Ft issue3 2013

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2013 Vol.13 No.3

Show Time!

Trade stands | Seminars | Guest speakers Demos | Entertainment | Workshops | New lines

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

Funeral directors we are currently working with have tailored our service to suit their needs. We have two options of how our service can work for you.

If you wish you can buy our products from us at a wholesale price and sell them directly to your clients.

Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly.

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

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

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Geoffrey makes a flying visit. .................................................. 7

National President Scott Grigsby makes a visit ....... 65

Editorial and Advertising contacts: Graham Brown | Ruth McQuillan Vikki Crangle | Paula Hanna Tel: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI Funeral Times is owned and published by: InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF email: sales@funeraltimes.com website: www.funeraltmes.com

Book review . .................. 41

Tom Coburn . ................ 59

Show Time!

Put the date in your diary....................................4 IAFD News.........................................................10 When your reputation is under attack............. 17 Dignity Funeral Care shortlisted......................21 SAIF News......................................................... 22 The history of four Tom Sharkeys....................25 Circus time at the NFE..................................... 28 Where were the Italian coffins?

David Burns on his NFE experience............... 30 PEAI News......................................................... 38 Rolls Royce day trippers....................................45 When we need to be more than a friend Gus Nichols comments on the funeral industry................................................. 50 NAFD News........................................................52 Edelweiss Ga on EU Regulation...................... 61 BIE News........................................................... 64 Grief Matters with Dr Bill Webster................. 70 Classifieds.......................................................... 80

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

FuneralTimes | 3

Trade stands Seminars Guest speakers Demos Entertainment Workshops New lines

New products New learning New standards The Funeral Times® Trade Show to be held on 1-2 October 2013 at Citywest, Dublin is well advanced in its planning with all the original space now taken. Additional space has been booked to accommodate the extra number of exhibitors. The enthusiasm and support for the show among traders and funeral directors is gratifying.

W

e are delighted too with the support from the main professional bodies IAFD, NAFD, SAIF, The BIE and PEAI. Some are organising meetings at the venue to coincide with the show.

The National Funeral Exhibition at Stoneleigh a few weeks ago was a huge success and highlights can be found on page 10 of this edition. “It was our most successful show to date with a record number of stands and visitors”, says Alan Slater, CEO, NAFD. “Anecdotally we understand a serious amount of business was done over the three days and a growing number of international visitors attended”.

The popularity of these shows reflects the everchanging times affecting the funeral industry where many debates rage - from chemical use to debt collection, health and safety to grief counselling, open v closed casket, etc. At Citywest, in addition to the exhibition stands, there will be forums aimed at funeral directors,

embalmers and all connected to the industry to facilitate discussion on matters of mutual interest as well as the principle activity of doing business.

Trade shows serve to build relationships, introduce new products, gather leads and do market research. From the visitor side 70% come to a show to make a purchase while 72% say the show influenced their buying decision.

90% say that trade shows keep them up to date on trends and developments in their industry.* The Funeral Times® Trade Show at Citywest should offer a family atmosphere and a social occasion where people from the wider industry can get together in a relaxed environment to share views and exchange opinion. The venue is ideal and accessible with great deals for a day or two in Dublin and a variety of things to do.

See you there! *CEIR research

For further details call Ruth, Paula or Graham

028 (UK) / 048 (RoI) 3835 5060 - sales@funeraltimes.com FuneralTimes | 5

Adam excels in NAFD training A

dam McBratney has just received his certificate of Funeral Service Awareness Training awarded by the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Adam is the son of Mary and Barry of Barry McBratney Funeral Directors, Bangor, Co. Down.

The training involved six modules and covered the following areas: Part (A) Overview of the funeral service; The impact of loss and grief and working in the funeral service. Part (B) covers Meeting the client; Understanding the Funeral Service operations and The day of the funeral.

There are three scales of a pass mark achievable with outstanding being a score of 90% or greater.

Adam achieved outstanding in both sections.

His Dad Barry said, “I am very proud of Adam, we have only opened our funeral home a short

Adam McBratney at Barry McBratney Funeral Directors, Enterprise Road, Bangor, Co. Down time on our own and already, Adam has shown a keen interest and commitment to the funeral profession.”

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

As part of our service to you, we can if desired:

• Repatriate the deceased from the UK • Provide a coffin and interior • Provide embalming services

Tel: 01484 844289 Proprietor Clive J Pearson LMBIFD. DIP.FD. MBIE Manchester Road, Marsden, Huddersfield BD7 6EY Telephone: 01484 844289 6 | FuneralTimes

Geoffrey joins father, Gerard, on the stand at NFE Stoneleigh

Geoffrey flies in from Hong Kong to help dad at Stoneleigh G

erard Duffy had more than one reason to be pleased with his weekend at the NFE at Stoneleigh in June. It is always important to win new business and the event was highly successful with several cars ordered, but Gerard was also delighted to welcome son Geoffrey home from Hong Kong to help his dad at the show.

Duffy Coachbodies Dundalk Ltd. were delighted to be the first to exhibit the Facelift E Class Mercedes offering a choice of traditional or contemporary front styles and the new

model certainly drew crowds onto the stand. “A new model launch always helps”, says Gerard, “and we were able to sell a number of vehicles, both hearses and limousines”.

Geoffrey is in his 3rd year of a Product Design course at Dublin Institute of Technology and is currently on a six month placement in Hong Kong where he is studying engineering. It was a great opportunity to bring Geoffrey home to help his dad at the exhibition, though he was faced with a long journey back via Dubai on the Sunday evening after three busy days.

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Quality Memorial Stationery FuneralTimes | 7

IAFD News Dear Colleagues, I sincerely hope everyone enjoyed the week of sunshine that we had and I hope we will be rewarded with more sunshine in the months ahead. It is hard to believe that I am half way through my presidency, the months are flying past.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the opening of Clarke’s funeral home in Baileborough, Cavan. The Clarke family have been providing funeral services since 1928. Their purpose built funeral home was completed in October 2012 and I had the pleasure of officially opening the premises on the 13th April 2013. Clarke’s Funeral Directors was set up in 1928 by Michael Clarke, who started his business as a hardware shop and then gradually expanded into groceries and feed stuffs. Alongside his undertaking service, he also ran a public house, which continued to operate until 1999.

When Clarke’s Funeral Directors started trading, there were eight other undertakers

10 | FuneralTimes

in Baileborough. Michael was the first to have a motor hearse in the local area and would regularly hire out this hearse to different undertakers locally, on an as needed basis. This service continued into the late eighties, as many funeral directors did not own their own hearse. Michael Clarke passed away in 1968 and a young Francis Clarke took over the running of the business to the present day. He is assisted today by his son, Aidan, who has been working in the business since 2002. Both Francis and Aidan still run the hardware shop and are members of the Albany home décor specialists group.

A multi-denominational blessing was performed by Canon John Murphy, (Roman Catholic), Rev Sam Anketel (Presbyterian Church), and Rev Joyce Rankin (Church of Ireland), this was followed by a few words from Aidan Clarke. Aidan was then presented with his FETAC level 5 Certificate in Funeral

IAFD News Practice, confirming to all of those neighbours, relatives and friends present of Aidan’s dedication and commitment to the family business and to the community the Clarke family serve. Everyone present was then treated to a fine banquet and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Francis, his wife Sheila and their son Aidan for their warm hospitality shown to me on the day and I congratulate them once again on building such a fine premises.

Joanne Cooney - President IAFD

IAFD Website I

encourage you all to keep logging on to our website www.iafd.ie, there are a number of relevant papers available for download and more information with be added to the members section as they come available.

We will also be communicating more regularly with you the membership via email.

I would encourage you all to keep an eye out for these emails. I look forward to meeting as many members as possible at our regional meetings and look forward to welcoming you all to Wexford at our AGM in November.

Coroner’s Removals Our position paper has been compiled and delivered to The Coroners Service of Ireland. The Coroners Service welcomed our position paper and at present we await a date to meet with them to discuss the paper in more detail. I will keep you updated regarding developments.

Sheila, Aidan and Francis Clarke FuneralTimes | 11

The IAFD provides high quality education and training through the delivery of the Certificate in Funeral Practice, which aims to develop knowledge, skills, and competency to work in the funeral sector to exemplary standards.

Programme Units

Delivery Methodologies

The content of the component modules have been integrated into one programme, under the following 6 sections, which will be delivered over a 9 month period:

The following learner supports and resources will be available to the learner participating in the programme though a range of blended learning solutions:

1. The Funeral Sector and relevant Business Models 2. Role and Competencies of a Funeral Director 3. Dealing with Clients and Families 4. Dealing with Funeral Arrangements 5. Legislation 6. Safety and health in the Workplace

Irish Association of Funeral Directors “The Leading Provider in Funeral Education�

Education Programme CFP

C E R T I F I C AT E I N F U N E R A L P R AC T I C E

Directed learning experiences in the classroom setting, through directed Group Workshops Group discussions and interactions during scheduled workshops Online learning through supported on-line Moodle* Online resources and Academic support Practical sessions using appropriate equipment, resources and facilities Self directed learning which may include practice time, preparation, online study time and reflection time Work based learning will form a large part of this Certificate

Programme Requirements

Assessment Process

Candidates must be sponsored by a current member of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors and have completed a minimum of six months relevant work experience. They must have achieved National Vocational Certificate Level 1, Leaving Certificate, comparable Northern Ireland qualification, equivalent qualifications and/ or have relevant life/work experience.

The IAFD has developed a programme entitled the Certificate in Funeral Practice, leading to the Level 5 FETAC Certificate in Funeral Practice 5M1767, to educate and support people currently employed in the funeral service to deliver a high quality, professional service and ensure standards in line with IAFD Code of Practice .

The eight modules that make up the Certificate in Funeral Practice cover the following areas: 1. Care and Presentation of Deceased - 5N1521 2. Arranging and Managing Funerals 5N1430 3. Grief Awareness 5N1435 4. Communications 5N0690 5. Customer Service 5N0972 6. Work Experience 5N1356 7. Business Administration Skills -5N1610 8. Safety and Health at Work – 5N1794

The following techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that candidates will have achieved on successful completion of modules: Learner Record Collection of Work Skills Demonstration Assignment

Enrol now for September course, visit:

www.iafd.ie to download an application form

Interested?

Contact

admin@iafdfuneraldirectors.ie

for an application form or Contact Joanne at

087 8180676

For full details of course fees visit www.iafd.ie Irish Association of Funeral Directors Mespil House Mespil Business Centre, Sussex Road, Dublin 4 Telephone

0818 935000

* What Is Moodle?

A step by step simple on line interactive and learning support system Incorporating IAFD resources to give candidates high quality updated learning materials unit by unit Enables On-Line tutor interaction, access to past examination papers and internet links to additional information as well as all the core learning materials.

The Mount Business Centre, 2 Woodstock Link, Belfast, BT6 8DD Telephone

0800 912 1500

IAFD Diary Dates 2013 SEPTEMBER September 26th 2013 Regional/Open Meeting 2.30pm Armagh - Armagh City Hotel, Armagh OCTOBER October 17th 2013 Regional/open meeting 2.30pm Limerick - Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick

NOVEMBER November 23rd 2013 AGM & Dinner Wexford, (venue to be confirmed) n Members are invited to give their suggestions to any Council member for who you would like to speak at these regional meetings and Council will endeavour to arrange speakers who are relevant and interesting.

2013 Council Members Gerard Clarke (Ballisodare) John O'Donoghue (Clonmel)

2013 IAFD Officers President Joanne Cooney James Cooney Funeral Directors, 4 Robert Street, New Ross Ph: 051 421416 Mobile: 087 8180676 Email: joanne@cooneysfuneralhome.com Vice President Henry Black Henry Black Funeral Directors, Springbank, Rushbrooke, Cobh Phone: 021-4811630.

Mobile: 087-2544106 Secretary Michael Crowley Crowley Funeral Directors, Bothar Saclay, Ballincollig, Co. Cork Ph. 021 4874777 Email info@crowleyfuneraldirectors.ie Treasurer John Foley Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph. 01 8555511 Education CommiTtee Chair James Brown, Funeral Services Northern Ireland Ltd. 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1HF Email: jb@james-brown.info Membership Officer Colman Finlay Finlay, Tierney Street, Ardee, Co. Louth Ph. 041 6853603 Email: colman.finlay@finlaygrp.com PAST President SĂŠamas Griffin Kirwan funeral Directors 21/23 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3.

Tel: 01 8334444 Email: s.grffin@kirwans.ie

www.iafd.ie 14 | FuneralTimes

Acting PRO Graham Gleasure The Gleasure Funeral Home, Matt Talbot Road, Tralee Ph 066 712 3079 Fax. 066 712 3193 Mob. 086 258 1443 Email: graham@gleasures.ie

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16 | FuneralTimes

When your reputation is under attack Every business, and particularly those in the funeral trade, needs to take care to protect and defend its reputation

T

he question of how a family selects a funeral director is one which has exercised us all over the years. A family history with the firm was always the principle reason and in more settled communities remains an important factor, but with a greater movement of people, the growth of internet usage and greater advertising spend, the decision is more frequently based on other issues. And those can be more difficult to quantify or control.

What is beyond doubt however, is that a funeral director must retain a good reputation.

And while a firm can and should do everything it can to protect their good name by the conduct and appearance of their staff, premises and vehicles, there are times when something can occur outside the control of the business which has an adverse effect on the company’s good standing.

A malicious attack, especially an anonymous one, is very difficult to protect against. The natural reaction to libel is to keep it quiet and avoid spreading the poison, but when it continues and spreads through a significant part of the community it reaches a point where it must be challenged. All a funeral director can do is to face it head on and tell their community what is happening.

Co. Down funeral director Ciaran Heaney is concerned at the damage done to his business after a series of anonymous letters were sent to his clients. Ciaran and his late father Patsy have traded as PB Heaney in Newry since 1974 and bought over Banbridge firm TL Keenan in 2001. “We went to great lengths to purchase a funeral home in Banbridge with all the best facilities for our clients”, said Ciaran. The firm subsequently rebranded as Heaney Keenan.

“The letters refer to the fact that this isn’t TL Keenan Funeral Directors anymore. I have

been in business in Banbridge since May 2001, and then we merged Heaney in Newry with TL Keenan in Banbridge”.

When Ciaran heard about the letter he knew he had to take action. “When I was told about the letter, I contacted families I had dealt with in the six weeks prior to that, and two of them had received letters as well”.

The anonymous letters refer to the fact that the company isn’t TL Keenan Funeral Directors anymore and also alleges that Mr Heaney will “rip off ” anybody that uses his services. Ciaran resents any suggestion that he was overcharging bereaved families; “In terms of fees, we keep within the guidelines set by the Society of Independent Funeral Directors and we endeavour to provide the best professional service to our clients. These anonymous letters cause unnecessary stress to bereaved families.

We always explain to our clients what they can afford, and our fees can be checked on our website and in our brochure”.

Ciaran has taken legal action and took the story to the local newspapers who each carried articles explaining the situation. It was pleasing that the story led to letters to the editor from families who had used Heaney Keenan, giving support to Ciaran and expressing their disgust that the reputation of the firm should be attacked in such a manner: ‘With regard to costs, I would honestly say the funeral bill was on a par, if not below, the costings of other firms. I have spoken to a few other bereaved families in the last few days, and without exception, they would reiterate my sentiments.’

Ciaran is pleased at the response but aware that it is impossible to quantify the damage done to his reputation. “Obviously, the allegation made in the letters is putting people off ”, he says.

FuneralTimes | 17

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FuneralTimes | 19

Auden First Call One Man Loader NEW FOLDING FOOTEND T

he First Call One Man Loader from Auden is a super light- weight economical flexible trolley that has a number of new features.

This single height trolley is available in a new version that has 17� of the trolley foot end that is foldable. The main advantage of this is that it enables the trolley to be more manoeuvrable in smaller spaces and tight corridors.

This new innovation has been tested by a number of funeral directors and found to be a great advantage in the first call situation. The Loader is highly manoeuvrable and light but strong enough to support up to 190kg and has options of braking and locking wheels and is supplied with a cover as standard. Auden produces the trolley in the standard 76� version but also offers a custom length option to fit in a smaller estate car.

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 listed below:

Shepherds Mortuary & Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 33 49702/00353 87 2486668

New Auden App available for iPhone now!

A

uden Funeral Supplies launched its new iPhone App at the National Funeral Exhibition in June.

This new App has the entire Auden product range in an easy to use format, with a full product brochure, all available at the click of a button. It also has instructional videos on its Multilevel trolleys as well as a comprehensive list of accessories.

The application is designed for viewing product on the move and will enable clients to select the right Auden product for them. The download is free and available from the Apple iTunes store now.

20 | FuneralTimes

Dignity Funeral Care shortlisted for National Q Mark Award!

T

he Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) has just shortlisted Dignity Funeral Care for the National Q Mark Awards which take place in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin this September. Dignity Funeral Care was recently awarded the Q Mark for quality Management Systems.

It is the first time in 10 years that the Q Mark has been awarded to a funeral practice and Dignity Funeral Care are the second funeral practice ever to have won the Q Mark. The Q Mark is the recognised Irish symbol that guarantees the highest standards of Quality & Excellence in Ireland.

Commenting on being shortlisted for the National Q Mark Award, co-founder of Dignity Funeral Care, Keith Spain said “We were very proud of having attained the Q Mark in the first place and we are delighted to be in the running for the National Q Mark Award. We have been campaigning for regulation in the funeral industry for some time and we believe

that by obtaining this high achievement we are paving the way for others in the business to follow. In an industry that is not regulated we believe that having obtained the Q Mark guarantees that here at Dignity Funeral Care our services are carried out to the highest standard.�

This funeral practice has been represented by the families of the current operators for two generations with over thirty five years’ experience. With a distinctive name the service offered is individualised to combine with established standards, principals and ethics that you would expect from a traditional progressive funeral practice. Dignity Funeral Care are a traditional but innovative funeral director business based in County Galway.

Formed in 2009, on the back of an existing family funeral care practice.

Contact Dignity Funeral Care on Telephone (091) 870030 or Mobile (087) 1427271 (24 Hour) or Email info@dignityfuneralcare.ie

Delivery from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines Tuohy of Coose, Co. Galway receive their new Insignia Hearse from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

SAIF news ... SAIF news ...

Flying the flag at Stoneleigh I

n the last issue of Funeral Times, we reported the successful AGM Banquet weekend that was held at the Forest of Arden Hotel in Coventry. Though ‘snowed in’ for the best part of the weekend, it proved highly enjoyable and was well received by all who attended.

In this issue, we report yet another successful event. The National Funeral Exhibition, held at Stoneleigh, which is also near Coventry, proved as fruitful for SAIF as the previous one two years ago.

Countless members visited the SAIF stand to meet the team, enjoy a cup of tea, a slice of cake and of course take advantage of the ‘goodies’ that were freely distributed. Many potential members were signed up and their membership applications are now being

Linda Jones and Alun Tucker on the SAIF stand processed. It was pleasing to note the positive comments received from the many funeral directors that came onto the SAIF stand regarding SAIF membership and being part of the only trade association specifically for Independents.

Heart Pacemaker A

positive initiative for SAIF is the Healing Hearts Charity and the collection of used heart pacemakers.

The use of pacemakers is becoming common practice and is widely used giving many more years of life to the recipient. However on the death of the receiver, the pacemaker is very often not accepted back by the NHS trust where they originated. These are then usually disposed of as clinical waste by the funeral director.

Following research into the disposal of these unwanted pacemakers, Jo Parker from Abbey Funeral Services Ltd, Kent came across the ‘Healing Little Hearts’ charity and contacted Dr Sanjiv Nichani for more information. After endorsing all was acceptable, Jo and Dr Sanjiv have now shaped the foundation and have begun the process of sending any unwanted 22 | FuneralTimes

pacemakers to Mumbai where they will be used to continue this very admirable cause.

This has already proved to be highly successful for both members and non SAIF member funeral directors across the country who are very often left to dispose of unwanted pacemakers.

For more information, please telephone SAIF Business Centre on 0845 230 6777 or email linda@saif.org.uk

always supportive

promoting and protecting the future of the independent funeral director

visit us online at www.saif.org.uk for more support

SAIF exists solely to support independent funeral directors throughout the UK, by delivering experienced advice, a powerful lobbying voice, up-to-the-minute information and a superb range of member benefits.

In an increasingly competitive climate SAIF helps you keep an edge by offering: • • • • • •

High value member benefits, services and support Easy access to first class training Recognised member standards for your client’s reassurance Great networking opportunities An experienced and dedicated team National visibility on the SAIF website

Ring us now on 0845 230 6777 and ask for a membership application pack

Enjoy the freedom of our great support team The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, SAIF Business Centre, 3 Bullfields, Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 9DB

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The history of four Tom Sharkeys in Co. Roscommon Tom Sharkey & Sons, Funeral Directors, is a family-owned and operated firm with funeral homes in Ballaghaderreen and Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon. The firm was founded at the beginning of the last century. Four generations of the family have been involved in the firm since its beginnings, all carrying the name Tom Sharkey. Here Tom Sharkey IV tells Funeral Times of the history of his company.

T

om Sharkey & Sons have been funeral directors for more than four generations. At the beginning of the last century Tom Sharkey I, was the proprietor of an extensive business in Ballaghaderreen that included sawmills, forge, coach building, joinery and coffin and casket manufacturing works.

In those early years funerals were relatively simple for the funeral director (or undertaker) in that the usual order simply consisted of coffin, habit/shroud and hearse. It was therefore a natural progression from making coffins to follow onto a complete undertaking service.

So he purchased a horse drawn hearse and established himself as an undertaker. Before long he needed additional hearses and ended up with four, which consisted of two “Town Hearses” and two “Country Hearses” and the appropriate accompany of carriages for mourners. The Town Hearses were not, as the name would suggest, used for town funerals only, rather they were used for all funerals. For long journeys the Country Hearses were used because they had a much lighter structure and were less tiring on the horses.

The horses were stabled in our yard in Ballaghaderreen and shod in our forge as and when the need arose. He purchased and rented land suitable for the horses to graze and from which to harvest hay and oats with which to feed the horses. In the event that the horses were idle for some days before a funeral it was the practice to give them a gallop under a sidecar or trap before putting them under a hearse so that they would not be so lively and behave as expected.

Many a driver was reprimanded for leaving the

yard with a beautifully turned out pair of black horses and returning with "white" horses. No, not a conjuring trick but the result of driving the horses too hard and having them lathered with perspiration.

Before the horses were allowed to leave for removals or funerals, they were all curry combed until they were gleaming black. They wore beautiful black or white ostrich feather plumes (as appropriate for an old or young person), well-oiled harnesses, polished brasses and hooves painted black. The driver sat on the right hand side of the hearse seat and was accompanied by the mute on his left (not afflicted thus, but so called because it was one of his duties to remain silent at all times). The driver and mute were attired in great coats, bowler hats, silk scarves, leather gloves and riding boots and underwent the same scrutiny as the horses before being allowed to depart the yard. The funeral director, resplendent in top hat, tailcoat, waistcoat (complete with gold-watch and chain), trousers and highly polished boots would lead the cortege.

The last remaining horse hearse (used for the last time during the Suez Crisis) has been restored completely and is on view by request at our Ballaghaderreen Funeral Home. It is a Marsden Town Hearse, built on the Harrow Road, London.

In 1926 Tom Sharkey I purchased his first motor hearse and two mourning cars. They were Armstrong Siddleys. This caused much consternation among his customers as the older generation wanted the "proper" horse drawn hearse and the younger generation wanted the "modern" motor hearse. These vehicles were FuneralTimes | 25

Sharkey's modern fleet with a restored horse drawn hearse among the first purchased in the area and were either loved and admired or hated and despised. All the coffins and caskets were made on the premises, both native and imported timbers being used in their manufacture. The native timbers were mainly elm and oak and were sourced locally from the large estates of the area such as Clonalis House at Castlerea, The DeFreyne Estate at Frenchpark and The Mac Dermot Estate at Monasteraden. They were felled using manual crosscut saws, felling axes and only later with chainsaws. They were then drawn by horses and later by lorries to our sawmills where they were processed into the various sizes needed. The sawmills themselves were powered by Lister diesel engines before the invention of the electric motor.

A successful coffin/casket wholesale business was in operation until the mid 1950’s. Five coffin makers were employed with several apprentices and finishers. Commission agents travelled around Ireland selling the lines. American oak coffins and caskets were the best sellers. The coffins and caskets were deftly wrapped in hessian, transported by the excellent rail service that existed at the time in Ballaghaderreen.

26 | FuneralTimes

Tom Sharkey I, died on Good Friday 1945, a day he had always maintained as having nobody on duty at the Gates of Heaven!

His son, Tom Sharkey II, (my grand-father) joined him in the business in 1931 and wanted absolutely nothing to do with horses unless they were in abundance under a bonnet. He considered any engine less than four litres as inadequate. He rationalised the business and we became Funeral Directors and Coffin/Casket Manufacturers. He mechanised production, which was previously very labour-intensive. He was innovative and introduced many designs and concepts, some of which are still in production today.

Because of his passion for fast cars we nearly evolved from proprietors of a forge to proprietors of a garage, which would undoubtedly have had some agency or other for exotic high-powered cars.

He was however, to get part satisfaction for his passion from the large American cars which we had converted to hearses over the years, the Dodges and Chryslers and Chevrolets and Buicks and Fords. For most of his private driving he favoured Mercedes but didn’t mind

the occasional large American car. I recall in particular his 1959 Ford Fairlaine complete with tail fins and V8 engine of course.

He studied the American way of death and incorporated many of the ideas into the business.

He was a stickler for punctuality and was widely noted for this. He concentrated his energy on developing the funeral side of the business to make the firm solely funeral directors and so it has remained to the present day. He retired in March 1988 and sadly died on October 30th, 2002.

My father (Tom Sharkey III) became the proprietor of Tom Sharkey & Sons in 1988 opening the first funeral home in Ballaghaderreen that August and a second at Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon in 1998. He introduced embalming for all deceased persons in 1988 and built an embalming theatre so that the service was available in-house. He served for eleven years on the Council of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors and was President for the term 1998-1999.

I (Tom Sharkey IV) officially joined the business in 1997, though having been involved in various aspects of the business as far back as my memory

can recall. My father retired from the business in 2008 and still advises my business initiatives when I occasionally manage to find him not gardening with my mother or with a fishing rod in hand.

From 1997 onwards we further computerised many operations in the business and evolved our website to keep pace with the developing Internet. As a natural extension to the Funeral Directing business, we launched our full-service florist shop, All Seasons Florists in November 2009 catering for all floral occasions. We employ wonderfully artistic florists producing highly fashionable and innovative displays and it gives me great pride to see floral arrangements for all of life’s great occasions being created here.

For four generations we have had the honour of carrying out funerals for the rich and famous, the poor and forgotten and all those people in between, with the same dignity and understanding to which all humans are entitled.

Now with All Seasons Florists, we have the honour of serving our community in so many other life events. Hopefully these traditions will continue in the Sharkey family, for generations to come.

Wreath Manufacture & Wholesale At Tom Sharkey & Sons Ltd. Barrack Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

All wreaths are created by fully qualified florists, reflecting contemporary design in floral arrangements All at very competitive prices Special requests catered for at shortest notice

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We have an extensive stock ready for delivery or collection including: • Circles of Life • Posies • Sprays • Hearts • Crosses • Cushions • Pillows • Gates of Heaven • Footballs and Jerseys • Posies with Candles • Lettering Wreaths Discounts apply on scale of your orders

n Call or email now to receive our new brochure

Telephone: +00353 (0)94 986 0658 or email: sales@allseasonsflorists.ie FuneralTimes | 27

The circus comes to town T

he theme of this year’s National Funeral Exhibition was the Big Top. Strange maybe for a trade exhibition on funeral products, but many funeral firms are family businesses and the show traditionally offers entertainment throughout the three days so that families can enjoy a weekend together. A circus ring in Hall 1 presented plate spinners, jugglers, balance acts and even a sword swallower to keep all generations entertained.

On a much more serious level, a full seminar programme offered visitors thought provoking speakers on a whole range of fascinating and demanding topics. Sessions included 'Seeing is Believing’ by Karl Wenzel from across the pond, where he talked about reconstruction techniques. Melissa Abraham from Australia discussed the Celebration of Life, while James

28 | FuneralTimes

Olson from the NFDA in America talked about green issues from an American perspective. In all there were seven speakers throughout the three days.

All this is just the backdrop to the biggest ever British funeral show where over 215 exhibitors showed every conceivable product and service to the visitors. The variety rivalled or possibly exceeded any other similar show in the world.

NFE is now the second biggest biennial show in Europe and is one of the most influential shows on the international calendar.

If this wasn’t enough, visitors were greeted by an amazing Giraffe coffin, designed by sculptor Molly Russell, as they walked into the halls. It definitely was the best funeral exhibition ever seen in Britain, but the organisers intend to top it with a ‘Merrie England’ theme in 2015.

NFE 2013 - what a great show A

fter breaking with tradition and attending the NFE 2013 without cars, Coleman Milne had a fantastic show, entertaining our many guests in our now famous “Heritage Café”. Even without cars, the Coleman Milne stand was extremely busy; one might say overcrowded!

Sam, our Barista, creates the smoothest coffee ever, which everyone who tasted will verify.

Coleman Milne, established in 1953, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year which became part of the theme of our stand.

To encapsulate the history, Coleman Milne displayed a photograph (right), recently presented to the company by Roderick Milne’s family, showing the founder outside of the current factory on the day they moved in back in 1977 to underpin the celebration.

Not quite a full car, Coleman Milne were able to demonstrate a working model of the new EcoBoost 2-00 litre engine, now fitted as standard in all our Ford based funeral vehicles.

Whilst many a joke was passed about the slow running of this particular model, everyone agreed this latest technology was the way forward.

Business was still the main focus of attending

the show and although never anticipated, Coleman Milne was delighted to sign a number of orders for funeral vehicles. Also on show, albeit it in photographic form, was the latest vehicle developed by Coleman Milne, the Mercedes Benz S-Class Limousine. The level of interest in this market leading product was surprising and Coleman Milne expects to sign orders over the coming months.

So will we be back in 2015? Planning has already begun with a commitment given to the organisers as the show closed that we would definitely return, and hopefully, so will Sam the Barista!

FuneralTimes | 29

Where were the Italian coffins?

D

avid Burns of Coffins.ie is a regular visitor to exhibitions around the world and has been loud in his praise of previous Stoneleigh exhibitions. So how did the NFE 2013 stand up to his scutiny?

The National Funeral Exhibition is one of the most important events in the international funeral calendar and features products and services from every sector including hearses, coffins and caskets, mortuary products, memorial urns and keepsakes, funeral equipment, music, furniture, I.T. software, insurance, funeral plans, masonry and remembrance items.

The NFE is the British funeral industry's showcase and includes an incredible variety of companies. The National Funeral Exhibition was conceived in 2004 by the National Association of Funeral Directors and first launched in 2007. Although there had been a funeral show running in the UK for many years, the NFE is the first to run on a regular biennial basis, the established and successful format of other major European exhibitions. The show is guided by an industry advisory group and organised by Leisure Expo Ltd, an exhibition organising company with over 30 years’ experience.

The exhibition has unique qualities. They make great efforts for foreign visitors such as supplying a bus from the airport direct to the show grounds. The show has become an important part of the undertakers and stonemasons calendar. It is acknowledged as one of the top four shows in the world. This was my third visit and sadly the most disappointing. I wrote in my last review that it was best show I had attended. But unfortunately I can’t say the same about 2013.

Stone masons had a show in Nuremberg just a week earlier so their contribution was nearly non-existent.

The few that were there had very good products on offer with ground breaking art work. The British headstone is smaller than the Irish but more flamboyant. I like their work and variety. There seemed to be a drop in the number of coffin suppliers and hearse builders at the show. I spoke with some exhibitors about the costs related to attending the show and I feel this is probably a major turn off for a lot of the smaller companies.

The marketing drive for the show this year was not as aggressive as that of two years ago.

Dr. Bill Webster hosted an informal session on new trends in grief issues and support, from the bereavement of a loved one to the loss of a pet. Not sure about this one - I feel undertakers should stay clear of the issue of

30 | FuneralTimes

pets. He also discussed recent trends in grief, including Facebook and Twitter support groups, and issues that arise from having no funeral. Dr. Bill is a well-known counsellor, author, TV host and speaker who did provide some challenging thoughts over these issues.

Charles Cowling looked at the growing popularity of secular funerals. Charles is the editor of the Good Funeral Guide and is dedicated to supporting, empowering and representing the interests of the dying and bereaved. There was a question raised. Will homemade funerals affect your business? The Natural Death Centre fields your questions on a trend that has gained a lot of media coverage recently. I missed this section but I know it has raised its head on very few occasions in Ireland and seems unlikely to gain traction.

The green theme is big in the UK with lots of imported wicker baskets and cardboard coffins. I noticed a decline in the number of niche suppliers with larger coffin companies making a bigger deal of this market segment.

The UK has a 76% cremation rate which explains the huge number of urns on display. Every shape, size and colour that you could imagine. The UK market is different from the Irish market. We have higher burial rates, so a lot of what was on offer would be of passing interest. The mortuary area was impressive. Visitors could try their hand at reconstruction work and the amount of fluids on offer was as good as you would see anywhere. The embalming sector was well represented.

The Italians and their stylish coffins we totally absent.

Their coffins are probably too expensive for the changing financial climate. The UK premium market was never of any consequence, so unfortunately they seem to be a casualty of changing trends. Even though the numbers of hearses on display were down, the quality was still there. I am a great admirer of the hearse the British work with. It amazes me they take no pride in coffins but the hearse is always of best quality and design.

All was not work as the circus theme provided fun. The nights were filled with entertainment too which I have yet to attend - maybe next time. I had my entertainment in the morning. I bumped into Peter Farley and P.J Darby - both in great form at 6 am! Peter with his one liners and his air-hostess-charming-skills made traveling fun. On the way home I met with Eamon Cassidy and Paul Reilly for dinner and a few pints which shortened a long wait at the airport. I will go again but I hope they repeat the effort of two years ago.

William McGuckin from CPL Products with Chris King, Mark Richards and Jon Ellis, MD of Ferno

David Wright, Eulogica Ltd. with Simon Hansen Elvestad and Natalia Vincic of Adstate

Rodney Crouch, Passages International Inc. with Nick Canham of Sentimental Connections

Eamon Cassidy of Funeral Supplies Donegal with David McGowan, DJ MacNeice

Ian Lines of Keltic Clothing

Richard Auchincloss and Alan Hughes of Golden Charter

Gerard Duffy and Geoffrey Duffy of Duffy Coachbodies, Dundalk Ltd.

Reece and Niall Wray of Wrays Funeral Directors, Belfast & Antrim FuneralTimes | 31

Steve Pentith of Odlings MCR does a bit of demostrating!

Glen Baxter of North Down Memorials, Bangor, Co. Down

Jeremy and Charlie Field of Homeland International

Alan Fleming of Fleming & Cuthbert, Ballyclare with Tom Healy of Healy Brothers, Belfast

Robert Gresty, President of BIFD with Derek Case, David Gresty and Sally Walton

Tom (originally from Co. Monaghan) and Nick from Jennings FD in Wolverhampton

Sarunas Kondrotas of Hardwood Coffins Ireland

Pradip Patel and Jiten Budhdeo from Urns UK

32 | FuneralTimes

William Schelkers of Funeral Products

Alex Buckingham and Angela Samuel of AM Specialists Group Ltd

Conor MacCarrick and Paula Hanna of Funeral Times with Eamon Cassidy, Donegal

President of the NAFD Simon Fisher with Craig Wensley of Daisy Coffins

Jim Conlon and Dermott Sharpe of Finlays of Ardee enjoyed a day out at the show!

Paula Hanna (FT), Catherine Betley (Grief Journey UK), Ruth McQuillan (FT) with Dr Bill Webster

Jayne Phillips of Brosch Direct Medical Supplies models her black and white gloves

Andrew McMullen & Darwin Stevenson enjoyed the show and made their flight home!!! Hoorah!

FuneralTimes | 33

Rose & Gerry O'Neill of Wreathcraft with Darwin Stevenson and Andrew McMullan

Emilie Barnett, Jennifer Mason and Angela Preece of Batesville bring a bit of glam to the show!

William McGuckin of CPL Funeral Products with his Ferno UK colleagues

Mike Argent and Grant White of South Essex Insurance Brokers

Carole Richardson and Rob Graham of Funeral Safe had a very successful show!

Mark Campbell, Funereal Soft Furnishings enjoys a coffee with Stephen Shields of FSNI

Emilie Barnett with Geoff Bowles from Batesville Caskets UK

Keith Comerford, Auden Funeral Supplies with James Devitt FD, Tipperary with Andrew Shepherd

34 | FuneralTimes

Andrew and Bobby Morrison enjoyed the day

Glen Baxter, Alan Flemming and Tom Healy

Kevin O'Connor and Darrell Munt of Golden Leaves Funeral Plans

Gerard Quinn of Quinn Funeral Directors in Dundalk had an enjoyable day at the show!

Bill Reid of Ronnie Thompson Funeral Directors, Ballynahinch and Lisburn

Martin McGowan of McGowan Funeral Supplies, Donegal

Andrew Milne of Ian Milne Funeral Directors, Portadown, Co. Armagh enjoyed the show!

Lalla Mackay of Ashdown Supplies FuneralTimes | 35

(ROI 048)

36 | FuneralTimes

CPL unleash “The

Stirrups” The Stirrups: • Allow a Coffin, Stretcher, Body Bag or Body Mat to be carried by the side • Eliminate the need to stoop • Can be used to lift body into or out of a coffin/shell • Can be used to lower a coffin into a grave • Can be used to inter ashes • Can be used to lower a child’s coffin • Can be used to manoeuvre a coffin in awkward places, such as stairs • Can be used with any existing overhead gantry or manual hoist • Can be used with CPL Body Mat and CPL Cradle (and attachments) Full kit: •

6 x stainless steel handles

•

3 x 6m straps, 3 x 2m straps, all with stainless steel adjusters

•

A grave trowel

•

Nylon pull string bag

•

Shoulder bag

Patent Pending. Patent Application No. 1306153.6 FuneralTimes | 37

(From the top, left to right) Vivan O'Sullivan, Paul Reilly, Declan Hayes, Bernard Carty, Michael Grealish, Trevor Harris Niamh Cusack, Michael John Quinn, Paula O'Shea, Brian Cronin, Donald O'Regan, Geraldine Roux, Ethel Tuohy William Merriman, Donny Allen, Catherine McKinney, John O'Sullivan, Padraig O'Reilly, Billy Fitz-gerald, Donal O'Connor, Danny Kennedy, Alan Harmon, John Linnane, Billy Hourihan, Anthony Oosthuizen (not in the photos-Brian McElroy & Garry McCool) 38 | FuneralTimes

PEAI NEWS T

he Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland is among the fastest growing independent associations for professional embalmers in Ireland and Europe. Through the joint efforts of the officers and loyal support of members, the meeting and educational tour in the University College Cork turned out to be a huge success! The event was attended by almost 60 members. This is another notable record set by the PEAI in the history of the funeral sector in Ireland.

New Members- Twenty-six new members were welcomed after being awarded their certificates of PEAI Membership. These new members will be a great additional voice to the organisation because a lot of them would have experience in the industry longer than some of the practising embalmers in any other embalmers’ organisation in Ireland. This again proves the commitment of the PEAI into bringing about uniform standards of embalming practice in Ireland and promoting professionalism of practice. This also proves that PEAI is not an exclusive association but an association that helps embalmers and works for the cause of its members.

Speakers- Michael Cronin, Prosector in Anatomy and Technical Officer in University College Cork spoke at the meeting regarding donation of bodies to science. He explained the process of donating a body and also spoke about the regulations and issues regarding donation of bodies to science.

Speaker George R. Kelder, Assistant Executive Director of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, Manasquan, New Jersey put together an exclusive presentation on ‘Embalming After Multiple Organ Donations’.

He described in detail how embalmers in New Jersey deal with preparation of deceased persons with multiple organ donations (e.g. complete bone donation, multiple organ donation, skin donation, tissue donation, etc.) which leaves almost nothing but the head and sometimes only partial skin surface to work on and still to be viewed by family members with an open casket in a lot of cases. Most of all, this is no longer considered a specialist job but a regular daily task of any embalmer in New Jersey. This was a fascinating and educational talk given by George Kelder as it gave PEAI members an advanced knowledge and education on a situation which may likely be encountered in Ireland in the future.

The New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association is the most abreast association in America when it comes to education, legislation, research and in almost all other aspects of the funeral trade. The PEAI is working closely with the NJSFD in keeping with the most current advancements and updates in the funeral sector.

Road Safety- David McGowan played a recording in which he was interviewed by a local radio station in connection with the Road Safety Authority of Ireland. The recording was from a talk he gave to a group of at least 1500 second level students at the Royal TF, Castlebar, Co. Mayo earlier this year. It was the first time a funeral director was introduced to talk to the students in this particular event which is organized every year. In the interview, David explained the role of a funeral director and embalmer at a road traffic accident.

The public and even the gardai and media expressed that they misconstrue the real role FuneralTimes | 39

and value of our jobs. Apart from that, there is a poor understanding of the ordeal that we go through when we are called into such a tragic situation and how we cope with the grief of others and also ourselves that may not have been explained to the public.

Tour of the Anatomy FLAME LaboratoryThe guided tour of the Anatomy FLAME Laboratory was astounding and highly educational. It opened a new dimension of knowledge and awareness of the human body and the scientific purpose of embalming.

The group was given exclusive access to see the state-of-the-art facilities for anatomical dissection and a huge display of anatomical

models and well-preserved specimens and valuable artifacts dating back over a hundred years. Another section of the building was dedicated to embalming and dissection of cadavers donated to the university and also the fridges where they are kept. The laboratory featured modern equipment (e.g. high end steam cleaning machine, autoclave, air cycle control systems, etc.) and modified machines (e.g. an industrial dishwasher, cutters, etc.) in a pressure graded and engineered laboratory which is every embalmer’s dream.

PEAI will continually be doing educational events and tours for the benefit of its members. For news and events visit www. professionalembalmers.ie

Delivery from Duffy Coachbodies, Dundalk Ltd. Tommy Sharkey of Sharkey Funeral Directors, Ballaghaderreen and Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon has taken delivery of a new Mercedes E250 hearse from Duffy Coachbodies, Dundalk Ltd. Gerard Duffy thanked Tommy for the business and wishes him continued success

VISIT US ON:

www.batesville.co.uk Tel: 01332 856372 Fax: 01332 856377 40 | FuneralTimes

Say Farewell Your Way A Funeral Planning Guide for Ireland

by Jennifer Muldowney

D

espite the fact that human beings have a 100% mortality rate, many people in Ireland feel uncomfortable about discussing death.

A new book, SAY FAREWELL YOUR WAY aims to change all that. With practical information on digital legacies, cremation, organ donation, and alternative funerals it casts a refreshing light on Ireland’s long-standing taboo.

The book was launched in Dublin on 13 June.

Author, Jennifer Muldowney, introduced by Frank Crummey, spoke candidly and honestly about death and what it means to all of us.

She emphasised that although her book and indeed her business is about funeral planning - she is really promoting life and living. She told us to tell our loved ones we love them, do the things on our bucket list and live every day as if it was our last. From a Steve Jobs quote and a short video clip from Winnie the Pooh her speech encapsulated all that she is about - openness, honesty, preparation, family and friendship.

Jennifer, a 30-yearold entrepreneur isn’t, perhaps, your traditional idea of a ‘funeral expert’

either. Bright, bubbly and direct, she believes that ‘A funeral is both a beginning and an ending, where the end symbolises that the journey from birth to death has been completed and the beginning symbolises the recovery and renewal process for the loved ones still living’.

There are three situations in which you may find yourself planning a funeral and reading SAY FAREWELL YOUR WAY: • A loved one has passed away suddenly; • A loved one has been diagnosed as terminally ill; • You wish to pre-plan your own funeral.

In a recent survey almost two-thirds of participants had not thought about their funeral wishes, plus a huge 59% have no idea what a digital legacy is. Jennifer feels that this can change - ‘The main purpose of SAY FAREWELL YOUR WAY is to encourage conversation about death, dying, funerals and loss in Ireland today and, hopefully, to open our minds to the endless possibilities there are when it comes to funerals. It aims to inspire independent individuals to celebrate and take control of the last memory they will leave loved ones’.

Paperback : €12.95 / £10.95stg / $14.95 (US/CAN/AUD) ISBN 9781781190838 ePub: €4.99 / £3.99stg / USD$5.99 / CA$5.99 / AUD$5.99 ISBN 9781781190845 Kindle: €4.99/ £3.99stg / USD$5.99 / CA$5.99 / AUD $5.99 ISBN 9781781190852 www.oaktreepress.com FuneralTimes | 41

The only embalming chemicals

Fully manufactured in Ireland!

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DJ MacNeice & Co. Ltd. 37A Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Tel: +353- 18827731 Email: sales@djmacneice.com 42 | FuneralTimes

DMG Chemicals is the only embalming chemicals fully manufactured in Ireland.

Proud to be the first and still the only embalming chemicals approved by the European Competent Authority- PRCD Ireland.

For deliveries contact Martina 086 384 5446 For Dublin deliveries contact Clare 087 9900569 Or you may visit Mags in DJ MacNeice & Co. Ltd. 37A Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11

tel: (+353) 18828731

email: sales@djmacneice.com FuneralTimes | 43

Advertorial

Working towards green D

MG Chemicals is a 100% Irish owned and operated embalming chemicals company.

Since its pre-launch in the third quarter of 2012, the research team has been working hard to come up with the Green Formula which is going to be environment friendly and user friendly.

Arterial Bond 24 and Cavity Bond and all other accessory fluids produced by DMG Chemicals are all dissolved in Pi (π) Water which is the key to GREEN. What is Pi (π) Water?

Pi (π) Water is a structured type of water that is very similar to your body water. Pi Water was discovered in 1964 by Dr. Akihiro Yamashita while studying the physiology of plants.

He discovered that body water contains a very small amount of Ferric Ferrous Salt (Fe2Fe3) and it performs essential functions in controlling our body in order for it to function normally.

He introduced the theory that a very small amount of Ferric Ferrous Salt (Fe2Fe3) in living water plays a major role in carrying life's information to every corner of the cell.

Previous research on Pi Water and salt crystals has brought about fascinating results. Salt crystals are normally known to display a square shaped structure.

However, when salt was dissolved in high energy Pi Water and then evaporated, the salt crystal became pyramid shaped. This has brought the research further where a saltwater fish and coarse fish were placed in the same container. When saltwater fish were put in fresh water and coarse fish in sea water, the fish died in one hour. But when both were placed in a high energy Pi Water, each survived for an increased period of time.

Another research on the structure of the Pi Water molecule was conducted in University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) facility which showed that Pi Water is one of the greatest structured waters.

According to separate research at the University of Georgia it was shown that diseased cells tend to be surrounded by unstructured water while healthy cells tend to be surrounded by structured water.

"Structured water" has high solubility for the body's minerals. Therefore, minerals, trace minerals and vitamins, which are combined with structured water tend to go faster from digestive tract and bloodstream into the tissues. This same theory directly relates to the injection of Arterial Bond 24 which is dissolved

44 | FuneralTimes

in Pi Water where it travels through the vascular system into the cells of the body during embalming.

Nowadays, Pi Water is applied not only in the medical field, but is also applied to agriculture, marine products as well as chemical and beauty products. DMG Chemicals is first to bring the value of Pi Water into the funeral industry in Ireland and Europe.

Bog Water and Sphagnum Moss Bogs are one of Ireland’s most distinctive kinds of wetlands. They are characterized by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters, and layers of sphagnum moss that covers its floor. Bogs are low in the nutrients required for plant growth which is actually conducive for growth of acid forming peat mosses.

Sphagnum moss is one of the 3500 species of moss found around the globe. Sphagnum moss grows from spores which are produced in tiny capsules. When the spores are ripe, pressure builds up within the capsule until its lid is blown off, sending the spores shooting into the air. The spores grow into a tiny moss plant.

As the tip of the plant grows upwards, the bottom parts of the moss die and eventually form peat.

Sphagnum mosses can hold up to 20 times their own weight in water. Precipitation is trapped between plants in a hammock and most of it is stored inside the plant itself in special containers called cells.

Sphagnum moss is very useful because of its ability to absorb water. Now, some people are growing it for use in gardens and for other commercial purposes. It is widely available in its dehydrated form. Studies show that it has been used throughout history as a dressing for wounds as it has twice the absorbing capacity of cotton wool.

These two key elements possess particular characteristics which could potentially bring about a massive breakthrough in GREEN embalming fluids. DMG Chemicals is continually working on the improvement of embalming practice with important results for the industry and also the environment.

If you wish to know more contact DMG Chemicals/ DJ MacNeice at (+353) 18828731

Northern Section of the RollsRoyce Enthusiasts Club Visit O

n Friday 19th April, Coleman Milne became the centre for Rolls Royce enthusiasts for the day. Members of the Northern Section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club visited the limousine and hearse manufacturing headquarters of Coleman Milne for a factory visit.

As would befit such a grand occasion, members transported themselves to the event in their finest Rolls Royce motorcars. Models ranged from a 1937 20/30, a 1954 Daimler Conquest, a 1955 Bentley R Type, a 1956 Bentley S1, with many more examples from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Following a welcome cup of tea, members where welcomed by Group Sales & Marketing Director, Geoff Hudson. The visitors where then treated to a full tour of the Coleman Milne manufacturing facility, which proved enthralling to everyone. Comments like “this brings back the memories” were liberally flowing.

As an added interest to Coleman Milne,

one member, listed as Hugo Milne, turned out to be the youngest son of Coleman Milne founder, Roderick Milne. Hugo explained he was 15 years old when his father sold the business to the Hawley group.

A teenager he might have been, but his knowledge and passion for the business was astonishing, even knowing some members of staff as he took his trip down memory lane. Later in the day, Hugo e-mailed various links to internet websites showing clips of Coleman Milne vehicles from the past, the most famous being when Princess Diana left hospital with her first son William, she was collected in a Coleman Milne “Windsor” estate car.

As the tour concluded, a sandwich lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Section Chairman John Beecroft, thanked Geoff and the team at Coleman Milne on behalf of the members and donated a cheque to Bolton Hospice as thanks for the free time and effort provided

by Coleman Milne.

FuneralTimes | 45

A unique show • new products • new learning • new standards

Remember the dates: Tues & Wed, 1-2 October 2013

ü Trade stands ü Seminars ü Guest speakers ü Demos

ü Exhibitions ü Entertainment ü Workshops ü New lines

For further details call Ruth, Paula or Graham 028 (UK) / 048 (RoI) 3835 5060 - sales@funeraltimes.com Funeral Times® is a trade name owned by InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF.

• Class leading passenger space • Larger tailgate aperture with no hinge intrusion due to new hinges • Large bearer access for dignified entry and exit from vehicle • Leather upholstery, market leading deck size and full size underdeck • New style 17” alloy wheels Coleman Milne Area Sales Managers Scotland & Northern Ireland : John Haggerty Tel: 07860 586850 Northern England : Graham Clow Tel: 07860 380450 Central England : Kevin Heath Tel: 07860 243067 Southern England : Peter Potter Tel: 07702 069899

Coleman Milne, Wigan Road, Westhoughton,Bolton, Lancashire, BL5 2EE

The New EcoBoost Range From Coleman Milne Cardinal Classic Hearse

Dorchester Limousine

Cardinal Hearse

All Coleman Milne Fairlane vehicles will have FORD 2.0l ECO BOOST ENGINES

2

Leading the way in funeral vehicles A member of the Woodall Nicholson Group of Companies www.coleman-milne.co.uk facebook.com/colemanmilne twitter.com/colemanmilne

Tel: 01942 815600 Fax: 01942 815115 Email: cmsales@woodall-nicholson.co.uk

When we need to be more than just a friend Gus Nichols comments on the funeral industry I recently helped my wife’s brother-in-law organise the funeral of his father, Kevin.

It was a sudden passing in the end, although Kevin had been ill for some years. He was a wonderful man; full of positive energy. He had a great enthusiasm for life. He treasured the company of his wife, 6 children and 10 grandchildren. He loved his business and was good at it. He described his illness having ‘a touch of cancer’ and after his chemo followed by his steroids he would be found out on his golf course, never discussing the details of the diseases that had brought him low and would soon rob him of his life.

K

evin’s children, now in their forties, loved their father and were completely thrown by his death. I was woken up by my wife, Susan, on Sunday morning, to hear that Paddy wanted to talk me and that Kevin had passed away in the night.

I spent the next couple of hours on the phone, counselling the family about the procedures that must be followed when someone dies at home – as Kevin had done. There were many issues: getting a doctor to sign a death certificate; having someone come and collect Kevin from the house, contacting the church, whether to have a burial or a cremation (Kevin had refused to buy a grave in his final years, preferring instead to spend his time enjoying the company of family and friends and not giving any thoughts to what would happen once he had to leave them), how to word the death notice. I found it strange because I have got to know his family well, and two of his grandchildren at least are my wife’s godchildren. They had spent time with us on holidays and we had spent afternoons in their house having a Christmas drink. There I was, 50 | FuneralTimes

in my role as funeral director, putting on my professional hat, but talking to people who are part of my family.

It was a reminder to me that as funeral directors, what our friends and family need from us is for us to be strong. Most people never see themselves having that conversation with someone like me. For those of us in funeral profession we spend countless hours with family and friends, chatting over dinner tables, meeting at social occasions, walking through parks, following toddlers running around in playgrounds. They know what we do, they indulge in the occasional joke especially if they have not yet experienced arranging a funeral. However, when it happens, and when they are dealing with a bereavement and having to make decisions in the midst of all the trauma, they turn to their friend but need them to be more than a friend. They need us to show no emotion. They need sympathy from their friends but from us they want our guidance.

We reassure them that from the moment they have made the call, everything will now be in our hands. All they need to do is answer

"It was a reminder to me that as funeral directors, what our friends and family need from us is for us to be strong" questions. We will look after the rest. When a family member dies – even if at some remove – the feedback from the family is immediate and sincere. No one remembers everything that is said to them during the turmoil of the few days immediately following the death of a loved one.

But they do remember how they felt when they realised that someone was there to take control and lead them. That’s what we do. Amidst the requirements and practicalities of running a business, on occasions we need (or at least I do) a reminder of that.

•

On Friday morning, along with Paul McDonald from our office, I was delighted to attend the annual Bloom-day breakfast in St. Andrew’s Resource Centre on Pearse Street.

We were treated to a sumptuous breakfast, good chat with our neighbours and the odd politician or ten and of course the nudgenudge, wink-wink that goes on when the ‘undertakers’ attend any social setting. That goes with the territory of course.

The St. Andrew’s Resource Centre is a great organisation that has provided a huge range

of community services to the local area for over 25 years. It is largely run by volunteers and the work that is done on a daily basis is remarkable. The Pearse Street, City Quay and Westland Row areas of Dublin 2 have seen some hard times lately, with significant levels of long-term unemployment and other problems such as drug use and criminality being endemic. Organisations, such as St Andrew’s have proved vital in keeping the community together and providing guidance and support where it is needed. May it go from strength to strength. It was very nice to be included in the breakfast – my thanks goes to John Fitzpatrick and all his team at Pearse Street.

The world’s finest maker of hand-made archtop guitars is John Monteleone in New York.

His guitars are stratospherically wonderful examples of hand-craft at its best. When John needs to get back to work, he signs off his emails with, “the chisels are calling”. As a phrase, it could also have been used by us ‘dismal traders’. So, forgive me Monteleone, but “the chisels are calling”….. I had really better get back to the day job.

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NAFD News NAFD launches GiftAid25 Campaign T he National Association of Funeral Directors, in association with Just Giving, Memory Giving, Friends and Relations and EMS Internet are coming together to launch GiftAid25, an industry-wide initiative to ensure that Gift Aid (an extra 25% on top of every donation) is collected on donations made at funerals organised by NAFD members.

We estimate this has the potential to raise an extra £25 million for charities each year, while making life easier for funeral directors who manage collections made during funerals.

Research shows that collecting charitable donations currently costs the average funeral firm around £2,000 a year in overheads.

Funeral directors who sign up to GiftAid25 will be given the support and advice they need to collect donations for clients online, as well as being able to track how much they’ve helped to

raise for good causes across the UK. Our aim is to change charitable giving for the better, while making it easier for you to handle donations and making sure your clients feel in safe hands.

GiftAid25 will make funeral donations easier to process and will allow funeral directors to have peace of mind that donations are going straight to where they’re most needed.

A new website has been created for the campaign (www.giftaid25.co.uk) to enable funeral firms to register their interest in signing up.

Chair appointed to Independent Commission on cremation and disposal of ashes

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he Scottish Government has announced that the Rt. Hon Lord Bonomy has agreed to chair the new Independent Commission on cremation and disposal of Ashes.

The Commission has been established to ensure clear and consistent advice is provided to bereaved families on the arrangements for the ashes of their loved ones and is being set up after it emerged that different approaches were being used for the disposal of infant ashes across Scotland.

It is expected that Lord Bonomy will make recommendations by the end of the year

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about how guidance and legislation can be updated to ensure consistent practice nationwide, and to ensure that all bereaved families receive the service, support and information they need.

Lord Bonomy, who retired from the Bench in 2012, was QC on Lord Cullen's inquiry into the Dunblane tragedy. He was also a presiding judge for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and led the Review of High Court Practice in Scotland.

The Commission's full membership and remit will be announced shortly.

NAFD Qualifications achieve both University endorsement and OCN approval

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n an important step for continuous professional development within the funeral sector, the National Association of Funeral Directors’ qualifications have achieved both Birmingham City University endorsement and Open College Network approval.

This means that the National Diploma in Funeral Directing and the current National Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration (together with their associated learning materials, systems and processes) are deemed to meet a recognised quality standard acceptable by the University and the Awarding Body – and as such they ‘endorse’ and ‘approve’ the organisation (The NAFD) and the NAFD’s qualifications.

Over the past twelve months, the NAFD’s education team have undergone a robust process to evidence governance and due diligence. They have also provided evidence that the NAFD has an education system that is fit for purpose and meets national standards of learning and assessment.

To achieve this, the NAFD have had to provide evidence of all qualification related documentation including policies, procedures; delivery and assessment processes; monitoring and management systems; including evidence that all approved tutors, examiners and national office staff involved are qualified and trained to national standards, appropriate to their own role in the education system.

Martin Reynolds, Head of Birmingham City University’s Centre of Leadership and Management said: “Birmingham City University, working in partnership with the National Association of Funeral Directors, has reviewed and evaluated the quality and excellence of the learning and development practice at the National Association of Funeral Directors

and specifically for the following learning programmes: Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration; National Diploma in Funeral Directing.

“Birmingham City University is proud to Quality Endorse the National Association of Funeral Director’s learning and development practice and its designated learning programmes for their quality and excellence and as an exemplar of outstanding and innovative learning and development practice.”

The outcome of achieving approval from the open College Network means that the NAFD can award the current National Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration (NCFAA), as a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration (equivalent to a Level 2 qualification consisting of 47 Credits), and the Diploma in Funeral Directing (equivalent to a Level 3 qualification consisting of 49 Credits). Both qualifications are recognised as Diplomas but have different levels of learning and assessment criteria incorporated into the syllabus.

Current students, who are currently registered for the National Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration (NCFAA), will be awarded a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration upon successful completion.

This qualification will still be essential to achieve as a pre-requisite award prior to registration for the Diploma in Funeral Directing.

The outcome of the work undertaken with OCN also has a further benefit. The credits achieved from both qualifications are acknowledged by Birmingham City University and will count towards entry into a Management and Leadership post-graduate qualification offered by the University, offering logical career progression to those who have an interest in furthering their education.

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NAFD News Parliamentary Notebook Focus on Code of Practice M

ark Isherwood AM, the Chair of the Cross Party Group on Funerals and Bereavement in the Welsh Assembly, has called for a Statement by the Welsh Government on the need for public sector bodies that provide advice to the bereaved in Wales to only recommend funeral directors that adhere to a Code of Practice.

In 2012, Together Creating Communities (TCC) - a broad-based coalition of community groups in North East Wales - addressed a meeting of the Cross Party Group and spoke about the importance of funeral directors adhering to a Code of Practice. The Group also examined the role of public sector bodies and how some funeral directors that do not sign up to a Code were being allowed to advertise in publications issued by the public sector.

Speaking during a Business Statement in the Welsh Assembly on 23 April, Mr Isherwood stated: “We seek leadership from the Welsh Government, and a statement on this, in response to the call for public sector bodies that provide advice to the bereaved in Wales to ensure that they only recommend funeral directors that adhere to a code of practice, which could be actively promoted and literature provided for use in public sector premises.”

The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, told Mr Isherwood that the matter falls within her portfolio and she will “bring something forward in due course.”

54 | FuneralTimes

Mark Isherwood AM Alan Slater, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Funeral Directors, stated: “The NAFD supports the work of the Cross Party Group in highlighting the importance of a Code of Practice and seeking to prevent public sector bodies from promoting businesses that do not adhere to a Code. The NAFD has offered to provide copies of our Code of Practice for distribution to public sector bodies in order to support this campaign.”

Mr Isherwood plans to issue a Statement of Opinion in the Welsh Assembly over the coming weeks to raise awareness of the Code of Practice campaign and seek the support of other members of the Assembly.

Social Fund Funeral Payments T

he National Association of Funeral Directors has long been campaigning for increased Government support for families who cannot afford a funeral, through the Social Fund.

Funeral payments under the fund have not increased in value for almost ten years and stand at just ÂŁ700 plus disbursements. Only half of all those who apply for a payment each year are successful.

In Westminster, there continues to be interest in social fund funeral payments. Andrew Smith, Labour MP for Oxford East, tabled a series of questions on the number of applications, awards and total expenditure over the last three years.

The question and the answer can be found below: Funeral Payments - 22nd April 2013 Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the total cost was of awards made towards funeral costs in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12 and (d) 2012-13; (2) how many claims resulted in the award of a payment towards funeral costs in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12 and (d) 2012-13; (3) how many claims were made for help towards funeral costs in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12 and (d) 2012-13.

Steve Webb: The following table provides the number of applications, awards, and total expenditure of the funeral payment scheme for years 2009-10; 2010-11; 2011-12; and 2012-13.

Funeral payment scheme applications, awards, and gross expenditure for years 2009-10 to 2012-13

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Funeral payment applications 68,000 69,000 69,000 66,000 Funeral payment awards 39,000 38,000 38,000 35,000 Annual gross expenditure (ÂŁ million) 47.1 46.5 46.7 43.1 The All-Party Parliamentary Funerals and Bereavement Group in the UK Parliament, which the NAFD was instrumental in setting up, is holding its AGM and the Social Fund funeral payment is to be examined in greater detail.

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Just another trade association?

Think again.

NAFD is the largest funeral sector trade association with over 3,600 funeral homes in membership. Our size gives us a respected voice at the highest levels of Government.

We are independent of any single funding body and campaign on issues affecting all our members equally: both the small, independent firms which make up the majority of our membership and our larger member businesses too.

We keep members up to date on changes likely to affect their business, creating progressive partnerships which also open up opportunities for them.

We are the Voice of the Profession, bringing the funeral service industry together to speak with one voice in the media, and to your clients.

We encourage high standards of customer services through the client-facing NAFD Code of Practice.

We offer the best benefits package in the industry, by far, including £2m professional indemnity cover for each individual member – unique in the industry.

We care about our members, become one today.

To find out how NAFD membership can support your business, call Su Lewis on 0121 711 1343 Ext 20 National Association of Funeral Directors 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1AA Tel: 0121 711 1343 email: info@nafd.org.uk

@NAFD_UK

National Association of Funeral Directors The Voice of the Profession

facebook.com/ NAFDUK

Visit our award winning website www.nafd.org 56 | FuneralTimes

Stoneleigh show stoppers

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Lin Guest and Julie Webster of Brook York attention, more and more funeral directors are choosing their work wear from the well designed web site www.brookyork.com. “Busy funeral directors can browse at a time which suits them”, said Julie, “And the site allows them to select from hundreds of products.

We are widening our range and can cater for dinner suits, dress shoes, dinner shirts, casual jackets and trousers, blazers and knitwear”.

Call 0845 257 4305 to speak to Lin or Julie or order online at www.brookyork.com

Tel: 0845 2574305 Web: www.brookyork.com Email: info@brookyork.com

Call for a Brochure

rook York is a name which has been trusted by funeral industry professionals for over 25 years. The firm has built an enviable reputation for supplying elegant but practical clothing and prides itself on high quality, personal service and unique designs.

Brook York supply a full range of business and casual clothing for ladies and gentlemen, but are best known for the supply of quality specialist clothing to the funeral trade.

Many readers will know Lin and Julie from their many trips to Ireland and Brook York have just completed a highly successful National Funeral Exhibition at Stoneleigh.

“Our new range was very well received”, says Lin, “We exhibited some leading names like Barker and Loake shoes, suits by Magee and Digel and the Performance range of suits”.

Brook York carry overcoats, raincoats, morning wear, hats, ladies and gents accessories, blouses, fully washable suits and a ladies corporate range and weft range.

While the business has been built on personal

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The Verona - solid mahogany coffin with rounded corner and brass inlay

Abbey

- Solid oak coffin hand waxed finish with solid oak ring mountings

The Waterhyacinth

The Turin - Oak coffin with roped edged detail

The Grange - veneered oak coffin with profiled sides

The Borris - veneered on solid timber with oval panel

The Abbey - solid oak coffin medium shade

The Macroom - Veneered oak coffin with continuous mountings

Eamon Glennon Limited Coffin & Casket Manufacturers

Townspark Industrial Estate, Longford, Co. Longford, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)43 3345439 • Fax: +353 (0)43 3346222 Email: info@eglennonltd.ie • Web: www.eglennonltd.ie

50 years of service 1

963 was a big year in Ireland with a number of arrivals which continue to have an impact on our lives. U.S. president John F. Kennedy chatted with President de Valera and visited his ancestral home in New Ross. The Beatles made a big splash when they landed in Dublin for a concert in the Adelphi Cinema. Cork Opera House reopened after being fully rebuilt and Eamon Glennon opened for business in small premises in the centre of Longford.

Fifty years later, Eamon Glennon Ltd. continue to supply the Irish funeral industry from a new, purpose built facility which combines traditional coffin making skills with the most up to date computerised machinery.

The company is strategically located in the centre of Ireland, which allows easy access to all areas. They deliver to all parts of the country and will be delighted to quote for any products that you may require.

Glennon's are pleased to announce that Tom Coburn has joined the team as sales representative. Tom has been associated with the funeral industry for many years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the company.

Tom can be contacted on 087 9441639.

Glennon's continue to supply a huge range of products • Coffins & Caskets • Italian Coffin & Caskets • Full range of Wicker coffins • Cardboard coffins • Full range of ashes caskets • Complete range of mountings and soft goods • All other associated funeral items.

The firm is delighted to launch a new comprehensive brochure to mark their 50th

Tom Coburn celebrations. If you require one please do not hesitate to make contact.

As part of their ongoing development, Glennon's are putting the finishing touches to a new website which will be going live in the next few weeks.

All products are manufactured in Longford and the firm has been endorsed to display the "Guaranteed Irish" logo.

Eamon Glennon Ltd. will be exhibiting at the Funeral Times Trade Show on 1st & 2nd October in the Citywest Hotel & Conference Centre where they look forward to meeting both existing and new customers.

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Are you thinking of selling your funeral business?

Dignity would like to talk to you if you are thinking of selling your business.

We are the country’s largest provider of funeral related services. We have been quoted on the London Stock Exchange since 2004 with considerable success. We have cash immediately available without recourse to third parties.

The decision to sell your business is a huge one. Something you will only do once.

So why choose Dignity?

1. We are funeral people. It’s all we do. We are obsessive about the standard of service we offer the families we serve and over 98% of them say they would recommend us to family or friends.

2. You will deal directly with a main board director who has complete authority to agree all terms. In other words you will be dealing principal to principal.

The result is a quick and simple transaction.

3. We have acquired more family funeral businesses in the UK in the last ten years than anyone else. A significant number have been very well known businesses and we will be glad to give you references so that you can talk to people who have dealt with us. Hopefully they will tell you that we are straightforward to deal with, and keep our promises.

4. We have a national presence and are able to acquire businesses in nearly all parts of the UK. Please call Andrew Davies, Operations Director or Mike McCollum, Chief Executive.

Between us we have over 45 years of funeral experience and will be delighted to deal with you in the strictest confidence without any obligation.

Please contact in confidence: Mike McCollum, Chief Executive or Andrew Davies, Operations Director Dignity plc Plantsbrook House 94 The Parade Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B72 1PH Tel: 0121 354 1557 mike.mccollum@dignityuk.co.uk andrew.davies@dignityuk.co.uk 60 | FuneralTimes

The Funeral Industry and BPR - EU biocidal Product Regulation Edelweiss Ga of the Deathcare Academy gives her view on EU rulings regarding the assessment, regulation and packaging of chemicals Biocidal Product Regulation (EU) 528/2012 will repeal and replace Biocidal Product Directive 98/8/EC and will come into force on 1st September 2013, with a transitional period for certain provisions. The Regulation concerns the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, which are used to protect humans, animals, materials or articles against harmful organisms, like pests or bacteria, by the action of the active substances contained in the biocidal product.

All biocidal products that are to be placed on the market require an authorisation, and the active substances contained in that biocidal product should be previously approved. BPR intends to harmonise the market at Union level, simplify the authorisation and approval of active substances and introduce timelines for Member State evaluations regarding opinion-forming and decision-making procedures. It also promotes reduction in animal testing by mandatory data sharing and encouraging the use of alternative testing methods. BPR also provides applicants with the possibility of a new type of authorisation at Union level (Union authorisation).

ECHA- European Chemicals Agency will provide a strong scientific and technical back-up to the European Commission and the Member States under the BPR. ECHA will be responsible for the assessment of applications for the Union authorisation of biocidal products.

REACH- Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals is the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament. It came into force on 1 June 2007.

All manufacturers and importers of chemicals must identify and manage risks associated with the substances they manufacture and/or market.

REACH also perceives an authorisation system which will aim to ascertain that risks from substances of very high concern (SVHC) are properly controlled, and that those substances, where it is economically and technically viable, be progressively replaced by alternative substances. Where risks cannot be adequately controlled, the use of those substances may only be authorised where there is an overall benefit for society of using the substance and there are no suitable alternatives. EU authorities may also impose restrictions on the manufacture, use or placing on the market of substances causing an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. Member States competent authorities are responsible for enforcing REACH through inspections as well as penalties in case of non-compliance.

CLP- Classification, Labeling and Packaging of substances and mixtures is EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. CLP entered into force on 20th January 2009. This Regulation aligns previous EU legislation on classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals to the GHS (Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). The GHS is a United Nations system to identify hazardous chemicals and to inform users about these hazards through standard symbols and phrases on the packaging labels and through safety data sheets (SDS).

CLP introduces the United Nations globally harmonized system (UN GHS) for classification and labelling of chemicals into Europe. Its main objectives are to facilitate international trade in chemicals and to maintain the existing level of protection of human health and environment.

REACH & CLP are two independent chemical legislations in EU that works in conjunction with ECHA. The core of REACH is registration of active substances and biocidal products and the core of CLP is notification, classification and labelling of biocidal products.

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REACH and CLP Regulations require that chemical companies submit to ECHA various key information about the substances being manufactured, imported or used. This includes information on the hazard properties of the substance, on the classification and labelling, and includes also their assessment of the potential risk presented by the substances.

This information is submitted to ECHA for several purposes, including establishment of a centralised database which makes this information available to the public and to the authorities. The database also includes a section on information on registration dossiers for active substances where a testing proposal has been made, together with information related to the transitional arrangements from the previous chemicals legislation.

Formaldehyde Reclassification Formaldehyde is a building-block for many chemical compounds, especially polymers.

Formaldehyde is produced worldwide on a large scale. It is used mainly in the production of resins that are used as adhesives and binders for many products such as wood products and paper. Formaldehyde is also used extensively in the production of plastics and coatings in textile finishing and also in the manufacture of industrial chemicals. It is also used as preservative in many cosmetic products. Under PT22 (Embalming and Taxidermy), it is used as a disinfectant and preservative in many applications.

Formaldehyde was already classified in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as acutely toxic if swallowed, inhaled and in contact with the skin, as skin corrosive, as a skin sensitizer, and as suspected cause of cancer.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) made an announcement on 7 December 2012 regarding the adoption of a scientific opinion of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) to reclassify formaldehyde as carcinogen 1B “presumed human carcinogen” based on laboratory animal evidence. The proposal was made by the French Competent Authority to classify Formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen (Carcinogen Category 1A) and as a suspected mutagen (Mutagen 2). However the committee’s opinion declares that there was insufficient evidence to classify formaldehyde as a known “human carcinogen”. Instead the committee 62 | FuneralTimes

agreed to classify formaldehyde as a known “animal carcinogen” on the basis of numerous studies where squamous cell carcinomas were evident. The proposed classification is based on nasopharyngeal cancer which is an extremely rare type of cancer in Europe.

The Committee for Risk assessment (RAC) has adopted fifteen opinions for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) with Formaldehyde included in the list. RAC disagreed with the proposal to classify Formaldehyde as having carcinogenic potential to humans (Carc. 1A). It however proposed a lower category, but still protective category, which identifies Formaldehyde as a substance which is presumed to have carcinogenic potential for humans (Carc. 1B). RAC made a conclusion that formaldehyde should be listed as a “presumed human carcinogen” (Carc. 1B).

ECHA will now submit the opinion to the European Commission, which is responsible for making the opinion legally binding. The entire process may take some time as the REACH committee will have to go through several processes called (ATP) Adaptation to Technical Progress. Also there may be a transitional period before the harmonised classification will be considered legally binding. ECHA RAC only provides scientific opinions to the Commission but the Commission is not bound to always accept these opinions. However, on previous decisions the Commission tend to follow the ECHA RAC opinion.

Formaldehyde in Mortuaries Formaldehyde-based chemicals will still be available in the market. The BPR does not by any means imply that Formaldehyde will be abolished in the market nor will it be exclusive to the big chemical manufacturers. The Formaldehyde dossier may pass all these complex tests and procedures and will be legally available in the market. Will this possibly be enough to endorse the replacement of formaldehyde which is used or produced in processes with less dangerous alternatives or perhaps a green or non-biocidal formulation? Nobody can be certain. The only thing that is already known is that embalming and the funeral industry in Ireland and across Europe will still continue on.

Wherever this process takes our industry, it will not be permitted to impact the deceased and all the people they have left behind.

How funeral directors can design headstone inscriptions for their customers O

dlings MCR Ltd. were delighted with the response from the trade to their new ‘StoneRite’ Memorial blast cabinet and the 2013 version of Masonart which were exhibited for the first time at Stoneleigh.

Live demonstrations were carried out throughout the three days of the show on memorial engraving, gliding and photostencil.

Easy-to-use version of Masonart allows funeral directors to design the headstone inscription with their customers and then just email directly to their stonemason for the work to be completed.

Funeral Directors watched the Stone-Rite demonstration

Odlings MCR Ltd

The new ‘Stone-Rite’ monumental blast cabinet HEPA filtration * Multi-point stone support inside the cabinet * Able to blast a headstone up to 33” high x 36”wide * Pressure pot with automatic media recycling * Integrated loading roller * Guaranteed buy back within 2 years

From as little as £28 per week Subject to status and VAT Contact Odlings MCR Ltd: Junction 8 Business Centre Rosscliffe Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 3AS Telephone: 0151 355 0261 Email: sales@odlingsmcr.co.uk www.odlingsmcr.co.uk

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BIE News Greetings to all T

he Irish Division held its third quarterly meeting at The Seagoe Hotel, in Portadown recently in conjunction with The Northern Ireland Division. The Joint meeting was attended by the National President, Scott Grigsby.

We express our thanks to the Northern Division for organising the event and what was a very enjoyable meeting, keeping all members of both Divisions up to date on events which effect our industry.

We would like to express our gratitude to Chairperson Bernadette Dallat and Secretary Marshall Lindsay for providing an educational session which was very informative and presented by Anna Coyle from the HSC Bereavement Network. Presentation of Certificate was made to Derek McCabe by the National President. We wish Derek every success in his career.

Scott addressed the meeting and brought all members up to date on Formaldehyde from Craig Caldwell, Managing Director Of The Dodge Company Ltd. UK. A copy of a report was circulated to members present which was provided by Shepard’s Mortuary Supplies, Longford.

Our Division informed the meeting of correspondences which were received and dealt with. We have decided to a attend the Funeral Times Trade Show, which will take place in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on 1st & 2nd October 2013. We also decided to take a stand to showcase the BIE and to keep in touch with funeral directors, re-new old acquaintances and hopefully attract new members. This initiative is supported by The

64 | FuneralTimes

Northern Division, and as we are holding our next meeting at this venue we have extended an invitation to them to have a joint meeting and a social event will also take place. We will keep members up to date in the coming months.

Other news is that Committee members have been very busy and a meeting took place with The Irish Association of Funeral Directors.

IAFD President Mrs. Joanne Cooney and Secretary Michael Crowley, both BIE Members also, met with us in Cork recently in the hope that the organisations could work together to improve standards.

It was decided that a liaision officer be appointed to keep both organisations aware of members views and issues that arise which effect both parties. We will keep members up to date on this matter.

We have also been speaking to Thompson Insurance Company who are offering Profession Indemnity Insurance across the board to all members at a very competitive rate. This will be discussed at our next meeting.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Barbara Fowley who represented The Irish Division at The National Conference which took place in Durham in April. I was informed that Barbara did an excellent job and was a well chosen representative for the Division.

Once again I would like to thank Barbara for her continuing support in her position as acting Secretary of the Division.

The Irish Division are also running a raffle at the Trade Show where tickets will be sold to support educational events for the Division.

Barbara Fowley and Ger O’Sullivan are coordinating this. I would ask you to please give

National President Scott Grigsby; Chairperson of Northern Ireland Division, Bernadette Dallat and Chairperson of Irish Division, Aidan Walsh your support.

At present we have enjoyed two great weeks of sunshine, lets hope it will stay with us for the rest of the summer months. Please make sure to make every effort to attend the Funeral Times Trade Show on 1st & 2nd October in The Citywest Hotel Dublin, where our next meeting will take place, time to be confirmed to members in due course. Presentation of

Certificates will take place to Shaun Murphy and Natalie Ryan who recently qualified.

If there are any members who have any topics that they wish to cover for our next meeting, they can e-mail me on aidanwalsh05@eircom. net, and I will do my best to assist. Do not hesitate to contact me.

Aidan Walsh

Attention all Funeral Directors and Embalmers The British Institute Of Embalmers ( Irish Division ), are holding a Raffle at the Funeral Times Trade Show in Citywest Hotel Many fantastic prizes ranging from: Airbrush machine, First Call Cot, Makeup Kits, Weekends away and many more prizes on offer.

Tickets are â‚Ź10.00 per ticket and will be distributed around the country very soon.

Please support our Raffle. Funds raised will be used to further educate our members and keep their skills up to date.

Your support will help us provide you with a better service.

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Derek McCabe who qualified recently from The Glyn Tallon Mortuary Specialists School Of Embalming. Derek also received the highest mark in his practical exams and was presented with the Sheila Dix Perpetual Cup earlier this year. This photo shows Scott Grigsby National President presenting Derek with his BIE Certificate

List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2012/2013 National President: Scott Grigsby R.A. Adams Ltd 117 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7QA Mobile: 01268 743102 Imm. Past President: Phil Hoggarth Mobile: 07900 162477 philhoggarth@aol.com National PRO & National General Secretary: Mrs Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01332 349035(BIE) Mobile: 07786 432014 karencaney@btopenworld.com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle MBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 michael@silsloe.wanadoo.co.uk Editor: Gwen Schofield MBIE 9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100 gwen.schofield@ntlworld.com

66 | FuneralTimes

Master Fellow: Ken Morgan FBIE “Evergreens”, 36 Coley Road, Little Haywood, Stafford ST18 0UW Home Tel: 01889 881223 Business Tel: 01902 878425 Mobile: 07970 831760 k.m.morgan@virgin.net Student Liaison Officer: Timothy Cain MBIE Hillcrest, 38 Main Street, Ashby de la Launde LN4 3JG Home Tel: 01526 321396 jackie@lymn.co.uk

Irish Division National Council Rep & Secretary: David Ryan 4 Tara Court Green, Proudstown Road, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: 087 2610715 david_ryan_6@hotmail.com Chairperson: Aidan Walsh Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Mobile: 00353 87 2847831

Vice Chairperson and National Education Representative: Glyn Tallon Mortuary Specialist 14 Academy Street Navan Co Meath Tel:046 9029134 Mobile: 086 826 8876 Treasurer: Mrs A O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co. Cork Telephone: 029 60142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com National Council Representative: Mr John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co. Cork Home Tel: 00353 6389280 Mobile: 087 6390087 jmhawe@eircom.net Fund Raising Committee: Ms Barbara Fowley MBIE Mobile: 086 191 1022 and Mr Ger O’Sullivan MBIE Mobile: 086 021 5075

Manufacturers to the Funeral Trade Soft Goods

Lighting & Candles

Mountings

Urns

Thanatopraxy

News

Funeral Supplies Donegal Ltd. Leghowney Donegal Town Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: +353 (0)74 9723715 Fax: +353 (0)74 9723742 Mobile: +353 (0)87 2376169

We manufacture and supply:

www.funeralsupplies.ie email: funeralsupplies@eircom.net

Funeral Supplies

Coffin and Casket Linings, Side Sheets, Shrouds, Coffin Pads, Casket Pads, Lid Liners, Mountings.

Made to order Casket Half Sets and Coffin Half Lid Sets

Donegal Ltd

y Mc Dermott r r e G Wreath Manufacturer

Circular Road, Roscommon Tel: 090 6629737 Tel: 090 6625763 Mob: 086 2544126 Mob: 086 8205215 FuneralTimes | 67

Tallon Mortuary

Specialists School of Embalming

New state of the art embalming theatre!

Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification (BIE) at your own pace The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming’ offers both Distance Learning and attended courses leading to membership of the British Institute of Embalmers The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming’ is affiliated to a fully accredited BIE tutor

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

Glyn Tallon - 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co. Meath Mobile: 086 826 8876 Web: www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com Email: info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com

Rewarded for satisfaction E

lwood and Capper Ltd., funeral directors from Dunmurry, Co. Down have been recognized for their customer service by Funeral Planning Services.

Funeral Planning Services (FPS) provide a customer satisfaction survey with every funeral plan guarantee pack and such was the level of satisfaction with Elwood and Capper that the firm have won an annual competition.

David Capper commented, “We are delighted to have been recognized by our clients. We are determined to offer the best possible service, including the peace of mind which comes from planning and paying for a funeral in advance. It is pleasing that the FPS customer satisfaction surveys have been so positive and we are proud of the award”.

Brian Elwood (left) & David Capper (right) of Elwood & Capper Ltd. Dunmurry

When disasters happen - we are there to help!

Trauma 24-7 provide a 24-hour nationwide professional and efficient response to emergencies in both commercial and domestic properties.

Specialists in Trauma & Crime Scene Restoration • Post trauma clean-up • Blood and bodily fluid clean-up • Unattended death clean-up • Accident clean-up • Crime scene clean up

• Syringe and sharps removal • MRSI disinfection / Sanitising • Odour removal • Human or animal faeces clean up • I. I. C. R. C. Certified Licenced Technicians

Contact Patrick Looney

Tel: 021 4397428 / Mob: 086 1678350 (24hr)

Email: patricktrauma247@gmail.com • Web: www.trauma24-7.ie

www.memorial-printing.com

Quality Memorial Stationery FuneralTimes | 69

Dr Bill Webster The Re-Shaping of Memorialisation The instinct to memorialize people we love and respect is one of the oldest and greatest endeavors in human history. You only have to think of the Pyramids to know the truth of that statement. The need to memorialize has created some of the greatest art and architectural triumphs of the ages. In cemeteries around the world, we perpetuate the memory of individuals with stone and bronze in a variety of structures. It is part of our human nature to remember, and to want to BE remembered.

Pretty standard statements thus far, right?

Most would agree, however, that memorialization is being reshaped in our present day culture. Yes, we all know the standard line that “Funerals are not for the dead, they are for the living.” But what does that MEAN in practice. It is one thing to say it, but what are we doing to make it an effective reality?

In online forums and continuing education these days we learn that “better funerals mean personalized funerals.” Funerals today are becoming a physical expression of the spirit of the individual. In some respects they are every person's 15 minutes of fame.

But in reality, what is a personalized funeral?

Is it a couple of golf clubs displayed on a table alongside the casket, or a football sweater with some other articles relevant to that person’s life? Is that all it takes? Or are the repetitive “I let them bring his Harley Davidson motor cycle (or whatever!) into the chapel and display it next to the body” statements that we hear over and over again enough to say that we are practicing personalization?

We need to address the issue of memorialization in a manner that is relevant to the current generation. Personalization in 70 | FuneralTimes

my opinion has to be more than products, artifacts and services. There is no “magical personalization fairy.” It is not defined in a handbook, manual and certainly not in a product prospectus.

Today, of course, we see social networks forming the role as "virtual cemetery" which really changes how many people view personalization. I would bravely suggest that although online media has enjoyed significant attention it has yet to demonstrate significant influence. Facebook memorials and the like are at best fleeting due to their lack of significance or permanence, buried as they are amongst a photo album that contains hundreds of digital images of someone's pool parties and social activities over the years.

The memorial may be permanently in cyber space, but is that a place that friends and family will necessarily want to VISIT in years to come? I have to admit I am skeptical that digital shrines will replace more permanent and tangible memorials. Just take a walk through Westminster Abbey, or Arlington Cemetery or a thousand other places and you will understand my point.

Admittedly, as a population we are now more dispersed and therefore the act of having a

fixed memorial place or 'space' is changing.

More families are comfortable with the option of cremation because it means they can keep their loved one with them....wherever they travel or where they are. I spoke in my last article about the dangers of not helping people say “goodbye,” but despite the drawbacks, people are looking for different ways of achieving the goal of memorialization.

Certainly there has been a shift in funeral rituals and practices. The baby boomer generation does not do things in the same way as their forebears. But it has been ever thus with baby boomers! We changed the world after all, and the end of life issues that are now in our sights will be no exception.

But there is a danger here. There is a school of thought that suggests that while boomers do value personalization, cost is hardly decisive for their generation. The common perception is that while they value affordability and simplicity, boomers will seek value in both service and product, regardless of cost.

I think this is a dangerous assumption. I am not sure we can assume that boomers seek value regardless of cost. The brutal reality is that many boomers are exhausting what financial reserves they had built up riding out their senior years, while at the same time supporting their adult children AND supporting their aging parents.

With the economic situation of the last decade, boomers may be the last generation to have any significant monies, but they are being pulled at both ends by care for their parents and support for their adult children. Did you know that 58% of boomers as financially supporting their adult children in some way?

How are young people today going to be able to afford to buy a house without borrowing from parents? The economics in today’s world just don’t add up for many of the younger generation. The baby boomers are indeed the sandwich generation, with demands and responsibilities coming at them from both ends.

As Fagan said in Dicken’s immortal “Oliver Twist” (musical version!): “I think I’d better think it out again.”

While my comments up to now have applied in general to everyone in the funeral and death care fields, I must apply these principles to

"With the economic situation of the last decade, boomers may be the last generation to have any significant monies, but they are being pulled at both ends by care for their parents and support for their adult children" what I do. It is then up to each one to do the same in YOUR particular field of endeavour in this important work.

In recent years, I have been accepting more and more invitations to conduct funerals for people who may not have or even want clergy, but who still want to have a meaningful funeral service ritual. I see it as a very important start to a good grief process, which is why I have become involved.

The criteria for what people want in funerals vary. Maybe they would like someone to read the Irish Blessing, or sing Danny Boy. Or they want someone who will read the 23rd Psalm and have the Lord`s Prayer, but who won’t make it too “religious.” Or maybe it is a family who doesn’t want ANY reference to God whatsoever.

That may not be what I would want at my funeral, but hey, this isn`t about ME. It isn’t MY agenda. It is about the family and I am being asked to do something that will be meaningful … indeed, personal … to THEM. Funeral facilitators who conduct civil, humanist or spiritual ceremonies are meeting a need that often was not met to people’s personal satisfaction in the past.

My funeral directors know that I am going to contact the family and say “I would like you to know that this funeral service is not MY agenda, but YOUR agenda. So let me ask you what would YOU like? What would be meaningful for YOU in this situation?”

Families LOVE that, and then are usually more than happy to go along with whatever it FuneralTimes | 71

is I suggest. But let’s make it personal. TELL me about the person. What words would you use to describe this person? I cannot abide listening to funeral facilitators that haven’t taken the time to talk to the family and learn about the deceased in order to make the service special. I hate “traditional” services that are all about the rites and rituals, and do little to provide comfort and solace in a time of grief and sadness. I helped a minister we didn’t know plan one of these for my father 40 years ago. My experience and the empty feeling I had after the service was over inspired me to want to do funerals better.

With all that said, here’s what personalization means to me: Personalization means being Perceptive When I meet someone, I try to be observant, attempting to see and hear things that were meaningful to the deceased and still are to the family. If they’ve got shelves full of sports memorabilia or talk of favourite music, these things become primary things to focus on in a personalized funeral.

72 | FuneralTimes

Personalization means being Accommodating “What would YOU like in the service?” is the question. This is not MY agenda, but yours.

I may give you a number of suggestions, but when you decide what it is you want, that is what we will do.

Personalization means being Creative…

A funeral can be personalized as much or as little as the family wishes. Can young children write a note to place in the casket? Are there some creative things to do something or ways to share something special about the person?

At the time of a death, people don’t always know exactly what they want or need, but we simply open our ears and close our mouths, it’s easier than you think.

Personalization is an ATTITUDE. It has been and must continue to be about listening to families, asking questions and discussing options. It starts when a bereaved person brings their loved one into your care, and it continues from there right through the funeral service to what you and I offer in terms of the aftercare and future pre-need experience.

Take the short cut to the best flight & freight rates in the market Contacting different providers can be a real hassle, time consuming, and difficult to manage.

Ask our experienced multi lingual team to explore the best flight options for you. We can co-ordinate flight bookings, customs, handling and road transfer between your premises and the airport, with access to other full repatriation services if you need them.

Our prices are economy. Our service is first class.

Call +(44) 208 684 2324 info@rowlandbrothersinternational.com

Rowland Brothers

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

www.rowlandbrothersinternational.com FuneralTimes | 73

DJ MacNeice & Co. Ltd. 37A Barrow Road, Glasnevin Estate, Dublin 11 Tel: (+353) 18878231 Email: sales@djmacneice.com

We would like to welcome our new representative Martina Burns, MPEAI, MEAE to DJ Mac Neice & Co. Ltd. Martina is the current secretary of the Professional Embalmers’ Association of Ireland (PEAI). She has worked with McGowan’s Funeral Services as embalmer and funeral director for the past 11 years. Martina trained with The Irish College of Funeral Directing and Embalming in Ballina, Co. Mayo and has been tutoring many students following her graduation. Martina has a well-established knowledge of the funeral trade. She will be delivering our new catalogue with our range of products and will be able to help you with any questions or queries regarding our products and other things relating to embalming.

Martina will be calling to funeral directors and embalmers soon and we hope you will give her a very warm welcome.

+353 - 18828731 74 | FuneralTimes

sales@djmacneice.com

Bringing your funeral requisites closer

D

J MacNeice & Co. Ltd. has recently launched its new website - www.djmacneice.com. The website was carefully designed with thoughtful DJ MacNeice &of Co. Ltd. has recently launchedofits new consideration the needs and demands websitewww.djmacneice.com.

The website its clients and other interested parties.

DJwas carefully designed with a thoughtful consideration of MacNeice is constantly growing in business and the needs and demands of its clients and other the time was right to provide its loyal clients with interested parties. DJ MacNeice is constantly growing a tool that would bring the products closer to in business and it is about time to provide its loyal them. clients a tool that would bring the products closer to The them.website was designed to be straightforward and simple. It does not require a computer The website designed to be to straight and simple. savvy user inwas order to be able find and order It does not takeour a computer order to be able products from website.savvy Theinhomepage to find and in ourofwebsite. displays theorder mainproducts categories the DJ The MacNeice homepage displays the main categories of the DJ a products. Clicking each picture, representing MacNeice products. Clicking each picture, category, will bring you straight to your products representing a category, will bring you straight to and different options. There is no need for your products and different options. There is no need multiple clicking and browsing and confusing for multiple clicking and browsing and confusing directions youare arelooking looking a particular directions when when you for for a particular product.

You may also do a manual search by product. You may also do a manual search by typing typing in theofname of theand product and it will in the name the product it will automatically automatically open the product options for you. open the product options for you. An online quotation An online quotation is alsoyou available facility is also availablefacility which allows to check the price first before placing an order. Even if you’re only

which allows you to check the price first before placing an order. Even if you’re only searching for options for future purchase or even comparing searching future One purchase or even prices, this for tooloptions is veryforhandy. of the best comparing prices, this tool is very handy for your features is that you will be able to see detailed funeral needs. One of the best features of this is that images of the products by hovering the lens icon you will be able to see detailed images of the around the product image. There are also options products by hovering the lens icon around the that allow you to choose colours, sizes, materials, product image. There are also options that allow you quantity etc.colours, sizes, materials, quantity and to choose The funeral many more. sector is embracing change and technological advancements so fast that we The funeralfeel sector embracing sometimes we is cannot copechanges and weand just technological advancements so fast we In choose to stick with the traditionalthat option. cannotendeavour cope and wetojust choose to DJsometimes MacNeicefeel wewe always keep stick with the traditional option.

In DJ MacNeice we traditions and yet make room for advancements. endeavour to keep traditions and yet make Wealways are here to service everyone across Ireland room for advancements. We are here to service by bridging traditions and advancements. We everyone across Ireland by bridging traditions and understand your needs. That is why we are advancements. We understand your needs that is making our products just a click away! Watch out why we are making our products just a click away! forWatch our funeral experts who are also out for our funeral experts who coming are also to deliver our products to yourto door! coming toexpertise deliver ourand expertise and products your Forsupport technical and orders contact us at: Fordoor! technical and support orders contact us at: +353 18828731 / email: sales@djmacneice.com

+353 18828731 / email: sales@djmacneice.com

In the previous years we have brought a great contribution to the show by showcasing our Print-A-Plate UK and the DinAir Mortuary Airbrush together with a wide range of funeral requisites. This year the show’s attaction has grown bigger with the addition of our PI (π) Water based embalming solutions (DMG Chemicals), Grave Shoring Systems and Coffin Positioner!

Congratulations to the DJ MacNeice team for their combined efforts in bringing the best out of the show! Again this is another year of success for DJ MacNeice with the addition of numerous new clients and contacts and the strengthening of support from our loyal customers both in Ireland and UK! We look forward to seeing you again in the Funeral Times Trade Show this October.

FuneralTimes | 75

Omega Services

Trike & Hearse or Tractor & Hearse hire for the funeral trade throughout Ireland Contact Cathie or Robert T: 07704 513775 / 07889 037999 or 028 4483 1898 omegaservices_120@hotmail.co.uk

New Black Tractor with Hearse NOW AVAILABLE CONTACT: PAUL MOLLOY MOB: 087 2590843

2009 Ford Mondeo Hearse Automatic,

2.3 Petrol, Panther Black, 21,748 miles / 35,000 kilometers, 3 Doors, Alloy Wheels, Front Fog Lights, Metallic Paint, Rear Parking Sensors, Climate Control Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Bluetooth Voice Control, Heated Screen, Quinn Built, Hearse from New, 1 Owner. ÂŁPOA

Fort Motors Ltd, Cromwellsfort Road, Dublin 12 Tel: 01 4561811 . Fax: 01 4558402 . sales@fortmotors.ie 76 | FuneralTimes

The all new 5-door Hearse from Pollmann based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class B

uilding on the success of our 3-door model, Pollmann Service-Center is pleased to announce the launch of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 5-door hearse. Featuring a graceful, remodelled front grille, enhanced interior features, sleek panoramic side windows and the kind of high specification you would expect from a Mercedes, this really is the luxury vehicle of choice for funeral directors.

Pollmann’s unique design blends seamlessly with the Mercedes chassis to create a hearse that is modern and sophisticated, yet elegant and stylish. Using only the finest quality materials, from real wood veneers to chromeplated fixtures and fittings, we ensure that the interior looks as good as the exterior, befitting the occasion.

As a coachbuilder with a long and distinguished history, we take great pride in the work that we do. From chrome-plated roof rails with removable cross rails, to innovative LED lighting effects; from chrome window frames, to electrically-operated rise and fall decks; from innovative storage solutions, to practical deck extensions, we will design and build your vehicle to your exact specification. And with our two year warranty, you can buy with total confidence and peace of mind.

Available in either petrol or diesel, and with a whole host of features as standard, including 2 zone air conditioning, leather steering wheel and gear shift, 5-spoke 17” alloy wheels and a full range of airbags, you can be sure that you are investing in the very latest technology, all

Real wood veneers add sophistication and style designed for your optimum safety and comfort.

Pollmann also offers the 3-door hearse based on the Mercedes E-Class, as well as a wide range of removal vehicles. Whether a panel van or a window van, for 2, 4 or even 8 coffins, we have got the vehicle to suit your needs.

Choose from our extensive range including the Mercedes-Benz Vito or Sprinter, the Ford Transit, the Opel Vivaro or the Volkswagen Caddy or Transporter.

We are pleased to recommend Fort Motors in Dublin as your local funeral car specialist and Pollmann’s official partner in Ireland.

With over 50 years in the business, their purpose-built Specialist Vehicle Division covers everything from new and used hearse and limousine sales, to used car purchasing, servicing and repairs. For inquiries about the 5-door model, or any other Pollmann vehicle, please contact Paul Molloy on 087 259 0843 or email pmolloy@fortmotors.ie for more information.

For the ultimate in elegance and refinement, choose a Pollmann hearse and make your business stand out from the crowd. Pollmann Service-Center – for quality, craftsmanship, luxury and service.

FuneralTimes | 77

Take a minute to improve your business GM Canopies are looking forward to meeting you all at the upcoming Funeral Times Trade Show and Exhibition at the Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre, Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd October 2013.

The provision of a progressive quality funeral service is a priority for all professional Funeral Directors. We at GM Canopies believe that the provision of a quality shelter for bereaved relatives during inclement weather conditions is an extension of this service.

GM Canopies are the sole distributors in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for ‘Vitabri’ Les Stands, one of Europe’s leading companies manufacturing quality portable

aluminium stands, tables and display units.

The English translation for the French word ‘Vitabri’ is ‘quick shelter’. The canopy can be erected in 60 seconds!! Yes one minute!! Our canopies are ideal for use outside Funeral Homes, the Family Wake House and at the graveside during interment.

The canopies are available in fourteen frame sizes and the roof covers are available in nine colours and two formats Fire retardant PVC and Polyester.

GM Canopies 183 Tamlaght Road Omagh Co Tyrone BT 78 5LL Tel: 00 44 28 82244025 Fax: 00 44 28 82243338 Mob: 00 44 777 8345074 www.gmcanopies.com e.mail: gmcanopies@btinternet.com

GM Canopies GM Canopies is the sole distributor in N. Ireland and the Rep. of Ireland for Vitabri canopies, tables and accessories.

Vitabri canopies are manufactured in fourteen sizes and thirty-three colours.

Our graphics and printing department can design and print to your exact specifications.

183 Tamlaght Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT78 5LL Tel: 028 8224 4025 Fax: 028 8224 3338 (Rep. of Ireland. prefix 048) Email: gmcanopies@btinternet.com www.gmcanopies.com

www.memorial-printing.com 78 | FuneralTimes

Quality Memorial Stationery

What does your

Order of Service say about you?

For the average client, an average Order of Service is fine.

They won't notice the average layout, the average typography, the average printing or the average presentation.

But many funeral directors are taking the opportunity to offer a superior service - a service which some families are pleased to purchase.

The Order of Service is a chance to create a lasting memorial of the funeral service.

Something for families to treasure which will remind them in future years of the hymns and readings, of the celebrant and the funeral director who was so helpful and who went the extra mile to help.

A superior Order of Service will not cost significantly more than producing a basic product in your own office. While there is a cost for design and delivery, our professional printing machine is significantly cheaper per copy than the typical office ink jet. Dozens of funeral directors all over Ireland find our service economical enough to keep using us over the years.

They appreciate how important it is to have a quality Order of Service handed out to every person who attends the church. A quality product that positively enhances the brand - and wouldn't you prefer people to remember that your service is better than average?

our promise to you is simple

we will answer your calls 7 days a week - 52 weeks a year we will deliver on time - every time Contact Graham or Richard for further details Telephone: (048) 3835 5060 Email: sales@funeraltimes.com

Classifieds...

Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com

• 71,000 miles

FOR SALE 1996 Ford cardinal mk9 hearse • Black • 2.9i Petrol • 61,000 miles • Raven Cloth • Alloy wheels • 2 owners • Taxed July 2013 • Mechanically Excellent Price: £1,500

CONTACT: ROI - 086 2696241

Telephone: 07711 428533

FOR SALE 2005 VAUXHALL VECTRA ENERGY CDTi • In excellent condition complete with deck

CUNNINGHAM MEMORIALS

DAVID McKEON HEARSE HIRE Sunnagh Beg, Cloone, Co. Leitrim

Formerly of Ormeau Road, Belfast

All types of Quality Headstones, Surrounds, Plaques, Vases and Stone Chippings.

Renovations and Additional Inscriptions.

A Specialty in any Cemetery.

Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed

Tel/Fax: 028 9070 4404 80 | FuneralTimes

24 HR SERVICE Long or short term hire Nationwide CONTACT ROI Mobile: 087-8045115 / 087-2981956 / 071-9636000

Classifieds...

Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com

FOR SALE FORD Galaxy REMOVAL CAR/hearse • 2010 Reg • 2 ltr Diesel Auto • New deck fitted with third seat folding away leaving room for 2 stretchers CONTACT 086 2726521 - Wards funeral home, monaghan for details

FOR SALE 2008 Ford mondeo removal car • In excellent condition • complete with new deck CONTACT 086 2726521 - Wards funeral home, monaghan for details

Matthew L. Jones Funeral Services

church pews for sale Solid, seasoned mahogany, excellent condition, very comfortable, varying lengths, typically 2.6m, any quantity.

ONLY A FEW REMAINING

Contact Ernest McKeown: 028 2564 2673

• South Wales based • 24 Hour removal & repatriation service • Long & short distance throughout UK & Ireland • Inclusive of airports & ferry ports • B.I.E qualified embalming service • Also Hearse & Limousine hire available Tel: 07815 866652/01267 236787 (24hrs) email: info@mljfs.co.uk www.matthewljonesfuneralservices.co.uk FuneralTimes | 81

Classifieds...

Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com PATRICK RYAN & DAUGHTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS SPECIALISING IN REPATRIATION TO ALL PARTS OF IRELAND

TEL: 0208 567 1664 FAX: 0208 566 4795 6 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA Email: patrick.ryan@virgin.net Website: PATRICK-RYAN.CO.UK COVERING LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES

FOR SALE 2000 mercedes e240 6 door limousine • PSV & Taxed until October • 2 owners from new • 47,000 miles • Built by Coleman & Milne • This vehicle is in top condition and has been well maintained

CONTACT Trevor at logan’s funeral services, ahoghill, co. Antrim Tel. 028 2587 1443 or 07711 874779

James Barton Funeral Limousine Services

Mercedes Limousines (6 door) Mercedes S Class saloon (silver 4 door) Experienced Drivers Provincewide service available Also: Mercedes Hearse available upon request.

82 | FuneralTimes

m: 077 3428 3181 t: 028 3884 9151 e: info@pwcarsonline.com w: www.pwcarsonline.com

Top quality spikes all with adhesive pads, no need for nails to attach plate Gold for all plate sizes

Ash for 6” x 4” plates

Ash for 8” x 6” plates

Suppliers of Morning's Print-A-Plate System and Top Quality Grave Marker Crosses Morning Grave Products, Listillion, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9120449

www.morninggraveproducts.ie

e it th o l p Ex und! o p low

Mondeo Fixed Deck Hearsette r

• 4 Wheel Drive • Diesel or Petrol Community registered design no. 1075790

• V70 5 Door • 4 Wheel Drive • Diesel or Petrol

Hearses - Limousines - Hearsettes Tel: +0044(0)1753 480600 Fax: +0044(0)1753 880023 Email: enquiries@wilcoxlims.co.uk

r