their loved ones to our care.

Why we all need to make a will

Today, we are all living longer and often with complex illnesses. And with fewer ‘traditional family’ circumstances, thinking about the future and what you want to happen when you die is important.

Making a will is something everyone should consider, and for most people, it is relatively straightforward. It is best to arrange to see your solicitor who will guide you through the willmaking process. You will need to bring with you a list of any valuables and money you have and also details of anyone you would like to benefit from your estate.

To help prepare for a meeting with your solicitor, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) has a handy ‘Guide to Making a Will’ that you can download directly from our website. Visit www.nichs.org.uk and search ‘making a will’. Our guide has a four-page pull-out that you can complete in advance of meeting with your solicitor. If you would like to be sent a copy by post, please get in touch via our contact details.

For NICHS, almost a third of our annual income comes from gifts left in wills, and they significantly impact the services we provide. Last year, for example, we helped 23,761 people and organisations across Northern Ireland through our Care and Health Promotion services. We also awarded £386,192 to new local research projects.

Gifts in wills can help transform our future services and the work we do with people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions across the whole community for generations to come. If you are considering leaving a gift in your will to charity, and after you have taken care of family and friends, we would be very grateful

if you could also remember Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke in your will.

Making a will is usually straightforward and not expensive, but we urge people to seek legal advice to ensure everything is done correctly. In most cases, gifts to charity are tax-free, and when making your will, always bring along the charity’s registration number and address. For NICHS, this is NIC103593, 21 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB.

If you would like further information about leaving a gift in your will to NICHS, please get in touch with Alison Vidamour on Tel: 028 9032 0184, or email: avidamour@nichs.org.uk

Driving the future: Wilcox Limousines welcomes third-generation trio of women to lead the legacy in a man’s world

Celebrating 76 years of excellence, Wilcox Limousines, founded in 1948 by May and Bill Wilcox, proudly announces the appointment of Penny Wilcox as part of the dynamic leadership trio, alongside cousins Jade and Leila Wilcox. Penny brings a wealth of experience as a Board-level Director, with previous roles including COO, FD and MD, gained through diverse roles beyond the family business.

Born into the business and having spent a significant part of her upbringing within its walls, many readers may already be familiar with Penny. As the Granddaughter of May and Bill Wilcox, and daughter of Peter Wilcox, Penny is poised to continue her Father’s legacy,

bringing a fresh perspective to modernize the family business.

With Jade as the Managing Director and Leila overseeing people and creative aspects, the three women lead the way in a traditionally maledominated industry.

“It’s both a privilege and an honour for us to carry the torch forward. Wilcox Limousines has been a cornerstone of quality and craftsmanship for 76 years, and we are committed to investing in new technology and nurturing a strong leadership team,” says Penny Wilcox.

The third generation extends beyond Penny, Jade, and Leila, with Louis Wilcox serving as Sales Director and completing the formidable team.

As part of their commitment

to the industry, the Wilcox Women Trio will be attending the LAFD Ball and the National Funeral Exhibition (NFE), eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with old friends, customers, and forge new partnerships.

Wilcox Limousines, the best in the world, boasts a legacy of crafting nearly every royal or state funeral car. The family is resolute, strong, and here to stay, inviting everyone to join them in steering the business into the next century.

For more information about Wilcox Limousines and its latest developments, visit www.wilcox.uk. For media inquiries, please contact: Leila Wilcox: leilaw@wilcox. uk / T:07900 890 819

L-R: Paul, Leila, Jade, Penny and Louis Wilcox

Dead and no replacement

By Mattie Lennon

It was August 1978. The Blessington Lakes were at their lowest since they were created in 1940. Ruins of houses, farm machinery, stone ditches and barbed wire fencing were exposed for the first time in almost 40 years.

47 houses had been demolished to make way for the reservoir but by the late 70s a myth had grown. Strangers were led to believe that there had been a church in the valley and God knows what else. From a monster to equal that in Lough Ness to sights and sounds from the other world, according to twentieth century legend they were all there. It’s almost as if a modern day Plato had written another Timeeus or critias And created an alternative Atlantis between Knockeirin and Carrigacurragh.

The older locals knew different. Saint Boden’s Holy well, in Lacken, to which many cures were attributed, was uncovered and there had been no church but the graveyard in Burgage

was in the proposed area for flooding and all the corpses were exhumed and moved to a new cemetery on higher ground. In my opinion the mythical aspect was transplanted from Wales, where in 1965 the entire rural community of Capel Celyn was uprooted in order to supply Liverpool and Wirral with water for industry. 75 people had to leave their homes. Its 12 farms, school, chapel and post office disappeared under water.

But back to the Blessington Lakes in 1978;

Jimmy was standing at the bottom of his own lane in Ballinastockan. An English Four Wheel Drive, with GB registration plates stopped. The driver got out and addressed Jimmy in an Oxford accent. “We are making a television documentary on the Liffey Hydro-Electric Scheme and we would like to interview the oldest person in the area.” “Begob,“ says Jimmy, “Yer late. He died last week.”

Blessington lakes

Young renal patients design bespoke Easter cards for NIKRF

Pictured are a selection of NI Kidney Research Fund Easter cards designed by young renal patients Clodagh Annett age 7, Eva Graham age 8, Tilly Coyle P5 and Zara Gillespie age 7

Northern Ireland Kidney Research fund were delighted to have a selection of 8 Easter cards designed by 4 pupils from Hezlett Primary School, Coleraine along with 4 young renal

patients receiving treatment at Belfast City Hospital. Each child put their all into creating the bespoke artwork and we think you’ll agree they have done a wonderful job!

NI Kidney Research Fund exhibit again at The Balmoral Show 2024

Northern Ireland

Kidney Research fund are excited to be exhibiting at The Balmoral Show again this year, after their very successful time at the event last year.

Bella winning an honorary ‘Best in Show for Rare Breeds’ at the 2022 Balmoral Show!

Bella, the kidney cow, will be roaming around the show grounds again, no doubt dreaming she will win the real ‘Best in Show for Rare Breeds’ this year!!

Stephen Morgan collaborates with local charity

After supporting several families within a short space of time who had suffered infant and pregnancy losses, we recognised that once our role as funeral directors had come to an end these families were left with little or no support in trying to deal with and understand the unfathomable grief of losing a child.

At the Funeral Times Trade show in Leopardstown in 2023, we encountered The Little Forget Me Nots Trust (LFMNT), a charity founded in 2020 by Louise Taylor with the aim of supporting families who have lost a child. It was the LFMNT’s creative approach to supporting bereaved families that captured our attention, highlighting the healing power of sharing experiences and engaging in hands-on activities to navigate as they put it “through our grief journeys together”.

Stephen from Stephen Morgan Funeral Directors said, ‘I knew the LFMNT team shared our vision in trying to provide additional support to these families. We unfortunately, are seeing more pregnancy and infant losses and I knew with the support of this charity we could do more to help families in this situation.’

Nikcolette and Catherine from Little Forget Me Nots Trust, with Stephen Morgan (Stephen Morgan Funeral Directors)

On Saturday, March 24th, 2024, we hosted an Information Day in partnership with The Little Forget Me Nots Trust. The LFMNT team was present throughout the day, engaging with families during the drop-in event to discuss the support on offer through the charity.

The Little Forget Me Nots Trust operates entirely through the dedication of a voluntary Board, each member having firsthand or secondhand experience with infant loss. They draw from these personal experiences to fuel their collective vision, recognising the crucial need for outlets to navigate through grief.

It was heartwarming to witness families taking that courageous step through the door and acknowledging their need for support. The atmosphere at the event was very informal, allowing families to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and engage in conversations with the LFMNT team. They learned about how the ‘Just Be’ Cafes are significantly impacting our community, serving as a pathway for parents to rebuild their lives after bidding farewell to their child.

As funeral directors, we found the entire event invaluable. It deepened our understanding of

what parents and siblings have expressed as helpful during the funeral of their infant and that crucial stage of grieving their loss.

This year, LFMNT has prioritised community impact, focusing on their core support initiatives. Among these efforts, the LFMNT ‘Just Be’ Cafes will be held 3 times a month at different venues across Northern Ireland. The cafes are hosted in Lurgan, Omagh and Derry/Londonderry and serve as a gathering point for bereaved parents, fostering a sense of acceptance and understanding among individuals who share similar experiences.

The Little Forget Me Nots Trust depends on the kindness of the public, who generously donate to their cause, enabling them to sustain the essential support offered to families enduring infant loss.

Stephen said, ‘I would highly recommend funeral directors to reach out to the Little Forget Me Nots Trust to equip them with the knowledge needed to provide the best care to families during infant loss. Our role as undertakers at that early stage can

have a lasting impact for families on their grief journey and knowing exactly what families have said they have found helpful can make our impact for the better.’

‘There is no footprint too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world’

New Delivery - Quinn

The Tuohy’s from Tuohy Funeral Directors, Galway with their new E Class Hearse by Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Hearse and Limousine

The synergy of Funeral Service

By Dr Bill Webster

Iwantto talk about “Death and Dying” … but it’s not what you think! It’s about the death of “business as usual”, or at least “as we have known it”.

I went shopping in a local Mall a week or so before Christmas, anticipating that it would be bustling with people. To my surprise, the mall was almost empty with an obvious absence of enthusiastic shoppers. Turns out, the “major store” which had been the “anchor tenant” had closed its doors and moved elsewhere. As a result, with little to attract the shoppers, smaller retailers had gone out of business leaving half the shops closed and empty.

Yet, just 2 days before Christmas, just for somewhere to walk out of the rain, we visited another, newer Mall. What a difference. People everywhere; all kinds of activities, places to sit and congregate, coffee and drinks, light shows, music, children’s playground and merry-gorounds, and even a skating rink made it all a fabulous experience. We didn’t buy anything that day, but we will go back there next time.

It is too easy to point to COVID, or to the rapid expansion of online shopping as the final nail in the coffin of shopping malls. But there is a more significant reason

I read a quote by an executive of a major mall which has just undergone a massive renovation: “It is a time for creativity. In the mall business, you always have to be fresh. You always have to think about what your customers are after and remain relevant for the customer. But it’s important to create experiences that the customers will find unique, different and something that they can’t do anywhere else.

“So, while some malls are full of empty stores others are thriving like never before. The ones that are successful are those that offer fresh takes on retail and expanding the mall experience beyond simply shopping.”

In other words, retail is not just about goods and services, it has to evoke something more visceral?

Over 25 years ago, The Harvard Business Review introduced a concept called “The Experience Economy” which stated: “A new emerging economy is coming to the fore; one based on a distinct kind of economic output ... experiences. Goods and services are no longer enough”

The concept of the “Experience Economy”, where businesses must form “unique connections” in order to secure their customers’ affections and loyalty to ensure their own economic vitality, is alive and well, and flourishing.

Now, what you may ask, does this have to do with funeral service? Everything! With the concerns that have been expressed about the effects on the funeral industry of direct cremation and of people opting not to have funerals, I would have thought the answer was obvious.

The principle is that those who are not moving with the times by responding to what people want, are out of business. The contrasting “mall” experiences teach us that it’s not just about retail; it is more about people’s “experiences” surrounding the marketing and merchandising.

In short, it’s not just what you are selling, but the atmosphere you create to encourage people to do business with you … to come to your “mall”. Now obviously I am not suggesting you build playgrounds, or offer entertainment while customers shop or browse. But we need to be proactive in following some of these trends.

In 2008, I wrote an article entitled “The Circle of Service” in which I stated: “Imagine you could create a circle of service that would ensure an ongoing influx of satisfied clients long

into the future. At a time when client loyalty is something that can no longer be taken for granted, this concept could be crucial to your business.”

I suggested three components in this Circle of Service: Pre-Need; At-Need; and Aftercare. Funeral directors know the importance of providing excellent “At Need” service, and have learned the beneficial results of “preneed planning”. Many are doing both these components well … and yet for some, their market-share is falling.

So often I hear FD’s say they are so busy with at-need and preneed, that they don’t have time for aftercare. Others just don’t see aftercare as part of their mandate. Be careful. The circle of service does not consist of 3 distinct and separate parts. These elements have to form a “synergy”, because they all have a combined effect and interaction on the overall experience of death, dying and grief.

As a grief counselor, I have grave concerns these days about the lack of closure that results from not having (or making) an opportunity to say meaningful goodbye in a funeral or ritual

experience. Counsellors are seeing an increase in “Unresolved Grief” which inevitably leads to “Prolonged Grief Disorder” which was recently added as a “mental health disorder” in DSM V.

How can we assist people have a better experience enabling them to see the therapeutic value of holding funerals and celebrations of life?

Many businesses have seen huge benefits by investing in the experience of “aftercare”, providing positive emotional and social support to individuals and communities through their grief. Such assistance to people after a loss provides an “experience that they will remember” … and one that will bring them back to your “mall” next time.

My friends and colleagues, it’s time to use your imagination. You don’t have to “beat down” the competition. You just need to find new and creative ways to give people a better experience than they do.

Put simply, it’s the significance that the “experience” holds for the individual or community that determines the worth of what you offer and the value of the work you do.

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 available to buy on Amazon.