Funeral Times Issue 5 2017 by Inhouse

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2017 Vol.17 No.5

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The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

On Show........................................................................... 4

David Capper honoured with BIFD Presidency............ 11

Contents

New Funeral Home for Co. Fermanagh .......................... 9

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

Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland 2017......................... 4 Dowler’s open new Funeral Home................................... 9 David Capper honoured with BIFD Presidency............ 11 New Fearghas Quinn E Class a show stopper................ 12 IAFD News.................................................................... 14 McBratney make the shortlist for customer service....... 26 NAFD News................................................................... 29 Mary Elizabeth considers ’What will it be like?’........... 34 New Funeral Director for Belfast................................... 38 PEAI News..................................................................... 41 Yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow by Jack Adams............................................................... 47 BIE News....................................................................... 52 SAIF News..................................................................... 57 Padraic Cawley on how times are changing.................. 62 Mattie Lennon has his fingerprints taken....................... 64 Jennifer Muldowney reports on the NFDA.................... 68 Dr Bill Webster’s guide to a Meaningful Christmas...... 72 To infinity and beyond!.................................................. 75 Japan launches the drive-thru funeral............................ 78 Living through music..................................................... 79 Coroners Service reaches out to Funeral Directors........ 80 Classifieds...................................................................... 82

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

The Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland® 2017 which took place at Citywest Conference Centre, Saggart, Co. Dublin in the first week of October was a huge success for both exhibitors and visitors.

ttendance was the highest yet recorded and the value of business transacted reached new highs according to reports. Almost a thousand people attended the show over the two days - a new record for a ‘trade only’ funeral expo. Visitor numbers were up more than 10% on the previous event in 2015, itself a record at the time. “The show has become an eagerly anticipated fixture on the Irish expo calendar”, says Ruth McQuillan, show director. “We were very pleased with the number of stand holders wanting to exhibit this year which was more than in 2015. It was great to see exhibitors from the UK and across Europe as well as our own Irish businesses”. “We ended up having to squeeze everybody in but the feedback has been very positive Debbie, unveiling the new hearse from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousine

and there was a great buzz about the place. I think everybody enjoyed themselves.” The educational seminars and meetings organised by professional bodies - which included a number of eminent guest speakers - were well received. A highlight was the Trade Show Dinner sponsored by Braemar Finance. Over two hundred guests were addressed by Joe Biesty, Southern Ireland Area Manager of Braemar Finance and Graham Brown, publisher Funeral Times. We are pleased to announce that the next Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland® will be held in Autumn 2020. If you would like information on the next show, please contact Ruth McQuillan on T: 028/048 3835 5060. The team from Funeral Supplies Donegal

Joe Biesty, Braemar Finance

Glyn Tallon, Tallon Mortuary Specialists 4 | FuneralTimes

Padraic Cawley, Civil Celebrant with Liza Webster, Treasured Keepsakes

Caroline Kelly, Kelly Wreaths

Jennifer Muldowney, Farewll Celtic Ashes with Adrienne Peers, Canfly Marketing

William McGuckin, CPL Funeral Supplies giving a demo Damian Smith, Vintage Hearse Hire

Members of the Finlay team Elaine Geoghegan and Anne Shepherd, Shepherds Funeral Supplies

Ian Gleeson, Patrick Browne, Danny Morning and James Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill 6 | FuneralTimes

Damian Flynn, Creative Binding

Michael Clarke and members of PEAI Everyone enjoying an evening drink!

Jordan Poucher, with Kate Hamilton, Mourning Cross and Lorraine Poucher, Pouchers FD Declan Finnegan, Lakelands Crematorium

GM Canopies

Brian Elwood, Elwood Capper and Tracy Cooper, Legacy Expressions

It wasn't all work! FuneralTimes | 7

Edelle McMahon welcomed guests in song

Enjoying a catch up

Some of the coffins on display

The team from Caretua

Marko Darkin, Memorial-Trees

David Wright and Nick Stokes from Eulogica

The team from Jet Stone

Ryan and Chris, S. Sheals and Son Coffin Manufacturers

Funeral Times would like to thank Martin McGowan for his contribution to some of the photos shown. If anyone would like to purchase Martin's pictures from the show, please contact Funeral Times, by emailing: sales@funeraltimes.com for a full price list. 8 | FuneralTimes

The new premises in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh

New funeral home for Dowler’s D

owler’s new funeral home in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh was officially opened by The Earl of Erne on 26th September 2017. Dowler’s Funeral Services, under the ownership of Noel Robinson, has recently opened its new funeral home at 227 Main Street, Lisnaskea, with a service seating capacity of 150, along with viewing rooms and tea room. Offering a large car park area, it is available for removals, wakes, funeral service and tea. Everything can be accommodated under one roof for the convenience of families. The opening and dedication service on 26th September 2017 was attended by over

(L-R) Noel Robinson with Lord Erne unveiling the plaque to open the home 130 people, including local clergy, MLA Rosemary Barton, fellow funeral directors and friends.

FuneralTimes | 9

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125 Moore Street, Aughnacloy, Tyrone

David Capper honoured with BIFD Vice Presidency G

rowing up on a farm in Loughgall village, Co. Armagh, David Capper always knew he wanted to go into the funeral business from an early age. His drive and dedication to realise this dream has recently been rewarded by his nomination to the role of Vice President of the British Institute of Funeral Directors. From the mid-90s David spent a number of years working for Holmes of Dungannon and latterly in a friend's firm in Belfast. He fulfilled his ambition of opening his own business (Elwood & Capper Ltd.) in May 2005 in Dunmurry, Belfast alongside business partner Brian Elwood, himself a 3rd generation Funeral Director. David was deeply honoured to accept his nomination as Vice President of the British Institute of Funeral Directors, a reward for his dedication and devotion to the industry,

David with his colleague, Deborah Lilley, who recently achieved outstanding success in her BIFD Diploma with Honours promising to do his very best to uphold all that the Institute stands for and believes in. He looks forward to inviting all members to Conference in Northern Ireland in 2019 and promises to make it a good one!

FuneralTimes | 11

New E Class hearse proves to be a real show stopper

n early 2017, the team at Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines began to plan. They had eight months to develop, build and deliver a new E Class hearse, based on the newest model Mercedes W213. The base vehicle was stunning. A comfortable ride, coupled with an incredibly spacious interior meant that the German company had raised the bar for a luxury car. It was up to Quinn’s to raise the bar for a luxury hearse. At Easter, a successful road test of the extended chassis at the first attempt was a promising milestone. Keeping the original ride quality, steering responsiveness and driving features is paramount at Fearghas Quinn’s, and this vehicle, with the added length and weight, drove perfectly. With the mechanics and electrics sussed out, it was time for design. Continuing the evolution of their previous

12 12 | | FuneralTimes FuneralTimes

models, using standard windscreen and doors was essential. This makes servicing and maintenance of the hearse a lot more costeffective for the funeral director as something like a chipped windscreen can be replaced without running into huge money by just going to a local windscreen repair shop. It also means that they can bring a modern, European feel into the Irish market, whilst still holding a balance with the traditional. “We always look to make everything flow.” said Fearghas, “The base vehicle had very definite bodylines that gave a real sleek look to the body and we wanted to complement that with our hearse.” The team got to work. Agonising over fine details, debating a millimetre here over a millimetre there. “Once we had the design that I had envisioned pulled together it was time to set up for production of the vehicle. We knew

even at this early stage that it was looking good, very good in fact. And we wanted to have everything in place to do a high number of these hearses.” As it got closer and closer to the Funeral Times Trade Show, the new hearse was coming together. “As each panel got built onto the body we came to realise we’d raised the bar for ourselves. The next thing was showing it to the industry.” On the first day of the exhibition Fearghas had the vehicle covered off awaiting the big unveiling. Between those at the event, and those who watched the Facebook live stream on social media, around 2,000 people from all over the UK and Ireland saw the release. And the feedback was instant. “We were blown away by how the hearse was received. The show was incredibly busy for us over both days and it was in no small part

down to the new E Class. We even had people who couldn’t make it to Citywest travel up to our factory in Portglenone to see it and place orders. It’s been hugely rewarding, especially after all the hard work that went before.” Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines have already begun to build the first batch of vehicles from orders that were placed before the show and are working on new models to be released next year. They’ll be looking to maintain the standard they’ve set for funeral vehicles in Ireland and indeed push forward with some new innovations over the coming months. FuneralTimes | 13

IAFD News Regional Meeting and Educational Workshop Dundalk, September 2017

uring September a Regional Meeting was held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The meeting was very well attended by members from the Armagh, Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee and Trim areas. Topics discussed during the open discussion included the new IAFD education course, Coroners services work in different areas, and toll charges. At the conclusion of the meeting, Helen McVeigh, Irish Hospice Foundation, gave an interesting talk on the work of IHF. An educational workshop on the topic of repatriation by Pearse Mullarkey, Fanagans, Dublin took place prior to the regional meeting. The response was really encouraging and topics discussed included

frequently occurring problems with repatriation, solutions for administration in EU and NonEU countries and also embalming standards in other countries.

Attendees at the Regional Meeting

Education is a real member benefit The Funeral Director Certificate Award (FDCA) education programme for 2017/2018 commences on 16th November 2017 and will continue with monthly sessions until May 2018. A total of 27 candidates have enrolled. Due to the considerable interest, it is anticipated that there will be a further course in 2018/2019. In addition to the September workshop (referred to above), during the year

14 | FuneralTimes

educational workshops were held with Regional Meetings on the subjects of Health and Safety and Financial Management. Positive feedback was received from the members who attended and considerable knowledge was imparted by the people who delivered the seminars. Next year more training and further workshops will be arranged in conjunction with Regional Meetings for members on different topics.

IAFD News Excellence Programme 2 The Excellence Programme 2 began in March in the guise of member visits. This provided an excellent opportunity for Board members to engage with the membership. Funeral Homes were selected at random throughout the country.

Circa 28 visits have been made in 2017. Feedback was very positive and the term “it’s good to talk” really stood out. The programme will be continued next year when as many members as possible will be visited.

New members IAFD wishes to welcome the following new members who have joined the Association during 2017: NEW FULL MEMBERS Norman McBriar & Sons, Saintfield, Co. Down Claude McKervey, Ederney, Co. Fermanagh P. McGennity & Sons, Newry, Co. Down Keohanes Cork – Old Youghal Road, Cork White’s - Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Loved Ones Ltd., Galway Gerard Gunn, Cork O’Dwyer & Sons Carriages, Dublin

Why Join the IAFD? For just a little more than €1cent a day you get: • Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Code of Practice

• Membership of professional organisation recognised by the general public

• Access to IAFD Education Programme

• Unique all island network of funeral directors • Representation of members with Government, Local Authorities and Media • Funeral Directors led organisation for promoting and developing standards of funeral service

• Excellence Programme • Board of Funeral professionals available to assist Members • Dispute Resolution and Mediation • Legal Advisory Service • Links to other trade Associations

Applications for membership of IAFD: Please visit www.iafd.ie and download an Application Form. FuneralTimes | 15

IAFD News Forum on End-Of-Life Conference F orum on the End-of-Life Conference organisers, the Irish Hospice Foundation, invited the IAFD to provide an information booth at the recent event in Dublin Castle. Prominent national and international speakers spoke on a range of dying, death and bereavement issues. The results of the Irish Hospice Foundation's nationwide “Have Your Say” survey which was carried out at the end of 2016 was presented with a view to creating a Charter for End-of-Life

and Bereavement in Ireland. The Conference was very well attended and considerable interest was shown in IAFD, it's values, vision and purpose. A number of interesting discussions took place which may well result in IAFD expanding it's stakeholder network.

National Steering Group Major Emergency Management Conference

he National Steering Group Major Emergency Management Conference was held on 15th November 2017 in Athlone. This conference draws attendees from the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, HSE, local authorities) in all regions, Government Departments, Voluntary Emergency Services, Defence Forces and people from a range of other organisations involved in the emergency management community in Ireland. The attendees numbered circa 160.

IAFD board member Martin Thompson (Athy) greeting some members at the show

The Chair, Sean Hogan of the National Steering Group Major Emergency Planning invited IAFD to make a presentation on the role of Funeral Directors in the event of a National Emergency. IAFD President, Mary Cunniffe and other Board members attended. During the various sessions, conversations took place which will hopefully result in IAFD participation in the development of the National Emergency Plan.

Funeral Times Show 2017 IAFD Exhibits at the recent Funeral Times Trade Show in the City West Hotel, Dublin where over the course of the Trade Show new member applications and FDCA course applications were received.

16 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News John Foley (President) Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph: 01-8555511 Mary Cunniffe (First Vice President) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village, Dublin 6W Mobile: 085-8010742, Ph: 014-907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com Gerard Clarke (Immediate Past President) Gerard Clarke & Sons Funeral Home Main Street, Balisodare, Sligo Ph: 071-9130700 Mobile: 087-2565310 Email: gerardclarkeandsons@eircom.net Edwina Fitzgerald (Hon. Secretary) Fitzgerald Funeral Directors Channel Road Rush Co. Dublin Ph: 01-8438772 Email: fitzgeraldfuneraldirectors@gmail.com Dermot McCarthy (Hon. Treasurer) McCarthy’s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork. Ph: 029-56044 Email: dermot@mccarthyfuneraldirectors.com Colm Kieran (P.R.O.) Kieran Bros. Funeral Directors Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. Mobile: 087-6218740, Ph: 042-9667309 Email: colmkieran@gmail.com

Michael Crowley (Chair – Education Committee – with G. Clarke) Crowley Funeral Directors Bothar Saclay, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Phone: 021 4874777 Email: info@crowleyfuneraldirectors.ie Robert Fanagan (Chair - Membership & Excellence Committee) Fanagans 54 Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ph: 01 475 4101 Email: info@fanagans.ie Andre Thompson Thompson Funeral Directors 19 Barrack Street Waterford Co. Waterford Ph: 051-874159 Email: info@thompsonfunerals.ie Donal Forde Denis Forde & Sons Funeral Home Carrigaline Co. Cork Ph: 0879407777 / 021-4372800 Email: fordes@indigo.ie Martin Thompson Thompson Funeral Directors Chapel Hill, Mount Hawkins, Athy Co. Kildare Ph: 0868773268 / 059 8632714 Email: thompsonfuneraldirectors@gmail.com

From everyone at the IAFD, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! FuneralTimes | 17

Trade show success T

reasured Keepsakes would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit their stand at the recent Funeral Times Trade Show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was great to catch up with our existing clients and show them some of our new products. We also had the pleasure of meeting funeral directors who we had not dealt with before and plenty of business was done

on the day and the following week. I would like to thank everyone at Funeral Times for organising yet another successful event and for giving us the opportunity to exhibitâ&#x20AC;? said Liza. Treasured Keepsakes have Brass Urns, Hardwood Urns, Eco Urns, Brass Keepsakes and Keepsake Pendants all in stock, just waiting on your call. If you would like to use their service and enhance your business by offering the choice of a wide selection of products to your clients, at no extra cost to you, please contact Liza or Edward. For more information on how Treasured Keepsakes can work alongside your company contact Liza Webster or Edward Foley on Tel: 01 8254579. From NI: 00353 1 8254579 or email: info@treasuredkeepsakes.ie or visit: www.treasuredkeepsakes.ie

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Edward and Liza at Treasured Keepsakes. 18 | FuneralTimes

Through our own personal experience we received the inspiration to set up Treasured Keepsakes, to give people a wide variety of options upon a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing should they choose to keep a lock of hair, cremated remains, a piece of jewellery, a photograph or anything that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a small keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn. Funeral directors we are currently working with have tailored our service to suit their needs. We have two options of how our service can work for you. If you wish you can buy our products from us at a wholesale price and sell them directly to your clients. Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly. We would hope that by recommending our service we will enhance and add value to your business at no extra cost to you.

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

A place for lasting memories Among the new exhibitors at the Funeral Times Trade Show at Citywest were Netherlands-based Memorial-Trees whose display of COR-TEN steel memorial trees was a highlight of the show. New to Ireland, the firm services crematoria, cemeteries and private individuals and are keen to strike up relationships with funeral directors across the country.

ith recent decades bringing about a gradual shift from burial to cremation, there remains a need for tasteful, long lasting memorials to mark the life of a loved one. Memorial-Trees offer a solution to this, providing cemeteries and crematoria with robust, yet elegantly shaped ‘trees’, providing new ways of remembering deceased loved

20 | FuneralTimes

ones. The trees also allow cemeteries to offer a decent and cost-effective alternative when existing graves are removed, or there simply is little room for individual graves available. Relatives have a special place where they can remember the deceased. Essentially, the steel memorial-tree acts as a “living monument”. Dutch designer José Visser came up with the idea of a memorial-tree made from COR-TEN steel as a testament and focal point in the remembrance gardens and spaces of cemeteries and crematoria. The name, dates of birth and death are engraved on an individual leaf. Relatives have the opportunity to opt for this token of remembrance, giving the bereaved a unique and cost effective memorial. Each leaf includes a small hole and comes with mounting hardware to hang in the memorial tree. The capacity of each standard memorial tree is 600 leaves, ordered directly from Memorial-Trees, engraved personally, and then posted to the crematoria/cemetery within 5 working days. This means that the investment for the Memorial Tree is amply recouped. It is also possible to create specialised leaves, individual to each memorial tree. The leaves can differ in form and materials (steel, copper, brass, aluminium), and may also be provided with a bespoke colour when in aluminium. Memorial trees of all sizes (60cm to 4metres) can be supplied for installation in entrance halls, hallways, auditoriums and reception areas. The small Memorial Trees can be used during funeral services on a pedestal next to the coffin or as an alternative to a book of condolence. Names and messages can be

written on leaf shaped sheets of paper and are hung with a magnet on the tree. At a later time these written leaves are given to the next of kin. A Memorial Tree is made up of six component parts of COR-TEN steel which rusts swiftly in the first 2 months until it gets its distinctive colour. Thereafter, the

oxidation process stops. The rust layer is also the protective layer of the tree, giving it a lifecycle of over 50 years. This means that there is no need for maintenance on the tree. A model was developed to test the memorial tree on load and weather conditions. Even with a horizontal wind load with speeds of 140.0 km/h the structure will remain stable. Apart from memorial trees, the company are constantly seeking new and contemporary ways of remembrance. For example, a memorial pond with 36 ceramic water lily urns, or a memorial garden with 48 stone columns topped by hand-crafted individual ceramic pine-cones with urns. For more information please contact: www.memorial-trees.co.uk / www.gedenk-bomen.nl

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DJ MacNeice reflect on a busy year! As the end of 2017 fast approaches, I think everyone will agree with me when I say this year has passed in the blink of an eye! It was a busy year for us between attending the NFE trade show and developing new products but as always we’ve continued our long tradition of supplying high quality, competitively priced funeral and mortuary products to funeral directors and embalmers all over the country.

his time of year also makes us reflect on how far the company has come over the years. Originally based in Dublin city centre, the business moved to its current premises in Glasnevin in 2002. We are hoping to have our show room re-vamp finished and open in the New Year. Here we serve as a one stop shop for all your funeral and mortuary supply needs. The door is always open should you wish to pay us a visit, as many customers do. Here you can browse our extensive range of products which include coffin mountings and linings, funeral accessories such as grave markers, traffic cones and condolence books, all the way to cardboard coffins. Our full range of PCS registered embalming chemicals; the first PCS registered embalming chemicals in the country, are displayed in our show room. This is a must see for any embalmer! As well as embalming chemicals we supply a full range of embalming products such as instruments, personal protective equipment and mortuary airbrush makeup kits. Our fully trained sales team will be on hand should you have any questions regarding any products. We are constantly updating our product range to bring you the latest innovations in the industry. If there is something we 24 | FuneralTimes

don’t stock that you want, we are more than happy to source it for you. If you can’t personally call we have many other ways for you to place an order with us. We are always contactable by phone so you may call in an order anytime. This comes with the benefit of next day delivery so you can be confident you will have the products you need, when you need them. Alternatively, our extensive range of products is available to view on our website. You can place your quote request through our website and a friendly member of our sales team will contact you about your order. DJ Mac Neice has a long history in the funeral industry but our aim has always stayed the same - to provide products of the highest quality at a competitive price while delivering excellent customer service. We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our customers for their ongoing support and business, it is very much appreciated. We wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and hopefully we shall speak to you in the New Year. DJ Mac Neice & Co. Ltd, 37a Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. 01-8828731 sales@djmacneice. com www.djmacneice.com

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McBratney Funeral Directors make the shortlist! B

arry McBratney Funeral Directors Ltd. were recently pleased to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Customer Service, Professional Business Services category in the Bangor Business Awards 2017. The award recognises the exceptional attention to detail and outstanding levels of commitment and customer service excellence within each nominee’s respective industry. These are some of the core values emphasised by Barry McBratney Funeral Directors. “We are delighted to be a finalist in this award” says Barry, “and it is great to be recognised for the professional customer services we offer.” A widely experienced and highly qualified funeral director, Barry runs his funeral business with his son Adam - between them offering over 40 years’ experience in the industry. They are proud to offer an extensive range of personal services, all carried out with meticulous attention to detail, care and sensitivity. As requirements differ from family to family, they strive to personalise the arrangement of each service they undertake, relevant to their personal or financial circumstances. Barry and Adam run an open house policy with all welcome to call in and view the facilities. They are always available for a chat

Adam and Barry McBratney to see how they can assist with many issues, offering advice, support, and peace of mind.

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Barrack Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

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 All wreaths are created by fully qualified florists, reflecting contemporary design in floral arrangements. All at very competitive prices Discounts apply on scale of your orders. Special requests catered for at shortest notice

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Leghowney Donegal Town Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: +353(0)74 9723715 Fax: +353 (0)74 9723742 Mobile: +353 (0)87 2376169 www.funeralsupplies.ie FuneralTimes | 27 funeralsupplies@eircom.net

Representing the needs of almost 4,000 funeral homes, the National Association of Funeral Directors is the “Voice of the Funeral Profession”, supporting members and assuring the public of high standards for more than 100 years. The NAFD is influential • Consulted by Government on legislative issues • First call for the media on funeral / bereavement issues • Established cross party groups in all four UK Parliaments / Assemblies • Universally endorsed professional qualifications

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

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

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

Your business will be Stronger by Association with the NAFD. Apply to join today and start taking advantage of the benefits of membership. Call: Su Lewis on 0121 711 1343 ext. 20. Visit: www.nafd.org.uk/whyjointhenafd

NAFD News NAFD Autumn Meeting hosts key debate on funeral plan regulation The 2017 NAFD Autumn Meeting, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire, attracted one of the largest ever turnouts of members and included a keynote presentation from Funeral Planning Authority CEO Graeme McAusland, as well as a much-anticipated debate regarding the funeral plan market.

aking the keynote address, Graeme McAusland took NAFD members through a detailed overview of how the FPA works and is structured, and also offered further information on the recent change of structure from self-regulatory to Community Interest Company, with independent nonexecutive directors and a stakeholder group. Mr McAusland explained that there was often confusion about FPA membership. “It’s not a club. You can’t pay money and join or be signed in by friend. There’s a process when you join and a process to go through every year after that.” He took the delegates through the process for FPA registration, emphasising that the decisions were taken by the Compliance Committee having requested and considered information including: independence of trustees, financial structure, arrangements with funeral directors, complaints process and numbers, accounts, marketing literature, actuaries report and much more. Given the growth in third party sellers in the market, Mr McAusland stressed that he expected registered providers have to ensure third party sellers are meeting FPA standards and must be actively checking call scripts, processes, complaints processes and termination rights among many other indicators. The funeral planning debate was chaired by Nick Britten, of Wordsmith

Communication, and the panel comprised Graeme McAusland; Ronnie Wayte, Chief Executive of Golden Charter; Barry Floyd, Managing Director of Golden Leaves; Abi Pattenden, NAFD Vice President and manager at Freeman Brothers, West Sussex; Nigel Lymn Rose, CEO of A W Lymn – The Family Funeral Service, in Nottinghamshire and Chris Clark, Managing Director of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd. The debate was introduced by NAFD President Alison Crake, who set the scene, saying: “As we all know, funeral plans have an important role to play in terms of helping people to plan for and off-set the cost of their funeral, and remove some of the uncertainty and distress for their families when the time comes. However, there are clearly a number of issues in relation to the way the market works at present. “There is a real opportunity to use this debate to forge a new consensus and closer working relationships between funeral planning firms and funeral directors – and between the trade associations that represent them. Going forward, the themes arising from today’s debate will also form part of the NAFD’s work to develop an ongoing robust policy position on the best way to safeguard the needs of the funeral plan-buying public and the funeral directors who will carry out the plans they buy.” The debate, which lasted more than 90 FuneralTimes | 29

minutes, covered a diverse range of topics including: whether funeral directors should always be contacted during cooling off period to ensure they are given an opportunity to accept the plan and the basis of payment; the effect that direct regulation would have on funeral plan providers and funeral directors; whether commission rates should be disclosed to clients; the need to ensure plan purchasers understand what they are buying and what it will cover; whether preferential terms of exclusivity were appropriate; how funeral plan providers could guard against incorrect information provided during the sales process; and whether the panel believed that only funeral directors should sell funeral plans – the latter topic proving to be one of the most contentious of the debate. As the debate drew to a close each panellist summed up their thoughts on how the funeral planning providers and

funeral directors, together with the Funeral Planning Authority, could work together to ensure the funeral planning sector worked well for consumers, for funeral directors and for plan providers. There was general agreement that the market has changed significantly since the Article 60 exemption was enacted and the FPA needs significantly more powers, including the power to expel a member, and that the option of becoming a statutory body needs careful and serious consideration as the alternative, regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority, was not something to be called for lightly. At the end, NAFD President Alison Crake summed up the challenge ahead: “We need to pull together as an industry and change is needed on both sides. On behalf of the NAFD, we look forward to closer working relationships that help to shape the future regulatory structure and working practices in this area of the profession.”

General Richard Lord Dannatt CBE to be keynote speaker for NAFD Conference 2018

he NAFD is delighted to confirm that former head of the British Army and Durham University graduate, General Lord Richard Dannatt, will be keynote speaker at Conference 2018, which will be held in the stunning city of Durham, from 17-20 May 2018. Lord Dannatt is one of the most successful generals of our times. Highly respected by his peers and governments, Lord Dannatt was a key advisor to the David Cameron defence team in 2009/2010. A frequent and popular commentator on current affairs and security issues, his views regularly feature in the media. With regulation of not just funeral directors but funeral plans on the agenda, as well as progress against the governance reform voted for at Conference 2017, this is set to be a conference not to miss. Education and shared learning will also

30 | FuneralTimes

feature highly on the agenda, being both NAFD President’s professional passion and the theme for her Presidential year. A leafy and peaceful city on the banks for the river Weir, Durham boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as a maze of hilly, cobbled streets as well as the stunning Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Durham University. Conference will be held in the Auger Suite at the Radisson Blu hotel in the heart of the city. The hotel offers modern bedrooms, a state-of-the-art health club and respected restaurant and bar, and will provide a welcoming backdrop to what is sure to be a lively and thought provoking few days. Tickets go on sale for Conference 2018 shortly. Enquires about sponsorship packages should go to NAFD Business Manager Kirsti Tomkinson on 0121 7111343; ext. 1009.

The NAFD welcomes two new members of the team The NAFD has appointed James Sandy as its new Chief Operations Officer. James will lead the day-to-day work and business of the Association, and act as deputy to Chief Executive Mandie Lavin. James joins the Association from NHS Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, where he is a member of the senior management team and acts as strategic lead for engagement across 62 GP member practices and partners in the city. His role ensures all governance, risk management and engagement processes are robust, and James has significant experience in developing operational plans, strategies and campaigns within local government. We are confident that his experience and working style will be a huge asset to the Association, and that he will bring with him energy and ideas. The Association also welcomes Morgan Harris, the new Policy and Legislation Manager, to the funeral profession. Morgan Harris is an experienced policy specialist, who joins from the Independent Policy Complaints Commission, where he is Policy and Engagement Officer. Morgan’s role has included stakeholder

Morgan Harris, the new Policy and Legislation Manager

James Sandy as its new Chief Operations Officer.

engagement on a national level, developing relationships with special interest and community groups, and improving the police complaints system. Morgan will lead the research, development and implementation of policies required for the Association to remain at the forefront of the development and promotion of the profession, including the progress in regulation. He will also manage a range of projects and activities arising from regulatory challenges and the changing policy landscape, as well as managing all non-compliance issues and complaints.

NAFD offers certified First Aid training courses

he latest in the NAFD’s series of essential skills training courses for members is a comprehensive first aid course. The Association offers certificated First Aid Courses for the 3 day “First Aid at Work” qualification, the two day “First Aid at Work” requalification for those who already have the 3 year certificate and need to renew it, and the 1 day “Emergency First Aid at work” course. The options available for members are to have either a “Closed” course on their own premises for their own staff or to attend an “Open course” at various

locations around the UK. The courses will involve a number of practical assessments together with a written theory examination. With the recent changes to the Resuscitation Council guidelines, as from 1st Jan 2017, the Emergency First Aid at Work and the First Aid at Work courses include training on a defibrillator. Angela Allen, NAFD Education Manager would be delighted to discuss the needs of any NAFD member firm in terms of NAFD courses or qualifications. Please contact her on 0121 711 1343 Ext 1012. FuneralTimes | 31

Visiting the Funeral Times Trade Show, Dublin 2017 It seemed only a few, short months since the NAFD’s own National Funeral Exhibition, held at Stoneleigh Park in June, before it was time to gather up my brochures, memory stick and copies of Funeral Director Monthly, and head off to Citywest Hotel in Dublin to join the Funeral Times Trade Show 2017.

was greeted warmly and made to feel like part of the family, from the first moments of my arrival. Ruth and the team at the Funeral Times had excelled themselves. The venue was buzzing with excitement and there was no shortage of people to talk to or meet. This was a great opportunity, for me, to catch up with old friends and those who exhibited at the National Funeral Exhibition, as I had not managed to speak to everyone during the event. It was also a chance to see how things are developing in the Republic of Ireland with established customs giving way never seen such dramatic transformations. to greater personalisation and new ways of This work contributes so much towards remembering people that we have lost. helping people have lasting memories of As my ancestral roots are in County Mayo their loved ones resting in peace. and my family are distributed as far afield The evening held more excitement, with as Cork, I was certainly in my homeland. a lovely dinner sponsored Hearing about the success by Braemar Finance. The of the newly opened I am still learning company was excellent, crematorium in Shannon, but soon it was time to County Clare, as well as more every day journey back to the UK, finding out about options about the funeral with new contacts and for using fingerprints in many opportunities to work jewellery; these were just a profession – together in this very special couple of the highlights. and this event profession to make sure that, Although I have been Chief Executive of the National when life’s most difficult brought further Association of Funeral moments arrive, we stand opportunities. Directors for more than a together to help bereaved year, I am still learning more people deal with loss. every day about the funeral I look forward to coming profession – and this event brought further to The Funeral Times Trade show again opportunities. I was privileged to join the and would like to invite all of you that education session run by Ben Whitworth, I met there to also attend, exhibit and from Dodge Company UK, who explained support NFE 2019, which is taking place at the truly amazing things that can be Stoneleigh Park from 7th to 9th June 2019. achieved with expert care. As he showcased For more information please visit: the products used for embalming, I had www.nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk.

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National Funeral Exhibition 2019 proves compelling for exhibitors More than a third of exhibitors have already confirmed their space for the National Funeral Exhibition 2019, which takes place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June 2019 at Stoneleigh Park, with almost all of the premium stand locations now reserved and the remaining spaces for the show being snapped up at a steady pace.

he biennial show, owned and promoted by the National Association of Funeral Directors, showcases the latest innovative products, inspiring thought leadership and business networking opportunities for the funeral profession. At National Funeral Exhibition 2019 visitors will find more than 200 exhibitors across a wide range of sectors, including vehicle fleets, coffins and caskets, professional equipment suppliers, printing and stationery companies, online memorial services, charities and a range of business advisory firms to support funeral directors with their business needs. A packed seminar programme, across the three days of the show, will include thought-provoking and inspiring speakers, on a diverse range of business and industry-specific topics, adding value to a visit to the show. The NAFD has also moved to clear up confusion in respect of any link to the

‘Funeral Director Show’ promoted by Mulberry Publications. NAFD President Alison Crake confirmed: “We have received a number of calls and queries asking if there is any connection between the ‘Funeral Director Show’ (Mulberry Publications) and the National Funeral Exhibition 2019. I can confirm there is no connection.” The National Funeral Exhibition has a proven history as the must-visit milestone event for the funeral profession. One of the leading global shows for the profession, the 2017 show delivered 4,000 attendees, 200 exhibitors and international visitors from 19 nations. Comprehensive UK and international marketing programmes, which will be delivered across 2018 and 2019, are designed to deliver even more high quality visitors to the show than ever before. For more information, please visit: www.nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk.

FuneralTimes | 33

What will it be like? W

hat will it be like? is a frequently asked question when a family are preparing to go to a crematorium for the funeral of their loved one. This question is often asked with worry, anxiety, and sometimes even fear. Mary Elizabeth Dillon (Civil Funerals Ireland) has been asked this question many times as frequently civil funeral services take place in crematoria around the country. Although more and more commonplace, funerals in crematoria are still outside the experience of many people, particular those who live in rural areas. Mary Elizabeth has carried out services all throughout the country and seeks to reassure those who are worried about, What will it be like? She describes the building itself, as well as its layout and facilities, whether it be very modern as in Dardistown out near Dublin Airport, or more traditional as in Mount Jermore, Harolds Cross, Dublin. At a time of great stress and pressure, Mary Elizabeth guides the family through the practicalities and informs them of all that they need to know, from where they should sit in the building to where they can park and also to where the nearest toilets are. These may seem to be small and

insignificant points but all help the family to cope in unfamiliar circumstances. When all the practicalities are taken care of the family can concentrate on the ceremony and say goodbye to their loved one in a calm and reflective manner which is what Mary Elizabeth seeks to provide for all the families she works with. Another fear expressed to Mary Elizabeth is that, ‘it will be cold or impersonal’. Such fears are understandable, but Mary Elizabeth assures families that their service, which is entirely driven by them and tailored around their loved one, is going to be warm and personal and that the crematorium building will not take away from the service in any way. In fact the facilities for providing music, and the technology for putting on a slide show of family photos or showing a video are excellent all around the country and can be used to enhance the service and to make it truly memorable. Mary Elizabeth is always pleased to listen to, discuss, and allay any fears that a family may have in relation to a service. She says, ‘it is always better to speak out about concerns and have fears dealt with and then to let the service take place in a calm and relaxed manner’.

Civil Funerals Ireland Simple, unique, personal funeral services

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Mary Elizabeth Dillon is available between 9am - 11pm 7 days a week Tel ROI: 0402 91273 / Mobile: 087 957 4476 Email: info@civilfuneralsireland.com 34 | FuneralTimes

Funerals conducted throughout Ireland

Kate finds wisdom in words K

ate Hamilton of Mourning Cross is a well known personality among funeral directors in Ireland. Kate’s latest venture is quite a move away from Mourning Cross, but as she told Funeral Times, it is something close to her heart. Kate has published a superb gift book of magnificent photographs accompanying wise sayings from Ireland and across the world. “I have been working on the idea for years”, said Kate “After the death of my father I knew I had to record some of his wise words. Dad was an Irishman, a country man, an amateur historian and someone who always had a saying for every occasion. As a child I didn’t always appreciate the wisdom of some of his words, and only later did I begin to realise how apt some old sayings can be.” The spark of interest ignited. When Kate began to work on recording her father’s sayings she quickly came to realise that many of them originated elsewhere and widened her net to include wise words she had read or heard locally and from all over the world, but with a strong Irish flavour. “I originally thought of calling the book ‘Irish Words of Wisdom’ but there were just too many gems which I would have had to leave out, so I widened it to include and other treasures found along the way’. This allowed me to include the very best of profound, often funny, and always wise words from literary and contemporary greats, all of whom have inspired me over the years. I then matched these with some fantastic photographs from talented, award winning and inspiring photographers. The

result - a beautiful and uplifting gift book that includes a matching gift bag.’ Kate has built a powerful network of contacts across many parts of the world through her work in Mourning Cross and she and Joanne continue to grow the Mourning Cross range with families and Directors from across the world. Kate is looking for witty sayings for her next book, if you have a witty saying that has been passed down through the generations for inclusion in her next book ‘Irish Words of Wit our Elders used to say and other treasures found along the way’, she would love to hear from you. Funeral Directors have some of the wittiest sayings.

For a copy of the book contact In-House Publications on email: production@ inhousepublications.com or alternatively www.irishwordsofwisdom.com FuneralTimes | 35

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New Belfast firm opens for business G

Wilsons Family Funeral Directors and Memorial Masons, 64 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast

len Baxter has worked in the funeral profession for many years. In 2011 he opened his own firm in Bangor, Co. Down and has now followed that with a new Belfast branch, trading as Wilsons Family Funeral Directors and Memorial Masons. The new funeral home is in spacious, recently refurbished premises situated at 64 Bloomfield Avenue in the east of the city and will focus on fair priced funerals without compromising on quality and professionalism. “Since opening our first fair priced funeral home in Bangor in 2011 the feedback we have received from our clients has proven that a company like ours was needed in the local community." “Our basic funeral package is £1450. This includes all our costs, coffin, hearse and staff, basically everything that is needed for the funeral. On top of that, if we use cremation as an example, the fee for a Belfast resident is currently £370 with two doctors required to complete paperwork costing £164. This means we would provide a full cremation service for a local family for £1984. Wilsons Family Funeral Directors and Memorial Masons run a fleet of Mercedes vehicles.” Since opening for business office staff Nicola and Claire have been pleased to welcome many local people who have called in to look around their facilities. The firm also provides a full memorial service. “We have a full monumental showroom with every sort of memorial available, we are one of the only local memorial masons who don’t outsource our work to other companies, and therefore we will look after our clients from start to finish”.

38 | FuneralTimes

www.professionalembalmers.ie

Congratulations to the new officers elected at the PEAI 2017 Annual General Meeting Martina Burns MPEAI, MEAE, MDCA Chairperson An embalmer and funeral director based at McGowan’s funeral home, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Martina Burns has served the PEAI since 2009. She has admirably fulfilled the roles of Secretary and Vice-Chairperson, and now takes the position of Chairperson. Additional to her role in McGowan’s funeral home, Martina is the registrar of the Death Care Academy and a practical embalming tutor. In her position as Chairperson, Martina aims to promote the benefits of embalming in funeral services at a national level and to support and nurture all embalmers in Ireland. Pauline Lynch MPEAI, MEAE Vice-Chairperson Pauline Lynch is a trade embalmer serving counties Kildare, Meath and Offaly. After witnessing the benefits modern embalming can bring to the funeral rite, Pauline was inspired to study embalming. She returned to education as a mature student and spent three years studying with the Death Care Academy, achieving her qualification in 2014. Pauline looks forward to supporting the continued growth of the PEAI. Josephine Horgan MPEAI, MEAE Secretary Josephine Horgan is an in-house embalmer based at Jerh O’Connor Funeral Home, Coburg Street, Cork City. Better known as Jo, she studied with the Death Care Academy and trained in both McGowan’s Funeral Home, Co. Mayo, and Sullivans Funeral Home,

Cork City. Now in her second year working at one of Cork’s most active establishments, Jo is passionate about embalming and looks forward to contributing to the association. Grainne Teefy MPEAI, RDN Vice-Secretary Grainne Teefy is a trade embalmer serving the North-East region of Ireland. With a background in Medicine and Healthcare, Grainne embarked on her embalming career in 2014, training in both the UK and Ireland. Padraig O’Reilly MPEAI, MEAE Treasurer Padraig O’Reilly is now entering his second term as treasurer for the PEAI. He has worked in funeral services since the 1970’s. Previously employed by the Health Service Executive as Support Services Manager, his job roles included mortuary services and family bereavement. While in this position he was part of a working group on Death, Dying and Bereavement, receiving an award from the Irish Hospice Foundation for the improvement of standards for the dying. Patrick Keller MPEAI, MBIE, MEAE, IAFD Public Relations Officer Patrick Keller is a funeral director, embalmer and owner of Keller’s Funeral Directors, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. He is a founding member of the PEAI and has a lifetime of experience in funeral services. In his position as PRO, Patrick looks forward to representing the PEAI in Ireland and abroad. FuneralTimes | 41

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Fingerprint Memorials L

egacy Expressions were delighted to exhibit at the recent Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland at Citywest, showcasing their digitally captured fingerprint memorials. Managing Director David Gosling said, “It was great to meet so many directors under one roof and display our revolutionary fingerprint scanning technology. So many hadn’t seen anything like it before, but with the simplicity of the scanner, it’s opening up a new service line for funeral directors to offer the families they care for.” After just 6 months trading in England, Scotland and Wales, Legacy Expressions already service just over 200 independent funeral directors and have amassed over 11,000 fingerprints. David continued, “Families love to hold onto anything they can, and with our affordable products we’re seeing a trend of them purchasing in good numbers. Families will happily buy 4-6 items from our range on average, and that still won't break the bank. Funeral directors are now able to offer a fingerprinting service to every family, due to the ease and speed of capturing prints in seconds. Before, with traditional methods such as ink and putty, the body had to be cleaned and you could be A beautiful keepsake talking over 20 minutes to capture prints, but with us it’s done in literally seconds.” Legacy Expressions remain the only UK-based firm offering such advanced fingerprint capturing technology. It is due to this, along with the affordability of their goods and professional nature of service, which is resulting in such speedy growth. David added, “The fact we offer a 50/50 split with funeral directors across our entire range, with no contracts or print storage costs, has also been a contributing factor. Many directors are adding some good additional bottom line profits for very minimal effort.” To see how Legacy Expressions can best MD David Gosling enjoyed dinner with new serve your funeral customers Jim Cranwell and Dara O’Callaghan home, call +44 (0)800 of Shannon Crematorium, along with NAFD 3689233 or email: info@ CEO Mandie Lavin and writer Mattie Lennon legacy-exp.co.uk

A new delivery from Fearghas Quinn R. Gibney of Gibneys of Oldcastle collects his new hearseQuinn from Fearghas Kevin Ganley, Roscommon, with Funeral his new Directors, Buick Insignia from Fearghas Hearse & Quinn Hearse and Limousines. Limousines

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Yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow by Jack Adams, CFSP, MBIE Jack is Dodge’s busiest embalming educator and lecturer. Along with working for Dodge as a sales representative in northern Illinois, he is an Embalming Lab Instructor at Worsham College.

hose of us who are third, fourth, or maybe fifth generation funeral directors may remember as children hearing stories, or may have some life experiences, of the earlier years of funeral service. I’m not speaking about the beginning of embalming during the Civil War or the first undertakers who were also furniture makers and carpenters. Even though they are rare, we still have a few funeral home-furniture store combos in rural areas of northern Illinois. In the early 1900’s, funerals were traditional and most bodies were viewed to some degree. The first crematory was built in 1876 but saying goodbye in person was still very popular and burial considered to be the right thing to do, especially within many religions. Some viewing was done without embalming and it wasn’t uncommon for funeral homes to use ice to slow down decomposition so viewings could take place. My great grandfather delivered ice in Canada and some of his best customers were funeral homes. During his deliveries, he observed the operations and thought this funeral business could be OK. When he was 19, he moved to Chicago and, with the help of his family, he opened a funeral home that specialized in the use of ice. Between ice control and the use of trade embalmers when needed, he did well. The viewings and embalming’s were done at the homes of the deceased. The embalming was usually done in a bedroom and portable cooling boards were used to help the preparation process. The viewings were done in the parlours, or what is now called the living room. Many homes didn’t

have large enough parlours to accommodate the viewing and that is one reason for the beginning of the funeral homes that we have today. The embalming was done on a cooling board that was used as a substitute for a preparation/dressing table. It could be adjusted for a more comfortable layout position when the remains were placed in the casket. The embalmer relied on a hand pump at least in the early days of embalming and into the 1920’s before the Zephyr machine or portable pumps and aspirator combos were on the market. By the 1950’s Portiboys and Duotronics for arterial injection were on the market. These machines were basic pumps without much control for pressure or rate-of-flow. Many smaller funeral homes didn’t have or couldn’t afford these fancy machines. The gravity bowl embalming method was popular, especially with funeral homes that had a room with high ceilings and could use their increased height for pressure to deliver the chemical adequately into the body. In the Sixties we made removals for a funeral home that did 200 embalmings a year using the gravity bowl method. Trade embalmers served most of these small homes and supplied their own portable pump. Embalmers and funeral directors were predominately of the male gender. Of course, we all knew of the wife or daughter who would be very beneficial or irreplaceable for the family business. As time went on, most funeral homes at least had hydroaspirators even though their prep room may FuneralTimes | 47

have been a space inside the garage with a gravel floor. Additionally, a slop sink would be added and then this small space was partitioned off to be a prep room. This is how most of the neighbourhood funeral homes started, at least in the Chicago area. I have to admit that in the 60’s and 70’s, I embalmed in several of these types of prep rooms using a portable pump/ aspirator combo injecting out of a glass gallon jug. Remember that the majority of funerals were traditional with viewing and two to three day visitations. One familyowned home could make a nice income with a 40 call volume. There were two and sometimes three funeral homes on the same city block and all did well. Prime real estate was as close as you could get to a church. If your business was on the same block as a church, you were where you wanted to be. Families relocating with changing neighbourhoods and families being split up pursuing job opportunities made it impossible for these funeral homes to remain open and often it was too expensive to relocate or rebuild a new funeral home. My wife and I recently attended a rodeo in Madison, Wisconsin. A famous rodeo announcer died and they announced that it was his wish to not waste any funds on viewing or traditional funeral services. His wish was that his family and friends would start a new children’s charity fund in his name. The implications here were that if any viewing was done, there would be no funds available for a charity. No personal family funds were pledged, at least they were not announced, but friends were encouraged to donate in his memory to the newfound children’s fund. The crowd in attendance sure felt like it was a noble thing to do. While this decision sounds OK 48 | FuneralTimes

in itself, it can be thought of as a bit selfish, disregarding the needs of his own family. They are the ones who loved him and will hurt the most with his passing. They are the ones who could have benefited from viewing him and saying goodbye. Sometimes a noble deed can have unintended consequences and maybe even be selfish. I often wonder if any of these people who don’t want a viewing or service realize they could be making it tougher on their family. If one plans it out, one wouldn’t need to shortchange their own family in order to form a new charity. We lost a close friend of ours last year who was a very religious person and widowed for about eight years. She buried her husband in their family plot and had a traditional funeral service including viewing and a mass. When she died, she had made it easy for her grandson. She had made pre-arrangements for her own funeral which were pretty much in line with her husband’s services. It all sounded easy enough except the grandson was in South America at the time of her death working as an international buyer of coffee beans. He decided to have the funeral home oversee a direct cremation with no viewing and have a memorial service the following month when he got back in town. These types of decisions are not uncommon in our ever changing society. The days of stopping everything and dealing with the death of a loved one while giving each other support has been replaced with dealing with the death or tributes when it is convenient. The importance of the family structure, of close friends and neighbours, has turned into a “Me-Me” attitude that takes care of oneself first. We need to make sure people understand the options available so they can mix viewing and cremation choices to fit

their needs and budget, and still give their family and friends the support they need at this difficult time in their lives. Some kind of viewing is better than no viewing. It can be private to allow close family and friends the opportunity to say goodbye. Of course, I believe in a traditional viewing for all so more friends and family have added time to gather and say their goodbyes, as well as support the family. There can’t be a viewing without the body. Viewing an unembalmed body is better than no viewing. This may only be for identification purposes, or it may be part of the ceremony in certain religions. These viewings can be good or bad depending on the quality of care given by the embalmer and firm. Viewing without embalming can be challenging. It is a challenge that we can overcome and still have a pleasant, temporary viewing. I visit some firms that do very little embalming. The religious beliefs of their clients prohibit embalming unless there are some unavoidable circumstances. They disinfect and bathe the body and then set the features. One thing that sets them apart is the consistently pleasant expression and the peaceful appearance of the face. This is basically mastering the mouth closure to make it pleasant. They set each mouth to be recognizable and resemble pleasant photos supplied by the family. Mouth formers are never used because too many times they don’t fit properly. They were shown the way and mastered working with mortician’s putty (Poze) and now consistently produce a pleasant appearance and expression. It is a natural closure and can be easily adjusted rather than being forced with Feature Builder and then not being able to adjust it if a family requests a change. Using Poze allows for adjustment with the mouth. It is basically adjustable until the end which is a good feeling. It’s a good tool to have when you prepare for the viewing. The mouth remains the most important focal point on viewing the embalmed or unembalmed remains. As revenues drop and fewer caskets are sold, we need to adapt to selling products whose value is appreciated by the public.

This may be portraits, jewellery made from flowers, glass blown urns, or Continuing Care products, which give our families continued support. All we can do is play the cards we are dealt. We need to try to educate the younger generations on the value and the benefits of a traditional funeral without sounding like used car salesmen. We owe it to our families to present the benefits of personalized options for making the funeral a meaningful experience. Experienced embalmers agree there are more difficult cases to embalm than ever before. Medical science, drugs, and prolonging life are some of the reasons. There are no cases that we can’t embalm and achieve preservation, yet it seems that lawsuits are increasing over embalming failures. We now have big challenges. The public is demanding a bang for their buck and are now looking closely at our embalming results. They want to see the value and they ask themselves why should they pay for poor results. An embalming well done can help us survive and increase our business. An embalming with unpleasant results can not only cause us to lose our customer but lose traditional viewing families for other funeral homes. Families that insist on viewing will begin to search for funeral homes that do better embalming. This is one reason why some funeral homes are maintaining and increasing their viewing numbers while others are taking slides toward no viewings and more direct dispositions. Embalmers control their own destiny. A job well done can ensure our future employment. 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: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 3349702/00353 87 2486668

FuneralTimes | 49

News from the Funeral Times Trade Show 2017 The New Ford Deacon was displayed on the forecourt of the Funeral Times Trade Show at Citywest Hotel in Dublin. The hearse, with its unique design, was positioned at the front entrance to the conference hall.

he Deacon has many unique features including a composite one-piece head cloth construction, full hearse body, back door and floor pan. Head cloth and side boards come in a range of colours and are simply wiped clean. Along with a choice of internal lights colours, the Deacon also boasts the shortest turning circle, providing much needed manoeuvrability around churches and cemeteries. Transform your Deacon to a Private Ambulance in seconds with our custom made panels, maximising the use of your ceremonial vehicle. Byrne Coachbuilders have retained the original lines of the Ford Mondeo with this new design. Coupled with untouched electronics, no other Hearse can boast this feature. No-noise roof rails and cabin design gives you a very comfortable driving experience. We have a long list of optional extras such as; Private Ambulance panels, Mercedes Roof Rails, Embossed/Etched side glass, All purpose pull out tray, Umbrella holders, Rear puddle lights, Name plates and

50 | FuneralTimes

signs, Bumper protection panels, Card compartment and Rear view camera. The interest in the Deacon was very strong as was the new Mercedes Hearse from Coleman Milne. This affords us with a strong portfolio of vehicles to meet the needs of today's Funeral Directors, both in Ireland and across Europe. Place your order for 2018 deliveries by calling Peadar on 085 101 8385 for details and finance packages.

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

Memorial Memoria aall Keepsakes es We also have a large supply of urns, casks es. and keepsakes.

Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Rd, Cavan, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 4362200 / mob: 086 2458489 email: info@LakelandsCrematorium.ie www.LakelandsCrematorium.ie

BIE News Ireland Division Well another year has nearly passed, but what a busy and productive one it has been. We held our second educational weekend which was a huge success and is gaining more interest year on year. A big thank you and congratulations goes to all who attended and in particular those who gave up so much of their time to put in such a great effort in organising the event. Also we would like to congratulate our new members who collected their certificates throughout the year. Our AGM and first quarterly meeting of 2018 will be held in Aidan Walsh and Son Funeral Home, Link Road, Tallow, Co. Waterford, on January 21st 2018 at 2pm. We look forward to seeing everybody there. I would like to personally wish each and every member and student a very safe and Happy Christmas and also a very successful new year. Cyril Gantley

52 | FuneralTimes

List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2017/2018 National President: Amanda Woodward Imm. Past President: Gwen Schofield 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 Master Fellow: Anthony Williams-Price Tel : 01443 830 328 Student Liaison Officer: Lizzy Bollington-Kinch Anubis House, 21c Station Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 0HL, Tel: 01564 778 991

IRISH DIVISION Chairman Mr.Cyril Gantley MBIE 336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile:00353 857671582 cyril.gantley@mortuary-science.ie Vice Chairman Mr.Shane Casey MBIE Gortnabinna, Ballingeary, Macroom, Co.Cork. Mobile: 00353 860744117 info@caseyfunerals.ie Secretary Susan Moran MBIE Maydown House, Aughraboura, Athy, Co.Kildare. Mobile: 00353 860619500 moransfuneralservices@gmail.com National Council Rep Mr.John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co.Cork Mobile: 00353 876390087 jmhawe@eircom.net 2nd National Council Rep and Educational Rep Pamela Murphy MBIE 14 Parknasillogue Court, Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow Mobile:00353 857415421

NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION Chairman Laurence O'Neill 98 Stewartstown Road Belfast BT11 9JP Tele: 028 90 620099 Email: oneill8210@hotmail.com Treasurer Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Andrew@mcmullanfuneral.com 1st National Council Representative Ellison Sloan MBIE Telephone: 02838 336175 poots@fsni.info 2nd National Council Representative Laurence O'Neill 98 Stewartstown Road Belfast BT11 9JP Tele: 028 90 620099 Email: oneill8210@hotmail.com 1st National Educational Committee Representative Pat Harley MBIE 67 Creggan Road, Londonderry BT48 9DA Mobile: 077128 99137

Phschoolofembalming@hotmail.com

Treasurer Mrs Anna O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co.Cork Tel:02960142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com

FuneralTimes | 53

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Join the association thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading the way. Representing and promoting the interests of 850 independent funeral directors. SAIF is at the forefront of tackling the big industry issues that matter to you. As the united voice of independent funeral directors we have led the way in setting the highest standards of professionalism and conduct within the industry. By joining SAIF you too can demonstrate that you uphold this same commitment. For over 25 years SAIF has been promoting and protecting the interests and values of independent funeral directors. Supporting our members is at the heart of everything we do, listening, responding and engaging to secure your independent future.

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

SAIF NEWS ... SAIF NEWS ...

Education day SAIF Education Day was held on Wednesday 1st November at The Leicester Tigers Conference Hall, and we had a bumper presence with over 100 attendees which included some 20 exhibitors

he day commenced with Mark Porteous, SAIF’s Scottish President and Terry Tennens Chief Executive discussing the Regulation of Funeral Directors and how the change in Scottish Legislation for the funeral profession could impact on the rest of the country. Unfortunately due to technical issues, Cheryl Paris and Natalie McKail were unable to be present. Kevin Sinclair from GT Embalming provided an insight into the challenges that faced the funeral director in relation to the latest embalming techniques. This was followed by Gavin Faber from Irwin Mitchell, who provided information to support the funeral director when there is a conflict with families and the legal standing of who has rights to contract. After an exquisite lunch the delegates were able to view the exhibition, taking an interest in the products and services that were on display. The afternoon saw Cyber Fraud covered by Brian Hart from SAIFInsure, who provided an insight into the importance of insurance covering Cyber Fraud and how SAIFInsure can support the funeral director with their class-leading insurance cover. Unfortunately Fatima Uzzaman from the DWP had to cancel due to serious health issues, we were therefore very lucky and honoured to have Dr Sharon McDonnell, Founder of Suicide Bereavement UK to step in at the last minute. Sharon tackled this tough subject with sensitivity, evidence, and ground breaking implementation training. The University of Manchester in collaboration with the Support after

Leicester Tigers Club, the venue for this years Education Day Suicide Partnerships (SASP) are conducting a national study of suicide bereavement. Please visit SAIF’s website for more information and to participate. This was followed by Terry Tennens and Alison Wilson from Golden Charter, discussing the changes to Data Protection – GDPR which is due to come into force from May 2018, and what funeral directors need to do to become compliant. Golden Charter will be providing a toolkit from January 2018 for those who sell Golden Charter plans. From the end of November 2017, SAIF will be publishing a basic toolkit for it's members on the website. Robert Rowntree from Kenyon International Disaster Recovery provided an in-depth insight into the support that funeral directors provide when there are mass incidents across the world. The final part of the day heard Chris Parker, Governor & Chair for the College, give a welcome update on the progress of the IFD College with their working partnership FuneralTimes | 57

with the BIFD to offer courses for those who are new to the profession up to graduate level. Both the IFD College and BIFD will retain their autonomous identity, but we will work collaboratively to offer a full suite of education and training for the funeral profession. Chris Parker also announced the students who had successfully passed their courses and to those who were Members of the IFD College and proudly received their certificates that were presented by Paul Bowley National President.

From everyone at SAIF we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Y ear!

w: http://edellemcmahon.com T: +44 (0) 791 998 4176 E: edellemcmahonmusic@gmail.com

58 | FuneralTimes

Scratch cards only please! A

Dublin family caused a stirr with an unusual but touchingly personal request by asking for scratch cards instead of flowers. When Julia Cranny, from Ballyroan Road, Rathfarnham, passed away at a nursing home in Navan, her family rallied around. They had the novel idea of asking for scratch cards and donations instead of flowers. “She loved the lottery tickets on birthdays or Sundays and that is what she wanted,” Julia’s daughter Helen told the Meath Chronicle. The family stated that any donations or winnings from scratch cards would go to charity.

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School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification (BIE) at your own pace • The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists Sch School hooll of Embalming’ offers students and reg registered giste ered d so embalmers the highest standards off teaching and practice in a supportive ortiv ve environment, with full use of ourr training facility. • We offer both Distance Learning g and attended courses leading to o membership of the British Institute of Embalmers For further information and to discuss how this course might work for you please contact us:

Glyn Tallon - 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: 086 826 8876 / Fax: 046 903 6001 Web: www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com Email: info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com FuneralTimes | 59

TEL: 00353 (0) 41 6853603 / TEL: 0044 (0) 870 241 0652

OPERATING 6 DAYS MON – SAT STOCKING A RANGE OF; • COFFINS AND CASKETS • OUTSIZE COFFINS AND CASKETS • CHILDRENS COFFINS • NON COFFIN PRODUCTS Tel: 00353 (0) 41 6853603 / 0044 (0) 870 2410652 Email: info@finlaygrp.com / Website: www.finlaygrp.com

OVER O VE THE HE F FESTIVE ES VE S SEASON OUR HOURS ARE; Friday 22nd - Open Saturday 23rd - Open We at Finlay would like to wish you Sunday 24th - Holiday and yours a very Happy Christmas Monday 25th - Holiday Tuesday 26th - Holiday and a Prosperous New Year. Wednesday 27th - Holiday Thursday 28th - Open Thank you for your support throughout Friday 29th – Open 2017 and we look forward to working Saturday 30th – Open Sunday 31st – Holiday with you in 2018 Monday 1st – Holiday Tuesday 2nd – Open

MEET THE TEAM Mark McEneaney Mark is married to Lauren and they have a daughter called Amelia. He plays football with his local GAA team the Sean McDermotts and he also enjoys throwing and watching darts. Mark joined the Finlay team 11 years ago initially working on the production line before becoming part of the Logistics team in 2015 and the Sales team in 2017. Brendan McAleavey Brendan joined the Finlay team in 2015. He brings 30 years of experience of working in a production environment and is qualified in Production Management and workplace Health and Safety. In early 2017 he became the Operations Manager for FINLAY. Brendan enjoys in his spare time swimming, going to the gym and playing golf. FuneralTimes | 61

How times are changing “We never get a call for that type of funeral down our part of the country” was a familiar cry from many of the rural undertakers at the first Funeral Times Trade Show in 2013. There was a suspicion, and a fear of what I was about with, as one undertaker called ‘foreign funerals’! But how perceptions have changed in the last four years. At this year’s show, there was much more of an acceptance from funeral directors that the type of funeral that is now being asked for does not necessarily involve a formal church service. I found that those who visited my stand were very clued in to what I was about, and could see that the option of a Civil Funeral was indeed one that they could offer to any family who were unsure how to Padraic Cawley at the Funeral Times Trade give their loved one a final farewell without the Show 2017 constraints of a structured church service. Padraics Civilcan Advert Marchto 2016_Layout 24/03/2016 11:31 1 youPage see what I mean. As a Civil Funeral Anyone choose become a 1Celebrant, Celebrant, I am very aware that I am because it’s broadly an unregulated industry, representing you the funeral director when but not everyone can ‘be’ a Celebrant if

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

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padraic@padraiccawley.ie www.padraiccawley.ie

Setting the national standard

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62 | FuneralTimes

you entrust a family into my care. This trust and working relationship is built up through a mutual understanding of each other’s professional standards, training, and development, where we each do our utmost to exceed a family’s expectations. When I walk into a family home, personal and sensitive information is shared with me, so you should have peace of mind of my professionalism and accountability

frameworks. So thank you to all of you throughout the country whom I have had the pleasure to work with over the last year. Our industry is changing all the time, nothing stays the same, as new products, services and technologies are being launched in order to streamline our business’, and in turn, satisfy the needs of our families. Yes indeed exciting times lie ahead for us all.

Wishing you all peace and harmony at the years end, and good health and happiness for 2018 Padraic Cawley.

New delivery from Fearghas Quinn R. Gibney of Gibneys Oldcastle Funeralwith Directors, collects hisInsignia new hearse from Fearghas Nicky, Robert and BenofShaw, Mullingar their new Buick from Fearghas Quinn Quinn Hearse and Limousines. Hearse & Limousines FuneralTimes | 63

FINGERPRINTS AND FUNERAL TALES By Mattie Lennon Having digested a scrumptious meal in the Citywest Hotel at the Funeral Times Trade Show on the 3rd October I was seated between Jim Cranwell, Manager of Shannon Crematorium and a well-spoken Englishman who introduced himself as David Gosling. Having attempted to sell my idea for a mobile crematorium to Mr Cranwell, Mr Gosling produced a small pocket scanner and asked to take my fingerprints. And as I was always as honest as hard times would allow I haven’t ever had my prints taken. Since David didn’t look like he was in the law and order business I assumed he was referring to some sort of cerebral scan to ascertain the “fingerprints across the brain” as referenced by the late Jimi Hendrix. But no. David Gosling is The Fingerprint Man and his company is Legacy Expressions. He went on to provide me with a thumbnail autobiography. Having completed his A-Levels he spent 10 years as an independent estate agent. His family’s business is the show caves of Castleton Derbyshire, The Speedwell Cavern and Devil’s Arse, along with shops selling the famous Blue John semiprecious stone - the only place in the whole world where the stone is found is in their village. His mother being a jeweller of 30 years comes in quite handy with the new venture, but is completely unrelated to how David started his current business, which is, among other things, producing a collection of unique items including cufflinks, pendants etc, which can feature your loved ones fingerprint and short personal message (where applicable)? “Two minds met in a hot tub In Jamaica”, he told me. That was where he met Steve Tamblyn who told him of his 9 years at this trade in Canada, sitting on the board of their national body 64 | FuneralTimes

Funeral Service Association of Canada, and having grown a very successful business with his wife Cheryl. David liked the sound of what he did and researched the idea further whilst finishing off his holiday in the Caribbean. “When I got home, I proceeded to talk with Steve more in depth about the facts and figures, and after around 4 months of chatting, took my father with me to go and see him. After a few I’s were dotted and T’s crossed, we set about starting in the UK, myself having bought the rights to the UK and European markets, with Steve retaining the North and South American markets. “ In just 6 months now he has amassed over 9,000 fingerprints, servicing around 220 funeral homes in England, Scotland and Wales, but obviously that’s changing now given how well the product was received at the exhibition in Citywest. He told me, “ I hope to get this into all the independent directors in Ireland for their families to enjoy. The product is very personal to the family, being the fingerprint of their loved one etched into jewellery, picture frames, ornaments and more.” The full collection can be seen at legacyexpressions.co.uk The funeral directors that David works with purchase a small scanner from him which pairs via Bluetooth to an App on their mobile device. The fingerprints are then sent digitally to David, and are then stored, ready for families to order any keepsakes they might like. The beauty is that prints are stored indefinitely, meaning products can be ordered at a time to suit the family, and can also be replaced, or further items purchased in later years should they be required. The whole process takes just a few seconds and is far easier than methods of old where ink and putty were used. It’s this time saving method that is the major

reason why so many funeral directors are doing business with him. I’m sure families have always wanted this type of keepsakes, but it’s not been possible to offer in such volume in the past without the state of the art technology which is available today. Some directors are now offering this service via their own florist shops etc for use in the ‘living’ market too, including wedding pieces, and also kids’ fingerprints being taken for giftware for parents and grandparents. Legacy Expressions are not completely confined to the death market,

but at the same time, that’s their core business as things stand. Most people don’t have fingerprints of their ancestors, although Chinese records show that clay seals bearing friction ridge impressions were used during the Qin and Han dynasties more than two thousand years ago. However fingerprinting, as we know it, has only been in use for less than two centuries. So, even if one of my ancestors was a highway man early in the nineteenth century, there are hardly any prints of him available.

Since I saw you last I have read two fabulous books. Both offering healthy and fresh approaches to death and dying. “Death is a whisper in the Anglo-Saxon world. But on a remote island, off the coast of County Mayo, death has a louder voice.” That is from MY FATHERS WAKE, How the Irish Teach Us to Live, Love and Die. The author is Kevin Toolis who is also a filmmaker, has won a BAFTA, and was nominated for an Emmy. He asks such questions as, “Isn’t it strange that we don’t ever want to work out what being mortal means?” And in a lighter moment he points out that given present western life expectancies, most of us, statistically at least, will die at a certain (approximate) age. The man whose family have lived and died on that “remote island” for the last 200 years, invites us to do the sums and write down our date of death. Interesting but I haven’t done it! Caitlin Doughty was born and raised in Hawaii, gained a degree in Medieval History from the University of Chicago, and now lives in Los Angeles, where she owns an alternative funeral home, Undertaking LA. In FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, she sets out in search of cultures which are unburdened by fears of death. With curiosity and morbid humour, Caitlin introduces the reader to inspiring death-care innovators and powerful death practices almost entirely unknown in the West. Both books are published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson and are a mustread for all. One or both will make a wonderful Christmas present. FuneralTimes | 65

66 | FuneralTimes

Jennifer Muldowney reports on the NFDA T

he NFDA took place in beautiful Boston this year. It was a busy convention for me with a lot of media interest in learning about Ireland. The reason behind the sudden interest was more than likely due to the fact that I presented a workshop at the convention titled “Ireland is green and growing” covering the various components that makeup a typical Irish funeral, some old Irish myths and stories, and some new Irish technology news. Considering my workshop took place at 8am the morning AFTER Halloween night, I was pretty impressed with the attendance. Videos of short interviews with a rural Irish funeral director, a Dublin city one, and a fascinating Irish funeral ‘goer’ all featured and together we helped each other to add a touch of Irishness to funeral planning in America. The Irish groundbreaking technology innovation of ecoLation was discussed and a great deal of questions asked with huge interest from Americans and the Asian markets. My workshop aside the convention itself was different this year. It may have been the convention center itself – it seemed bigger, bolder and roomier than usual. The floor was littered with memorial jewellery - everyone and their mother was offering a variety of memorials jewellery and much looked the same sadly. I met with the guys from Memorial Reef who create artificial reefs with the cremated remains of a loved one in areas most affected by the global climate crisis. The remains are placed inside a compact urn which is placed inside a special reef ball and secured. This ball is then anchored into the ocean and secured to the ocean floor where ocean life can begin to form. They have locations in Bermuda, Cancun, Baja, Golet, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands. I met Colonel Saunders of KFC fame at the AIM Holographics booth (it was fancy 68 | FuneralTimes

dress day at the show!) where he spoke to me about his 3D hologram video technology. You'll have to check out my blog to see the video I took of this one where you can judge for yourself. Other booths that caught my attention were the Icons in Ash booth where a mosaic is made out of the ashes of the deceased. Approx 6 teaspoons of ashes are used to create the artworks. Another ‘dirty’ booth had an Irish theme – Handfuls of Home brought Ireland to the NFDA quite literally with attendees able to feel and massage the green green grasses of home! They sell pots of Irish soil to the funeral industry. A great idea for the funeral director working with Irish communities. Lastly, I came across a very impressive booth called Life Celebrations that was a mini mock up of a funeral home. It was warm and inviting with gorgeous images adorning the walls via projectors. There were beautiful corners of personalised memorabilia honoring the deceased. I was very impressed although I then heard the join up fee of 18,500 dollars! That was before you bought a projector or a personalised bookmark! In summary, once again the Irish did well and made themselves known, and memorialising or personalising seems to be key in the industry for 2018.

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www.celtic-ashes.com FuneralTimes | 69

Private Ambulance for D Moodie & Co

ndependent, family run funeral directors D Moodie & Co have collected their first Coleman Milne vehicle; A Private Ambulance. The Mercedes Vito has been fitted with an electric Sure Lift system which has the capacity to carry up to 4 stretchers or coffins. The high-spec interior boasts a gloss veneer deck and panelling as well as privacy glass, Sat Nav and parking sensors. Roof rails and electric mirrors are the finishing touches which make this Private Ambulance the top choice. D Moodie & Co have a history of service going back over 100 years, they began in the Barrhead area and branched out to include Paisley and Neilston, providing a varied and caring service to members of the community in their time of need. The proudly independent company is now headed by Robert Paton and his father Ronald, who have a lifetime of experience in the industry. Upon collecting their newest

Ronald Paton, Tony Kerr, Robert Paton

fleet addition, the father and son team enjoyed a tour of the Coleman Milne factory and saw the complete process we go through when crafting our ceremonial vehicles. We would like to thank D Moodie & Co for choosing Coleman Milne.

Classic pair for Shane Mousley & Son

hane Mousley & Son Funeral Directors are one of the newest and most highly regarded funeral directors in the Melton Mowbray area. Established in 2012, they won their first award just three years later for customer care. The family-run, independent funeral directors have recently taken their second delivery from Coleman Milne, this time a pair of silver MK 10’s. These classic cars offer comfort and sophistication which is essential for the funeral directors who pride themselves on providing a truly personalised and caring service to their clients. Shane said; “We’re very happy with these vehicles, we have a good relationship with the sales and service team at Coleman Milne.” Their main premises in Melton Mowbray is well known locally as being a comforting environment. Here, Shane and his daughter Poppy, along with their employee Matthew, 70 | FuneralTimes

Shane Pictured with Daughter Poppy and Employee Matthew provide personalised care and attention for grieving families and we hope their clients will be just as happy with their stylish silver fleet.

Loyalty that lasts J

ohn Corner Funeral Service of Whitby, North Yorkshire has once again trusted Coleman Milne for their ceremonial vehicles. For the past 42 years, John Corner Funeral Service has been providing support and care in the North East coastal town, and for all those years Coleman Milne have been supplying their fleet. They opened with a Ford hearse and have just taken their latest delivery of a MK 11 Cardinal Classic Hearse. The compassionate company was started by John Corner in 1975 and is now run by his daughter and son-in Law; Wendy and Kevin Robinson, who maintain the company’s reputation for “Genuine Professionalism”* and outstanding care for their clients. Wendy said “When you find a company you can trust, you stick with them. Coleman Milne have always delivered on high quality cars that we can rely on.” We would like to take this opportunity

Mrs. Wendy Robinson & Mr. Kevin Robinson & their Mk 11 Cardinal Classic to thank John Corner Funeral Service for their continued loyalty and we hope to be providing their vehicles for another 42 years. *Comment taken from Jane Jobling on the John Corner Facebook Page

e Availablle e th in o r rs l urs colo

www.creativebinder.com FuneralTimes | 71

Dr Bill Webster Have a meaningful Christmas I

realize that for many of you, this past year has brought an unexpected twist in your life journey. I am always very conscious that when someone you care about dies, your whole world changes. Your world looks and feels different, as may Christmas. For everyone else, it is the season to be jolly; it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But you may not feel the same about things this Christmas. Today, I have three offerings for you… gifts for a grieving Christmas. The first is given for YOU, the second has to do with your loved one, and the third concerns your family and friends. My first gift is for YOU. Maybe you are facing this Christmas season with dread. Here are a few suggestions: • Recognize that this Christmas is different. • Plan ahead. Decide what YOU want to do. Act rather than react. • Avoid “should’s and “oughts”. • Re-examine your priorities. • Make the changes you think are best. • Take responsibility for your own happiness. • Look after yourself. Don’t abandon healthy habits. • Be compassionate with yourself if things are not perfect this year. The next gift focuses on your loved one. They may be gone, but I am sure they will be very much on your mind. • Acknowledge your loved one’s presence. • Create a Special Tribute to your loved one. (Involve children in this one if you can.) • Stay in touch with your feelings. • Be honest about your feelings. • Don’t be afraid to relive your memories. • Let the light of the years you spent

72 | FuneralTimes

together shine on the event rather than letting the death cast its shadow on the years. My final gift has to do with others around you like family and friends. Remember, they may be grieving too. • Balance solitude and sociability. • Ask for and accept help. • Set differences aside. • Learn to say “no”. • Take a break from things. • Try to find something positive in your Life. How can you turn your situation into something positive and meaningful? • Take care of children. • Try to make others happy. • Remember, there will be OTHER Christmas’s. Finally we need to face the future with hope. There’s a little verse in the Christmas story of the Wise Men that often goes unnoticed. After finding the baby in Bethlehem, they returned home “by a different route”. They had to find a different road forward than the way they had come. When you have experienced bereavement, you suddenly find that life has taken on a whole new direction. And we find ourselves and our lives having to go on in a whole new direction. Sometimes in life we have to find new ways to get to where we need to be. Perhaps you face this Christmas with some apprehension, and, this year, you feel like the light has gone out of your life. Nothing seems quite right, and you wonder if you have the strength to go on. But my friends, no matter how dark your situation, remember one thing. There is not enough darkness in the whole universe to hide the

light of even one candle. Even when there is a flicker of hope, that spark overcomes the darkness. It may not banish it completely, but it is never all dark as long as there remains one glimmer of hope. So come on, and light a candle. Light a candle in memory of your loved one, but also light a candle for yourself… to indicate that you believe there is hope for you to find your way through the darkness, even though life has taken an unwelcome turn and you are heading home in a different direction than the one you expected or even wanted. So, this Christmas season, hold on to what is important. • Celebrate the person’s life as well as acknowledging their death. • Don’t allow looking back at the past to spoil what you have in the present. • Enjoy what you HAVE as well as grieving what you’ve LOST. • Believe that there are reasons to go on, even though you may not see what they are right now. • Believe in people, and in life, in love and

laughter, and in hope! • Believe in God, however you understand Him, and have faith in the values and convictions by which you live. • Believe in yourself, that your determination will help get you through. • Believe that no matter how difficult your circumstances that life is important and can still be meaningful. • Believe in a brighter tomorrow, and in possibilities beyond even your bravest dreams. You will be surprised how that flickering flame of hope will continue to burn. You will make it through, even though it may not be easy. Your supply of strength and patience may be low, but hang in, because no matter what has shattered your hopes or your dreams or even broken your heart, you are not beyond repair. You will find this article and other meaningful resources on Coping with Christmas on Dr Bill’s website at: www. griefjourney.com

FuneralTimes | 73

Dominick Healy & Sons Ltd and Healy Brothers Funeral Directors choose Wilcox Jaguars

Tom Healy receiving the keys to their new Jaguar XJ Hearse and limousine

ean and Tom Healy from Dominick Healy & Sons Ltd and Healy Brothers Funeral Directors have returned to Wilcox Eagle Specialists to begin changing their fleet. In 1997 their late father Mr Tom Healy (Snr) was left with the decision on which vehicles to change to, with the discontinuing of the Daimler DS420. His decision was to change his fleet to Mercedes, but as the years have gone by and after losing their father in 2012, Sean and Tom have made the decision to change their fleet once again. With careful consideration they have opted for the new Jaguar XJ models from Wilcox

74 | FuneralTimes

Eagle Specialists. Sean and Tom both said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we both saw the Jaguar XJ we were impressed with the style, elegance and presence of the vehiclesâ&#x20AC;?. The choice is also in keeping with their late father's views of having the best funeral fleet within the funeral industry and the brothers are looking forward to receiving great comments from the families they look after. Sean and Tom would like to thank Wilcox Eagle Specialists, and especially Louis Wilcox, for his attention and guidance on choosing the New XJ Jaguar.

Ashes scattered in space! A

lex Lee of alphr.com recently revealed the details of a UK-based funerary innovation that is truly out of this world. Founded by two University of Sheffield graduates, Ascension flights affords you the chance to scatter your loved ones’ ashes throughout the galaxy. The decision of what to do with the remains of those we loved the most is often difficult. At a time of grief and sorrow, taking joy from a celebration of life can be difficult, as can forming a service to genuinely reflect the brightness your loved one brought to the lives of those around them. Why not let them spread this brightness throughout the infinity of space? Ascension Flights, run by a collaboration of funeral directors along with leading high altitude imaging specialists, propel ashes into space, past

the Armstrong Point, using the Ascension 1 Aircraft. Cremated remains are placed in a canister and lifted 22 miles into the stratosphere via helium gas and high altitude balloons. This takes two and a half hours altogether and, as the ashes scatter, the residual moisture in the canister creates an extravagant plume of glitter which falls, precipitates and transforms into snowflakes or raindrops – the ultimate way to leave your mark on the world. The company are able to then precisely track and recover both canister and parachute via advanced GPS. From this they may return a ceremonial portion of the ashes remaining from the journey. The service starts from as little as £795 with various optional extras such as having the process filmed via HD camera.

WHOLESALE MONUMENTAL SUPPLIERS • Covers 32 Counties

• Nationwide delivery

Brochure Available On Request!

Now Stocking BLUE PEARL Jet Stone Limited, Blandsfort, Ballyroan, Co Laois

Telephone: 057 8730590 Fax: 057 8730520 Email: admin@jetstone.ie Web: www.jetstone.ie FuneralTimes | 75

Matthew L Jones takes new delivery

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atthew L Jones has run his business in Carmarthen South Wales since 2009, increasing the quality and quantity of his fleet every year. Mathew has just received a brand new V70 Hearse and S80 Limousine to complement his existing fleet of Volvos and Vauxhalls. Matthew has received the very last of the current V70 and S80 Volvo Hearse and Limousines. As we are now building on the new model V90 and S90 Volvo hearse and Limousines the first ones of these will be delivered towards the end of the year. Wilcox Limousines would like to thank Matthew for his continued business and wish him success with his new vehicles.

Matthew L Jones receiving his new fleet of Volvos from Malcolm Brooks Southern Area Sales Manager Wilcox Limousines

W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd receive new Volvos

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Simon Rossiter receiving their new fleet of Volvos from Malcolm Brooks of Wilcox Limousines

ossiterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are a family firm established over 60 years ago, W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd have built a caring and professional business serving the community right across Pembrokeshire as funeral directors and monumental masons. Simon felt they needed to upgrade their vehicles and the Volvo ticked all the boxes with families needing more space and comfort. The Volvo limousine is one of the most spacious on the market, aligned with the reputation for style and reliability. Simon also felt the Traditional Volvo Hearse had a very large deck, allowing for extra space for coffins, caskets and flower tributes. Malcolm and team at Wilcox Limousines would like to thank the Rossiter family for their business and wish them well with their new fleet of cars.

76 | FuneralTimes

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Wilcox preâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;owned vehicles for James Hardie Funeral Directors

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(L-R) Hugh Munro and Jim Hardie standing alongside their pre-owned Ford hearse and limousine supplied by Wilcox Limousines Ltd.

ames Hardie Funeral Directors is located in Glasgow. It has three branches with the main office located in Shettleston Road. Professional funeral directors they are members of NAFD and SAIF. Wilcox limousines Ltd would like to thank Jim and Hugh for their business and wish them every success with their new fleet.

Top selling Wilcox Hearsette for JG Fielder & Son Funeral Directors

G Fielder & Son has been in business for over 120 years. It is now in its 5th generation. The main office is located in York with branches also in Market Weighton, Pocklington and Tadcaster. A professional family business, they are members of NAFD, NFFD and SAIF. The vehicles supplied to Vic are based on the Ford Tourneo Grand Connect. He chose a high specification which included automatic gearbox, satellite navigation, reverse camera, alloy wheels and heated front seats. Wilcox fitted folding and removable deck systems that are wide enough to carry two deceased. They also include stretcher restraint systems. Finally, the deck is mounted on a raised platform so that it is possible to fit folding stretchers underneath it.

Proprietor Vic Fielder and his son Chris standing alongside their new removal vehicles Wilcox Limousines Ltd would like to thank Vic for his continued business and wish him every success with his new vehicles. FuneralTimes | 77

U R H T E V I DR funerals In a ground breaking move, a Japanese funeral parlour is set to offer friends and relatives the chance to pay their final respects without leaving the comfort of their cars. With a rapidly ageing population, the death trade is booming in Japan. Drive-through funerals are the latest in a series of Japanese innovations attempting to win a slice of the competitive 1.76-trillion-yen ($16-billion) funeral business. The firm claims that the “drive-thru” service is a first in the country. Elderly mourners are able to register their names on a touchscreen tablet device and participate in a traditional offering of incense simply by rolling down their car window. The entire process can be relayed on screens within the venue for the grieving funeral host to view. The initiative is effective in both

expediating funeral services and enabling infirm relatives to participate, even in some small way, said the firm’s president Masao Ogiwara. “Older people may hesitate to attend a funeral because they have to ask for help to get out of the car,” Ogiwara told AFP. “But we want as many people as possible to be able to come to say farewell to their friends or neighbours,” he said. It can take upwards of 15 minutes for someone in a wheelchair to offer incense at the altar during a traditional Japanese funeral ceremony. This can be reduced to just a few minutes by the service, which the Kankon Sosai Aichi Group in the central Nagano prefecture expects to offer from December. With a high average life expectancy, Japan is bordering on becoming the first “ultraaged” country in the world, with 28 percent of people aged 65 or above. Recent government reports show that 27.3 percent of the population of 127 million – are aged 65 or older and the figure is expected to jump to 37.7 percent in 2050.

DEAD RINGERS

The 1500s saw the old, small country of England running out of places to bury people. This led them to dig up coffins and move the previously interred bones to a bone-house, before reusing the grave. Upon reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside! Quickly it was realized they had been burying people alive. In a clever move it was decided to tie a string on the wrist of the corpse in future, leading it through the coffin and up through the ground before being tied to a bell. Someone would then be tasked with sitting watch in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift), listening for the bell; thus, someone could be ‘saved by the bell’ or was considered a ‘dead ringer’. 78 | FuneralTimes

Living through music A

gentleman sits in peace, listening to a collection of old conversations recorded with his late mother, mostly small talk about family and so on. Although these treasured memories appear to simply be stored on a vinyl record, there is in fact more than meets the eye. The ashes of his late mother are actually dispersed within the vinyl itself, with a beautiful photograph and some details of her life printed upon the affixed labels. 46 year old Jason Leach, the founder of And Vinyly feels that his company’s product “makes the perfect family record, which can be passed down the generations”. The firm is finding it's niche in a rapidly accelerating sector; the end-of-life industry. Ashes need no longer necessarily be stored in a standard urn, or scattered to the wind. With the innovation surrounding us today we can wear, drink from, listen to or blast in to the stratosphere the remains of those we hold dearest. Based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Jason began pondering the possibilities of pressing ashes into records almost a decade ago. As he tells it, there was no exact business plan, it all simply came from reflecting on mortality, issues which were brought into sharper focus when his mother began work at a funeral directors. “I was amazed by how little I or any of my friends had even considered or even accepted our own mortality, and how sheltered many of us are from death and conversations around it,” Mr Leach says. “It was not intended to be a business. It was the result of having a bit of fun with what at the time felt like a shocking and disconcerting inevitability.” The process at its most basic is in fact the same as making a standard vinyl disc, with ashes (be they human or pet) simply added at a specific stage in production. There exists a subtle balance to be reached in adding just enough ashes so as to be seen, but not so much as to affect the smooth playing.

Madge Hobson’s record contains around a teaspoonful of her ashes

Doubtless there will inevitably exist some extra pops and crackles resulting from the inclusion of ashes - but it does nothing to detract from the uniqueness and intimate feel of the product. Prices vary as every request is different, with a basic package costing around £900, rising to about £3,000. Options include 7-inch or 12-inch discs, specially-composed music, a portrait painted on the record using the ashes, and clear or coloured vinyl.

FuneralTimes | 79

Coroners Service for Northern Ireland T

he Coroners Service for Northern Ireland continually strives to make improvements to our business and to communications with both the bereaved and professionals. Efforts are being made to improve how we work with you and other stakeholders to ensure we achieve the highest standard of service. We have established a Court User Forum which is chaired by a Coroner and meets bi-annually to ensure all stakeholders are kept up to date with service developments and consulted with on service changes. Contact us: Since December 2015, the Service has been located in: Laganside House, 23 – 27 Oxford Street, Belfast BT1 3LA Tel: 0300 200 7811 Mrs Justice Keegan, a High Court Judge, is the Presiding Coroner. She is supported by three full-time Coroners, Ms Anderson, Mr McCrisken and Mr McGurgan. Mrs Mandy McKay is the Business Manager for the Service and Mrs Denise Nash is the Office Manager. We realise there are occasions when you, as funeral directors, are asked by the bereaved to provide a time for release of the deceased from the mortuary or a date for the funeral. Your work relies heavily on the speed of the Coroner’s decision; we need to use our time effectively. By working together we can make the process faster, but we need your help in agreeing to contact us only when absolutely necessary and preferably by email. Our email adress is: deathreportingteam@ courtsni.gov.uk. The publication ‘Working with the Coroner in Northern Ireland’ has recently been reviewed and is available on www.courtsni. gov.uk website. This provides information

80 | FuneralTimes

on how the service operates and should assist in answering queries. Since 1st May 2017, there has been an increase in the fee that can be claimed for return of the body from the mortuary for a Coroner’s case. The new fee is £66, mileage allowance remains the same. All invoices should be submitted by email within two months of the deceased’s passing to the above email address. Late invoices may not be paid. The Coroner’s Office is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm; weekends and bank holidays, the office is open between 9.30am am and 12.30pm. The normal arrangement applies where undertakers should refrain from contacting the office until 10.30am to allow the staff to follow up on overnight death reports. The mailbox is monitored regularly and all emails are answered. The system of emailing burial and cremation orders appears to be working well. If you have any suggestions for improvement or wish to draw any matters to Senior Management’s attention, please send an email to the above address. We also welcome any feedback from you.

Coleman Milne set to deliver after Funeral Times Trade Show

ollowing on from a brilliant exhibition at the Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland, Coleman Milne is happy to announce that we can deliver your new model Mercedes E213 Hearse and Limousine in the first quarter of 2018. If you’re looking to update your fleet in the new year, get in touch now to secure your delivery date. During the FT Show we exhibited alongside Byrne, our Irish distributors, and displayed our new Mercedes range and we were delighted by the reception they received. Sales Manager Graham Clow said, “We love coming to shows, it’s a real

opportunity to get feed-back and engage with customers. It’s great to have such a positive response to the vehicles too.” This sleek and sophisticated new model was launched at NFE earlier in the year and has proven to be very popular. With a full leather interior as standard and a range of options available to meet your budget and demands, now is the time to call. Contact your sales rep now for more information. Tony Kerr T: 07860 586850 Graham Clow T: 07860 380450 Stacey Moore T: 07393 014281 Peter Potter T: 07702 069899 FuneralTimes | 81

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

For Sale 2005 MERCEDES HEARSE • Coleman Milne built • E270 • CDI Auto • August 2005 • Approx. 10,000 miles • Full service history with Mercedes Belfast 2004 MERCEDES LIMOUSINE • Coleman Milne built • E270CDi • Auto • December 2004 • Approx. 10,000 miles • Full service history with Mercedes Belfast 2007 MERCEDES HEARSE • Coleman Milne Built • E220CDI • October 2007 • Full Service History • Approx Mileage 35,000 2005 MERCEDES LIMOUSINE • Coleman Milne Built • E270CDI Auto • August 2005 • Full Service History. • Approx Mileage 12,000 ALL VEHICLES PRICE ON APPLICATION

Dominick Healy & Sons Ltd and Healy Bros, Belfast CONTACT TOM OR SEAN Dominick Healy T: 028 9032 6848 Healy Bros T: 028 9030 9333 or Mob :07920 187200 82 | FuneralTimes

FuneralTimes | 1

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

FOR SALE • Coffin Trolley with cover €800 • Grave Canopy (almost new) €1100 • Morning Irelands Print a Plate system, Laser Printer LBP60300 and 8 (6”x8”) coffin plates, gold €200 • EPSON Perfection 1250 Scanner €20 • Books of Condolence and covers (9) at €5 each • Large Cross, (height 4’4”x3’2”) €150 • 8 Steel framed, red cushioned chairs €70 each • Body Bag, adult size (221cm x107cm) mat and straps in case €100

Please contact Tom Kelleher

T: 087 914 2156

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

Mobile: 07815 866652 Tel: 01267 236787 (24hrs) email: info@mljfs.co.uk www.matthewljonesfuneralservices.co.uk

FOR SALE 2004 (Dec) HEARSE E270 Cdi

2005 LIMOUSINE E240

• 2005 Model • Automatic • Coleman Milne built • 29,000 miles • 2 Owners from new • Excellent condition

• Automatic • Coleman Milne built • 35,000 miles • 2 owners from new • Excellent condition

Logans Funeral Services Ahoghill, Co. Antrim

T: 02825871443 / 07711874779 FuneralTimes | 83

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

PATRICK RYAN

FOR SALE 2002 MERCEDES

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

TEL: 020 8567 1664 FAX: 020 8566 4795

• Automatic petrol • Duffy built • Under deck side door • Excellent condition

6 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA Email: office@pryanfunerals.com Website: PATRICK-RYAN.CO.UK

PRICE €10,000 For more information please contact John on T:086 3447740

COVERING LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES

FOR SALE 2014 VAUXHALL INSIGNIA HEARSE

• Wilcox Built • Petrol • Top of the range • 17,000 miles • Mint condition • Available early 2018

2006 VAUXHALL VECTRA LIMO

• Wilcox Built • Diesel • PSV to May 2018 • Good Condition • Available now

For more information please contact F. Martin & Sons

Tel: 028 87761219 84 | FuneralTimes

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

Embalmer Required

Fintan Flood & Sons

The Fanagan Group have an opportunity for an experienced, qualified Embalmer based in Dublin. Candidates should be highly competent with proven skills and experience gained over a number of years. Please email CV and cover letter outlining experience and interest to Siobhan O’Shea, HR Manager at siobhan@fanagans.ie

• Hearse and Driver available 24/7 • Keen Rates • Repatriation Service • Covering all areas • Hygenic Treatment home visits Website: fintanfloodandsons.com Email: fintanfloodandsons@live.co.uk Contact Fintan: 07770 442113 or Peter: 07565 085659

Fanagans Funeral Directors Ltd, 54 Aungier Street, Dublin 2

FOR SALE 2012 MERCEDES E CLASS 280 HEARSE RAPPOLD

• Mint condition • Auto low line single deck • Side doors • 18,000 miles • Diesel • Automatic • 3.0 litre PRICE ON APPLICATION For more information please contact Aidan Walsh on T: 087 2847831 or 058 52788 FuneralTimes | 85

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

FOR SALE FORD MONDEO HEARSE

CUNNINGHAM MEMORIALS

Formerly of Ormeau Road, Belfast

• • • •

2 owners • 48,000 miles - 75,000km NCT 01/18 - Tax 04/18 Full Ford Service History Recently has a full service inc. brakes & 4 new tyres • It’s also got a full re spray (it’s had a few small marks) 3 years ago • New hearse forces sale

PRICE €15,950

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

For more information please contact John Moloney T: 086 8451160

Tel/Fax: 028 9070 4404

FOR SALE

MERCEDES E CLASS HEARSE

• Duffy built • 3 Door 131 • Excellent condition • 17k only

PRICE ON APPLICATION For more information please contact Aidan Walsh on T: 087 2847831 or 058 52788

86 | FuneralTimes

• 2000 • 240 Petrol • Automatic • 85,000 miles • Good condition, kept in shed PRICE €9,500 ONO For more information please contact T:086 8199643 or T:086 2444452

Wishing you the best of the Seasons Greetings +HDG 2IÂ¼FH

enquiries@wilcox.uk