Funeral times issue 2

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

FEARGHAS QUINN HEARSE & LIMOUSINES

2016 Vol.16 No 2

Specialist Vehicles Tel: 028/048 2582 2525 Fax: 028/048 2582 2299

www.fearghasquinn.com

H E N R Y PATO N + C o . L t d

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The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Plane crazy....................................................................... 4

Miss Ireland................................................................... 54

Contents

Glasnevin Trust grave selection service......................... 44

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

David goes plane crazy.................................................... 4 NAFD Conference comes to Ireland in May................... 7 Larger premises for growing business........................... 10 New Chief Executive at SAIF........................................ 13 IAFD News.................................................................... 16 If it ain’t broke - by Nora Murphy................................. 20 The etiquette of an Irish funeral..................................... 23 PEAI News..................................................................... 26 The emotional cost of being a civil celebrant................ 28 BIE News....................................................................... 30 SAIF News..................................................................... 37 Grave selection service at Glasnevin Trust.................... 44 Drowning and tissue gas by Jack Adams....................... 47 Mary Elizabeth Dillon puts on an express service......... 52 Pauline’s very own Miss Ireland.................................... 54 NAFD News................................................................... 55 The company of Aftercare Limited - Dr Bill Webster... 64 Kerry resolution deemed impractical............................. 69 Jennifer Muldowney profiles an American legend......... 75 Mattie Lennon on wheels and fire escapes.................... 78 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

Funeral Director/Embalmer goes plane crazy I

rish entrepreneur and funeral director David McGowan, of McGowan’s Funeral Directors, Ballina, DJ MacNeice and Foley McGowan, Sligo has caused a media stir with his recent acquisition of a decommissioned Russian airliner. The vast Boeing 767, purchased from Shannon Airport, will be renovated into a tourist attraction and become the centerpiece of David’s latest project, ‘Quirky Nights Glamping Village’, situated in the garden of his County Sligo home.

The airplane is just one of David’s ideas, with plans in place to turn various former modes of transport into customized accommodation, including ten double decker Dublin buses, four London Underground train carriages, and a marina.

4 | FuneralTimes

The airliner will be converted to form eight units of double bedrooms. Furthermore, the cockpit is to be maintained for tours, with plans already in place to introduce a cockpit simulator at a later date. David has spoken of his fascination with the growing trend of glamping in Europe and, when it came to finding a use for the 15 acre marshy field behind his Enniscrone home, boosting local tourism was a must, especially given the towns position on the Wild Atlantic Way. Moving the 767 is in itself a daunting prospect, with David aiming to use a Hoverbarge, shipped in from Liverpool, along the coast of Ireland to coincide with a high tide. The plane, weighing 48 tonnes and measuring 159ft in length, did not lend itself to a range of alternative options, barring the possibility of breaking it down into many pieces first. After an eight-month project designed to move the jet by road, permission issues with the county councils prevented the plan, citing the need for a crane to be used on several occasions, which would have limited access to Limerick City.

In addition to this, David notes that he would equally have been required to lift 136 ESB wires, 23 traffic lights and 97 Telecom Éireann wires.

FuneralTimes | 5

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Changing views about funerals sets the agenda for NAFD Conference 19-22 May 2016, the Europa Hotel, Belfast Big industry issues are set to dominate the agenda in May as the NAFD Annual General Meeting and Conference sets sail for Belfast.

C

onference 2016 is set to be a pivotal one for the funeral profession.

During the three-day event, findings from a major consumer research study, by respected polling company YouGov, into what the British public really feels about funerals and funeral directors, will help to set the agenda for the future direction of the profession.

The Conference programme is packed with debates on key issues such as future regulation of the funeral profession. Other sessions during the conference include the changing face of cremation services in the UK, from Tim Morris, CEO of the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management; Emerging trends within US funerals, by Christine Pepper, CEO of the National Funeral Directors’ Association in America; Simon Rothwell, European Director of CG Labs, on how precious DNA can be preserved and an insight into a new solution to accelerate the natural disposition of human remains by Tony Ennis of ecoLegacy.

NAFD members and non-members from across the profession are warmly welcomed to attend.

Please note, however, that non-members will not be able to attend the AGM section of Friday’s Conference session.

To book your place and secure accommodation at the Conference hotel at exclusive rates please call Membership Manager Su Lewis on 0121 711 1343 ext. 1001 or email: su@nafd.org.uk.

FuneralTimes FuneralTimes || 77

Stephen McCosh Funeral Directors is a relatively new business, having first opened its doors on 8th April, 2015. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, with ever-increasing demand leading to the recent relocation to new, larger premises.

The new premises provide classic architecture in a modern, tranquil setting

10 | FuneralTimes

D

espite Stephen McCosh Funeral Directors’ status as a young business, Stephen himself is no stranger to the everyday running of a funeral home, with significant management experience through previous employment.

Stephen was awarded his diploma in funeral directing by the NAFD in May 2012. Currently, he fulfills the role of vice chairman of the BIFD N.I. Region.

The new premises brings together classic architecture with modern, tranquil surroundings. The business is situated on Belfast’s Shankill Road, right in the heart of the local community where Stephen still lives.

Stephen McCosh Funeral Directors are proud to be a family-owned and run independent company, emphasizing old fashioned values with a 21st century approach.

Stephen strongly believes that “All of this, along with NAFD, BIFD and NFFD affiliation and my NAFD Diploma, helps families know they are using a reputable company.”

Having already held the National Institute of Funeral Directors Diploma for over 4 years, Stephen has recently built upon this by passing his BIFD diploma with an

Stephen McCosh 86.5% distinction mark, making him the only Funeral Director currently operating in Northern Ireland to possess both qualifications. The pursuit of his academic credentials are testament to Stephen’s dedication to providing the highest standards of professionalism and service to the families who rely upon him.

FuneralTimes | 11

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SAIF news ... SAIF news ...

Introducing the new Chief Executive During the SAIF AGM weekend in March, SAIF were delighted to welcome Terry Tennens as the new Chief Executive, who joined the team on Monday 4th April.

Terry said he is looking forward to being part of SAIF and hopes to ensure SAIF is the Trade Association for the Independents.

Terry will shadow current Executive Chairman Alun Tucker for the forthcoming year to ensure a smooth transition, after which, Alun will still remain in the background and offer his expert knowledge gained through his life work of being in the funeral profession.

Terry Tennens the new Chief Executive

Magazine Subscription

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uneral Times is delivered FREE of charge to all Funeral Directors and Principals of associated businesses throughout Ireland, North and South. If you know of anyone who should receive a copy but currently does not, please let us know. The more Funeral Directors on our mailing list, the bigger your audience!

Please send details to: Funeral Times, InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF or simply email details to: ft@inhousepublications.com FuneralTimes | 13

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Irish Association of Funeral Directors Promoting Excellence in Funeral Service

IAFD News

Communication

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ommunication is a common challenge for all organisations. In order to improve communication in the IAFD a new regular eNewsletter for members is being produced.

The first edition was emailed in April 2016.

Advice for Funeral Directors on recent comments made by Mayo Coroner regarding funeral traffic management A Mayo Coroner has called on funeral undertakers to ensure that appropriate warning lighting and traffic management is in place when conducting funerals along busy roads in the county.

A number of IAFD members have enquired about the Mayo Coroner’s recent comments. IAFD have sought the advice of IAFD solicitor Philip O’Sullivan, which has been made available to members in the April eNewsletter.

Mary Cunniffe - Appointed Second Vice President The IAFD is delighted to announce that Mary Cunniffe has been appointed Second Vice President of the Association.

Mary is the Templeogue branch manager for Massey Bros. and will be familiar to many members through her previous work with Golden Charter. She will be installed as President in November 2017.

IAFD attend Humanist Conference The Humanist Association of Ireland held an “End of Life Issues Symposium” in February 2016 at NUI Galway. Speakers delivered material on topics such as The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 which was passed by the Oireachtas on 17th December 2015, and other recent legislative challenges on assisted suicide.

Gerard Clarke, IAFD President, attended as a special guest and took part in a questions and answers session.

L-R: Gary O Loughlin (HAI); Hazel McHaffie (Institute of Medical Ethics, Edinburgh); Kathy McLoughlin, Milford Hospice; Bridget Carlin, HAI; Tom Curran, Irish Representative, “Exit international” and Gerard Clarke (President, IAFD)

IAFD Regional Meetings: Thursday 28th April Woodlands Hotel, Waterford at 7pm Thursday 23rd June Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town at 7pm Thursday 22nd September Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone at 7pm

Irish Association of Funeral Directors Promoting Excellence in Funeral Service

IAFD News

IAFD present at FirstLight Seminar

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irstLight (formerly The Irish Sudden Infant Death Association) provides a bereavement support service to parents, families, professionals and communities who experience the sudden loss of a child or young person.

The support is delivered by professional staff and also by trained volunteers who have experienced bereavement. The service is client centred, taking into account the various Graham Gleasure, Tralee, IAFD; Louise individual needs of families.

O’Sullivan, FirstLight; Kevin O’Meara, The conference explored the impact of a Volunteer Chair, FirstLight sudden death of a young person. Expert speakers gave their insights on how best to respond in the event of a sudden loss of a child. IAFD Past President, Graham Gleasure, delivered a presentation on best practice from a funeral director's perspective.

Bereaved parents and families have specific needs in terms of support; the conference discussed the implications, particularly of a sudden death, and the emotional and practical supports that should be available.

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 • Excellence 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

• 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.

Irish Association of Funeral Directors Promoting Excellence in Funeral Service

IAFD News

Gerard Clarke (President) Gerard Clarke & Sons Funeral Home Main Street, Balisodare, Sligo Ph: 071-9130700 Mobile: 087-2565310 Email: gerardclarkeandsons@eircom.net John Foley (First Vice President) Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph: 01-8555511 Michael Crowley (Immediate Past President) Crowley Funeral Directors Bothar Saclay, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

Ph: 021- 4874777 Email: info@crowleyfuneraldirectors.ie Mary Cunniffe (Hon. Secretary) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village, Dublin 6W Mobile: 085-8010742, Ph: 014-907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com Dermot McCarthy (Treasurer) McCarthy’s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork.

Ph: 029-56044 Email: dermot@mccarthyfuneraldirectors.com Mary O’Shea (Education Committee Chairperson) O’Shea’s Funeral Directors New Street, Killarney.

Ph: 064-6637123 Email: osheatim@eircom.net www.iafd.ie

Colm Kieran (P.R.O.) Kieran Bros. Funeral Directors Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. colmkiernan@gmail.com Mobile: 087-6218740, Ph: 042-9667309 Email: colmkiernan@gmail.com Edwina Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Funeral Directors Channel Road Rush Co. Dublin Ph: 01-8438772 E-Mail: fitzgeraldfuneraldirectors@gmail.com Andre Thompson Thompson Funeral Directors 19 Barrack Street Waterford Co. Waterford Ph: 051-874159 E-Mail: info@thompsonfunerals.ie

Irish Association of Funeral Directors Promoting Excellence in Funeral Service

www.iafd.ie 18 | FuneralTimes

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www.fearghasquinn.com FuneralTimes | 19

If it ain’t broke, you can still improve it

By Nora Murphy, MBIE Tallon Mortuary Specialists, Navan

I

do not quite recall when I was first exposed to the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but I have used it previously and have heard it plenty. Upon reflection I have mostly used it to avoid undertaking boring or unappealing work – endeavouring to cast undesirable requests as wasteful and unnecessary changes; and I am just short of assuming that is why others use it as well.

Having heard this phrase throughout the years, I was given pause for thought recently when it was heaved my way whilst conversing with a colleague on the topic of continuing education within the funeral profession. It’s not like it is the first time that conversation has occurred, but it was one of the less regular occasions where I thought, “OK, maybe what we are trying to change is not broken per se, but it could certainly be better.” Wanting to better ourselves within our careers does not make us broken, but rather shows our commitment to our self-development, our careers and most importantly to the families we serve.

It is too often that continuing education is brought up in a discussion and the immediate response is some form of an excuse. An excuse why one cannot go to a particular course, why one does not need the education or my 20 | FuneralTimes

favourite, that they do not have the time.

Sometimes even the old expression, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is tossed my way, which really irks me! It is merely the adult form of a child’s tantrum. I always envision a child stomping up and down while huffing, “I DON’T WANNA!!” when someone utters that line to me. For me personally, industry growth is a given and not just because continuing professional development (CPD) was required annually for licensure in the U.S. for funeral directors and embalmers alike, but from the point of view of why wouldn’t someone want to better themselves and push to achieve their career aspirations?

As a qualified embalmer, I have often been approached by colleagues, as well as the general public, with questions regarding furthering education and training within and for the funeral industry. And more often than not, most are surprised to learn that there are hundreds of educational programmes annually, both distance learning and attended conferences, all around the world for embalmers, funeral directors, cemeterians, crematory operators and other funeral service professionals. In addition, there are also many companies and foundations that sponsor scholarship programmes to help alleviate

some, if not all, cost factors for attendees.

These sponsors realise the importance of what embalmers and funeral directors can give back to families that have lost a loved one and they want to assist in keeping the value of the funeral alive. We must keep in mind that by furthering our education we are not only benefitting ourselves, but even more so the families that we serve by providing them with the most current and up to date services available.

There is a certain concept that people should grasp when considering continuing education.

If there is a potentially worthwhile pay off and it is reasonably affordable to try, maybe it is well worth changing and improving things that are not necessarily broken. You may even learn through trying your new approach that what seemed reasonable before was in dire need of substantial improvement. And if it doesn’t pan out? That should be okay too.

Trying new things involves some risk and sometimes particular matters do not work out and you need to revert back to the original way of doing things. Unless you are drastically affecting quality, productivity or some other key facet of the funeral industry, then I would argue that trying a new course of action or method should be encouraged.

If any of you reading this are at all like myself, you will most likely scan through the words, potentially missing out on key details of the importance of the information being portrayed. On a side note, I also receive great pleasure from lists and this gives me the opportunity to compile an arrangement of significant factors of the importance of CPD and furthering our education within the funeral industry for your convenience.

Continuing Education: • Enables you to evaluate your learning and recognise its real value; • Enables you to recognise your knowledge gaps and helps you to address these; • Enables you to plan and achieve your career goals; • Allows you to upskill and engage in areas that are new and upcoming; • Enables you to enhance your employability; • Allows you to walk away with overwhelming amounts of valuable ideas that can be used right away;

• Allows you to travel to new places, meet and network with new people & be able to place faces to names within the industry; • Helps you get over slumps or past a hurdle: “I was never quite sure how, but now I can!”; • Boosts your confidence, which in turn immediately has a positive effect on your career; • Gives you the opportunity to provide the BEST possible service to the families you serve; • Has the potential to put you ahead of your local competition by staying up-to-date with the newest trends; • Often provides online courses for convenience (and for those that claim there is no time to be attending conferences or seminars).

While this is just a brief overview of why you ought to desire to better yourself by furthering your education, I feel it is a good start to seeing the importance of continuing professional development, particularly for the sole reason (most of us) are in the field; to provide the families we serve to the very best of our capabilities.

What is going to happen if Ireland ever becomes a regulated country like the U.S. and licensure/qualification along with continuing education is required to maintain your position. Will you be prepared? If you think about it, pathologists, doctors, nurses, solicitors and many other professionals are required to complete a certain amount of hours each year to maintain their title, so what separates funeral service professionals from these?

Until regulation is mandated by the state, continuing your education is merely a suggestion and at your own will. Perhaps I am optimistic, but I am hopeful that this article will at least open your eyes for you and your staff to realise your true potential, giving you the nudge you may need in the direction of bettering yourself in your career. If anyone would like more information or are having trouble finding a CPD course suitable for you, please do not hesitate to contact me and I would be happy to point you in the right direction and be of any assistance that I can. (info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com) FuneralTimes | 21

Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification (BIE) at your own pace The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming’ offers both Distance Learning and attended courses leading to membership of the British Institute of Embalmers The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming’ offers students and registered embalmers the highest standards of teaching and practice in a supportive environment, with full use of our training facility.

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

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

Coming soon... the new

ord eacon from Byrne Coachbuilders

22 | FuneralTimes

Expansion is the name of the game Treasured Keepsakes are once again expanding their range of jewellery and have recently introduced three new Stainless Steel Pendants to their collection

T

hrough their meetings with families, Treasured Keepsakes are always hearing what their clients like and what products they would also like to see. “Two of our new stainless steel pendants have Zirconia Stones set inside. This was a popular request by our clients.

The new pieces are beautiful and are different from our current range� said Liza.

Treasured Keepsakes offer Brass Urns, Hardwood Urns, Eco Urns, Brass Keepsakes and Keepsake Pendants, all in stock just waiting Stainless Steel on your call. If you coloured heart would like to view any of

Stainless Steel pendant with 5 zirconia Stones

their products or would like to discuss how Treasured Keepsakes can deal directly with bereaved families on your behalf, please do not hesitate to get in touch and they will be happy to discuss the options. In using their service you will enhance your business by giving the choice of a wide selection of products to your clients at no extra cost to yourself.

For more information on any of our products, or 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 24 | FuneralTimes

Stainless Steel pendant with 1 zirconia Stone

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

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

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

Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly.

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

For more information contact us or visit our website Tel: 01 825 4579 From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 info@treasuredkeepsakes.ie www.treasuredkeepsakes.ie FuneralTimes | 25

Advertorial

Ireland farfar behind other European Ireland isisstill still behind other European countries and other developed countries countries and other developed countries around around globe whentoitlaws comes laws and the globe the when it comes andto regulations relating to the funeral industry. the contrary, our regulations relating to the In funeral industry. funeral tradition is farfuneral richer iftradition not equallyisas as Despite this our asrich rich, most of richer, these countries.

It isofour unique traditionIt if not than most these countries. that makes us tradition Irish and that it is makes becauseusofIrish this is our unique tradition that we, theof funeral sector, exists. and it is because this tradition that we, the funeral sector, exists.

The funeral services and embalming practice has Funeral services and embalming practice evolved in so many ways for the past twenty years. have evolved so many ways theofpast The value of ourinservices cannot beover denied the twenty years. vitality of the role it plays in the grieving and healing The value oftragedy our services be denied process after the of losingcannot a loved-one.

But is forvalue the of vitality ofcompletely the role itunderstood plays in the the this role or being practised in the grievingby andeveryone healing involved process after thefuneral industry? legislation the moment does not tragedyThe of Irish losing a lovedatone. seem giving us of borders and directions relating Buttoisbethe value this role completely tounderstood the industry. So of the lack of legislation in the or due being practised by everyone funeral sector Ireland, a small group of dedicated involved in inthe funeral industry?

Embalmers, who saw the dire need of standardisation The Irish legislation at the moment of the embalming practice, had convened and does not seem to be giving us borders initiated a fully Irish association for Embalmers that and directions to embalming the industry. would dedicate andrelating promote an standard So,isdue lack of legislation the of that set of to the equal if not exceed the in standards funeral sector Ireland, a globally. small group of other countries andin organisations dedicated Embalmers, who saw the dire The for Professional Embalmers’ of need standardisation of theAssociation embalming Ireland (PEAI) is an organisation based in Ireland practice, convened and initiated a fully representing professional embalming practitioners.

Irish association for Embalmers that would The PEAI actively represents the Irish Embalmers at promote an embalming standard that is set the European level.

PEAI believes in the importance to equal, if not exceed, the standards of other of having an Irish organisation which can countries and organisations globally. independently represent Irish embalmers and that The Professional Embalmers’ Association members will have their own voice in Europe and of Ireland (PEAI) is an organisation internationally.

The PEAI also provides continuous based in Ireland representing support in training and education andprofessional also has a very embalming practitioners.

Thesupport PEAI actively helpful and effective practical work system represents for members. Irish Embalmers at the European level.

ItPEAI is the aim ofin the PEAI that professional believes the importance of embalming within Ireland be raised having anstandards Irish organisation which can and maintained at a levelrepresent that is worthy of embalmers, independently Irish international recognition.should The main driving force and that members have their behind it all is the genuine understanding and 26 | FuneralTimes themselves and the bereaved families whose lives are

own unique both ways in Europe and away being touchedvoice, in so many by the passing internationally. of their loved-ones.

The PEAI also provides continuous support The PEAIand is gaining more and interest from the in training education also hasboth a very ‘traditional experienced’ embalmers andsupport even from helpful and&effective practical work young aspiring professionals. In the previous year, system for members.

PEAI awarded full PEAI membership certificates to the It is the aim new of the that professional to nearly 30standards members! within This is Ireland certainlybea huge embalming breakthrough for the PEAI and the embalming raised to, and maintained at, a level that practice in Ireland. is worthy of international recognition.

TheThe main driving force behindorganisation it all is thebut is PEAI is not an ‘exclusive’ genuine of the bereaved open to understanding all professional embalmers and practising families whose livestoare being in PEAI embalmers who wish adopt andtouched promote the sostandards many ways by the passing their and of embalming practice away here inofIreland abroad. loved ones.

Since it’s inception, the PEAI has If you aregained interested in interest joining the Professional continually more from both Embalmers’ Association of Ireland and be a part ‘traditional & experienced’ embalmers andof a growing embalming practice and even fromprofessional young aspiring professionals. organisation feel free to contact Martina Burns, PEAI Each year, PEAI awards new full Secretary at 0863 845 446 / email: membership certificates to the growing martinakburns@hotmail.com or David McGowan, number of members.

PEAI Chairperson at 0872 437 063 email: The PEAI is not an ‘exclusive’ organisation mcgowand@eircom.net. but is open to all professional embalmers www.professionalembalmers.ie and practising embalmers who wish to adopt and promote the PEAI standards of PEAI General Meeting The Professional Embalmers’ of Ireland embalming practice here inAssociation Ireland and would like to invite all its members to come to our abroad. upcoming Meeting to be held If you areGeneral interested in joining the in Maldron Hotel, Oranmore, Galway Association on 10th May 2014.

Professional Embalmers’ will be start 9:30am.

We will be having an ofRegistration Ireland and a at part of a growing educational seminar in the afternoon. Dr Elizabeth professional embalming practice Brosnan, Endocrinologist (Mayo General Hospital) and organisation, feel free to contact will be talking about “Infectious DiseasesMichael Clarkeand (Secretary) or Joe Contamination Prevention.”

We will also be McNamara, PEAI Chairperson at States. (info@ joined by our members from the United professionalembalmers.ie or secretary@ professsionalembalmers.ie) Details of the meeting agenda and programme for the day are available for download in our website www.professionalembalmers.ie/category/events.

Full information on the PEAI may for information isMembers available onrequest the website www. via email <info@professionalembalmers.ie or professionalembalmers.ie secretary@professsionalembalmers.ie>

The emotional cost of being a civil funeral celebrant E

ighteen months ago I was interviewed by a local Dublin radio station about the option of civil funeral ceremonies in Ireland. During that interview, I was asked questions about the various ways in which a family could honour their loved one in a dignified and meaningful manner. I was asked how a ceremony was structured, what type of music or poetry choices families typically made etc. I was also asked of my credentials, and what qualifications I had to lead a service.

A few weeks ago, I was asked back by the same interviewer to talk about the sharp rise in popularity of Civil Funerals, and more so, the demands it make on a celebrantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. We are all aware of the time pressures

CIVIL FUNERAL CEREMONIES

on arranging a funeral, and this is really felt by a civil celebrant who has to meet with a family and discuss the direction that the service will take, then head home to design and structure a ceremony, before emailing a first draft to the family. Following this I liaise with the family, in order to arrange speakers, music, poetry, and fine tune the content, ensuring the script is flawless, makes sense, flows seamlessly, and is delivered in a professional, dignified manner. This is all turned around in a 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 72 hours deadline! This in itself presents physical challenges, with many late hours, the constant monitoring of any email replies that may necessitate last minute

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

Padraic Cawley MICF Civil Funeral Celebrant

087 267 6050

padraic@padraiccawley.ie www.padraiccawley.ie

Setting the national standard

INSTITUTE OF

CIVIL FUNERALS FUNE RA LS CIVIL

INSTITUTE OF

28 | FuneralTimes

adjustments, and new content. What is presented as one full service on the day has, without exception, taken many hours of patient work, possibly with a family who are not in total agreement.

Each ceremony is entirely unique and different as they are designed in a manner so as to reflect the deceased; their beliefs, values, and traditions. When I meet with a family, I start with a blank sheet of paper – there is no ‘copy and paste’. While each ceremony has to have a structure with a ‘start, middle and an end’, there are no other similarities.

Becoming a civil funeral celebrant almost five years ago was not a business decision.

I became a civil funeral celebrant because I felt called to it. It is such an honour and a privilege to be helping families on their grief journey, and to be taking them into my care.

Recently, the son of a lady whose funeral I officiated at commented that he was dreading the morning of the funeral, but it turned out to be a beautiful day, and he put it down to the ceremony that I delivered, and how it gave him such comfort, knowing in his heart that his mother would be proud of him. That means more to me than any end of year balance sheet, knowing that he will always be contented in his heart.

Last year I conducted a civil funeral for a lovely family whose father had died of cancer. Recently, the family were delivered the devastating news that their mother also had cancer, and that medical treatment wasn’t proving to be successful. That lady

‘

It is such an honour and a privilege to be helping families on their grief journey

’

asked to see me as she lay on her death bed. I met with her and we spoke about everything except dying. I held her hand, and assured her that her family would be fine, and not to worry. I met with her again the following week only hours before she passed away.

Conducting her funeral ceremony was one of the hardest and most emotional days of my life. There I was feeling totally inadequate, and at a loss as to why this lady wanted me, and no one else, to help her on her journey. I am just an ordinary guy.

That’s why the life of a civil funeral celebrant is a calling – to be there at all hours for a family when they need you to be that person to comfort them, to guide them, and to be the person they entrust to give them the ceremony that will tell their loved ones story, and will be remembered afterwards as being the most memorable of days.

You can listen to the podcast of the radio show on my website blog: www. padraiccawley.ie or www.aftering.com

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BIE News Southern Division

G

reetings to all. The 2016 AGM was held on Jan. 29th at the Osprey Hotel in Naas. The meeting was addressed by Valerie Vetter of Aftering.com. She spoke about her research, and different topics which arise from her research. Valerie also presents a 30 minute programme on Dublin City FM on Mondays at 12.30.

The election of officers took place after the formalities; Nora Murphy was elected as Secretary, John Hawe Chairman and Anna Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Treasurer. The Sheila Dix Perpetual Cup, kindly sponsored by Ann Shepherd, was won this year by Patrice Browne.

The Irish Division website irishembalmers.ie is online now almost 12 months and is getting quite a bit of traffic. There are some interesting articles to read on it. If anyone has any articles to publish on the site please email them to the secretary.

There is also a Products page and any companies wishing to advertise with us are welcome.

Twitter is also a large part of everyday life nowadays. @embalmerireland is our Twitter account. There is a Twitter feed on the website home page so you can just go to the website to keep up to date with it.

Please ensure all your vaccinations are up to date.

2016 membership is now due.

Next meeting is on April 17th at George Mullins Funeral Home in Naas, Co. Kildare. There will also be an education session at this meeting .

Hope to see you all there.

John Hawe

Valerie Vetter from Aftering.com addressed the meeting 30 | FuneralTimes

(L-R) Chairman John Hawe, Glyn Tallon, Patrice Browne and Nora Murphy

Attendance with guest speaker Valerie Vetter from Aftering.com

Northern Division Meeting Reminder I trust everyone has had an enjoyable Easter break. The months are passing us by and heading towards the Summer! Hard to believe!

Our next meeting will take place at McKiernan’s Funeral Home, 45-47 Maghera Street, Kilrea, BT51 5QL on Wednesday 13th April 2016. This will take place before this edition of Funeral Times reaches you.

In addition to the usual BIE business, Margaret Davis intends to deliver a power point presentation entitled “Embracing The Concept of Grief – Why Embalm?”

We are also pleased to have a Dodge Company Representative present on the evening to deliver a short talk on the use and range of disinfectant in the Embalming process and within the Preparation Room.

Shepherds Mortuary Supplies will also provide a trade stand for members perusal on the evening.

It is planned to dedicate our next divisional meeting in September to Health & Safety matters within Funeral Service and we are hoping to have a speaker for that date. We will keep you updated with any details.

We look forward to seeing as many of our members and students (new and old) as possible at our meetings.

In the interim – take care!

Chairman FuneralTimes | 31

List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2015/2016 National President: Mr Craig Caldwell (North American Division) Imm. Past President: Mr Graeme Easton (Scottish Division) 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: Ken Morgan FBIE “Evergreens”, 36 Coley Road, Little Haywood, Stafford ST18 0UW Home Tel: 01889 881223 Business Tel: 01902 878425 Mobile: 07970 831760 k.m.morgan@virgin.net Student Liaison Officer: Timothy Cain MBIE Hillcrest, 38 Main Street, Ashby de la Launde LN4 3JG Home Tel: 01526 321396 jackie@lymn.co.uk

Irish Division Chairperson and 1st National Council Representative: Mr John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co. Cork Home Tel: 00353 6389280 Mobile: 087 6390087 jmhawe@eircom.net

Chairman Michael Og McKiernan MBIE 51 Agivey Road, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry BT51 5UU Mobile: 07515 746541 Michael-ogmckiernan@hotmail.co.uk

2nd National Council Representative and Past Chairperson: Mr Aidan Walsh MBIE Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Mobile: 00353 87 2847831

Vice Chairman Laurence O'Neill 98 Stewartstown Road Belfast BT11 9JP Tele: 028 90 620099 Email: oneill8210@hotmail.com

National Council Rep: Ms Barbara Fowley MBIE Killakee, Rathfarnham Dublin 16 Mobile: 086 191 1022

Secretary Margaret Davis MBIE 4 Back Road, Cargycreevy, Lisburn BT27 6TL Mobile: 07841 100249 Margaretdavis4@me.com

Secretary: Nora Murphy MBIE Tallon Mortuary Specialists 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co Meath T: 086 826 8876 Assistant Secretary: Susan Moran MBIE Maydown House, Aughraboura, Athy, Co. Kildare Mobile: 086 0619500 info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com National Education Representative: Glyn Tallon Mortuary Specialist 14 Academy Street Navan Co Meath Tel:046 9029134 Mobile: 086 826 8876 Treasurer: Mrs A O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co. Cork Telephone: 029 60142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com Vice Chairman: Mr Ger O’Sullivan MBIE Mobile: 086 021 5075

32 | FuneralTimes

Northern Ireland Division

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 Marshall Lindsay MBIE 4 Beechgrove, Kilrea, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT51 5RW Telephone: 028 29 540945 marshalllindsay4@gmail.com 1st National Educational Committee Representative Pat Harley MBIE 67 Creggan Road, Londonderry BT48 9DA Mobile: 077128 99137 Phschoolofembalming@hotmail.com

Kieran Roarty receives his new hearse Kieran Roarty with his new hearse from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

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SAIF news ... SAIF news ...

Changes to waste rules in April 2016 What’s happening?

As part of its review into reducing the burden on businesses, the government is cutting some red tape with effect from 1st April 2016 which includes changes to the paperwork. However those changes won’t make any difference to the transportation of clinical waste, which is considered to be hazardous when transported in basic vehicles i.e. not equipped for clinical waste.

Should you be stopped for any reason and

clinical waste is found in your vehicle, you would be in breach of the carriage of dangerous goods regulations and subject to possible court action. The following link gives more descriptive information, but basically, if you have clinical waste, ensure that it is transported by a registered carrier to prevent any possible chance of court action. http://www.hse.gov.uk/cdg/manual/ clinical/index.htm

SAIF Support Helpline SAIFSupport is a free, confidential service available to all full SAIF members and their employees. Its aim is to ensure that those working in the independent funeral sector have access to high quality emotional support and counselling if and when they need it.

Launched last year, SAIFSupport has received calls from around the UK and a number of members have gone on to take up telephone counselling support after initial discussion of the issues they are facing.

The majority of calls received between Monday-Friday 9am-5pm are answered directly, but we are receiving a number of calls out of hours where individuals are failing to leave a message and so not receiving the support we would like to offer. Similarly if calls are missed during office hours, members are requested to leave a message or send an email and we will get back to you promptly.

SAIFSupport offers free and confidential information and advice as well as the opportunity to access up to six free sessions of telephone counselling for those who feel that a little extra support may help them to manage any stressful issues that they may be experiencing. Face to face counselling may be available in some circumstances. Counselling is delivered by highly qualified, supervised counsellors who will take a practical approach to exploring issues and helping to resolve problems. There is no restriction on who contacts us or what the problem is – we are simply here to support you at times of stress.

The SAIFSupport service use qualified, experienced and supervised staff and can be contacted free of charge on 0800 077 8578 (open office hours or 24 hour answerphone) or email us at SAIFSupport@professionalhelp.org.uk FuneralTimes | 37

SAIF Education Day

F

ollowing on from last year’s successful education day, SAIF have booked the same venue and have set the date for Wednesday 2nd November. If you have a subject you think would be of interest to other Funeral Directors and their businesses, please contact SAIF Business Centre on 0345 230 6777 or email linda@saif.org.uk and we will aim to assist.

SAIF AGM weekend saw our guest speaker Simon Weston speak to a packed room, and have the audience engrossed with his anecdotes and description of the Falklands conflict; so watch this space for another inspiring guest speaker on topical subjects at SAIF Education Day, which will also include an Associate Exhibition and IFD College updates with presentations to successful students.

Staffords to re-develop flagship Tayto Coolock factory Staffords Funeral Homes has been granted permission by Dublin City Council to utilize Tayto’s former flagship factory in Coolock, turning it into a state-of-the-art funeral home complex, hearse depot, and business operations HQ.

P

ermission now exists for Staffords to develop a new headquarters, comprising offices, chapels, resting rooms, showroom, florist, and hearse storage facility at the abandoned industrial premises on the Malahide Road, with extensive landscaping works and boundary treatments to be undertaken at the same time.

The old flagship factory represented the main production site for one of Ireland’s iconic brands for almost four decades, the factory sadly closing in 2005 with the loss of almost 100 jobs in a move which saw the company seeking to outsource operations to the Largo Foods plant in Ashbourne, Co Meath. Tayto was bought over by Largo foods for 62 million the following year.

In recent years, the 13,400sq m site has since fallen into disrepair, attracting frequent complaints of trespassing, vandalism and anti-social behaviour from nearby residents.

The plans, approved by Dublin City Council, will see Staffords create a new 2,000 sq m head office, the site also set to function as a central depot with capacity for

38 | FuneralTimes

15 long wheelbase vehicles.

A portion of the site is to be left vacant for rental to third parties.

The council’s planning officer Diarmuid Murphy, labelled the grounds in their current condition as ‘run down’ and ‘unkempt’. He explained that whilst the redevelopment proposal may not constitute ‘typical light industrial use’ for such a site, the newly proposed purpose is not objectionable as it will not displace existing jobs.

Respected Dublin-based funeral directors, Staffords currently have locations in Donnycarney, Portmarnock and Dublin city centre, their current headquarters residing in North Strand.

The company does not expect to operate from the new Coolock premises for a considerable period.

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21st century memorial Rememory offers funeral directors the opportunity to provide their families with a secure, private digital space to share pictures, videos and stories together.

F

ormer Ulster University students Anthony McKenna and Nathan Wilkinson are bringing memorials into the 21st century with their new service, Rememory.org.uk.

Rememory want families to have a secure and private space to grieve together. A space which meets the needs of the mobile generation. Having spent 2014 to 2016 in development, research, and focus group tests; Rememory are ready to bring their service to market through funeral directors.

“We live in an ever connected world, made possible through social media platforms. Friends and family can connect and comment and share stories. However when we pass away this just doesn’t exist in the same way.

“Most people will never get a building named after them and to Rememory, this is a travesty which needs to be addressed.”

Rememory gives each family a digital space to share pictures, Anthony McKenna videos and stories together. The site will be advertising free and secure. Every client who signs up gets a personal profile page, a physical welcome pack including a ‘how to’ of the internet and social media. They can also download all the top memories in a PDF memory book, and Anthony and Nathan are working on creating hard back copies as an added extra.

Selling primarily through the funeral industry, both Nathan and Anthony are acutely aware that they need to enable funeral directors to improve their margins and service offerings.

To this end, Rememory offer a 1 year licence agreement, or bulk package sales depending on the needs of each funeral director.

Following a period of 6 weeks testing, interested funeral directors can now request a demo by contacting either Nathan or Anthony.

“We want Rememory to be a service offered to all families and not a gimmick, and we have a long term commitment to making that happen”.

A launch is currently in planning and interested parties should email: Anthony_mckenna3@ hotmail.com to register interest. Attendees at the launch will be offered a fantastic welcome rate if they sign up to a licence agreement on the day.

More information can be found on: www.rememory.org.uk and on Facebook.com/ Rememory.

FuneralTimes | 43

Glasnevin Trust Grave Glasnevin Trust is the largest provider of funeral services in Ireland. The Group also provides florist and monument works services to the bereaved.

The trust’s mission today remains as it was handed down by its founder Daniel O’Connell; “to bury people of all religions and none with dignity and respect”.

T

he Group consists of Glasnevin, Goldenbridge, Newlands Cross and Palmerstown, as well as two crematoria at Glasnevin and Newlands Cross with a new crematoria under construction in Dardistown Cemetery, due to be operational in August 2016.

We strive to provide the best possible standard of service to families and loved ones during the difficult time of bereavement as there are many considerations prior to making that significant decision on burial and cremation.

The following will guide you through the choices and options available to you.

Old Finglas Scetion

Victorian Garden Cemeteries Cemetery design has changed over the ages.

Pre-1900 Cemeteries - Victorian Garden Cemeteries - had large ornate structures, monuments, crypts and buildings with winding manicured pathways. Foundations are required prior to erection of headstones within these cemeteries. Graves are both Border and Interior Graves that will hold 2 burials.

• Golden bridge Cemetery (1828) • Glasnevin Cemetery (1832). Visit to Golden Bridge is by appointment only.

44 44 || FuneralTimes FuneralTimes

St Mobhi’s Scetion

Selection Service St Patrick’s (J’s) Scetion

A

278

188

139 97 56

56

Glasnevin Trust Grave Selection Service A

QC

56

56

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Landscape Cemeteries Post 1900 cemeteries evolved to become more landscaped areas, lawn cemeteries with smaller headstones placed on pre laid foundations.

All graves are border graves that will hold 4 Burials.

• Palmerstown Cemetery (1978) • Dardistown Cemetery (1990) • Newlands Cross Cemetery (2000) Grave Selection Service Glasnevin has developed new sections where graves are available to purchase, offering burial space for new graves for decades to come. There is a wide selection of graves available from the older conservation areas of the Garden and Dublin Sections to the newer landscaped sections of St. Mobhi Old Finglas and St. Patrick “J’s” Section.

Considerations When Choosing A Grave • Personal Preference and Last Wishes of your loved one.

46 | FuneralTimes

• Family and Friends as lifetime visitors to the grave.

Our experienced staff will advise you on the best options available. Grave selections are also available in our other cemeteries in Newlands Cross Cemetery, Dardistown Cemetery and Palmerstown Cemetery. Appointments can be made by contacting the relevant cemetery office • Foundations for Graves are not included in the purchase price of the plot.

• Graves within our landscaped areas are grassed by Glasnevin Trust therefore no items are permitted on the surface of the plots.

• New graves are available for selection in all cemeteries, contact the relevant offices for appointment and details.

For a list of prices and more information on grave selections please visit: www. glasnevintrust.ie/funeral-services or contact Maureen Clarke Ph: 882 6500

Drowning and tissue gas

By Jack Adams CFSP, MBIE

S

ummer is a time for sun, beaches, swimming, fishing, boating, and all sorts of fun water sports. Water is vital for our bodies but in many ways it can be dangerous, especially during those hot summer months when people enjoy the lakes, oceans, and beaches for their comfort, pleasure, and sporting activities.

Unfortunately, drownings take place frequently and this summer was one of the worst in our area. Some happen locally and others while out of town on vacation. Here is a story of a tissue gas case experienced by a local funeral home this summer.

I received a call from a funeral home in our area about a drowning case they were expecting from Wisconsin. It was a teenager who was with a school group in a dunes area in Lake Michigan. She was a good swimmer but the current became very strong and started making it harder for her to return to shore. Her friends realized she was having trouble getting back to shore while fighting the waves and riptide. They tried reaching her but she disappeared in the water.

Lifeguards and divers searched for hours before her body was spotted on the surface.

The body was taken to the coroner and released the next afternoon. It arrived at the funeral home around 9:00pm. About 36 hours had passed since the actual time she went missing in the lake.

When the remains arrived there were definite signs of tissue gas. The coroner didn’t perform an autopsy because he thought the cause of death was obvious. In this particular case, an autopsy would have helped to remove some of the swelling we were seeing. Bloating and swelling were present as well as skin slip and discoloration.

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.

Jack Adams, CFSP, MBIE

The abdomen was swollen and was showing the green tones of the onset of decomposition. Both eyes were swollen shut with more distention to the right eye. There were abrasions and tissue damage to both eyes and eyelids, especially the right eye and eyebrow. The eye was also darkened and discoloured. This area was pre-treated with a Basic Dryene pack. Gas was present in the tissue and, when touched, had obvious signs of crepitation and there was movement of gas under the surface of the skin. The vessels in the chest and shoulder were at the skin surface and resembled the red and blue lines of a road map.

The embalmer and her assistant mixed an 8% solution of fluid using 16 oz. of Introfiant and 24 oz. of Regal 30 per gallon of solution. Two 16 oz. bottles of Metaflow and two 16 oz. bottles of Rectifiant were added to the mix. Sixteen ounces of Dis-Spray and a little warm water made the gallon mix. This mix was doubled to make the initial two gallon mix. The Dis-Spray enhances the gas deactivators in the solution.

Using a restricted cervical injection, both carotid arteries were utilized for embalming.

Even though this method isn’t perfect, it still gives the embalmer the most control over the head.

This strong solution was injected down into the trunk using the right carotid artery.

Because of the swelling of the tissue we did not do a preinjection. Instead a coinjection was added to the solution and the first half gallon was injected into a closed system without any drainage. Vessels in the hands and legs were visually extended and signs of fluid distribution began to show. The left carotid artery was raised, clamped, and FuneralTimes | 47

opened above the clamp to allow for any collateral circulation to drain and not cause additional swelling. When the vein was opened we did get signs of blood drainage as well as gas present in the vein. There was actually a noise of gas release when the vein was opened. An angular forceps was inserted in the vein to help stimulate clot removal. The clot removal was successful, or at least some good size clots were removed.

As soon as drainage of blood was weak, the embalmer clamped off the vein with an arterial fixation clamp. The angular forceps was deep into the vein and the clamp placed around the vein and forceps. This action gives you the needed vascular pressure to make sure your strong solution is delivered to the deep tissue. It’s like the preservative solution is the mail and the coinjections along with the pulsating machine action and restricted drainage all make up the delivery system.

With about one gallon injected, we made the solution stronger by adding 16 oz. of Introfiant and 16 oz. of Edemaco. The Edemaco is beneficial in reducing moisture, and the glutaraldehyde content of this product is also an excellent additive to combat tissue gas. Effective numbers to remember about tissue gas are 8, 2, and 3 percent. That would be the proven solutions of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and phenol necessary to deactivate the Clostridium Perfringens spore. Some products claim to be effective for tissue gas but any formaldehyde product is effective as long as you use enough to mix an 8% solution. If you use a 30 index like Introfiant, 2¼ bottles would give you your 8% solution. If you run out of a 30 index you can still get by with a lower index (let’s say an 18 index), but you will need to add four bottles to a gallon solution to make your 8% mix for tissue gas.

If a product says effective for tissue gas on the bottle and doesn’t explain you need the 8% formaldehyde solution to be effective, 48 | FuneralTimes

ask to see the research on the magic ingredient that makes this product different from three proven methods of chemicals tested for tissue gas control.

The head was injected using both carotid arteries. The Dodge Embalming Machine with Automatic Pressure Control was helpful maintaining a safe rate of flow at 3 to 5 oz. per minute. This allowed a slow but safe flow to enter the tissue and prevent more distention. The damaged eye swelled some, but the hypodermic pre-treatment and pack kept down the swelling and gave extra needed preservation to the damaged tissue.

Another benefit to the hypodermic preinjection of the Dryene was it bleached out the purple and unnatural colour around the eye. Even though restricted drainage was used on this drowning case, both femorals, the brachials, and one radial had to be raised and injected. A thorough aspiration was done about an hour following the embalming. This allowed the fluid to penetrate the hollow organs before the trocar reduced the vascular pressure in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Delayed aspiration can be beneficial when done the day following embalming or even a few days later. The exception should be when the neck is swollen. Immediate aspiration can reduce the neck rather than letting the swollen neck firm up, making it difficult to reduce the next day. We used two trocar entry points, one in the traditional entry zone and one into the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This lower quadrant entry is used to better aspirate the large and small intestine of the abdomen where a large population of clostridium exists in tissue gas cases. This technique of utilizing two entry points for aspiration is a good practice for any case. It allows for better aspiration of the colon and intestine where clostridium thrives even during life. It’s a good idea to do a thorough aspiration of the thoracic cavity

first, followed by aspirating the abdominal cavity using two entry points. Returning to aspirate the thoracic cavity after aspirating the colon could easily transplant some clostridium spores into the lung or upper thoracic organs that could then become tissue gas the following day.

When the immune system breaks down, the clostridium spores can multiply and become stronger during the end of life of very ill and weak patients. Embalmers see cases that have recently died in hospitals with distended green abdomens with gas present. This condition is becoming more common as people live longer when treated with drugs and radical treatments to sustain life.

The embalmer injected two 16 oz. bottles of Permacav 50 into the cavities, one injected into the thoracic cavity and one into the abdomen and the intestinal zone.

It is important to thoroughly disinfect instruments following the embalming of a tissue gas case. DSD is a valuable product for preventing the clostridium from spreading to other cases in the prep room.

Some of the traumatized facial tissue was treated with SynGel HV that was applied on the damaged parts of the face and neck.

The right shoulder, chest, and sidewalls were hypodermically injected with Basic Dryene using a 60 cc syringe and a 13 gauge needle.

There were several pockets of gas where the bathing suit was in contact with the skin.

The body was now well-embalmed and it was time to cover it with plastic to let the full power of the packs work better where they were placed on the tissue, instead of leaving them uncovered and letting them weaken in the open air of the prep room. This also keeps down the odour and ensures they stay in the prep room and not enter other parts of the funeral home. A post-embalming plastic sheet body cover and an adequate exhaust system can eliminate potential odour problems.

When the embalmer returned the next day, she was happy with the preservation and condition of the body. However, there was some gas or swelling present in the right side of the face. She channelled the tissue using a 15 gauge x 6” hypodermic needle.

Using the hairline to camouflage the needle entry she fanned out into the tissue using an insertion-retraction motion. She placed Kalon Massage Cream on the facial tissue and applied pressure to push the gas out the entry point of the needle which was now the exit for the gas. If needed, more channelling points can be utilized to remove the gas.

If the gas does return, the bug or spore wasn’t deactivated and it is still making new gas. If you were not successful in killing or deactivating the clostridium, you may have to hypodermically treat the tissue with Basic Dryene or phenol. A good practice is to hypo the brain tissue through the cribiform plate.

I’ll use a 13 gauge x 8” needle for accessing the brain. I also like to inject a barricade of Basic Dryene surrounding the neck and wrists to prevent the spread of any to the head or hands.

Once all signs of gas were removed from the tissue there were a few wrinkles in the skin that were easily removed with a Tissue Reducer. The facial tissue was treated with massage cream before placing the heated reducer on the skin. Applying massage cream liberally and often to the skin will prevent any burning of skin. The strong arterial solution used produced a sturdy tissue foundation for removing the wrinkles.

A partial eyebrow was repaired by placing some hair removed from the back of the head into wax. The upper right eyelid was also rebuilt with Surface Restorer and natural sulci were made with a spatula and a lip brush moistened with Dry Wash II to round off the natural sulci made in the wax.

The discoloured face required an opaque cosmetic application. We used liquid Perma Cosmetic Suntan. This “mortician’s paint” is like using an airbrush application on steroids. It not only covers but it soaks into the pores with a natural pore effect. An opaque cream application will fill in the pores and can make the skin look cakey or artificial and it usually requires two or three applications to cover the discolorations.

It is my favourite cosmetic for major discolorations, even green jaundice. It is available from light to dark shades and colours can be mixed to match any skin tone.

Once this liquid dries it doesn’t come off FuneralTimes | 49

when it is touched. It truly is like paint. If a family touches the face or hands they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t damage the cosmetic or get cosmetic on the clothing and show the discoloured face.

When the liquid Perma Cosmetic is dry, cream highlight and shadow can be applied over the basecoat. This liquid cosmetic can also be applied lightly for a semitransparent application. This cosmetic can be a valuable tool for your difficult cosmetic challenges. The least amount of cosmetic is always best, especially for a man or woman who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use heavy cosmetics. However, every embalmer needs to master at least one opaque application of cosmetic when you get that difficult discoloured face including jaundice that you just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remove or counterstain.

This young adult who had drowned was supposed to have a closed casket. When the family came in for a private viewing they decided to have a viewing at the funeral home and church. They saw their daughter at the coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and were amazed that she was now recognizable. This embalming team of three cared about this family and

this mother enough to understand she needed to say goodbye. I was asked to be a part of that team and proud to work with two such dedicated, caring embalmers.

The best part is that we knew how much the family appreciated our efforts because of their words of appreciation and hugs that were given to the embalmer who gathered the team. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there to get the hugs but the story of the viewing sure made me feel awfully good inside. It was a very good thing to be a part of.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us on the number listed below: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 33 49702/00353 87 2486668

Pearson Repatriation Service (UK) ! SMALL INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN COMPANY OFFERING A FAST AND RELIABLE SERVICE HOURS A DAY

As part of our service to you, we can: s 2EPATRIATE THE DECEASED FROM THE 5+ s 0ROVIDE A COFlN AND INTERIOR s 0ROVIDE EMBALMING SERVICES

Telephone +44 (0)1484 844289 Proprietor Clive J Pearson LMBIFD. DIP.FD. MBIE -ANCHESTER 2OAD -ARSDEN (UDDERSlELD 7EST 9ORKSHIRE 5+ ($ %9 50 | FuneralTimes

A Celtic success story Celtic Coffins was established 5 years ago, and the firm’s dedication to personal service has seen huge growth in the intervening years. The Co. Offaly firm has moved into a new factory base and showroom in Axis Business Park, Tullamore.

The success of the business has been built on high levels of service, which can be tailored to suit every customer.

“We have seen a huge increase in business since our proud showing at the Funeral Times Trade Show.

“Our customers are delighted with our options with regard to our coffin interiors. All our interior options can be viewed on our website www.celticcoffins.ie.

“Our solid oak condolence book holders are also proving hugely popular.”

Celtic Coffins specialise in funeral service products, to allow every Irish funeral director to fulfil the last wishes of their

clients’ families and friends. The firm has established great business friendships and relationships and currently supply to over 100 clients based in Ireland.

This number is increasing all the time and the firm puts the growth down to high quality products and use of high-end furnishings. “Our belief is that dignity should be afforded to all.”

All coffins are produced according to customer preference and Celtic Coffins are happy to offer a personalised service to suit every business.

Celtic Coffins' brochure features the full range of products and includes a detailed description of the products and materials used. The long-term aim is to continue providing a high quality service.

For further information do not hesitate to contact Celtic Coffins on the 24 hour phone line.

Celtic Coffins Ltd. Te l : 0 9 0 6 4 2 5 0 2 2 13 G Axis Business Park

Peter: 087 960 7521

Tullamore, Co.Offaly

David: 087 063 5917

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ZZZ FHOWLFFRI¿ QV LH FuneralTimes | 51

How to arrange an express Civil Funeral Service H

ow much time does it take to prepare and deliver a civil funeral service? In Ireland we carry out funerals very quickly in comparison to other places and this means that the time available for preparation is short.

That said, two or three days is the usual time frame and Mary Elizabeth Dillon of Civil Funerals Ireland finds that this is plenty of time. She tries to hold a meeting with the family concerned as soon as she is informed of the death, and at that meeting get together a framework for the service.

Leaving the family with details of what is outstanding, follow up is done by phone and email. However, Mary Elizabeth is accustomed to receiving last minute instructions and emphasises that flexibility is the name of the game. After all, it is very important that the family feel they have ownership of the service and what is delivered on the day is what they want for their loved one.

Recently, the usual notice period was thrown to the wind when on a Sunday morning Mary Elizabeth received a phone call from a family in Kilkenny who wanted a service the following day at 11am.

They had been trying to put the service together themselves but realization sank in that it was all too much for them and they

were too upset to go ahead themselves. Mary Elizabeth stepped in and, with a series of phone conversations and arriving down to Kilkenny early on Monday morning, the service was formed and performed without a hitch.

“The family were so grateful,” Mary Elizabeth observed, “all the pressure was lifted, and they could sit back and actually take in the service and reflect on their loved one rather than worry about what was to come next or the pressure of public speaking.”

Under pressure, and within a very short time frame a beautiful, simple, personal service was presented and one which would live long in the memory of all who were present.

“It was an express service but one I was truly proud of,” concludes Mary Elizabeth.

Civil Funerals Ireland Simple, unique, personal funeral services

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

Mary Elizabeth Dillon is available between 9am - 11pm 7 days a week Tel ROI: 053 938 9089 / Mobile: 087 957 4476 Email: info@civilfuneralsireland.com

Funerals conducted throughout Ireland

‘Wilcox’ Jaguar hearse for Pearson Funeral Service P

earson Funeral Service dates back to 1920.

Clive took over the business in 2003 and continues to invest in it year on year.

Clive, who is currently the President of BIFD, is one of the few Funeral Directors in the country that is a qualified tutor in both Embalming and Funeral Directing.

A professional Family Funeral Directors, they are members of BIFD, BIE, NAFD and SAIF. Clive was recently visiting another funeral home in his duties as President of BIFD where they ran Jaguars. He was so impressed with the vehicle that he decided to purchase one for his own business. The vehicle comes with a very high specification including satellite navigation, Bluetooth®,

Clive Pearson standing alongside his new Jaguar Hearse supplied

by Wilcox Limousines Ltd.

luxury leather, cruise control, air suspension and a large deck area.

Wilcox Limousines Ltd. would like to thank Clive for his custom and wish him every success with his new hearse.

New Nilsson Volvo S80 limousine for Carriages funeral service

A

ndy and John chose the latest D5 model with a quiet and economical 5 cylinder diesel engine. The car comes with a high specification, including Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth® hands free phone system, leather interior, climate control, cruise control and alloy wheels. The limousine offers more leg room than any other comparable funeral limousine on the market. It is available with or without a division.

Wilcox & Co (Limousines) Ltd. would like to thank Andy and John for their continued business and wish them every success with their new vehicle.

John Cartwright standing alongside a new Nilsson Volvo S80 limousine supplied by Wilcox & Co Limousines Ltd. FuneralTimes | 53

Pauline has her own Miss Ireland W

hen Sacha Livingstone was crowned Miss Ireland at a glittering event in Dublin, her mother Pauline, who works at Bobby Morrison Funeral Directors, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, was the proudest woman in Ireland.

But less than a year before, Sacha had sat at her mother’s hospital bed, praying she would recover from a terrifying stroke.

Pauline was the first to congratulate her daughter, who helped her through the illness and on to recovery.

Sacha said: “Luckily it wasn’t a massive stroke and mum has recovered well.

“She was at work when she had the stroke but if she had it in front of me, I don’t know what I would have done.

“I never knew anything about strokes beforehand, and I had no idea it could affect someone so young, so I am really passionate about reaching out to people, especially younger people, to get across the message that it can happen to anyone.

“My mum was at the Miss Ireland event and she was so excited, she was loving it, she was running around telling everyone I was her daughter.

“She is doing well, she is fully recovered and is back to work and everything, so we’ve been lucky.”

Following the experience, Sacha is keen to promote the work done by Chest, Heart and Stroke, and is determined that she will use her position to raise the profile of the charity, as well as awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke.

As Miss Ireland, Sacha has been enjoying 12 months of high fashion and photo shoots and the 20-year-old blonde beauty travelled to China to represent Ireland on the Miss World stage in December 2015.

Sacha, who is studying English literature at the University of Ulster, said: “When they 54 | FuneralTimes

read out my name I just couldn’t believe it, a couple of people said the look on my face said I couldn’t believe it.

“I never dreamt that I would win, but then I never dreamt that I would win the Miss Antrim title either.

“I’m going into my final year at university, which everyone knows is a really important time, but you don’t get an opportunity like this every day.

“I want to put my all into Miss Ireland and go back to my education afterwards, as it’s also important, but for now my priority is being a positive role model for women.”

NAFD News NAFD responds to Work and Pensions Select Committee report into bereavement benefits

T

he National Association of Funeral Directors has welcomed long-overdue recommendations by the Work and Pensions Select Committee, to address the arcane bereavement benefits system in the UK, but has called into question highly inflammatory and unsubstantiated remarks about funeral directors made in the report.

Having campaigned for many years for a review of the Social Fund funeral payment, for the ‘other funeral expenses’ payment to be index-linked to inflation and for a review of the eligibility criteria and application process, the NAFD is delighted to see these feature strongly in the committee’s recommendations.

However the Association, which represents almost 4,000 funeral homes nationwide, has spoken out on behalf of more than 20,000 funeral arrangers and directors working in the profession to strongly refute claims by chair of the committee Frank Field MP that they are not acting “in the interests of bereaved, vulnerable people.”

Funeral costs are rising, of that there is no doubt, and the NAFD has welcomed this and other opportunities to work with the Government to address this issue. However, liberally berating funeral directors, who work in the main for very small businesses, is not the way to address this.

We were surprised that the Committee did not hear evidence from any cremation or burial authorities who are crucial to understanding the make-up of funeral costs. With these costs shown on a funeral director’s final bill, it is vital that the role that the increasing cost of cremation and

burial charges play in the funeral price inflation figures quoted by Royal London are properly scrutinized. These lie outside of funeral directors’ control and have not been addressed in this report.

Indeed the NAFD is surprised that the Committee did not compel local authorities to give evidence to the inquiry, given that local council burial and cremation charges are the single fastest rising cost of a funeral.

The NAFD also finds it disappointing that the Committee did not speak directly to the bereaved themselves in their inquiry – or at the very least an authoritative representative body such as Cruse Bereavement Care.

The NAFD welcomes the creative thinking in the report which seeks to make bereavement benefits more effective, and the chance to enter into dialogue. However, we would be very concerned by any suggestion that funeral prices should be fixed on a national basis.

The Association has also welcomed a recommendation to expand legislation, to ensure the criteria of what can and cannot be included in the funeral payment will be specified more clearly and will work hard with Government to support the implementation of this measure.

Ultimately, our call upon Government is for a balanced assessment of the changing needs of bereaved families and the funeral directors that support them. To that end, the NAFD is pleased to be in discussion with Government on these issues and that the Committee is recommending a more in-depth inquiry into funerals and bereavement.

FuneralTimes | 55

STRONGER BY ASSOCIATION

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, health and safety 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.

WWW.NAFD.ORG.UK/ WHY-JOIN-THE-NAFD 56 | FuneralTimes

New NAFD Membership Marketing Manager appointed I

n March, the NAFD welcomed on-board Mark Binnersley, who has been appointed Membership Marketing & Communications Manager.

Mark joins the Association from Birmingham communications agency Clarke Associates. The 42-year-old father of two is no stranger to the funeral sector, having previously worked for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice as the charity’s PR and Communications Officer.

Of his appointment, Mark said: “It’s a real honour to join the National Association of Funeral Directors and to be given an opportunity to become involved in a sector where there is so much commitment to excellence. I’m also hugely grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from both members and the team at National Office – there’s clearly a very caring ethos running through the sector.”

Mark will play a key role in developing the relationship between member firms and the Association and is set to become a familiar face at Area Federation and Local Association meetings and events.

He will also be looking at ways to enhance communication with members who don’t attend meetings but would perhaps like to know more about the Association’s work and would value face-to-face contact with a member of the team.

Mark commented: “Although my diary is quickly filling up with meetings with member firms and various groups from the south coast of England to the north of Scotland, I’m keen to get out and about as much as possible. I will also be at Conference in May in Belfast and look forward to meeting members from Northern Ireland as well as learning more about key issues facing the profession.

“It’s really important that the NAFD fully understands the issues and challenges members face in order to place us at the

Mark Binnersley forefront of the sector in terms of knowledge and expertise. So I intend to listen closely to members’ views and then do what I can to make sure they count. I would like to invite members who’ve yet to hear from me to please get in touch, as I would be delighted to travel to your region to learn more about your work.”

As members are aware, the Association works hard to deliver public-facing communication campaigns thanks to its partnerships with Wordsmith Communication and Brevia Consulting.

Whilst the NAFD continues to make sure the views of members are heard amongst the media, public and Parliamentarians, Mark will be instrumental in ensuring that the Association understands the views and needs of members across the UK, and will assist with the delivery of member briefings about upcoming campaigns and the successes and learnings from past activities.

The role will empower members to become more involved, if desired, with the NAFD’s public advocacy programmes.

FuneralTimes | 57

Burial and Cremation Bill (Scotland) passes final stage Legislation to modernise the governance and scrutiny of burials and cremations has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill will introduce a definition of ashes, standardise forms and recordkeeping across Scotland, clarify the process for instructing the disposal of human remains, and place a duty on burial authorities to maintain the safety of burial grounds.

It also contains provisions to give Scottish ministers powers to introduce a licensing scheme for funeral directors in the future.

As such it is potentially one of the most transformative pieces of legislation in recent years for the funeral sector.

The NAFD in Scotland has been closely involved in the passage of the Bill having given evidence on two occasions to the Scottish Parliament and maintained a dialogue with civil servants involved in the Bill.

The NAFD has also participated on the following: • Infant Cremation Commission • Scottish Working Group on Funeral Poverty • Pan Lothian Bereavement Group • National Committee for Infant Cremation • Death Certification Funeral Industry Subgroup • Death Certification NHS Local Implementation Groups • National Advisory Group for Death Certification Having gathered views at local association and area federation meetings, the Association has made clear its members’ position on issues such as regulation of the funeral profession. Work continues with the Scottish Government, both directly and as members of the Cross Party Group for Funerals and Bereavement at Holyrood, on a range of issues.

58 | FuneralTimes

NAFD welcomes report into Funeral Poverty

I

n February, the National Association of Funeral Directors welcomed a report into funeral poverty which recommends that the Government increases the Social Fund payment and also calls for local authorities to be legally required to justify large burial and cremation price increases.

The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government and published by Citizens Advice Scotland, recommended that ministers in Scotland put pressure on the Government to increase Social Fund payments to ensure they cover the cost of a basic funeral, which averages at £2,300.

It also called for Scottish Ministers to amend the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill, which is currently passing through the Scottish Parliament, to “require local authorities to justify any increases in burial/ cremation charges” beyond the Consumer Price Index.

Paul Cuthell, Immediate Past President of the NAFD, said: “This report supports much of the work being carried out by the NAFD on supporting bereaved families by increasing the Social Fund payment, and also in putting pressure on local authorities to justify often large increases in costs for little apparent reason other than to raise money.

“We work closely with Ministers both at Holyrood and Westminster around many issues related to end of life and we encourage discussion between the two with a view of addressing the inequalities surrounding the Social Fund that the NAFD has been campaigning on and that this report also rightly highlights.

“Bereaved families deserve to be able to hold a funeral without the added burden of stress caused by worrying about how to pay for it, and it is important to recognise that the vast majority of Funeral Directors in this country are small businesses and are forced to absorb the debts of those who cannot afford to pay, which can have a significant effect.

“Local authorities too must play their part

in asking themselves why they are increasing costs related to end of life so sharply and whether those increases are necessary.”

He added: “We hope this report puts greater pressure on the Governments in Westminster and Holyrood, and local authorities across the UK to be fairer to bereaved families and the funeral firms which care for them.”

Perfect Choice transfers to Ecclesiastical Insurance Group At the end of January, ownership of NAFD Services Ltd, the Company that operates Perfect Choice Funeral Plans, transferred to the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group.

NAFD Services Limited (Ltd) owned and managed Perfect Choice for more than twenty years, providing a robust and secure pre-paid funeral plan to National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) member firms.

During that time plan sales continued to grow and there is now almost £150m under management and 45,000 plans under administration. A natural consequence of this business growth was that the business risks and liabilities for the Association also increased and reached a level that required specialist management.

Under Ecclesiastical’s ownership NAFD Services Ltd has been re-named Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited and their intention is to continue working with NAFD members regarding future developments for Perfect Choice.

William Millar, President of the National Association of Funeral Directors, said: “The transfer of ownership allows NAFD to become fully focused on its core activity as a funeral trade association at a time when the industry is undergoing a period of change. NAFD will also be better placed to offer an independent view on the funeral pre-payment market which has developed beyond all recognition in recent years.

“We strongly believe that this change

represents the very best outcome for member firms and Perfect Choice itself. I would like to thank all of the directors and trustees for handling the sale on behalf of members.

“Ecclesiastical has supported NAFD Services Ltd with the operation of Perfect Choice for nearly 10 years. During that time Ecclesiastical has provided outstanding support to NAFD Services Ltd and developed Perfect Choice into a marketleading funeral pre-payment plan for member firms and their customers.

“Ecclesiastical’s brand and values continue to represent a good fit with NAFD and its record of regulatory compliance and desire to “do the right thing” will help ensure that the reputation of NAFD and the member firms that use Perfect Choice Funeral Plans will be protected going forward.

Ecclesiastical’s ability to work successfully with its insurance partners will also ensure that competitive whole of life assurance policies are secured to underpin each Perfect Choice Funeral Plan that is sold.

“We believe that by transferring ownership of NAFD Services Ltd to Ecclesiastical, the Perfect Choice Funeral Plans proposition will be further enhanced in a way that will be advantageous for NAFD member firms both now and in the future.”

It is very much business as usual for Perfect Choice. NAFD and Ecclesiastical continue to have a close working relationship, defined in a fresh commercial agreement and there is no change to existing administrative arrangements. The existing Perfect Choice team at Ecclesiastical continue to manage all aspects of the day-to-day Perfect Choice business – as they have done for NAFD Services Ltd. This includes the administration of all existing Perfect Choice and Perfect Assurance Funeral Trust plans.

The Perfect Choice team will also remain closely involved with all NAFD events and conferences.

Crucially, all new plans taken out since 1 February 2016 will continue to hold the full funeral pre-payment amount which is guaranteed not to reduce in value irrespective of how investments perform in the future.

FuneralTimes | 59

NAFD Sensitive Conversations Workshop T

he NAFD has developed a new, costeffective, one-day training workshop, exclusive to members and tailored specifically to the needs of the funeral profession.

Designed to build on the experience and strengths of your team with bespoke training within your own business premises, this brand new one-day workshop on handling sensitive conversations aims to explore advanced communication techniques to decrease client anxiety and increase the accuracy and specificity of communication around funeral-related sensitivities and client choice.

The workshop covers the following areas:Baby Funerals • Confidently and sensitively explore the option of cremation or burial for a baby or child, allowing parents sufficient time and space for the appropriate choice to be made; • Confidently and sensitively facilitate discussion with parents to assist with the choices and decisions that are necessary for each stage of the funeral arrangement; • Confidently and sensitively confirm with parents their understanding of each stage of the arrangement process.

Adult funerals • Sensitively assess and confirm a client’s

60 | FuneralTimes

understanding of all funeral-related information; • Gain self-awareness regarding the choice of language, adopting a pace that allows the client sufficient time to consider their options; • Confidently discuss and explore the choice of coffin/casket, including informed conversation regarding the choice of materials, colour, design and associated costs; • Confidently explore options depending on religious/non-religious preferences to enable the client to make an informed choice; • Confidently discuss the additional funeral-related products and services available at an appropriate time during the arrangement, using a tactful and understanding manner.

This one-day workshop can be held at members’ own premises - subject to suitability for training purposes and demand.

Please contact Gill Anderson, NAFD Training Administrator, on 0121 711 1343 ext. 1005 or by email to trainingadministration@nafd.org.uk for further details.

New collection for Malone and Fox, Glasgow Alex Malone and Michael Collins, Glasgow receive their new hearse & limousine, coachbuilt

by Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

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www.repatriationireland.com Contact one of our experienced international FuneralTimes | 61

Finest quality grave markers

Pads and plates to suit all coffins and caskets

Advertorial

Everything the funeral director needs for perfect graveside presentation

T

he graveside is the final part of the funeral, but by no means the least important. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the last time the family will see the coffin or casket containing the remains of the deceased. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the site they will return to time and time again, especially in the immediate days following the funeral. This makes it all the more important to have high quality products you can depend on.

Here at DJ Mac Neice, we have everything you need for the graveside.

Our range of coffin and casket pads is designed specifically for Irish burials.

These heavy-weight pads come in black and purple, with or without cross motif.

They also have elasticated straps to fit them tightly to the coffin or casket so you know that they will stay securely in place.

Whether there is a headstone in place or not, we have the product to suit your needs. Our grave markers are the perfect option for a new grave awaiting a headstone. We offer two types of wood; the traditional oak or paulownia which is a lightweight wood but no less sturdy or long lasting than oak. Both options have a plate big enough to fit an 8x6 breastplate.

Similarly, if there is a headstone in place, our grave spikes are the perfect way to mark the grave until an inscription can be made on the headstone. Our solid oak grave spikes come in two sizes; 8x6 and 4x2. Both of the sizes have a self-adhesive pad which you can stick your breast plate to removing the

need for hammer and panel pins. The self-adhesive pad also means that a 6x4 rectangle or oval plate can be used on the 4x2 grave spike. We also have the option of providing a white grave marker and spike should you have the unfortunate task of marking the grave of a child.

We stock a large range of breast plates all of which are suitable to be used on our grave markers and grave spikes.

They are also suitable to use on coffins, caskets and ashes caskets. We do a variety of sizes and colours, all of which are available in bordered and black edged styles. There is also the option of the material type you require, metal or plastic, both of which are suitable for engraving. For times when you do need to nail a plate on, all our plates have pre drilled holes to make the job that bit easier. We also stock a range of panel pins and conical nails in a variety of colours and sizes.

DJ Mac Neice continues a long history in the funeral industry during which the aim has always stayed the same - to provide products of the highest quality at a competitive price while delivering excellent customer service. We look forward to doing business with you in the future.

DJ Mac Neice & Co. Ltd., 37a Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.

Telephone: 01-8828731 Email:sales@djmacneice.com Web: www.djmacneice.com FuneralTimes | 63

Dr Bill Webster The company of “Aftercare Limited” T

he following is an extract from a letter received by a funeral home where I conduct an aftercare program: “After my husband died, I really thought my life was over. People kept telling me how I had to go on for the sake of my kids and grandchildren, but, frankly, as much as I love them, I just couldn’t see how I could live without Peter.

But, one evening, I read the book you sent me and it made sense, so with some trepidation, I decided to come to your support program. I was amazed to learn that these overwhelming feelings of grief were in fact normal. Realizing that was a big relief.

I just needed someone to tell me that this overwhelming pain would end someday.

That in six months or in a year I would feel better. And meeting others who were going through the same thing … we helped each other.

I will always be grateful to you for your aftercare program. You have given me back my life. Thanks a million. Betty.”

“Given me back my life?” It’s not often funeral directors hear THAT!!

As he showed the letter to me, the funeral director was obviously delighted, knowing he had a very satisfied customer; but also aware that this person was proclaiming to the community how happy she had been with the service received through his funeral establishment. Both these things are of course beyond price.

64 | FuneralTimes

I have described it in previous articles as a “circle of service”. A circle represents an ongoing unending continuity, and we recognize the concept of “the circle of life”, acknowledging that everything in life operates in cycles. There are so many ways to say it: ‘what goes around, comes around’; ‘you reap what you sow’; ‘things always come full circle’. The idea is that one’s actions, good or bad, will always have consequences of one kind or another is universal.

As a grief counsellor, I have long advocated the need for funeral directors to provide excellent service in 3 vital areas: pre-need, at need, and aftercare; and to see those 3 components as essential elements in this circle of support. But it is equally important to get the order right.

Where does a support circle begin? For the funeral director, the beginning point in the circle is often “at need”. You receive a call from Betty that “Peter has died”. You leap into action to do what you do best. The “at need” component of the circle begins when you get the call, and ends when you have delivered the registry book or documents, so it could run from a few days to a couple of weeks.

However, think about this! From the time you get the call that “Peter has died”, statistics show that on average it will be 7.7 years or almost 3000 days until you get another call to say “BETTY has died”. But how can you guarantee that you will actually

GET that call? Betty might want that, but will the family comply with or even KNOW her wishes?

The “at need” component is absolutely crucial, of course, because that in many ways defines the community’s perception of what you do. That is why I chose to start there.

You simply have to get it right, or you won’t be in business for long. But the “at need” component represents barely one tenth of one percent (.01%) of the circle of service (even though I realize you spend a high percentage of your time making sure you do it well).

Businesses that want to survive in the future need to look at a circle of service that goes beyond “at need” to be able to guarantee however many days later, that next call will actually come to THEM! We dare not assume that it will these days.

So, maybe a few months after Peter’s funeral, we go out and have a conversation

with Betty about the second aspect of the circle of support which is “pre-need”.

Pre-Need has to be much more than simply selling funeral plans. It has to be seen as a part of the circle of service. Pre-Need support begins when, after adjusting to life after their loss, the survivor begins to focus on their own life decisions. This 3000 day cycle I have suggested cannot be divided into a period of time where we suggest that “in a specific time after the loss, pre-need care begins”. It actually begins when the person signals they are looking more to the future than focusing on the past, and there is no timetable to measure when each individual will get there.

But how do people GET to that point.

That is where aftercare comes in. I believe that aftercare fits BETWEEN “at-need” and “preplanning”, and actually helps to set the stage getting people to where they will be ready to consider their OWN arrangements.

However I have become increasingly

FuneralTimes | 65

concerned by the somewhat myopic view of aftercare that many funeral directors’ hold.

Certainly aftercare helps people learn to do things for the first time by themselves.

Practical issues like finances, the re-doing of wills and estate settlement, helps the survivor know what to do, and then help them find the confidence to know they can do it by themselves, albeit with help.

I’m not “knocking” any of that. All the assistance offered is important. But sometimes, funeral homes offer “aftercare” but the practical assistance is all that is offered. In my opinion, any aftercare programme that does not also provide emotional support for the grieving person is “Aftercare Limited.”

The word Aftercare is defined as “the care and treatment of a convalescent patient.”

While that is more a medical definition, we can apply it to those who have been wounded by the death of someone they loved. Aftercare occurs when we offer to guide someone through the necessary adjustments, practical AND emotional, to life without the deceased.

Aftercare by definition cannot simply be seen as selling or even providing products.

It is not just about PRODUCTS, it is about PEOPLE. It is in being interested in the emotional well-being of the people we have served.

The real question is: Do we feel we have a responsibility to provide such resources … services as well as products … to help grieving people in the painful months after a loss?

I believe we do. But there again you would expect me as a grief counsellor to say that.

But whether you realize it or not, people look to the funeral director to offer them ongoing help; you can choose to ignore that or to become the local hero.

Let me illustrate. I remember when my sons were teenagers deciding to take them both on an ambitious holiday through Europe. We were away for 21 wonderful days. When we returned, a friend of mine brazenly asked, “How can you afford to do that?” I resisted the temptation to respond with my FIRST thought, before giving him my answer.

66 | FuneralTimes

“How can I afford NOT to?”

And it is true. Long after the cost of the trip was forgotten, my boys, all these years later, still remember and talk about the experiences we shared together. Creating good memories is priceless.

Every funeral director should want to create a similar reaction. Sure you do a great job of “at-need” service … otherwise you wouldn’t be in business. And yes, you have developed a strategy to encourage people to consider “pre-planning.” But in order to complete the service cycle, an aftercare programme is no longer an option, it is a necessity. How can you afford NOT to?

By serving people well at the time of need, and then by showing a consistent ongoing concern for them in your aftercare programme, they will be receptive to the message you communicate that YOU are the experts on death, dying and grief support.

So, where else than to you would they then turn for information on pre-arrangements … which of course you have found ways to bring to their attention!

Every time you promote an aftercare programme like a support group, or provide resources like books or website material to inform or assist the community with bereavement issues, you promote your business.

Open your programme to the community.

Certainly, some of the people who will benefit may have been served by a competitor, but if you assist them after their bereavement, guess who they will call next time when the circle comes round to another “at need” situation.

Of course there is a cost to aftercare, in resources and in effort. But while your initial motivation may be philanthropic, the effective implementation of such a programme yields dividends in many ways. It’s always nice when something fundamentally altruistic can actually offer so many rewards.

Dr Bill Webster is the Director of the Centre for the Grief Journey, and can be reached at www.GriefJourney.com, and on Twitter @ drbillwebster

New Coleman Milne Fleet for Seaton Leng & Son Ltd.

Seaton Leng & Sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing Director, James Tindale, taking delivery of the new vehicles from Coleman Milne

S

eaton Leng & Son Ltd. are a privately owned and family-run firm of funeral directors who have been serving families in Darlington and its surrounding areas since 1891.

The firm has recently taken delivery of two new Mercedes E-Class Limousines and one E-Class Hearse in their traditional

Moroccan Red. This new fleet supersedes their last Coleman Milne Mercedes fleet, purchased in 2013.

Managing Director, James Tindale said â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have purchased our ceremonial fleet from Coleman Milne for over 30 years now and these new Mercedes have to be the best cars I have ever ownedâ&#x20AC;?.

FuneralTimes | 67

Eulogica online memorial pages T

here are many different providers to choose from when looking at online memorial pages. Free solutions need to make money somehow and they may include adverts or try to sell your clients products they don’t really want. These sites may also not be designed in your company style and colours.

You ought to be careful about sites that claim to use your colours and brand. If you search for the deceased name using a search engine you may end up on a site that looks nothing like your company web page and doesn’t promote your brand.

The easy to use Eulogica online memorial pages are always branded with your company style and colours, and we will not strip any of this branding away. Due to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), people searching for a deceased name in a search engine like Google will find your online memorial pages and not any other third party website where your name may be featured very little, if at all.

The benefits of the Eulogica online memorial pages: • Providing a tasteful online memorial page for YOUR clients on YOUR web page • Bringing people to YOUR web page and not to a third party website • Allowing funeral time and place to be spread to a much larger audience than the newspapers provide • Ability for mourners to print the funeral service details with a map of the venue with YOUR company name and logo on that print out • Allowing mourners to post condolence messages or simply to light a candle • Streamlining your charity donations process by allowing mourners to make a charity donation online with the ability to add gift aid • Optimised for use on tablet and mobile phone devices • Easy to administer - standalone use or integrated with Eulogica • Search Engine Optimisation to promote YOUR web page when people search for the deceased’s name For more information please contact: Eulogica Ltd. on T:0845 3519 935 or visit: www.eulogica.co.uk or email: enquiries@ eulogica.co.uk 68 | FuneralTimes

Review considers Kerry resolution impractical A

committee representing the funeral liturgy in the Diocese of Kerry rule that guidelines standardising funeral behavior are too difficult.

A resolution passed by councilors in Kerry for Dr. Ray Browne, Bishop of Kerry, to introduce a solution whereby the large groups of mourners, routinely present at Kerry funerals, may be allowed to sympathise with the bereaved within the church itself, has been turned down by the Diocesan Liturgy Committee.

There was a dual purpose for this resolution. Firstly, to save the bereaved the potentially overwhelming ordeal of being mobbed outside the church, especially in inclement weather, and secondly so that mourners across the diocese would be treated with a similar approach, regardless of their parish. There is a variance in

practices currently, the offering of sympathy within churches not being replicated across many parishes in Kerry, West Cork, and North Cork, the areas forming the diocese.

The aftermath of the request has seen the production of a resource booklet for funerals, comprising advice on appropriate scriptures, hymns, use of Christian symbols, and help in dealing with death and loss.

The Diocesan Liturgy Committee, upon review, considered the matter of standardizing funeral practice across the Diocese to be impractical, citing the factor of local customs upon proceedings, such as the visiting of the funeral home of prayers and the variance in funeral times between town and rural parishes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very difficult to standardize many of these because they are usually best resolved in the local area and with the awareness of local issuesâ&#x20AC;?.

FuneralTimes | 69

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Jason Eyre and his team receiving the keys to two new Volvo Limousines from Ian Roe of Wilcox Limousines Ltd.

Volvo limousines again for Arthur Worsley Funeral Services Ltd. Arthur Worsley Funeral Services has been serving families for almost 150 years. Professional family funeral directors, they are members of SAIF. Jason has been so impressed with his current Volvo limousines that he had no hesitation in ordering the same model again. The cars come with a high specification including satellite navigation, BluetoothÂŽ, leather interior, alloy wheels and reverse sensors. The leg room offered is one of the largest in the industry. The cars have a fuel efficient and quiet D4 engine.

Wilcox Limousines Ltd. would like to thank Brenda, Jason and Julie for their continued custom and wish them every success with their new limousines.

Jaguar limousine for Robert A. Drew & Son Ltd. funeral directors

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obert A. Drew & Son Ltd. Funeral Directors are the Pre-owned aluminium latest to purchase a pre-owned Jaguar limousine aluminium Jaguar limousine from Wilcox Limousines Ltd. The limousine is the final vehicle in a fleet of a Jaguar XJ6 hearse and two Jaguar limousines recently purchased from Wilcox Limousines Ltd. Professional family funeral directors, they are members of SAIF. The vehicles come with a high specification including a vast deck area in the hearse; luxury leather interior, air suspension, heated seats, cruise control and alloy wheels. The latest purchase is part of Nick and Suzanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued investment in the business.

Wilcox Limousines Ltd. would like to thank Nick and Suzanne for their custom and wish them every success with their new fleet.

72 | FuneralTimes

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Profile of an American Legend

By Jennifer Muldowney

O

ne snowy (3 ft!) January morning in New York City I decided to take it upon myself to visit the very famous Hartsdale Pet Cemetery. And it was beautiful. It might have been the serene snow or the quiet calm as a result of the snow but either way I was blown away by the beauty and tranquility of it all. I met the gentile Snr Edward Martin for an interview and here is his and their story...

In 1896, a wealthy lady who owned some property - Emily Burset - decided to allow her friends to bury their pets for a small fee.

The story goes that she contacted Dr Samuel Jackson and he referred other people to her. After 10/11 years he took it over and it became Hartsdale Canine Cemetery BUT the charter then dictated that ANY pet must be buried not just canine (thus making the original name redundant).

As with ALL true historic moments there are two stories to every story. Edward either could or would not confirm which was the true story, so one must offer both.

Now here is STORY NUMBER 2 A veterinarian called Dr Samuel Jackson took care of animals when they were just used for physical labour. Unfortunately, as with all living things, they pass away, and up to then most did not ask “What happened to the body?” but one lady did. Never asked before – she kept enquiring and got told the truth – pets are put out with the garbage can! Those who are probably reading to this point are horrified.

As a pet lover I agree - My baby is NOT going in the trash! So in steps Dr Samuel Jackson...

“Well I have a place in Westchester County” he said and so she buried the pet herself and then other people started asking could they do theirs. It made sense. It became a business as most opportunities do... and so the story continues...! (part 2 coming next issue)

FuneralTimes | 75

WHAT DOES YOUR

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our promise to you is simple we will answer your calls 7 days a week - 52 weeks a year we will deliver on time - every time Contact Graham or Richard for further details Telephone: (028 UK/048 ROI) 3835 5060 Email: production@inhousepublications.coms 76 | FuneralTimes

Twelfth Coleman Milne Ford for Parson Group T

he Walter C. Parson Group has recently taken delivery of their 12th Mk11 Coleman Milne Ford vehicle, which completes the rolling replacement of their fleet. The twelfth vehicle is the facelifted Falcon FGX hearse.

Area Manager Darren Lapthorn is pictured receiving the keys to the new vehicle from John Ware, Managing Director’s Assistant.

Darren said “I am delighted to take delivery of the new Coleman Milne hearse, which is among the first in the country of the facelifted model. We place great emphasis on the quality of our vehicle fleet, which forms an important part of the exemplary level of service we aim to offer our clients.”

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FuneralTimes | 77

Wheels on heels and fire escapes

By Mattie Lennon

The next time I sit down with a group of funeral directors I’ll keep my mouth shut. Not an easy task for me but I think I have learned my lesson.

Recently at such a gathering I was stupid enough to wonder (out loud) what the collective term is for a group of undertakers.

I followed this up with my feeble attempt at humour, “A Murder and A Shrewdness has been already taken by crows and apes respectively.” But sure the man beside me, a fast-talking undertaker from the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, informed me that the term is a congress of undertakers. He followed up this revelation with an argosy of coffins, a benevolence of mourners, a billow of crematoria, a dormitory of graves, a stipend of ministers and a trudge of hearses.

I then commented that there had recently been an epidemic of correspondance to the letters page objecting to the term “Passed On,” which is used as a euphemism for dead by many.

A female funeral director at the other end of the table piped up to say that Lynne Ann DeSpelder and Albert Lee Strickland, in their book, The Last Dance, had listed sixty-seven colloquial terms for death. She proceeded to list every one of them and I started to furiously scribble them down on a napkin. Unfortunately, I took Shakespeare’s claim that “Good handwriting is the ambition of a fool” too seriously with the result that I can’t decipher my own squiggle. Here, however, are the few that I can make out; Wasted, Terminated, Rubbed out, Made the change, Bought the farm, Lost the race, Lost it, Rode into the sunset.

78 | FuneralTimes

There are a few more semilegible but I might get them wrong.

Then a Kerry man who had just returned from a Funeral Service Degree programme, in Boston, regaled the gathering with an account of how he had met one Mr. Haakon Doherty, Professor of Orthopaedics, at Uppsala University, in the Boston Plaza Hotel. According to him, Professor Doherty - whose great grandfather came from Donegal has found evidence in human feet of the evolution of “wheels.”

He agrees that it took millions of years for legs to evolve from fins but he has claimed in a recently published paper that the rate of human evolution has accelerated to such an extent that as early as the year 2100 humans will be traveling on their own “wheels.” “One of the causes of the rapid acceleration is the population boom. With more people, an advantageous genetic mutation will arise and spread.” ”On seeing that I was taken aback” he went on, “if those are not wheels they are fairly bloody close.”

He said that the professor went on to explain (without giving any detail, apart from mentioning the term (tissueengineering) that he has discovered a formula which will accelerate human evolution beyond belief.

The Kerryman, Stack is his name, asked Mr Doherty, “Why have species millions of years older than us not grown wheels”?

Being a Kerryman, he was, of course able to quote the professor’s answer verbatim, “We didn’t grow wheels because there weren’t any roads or flat surfaces until a few thousand years ago, which is the blink of an eye in cosmic terms.

When biology was facilitating locomotion

the terrain to be negotiated was catered for. Legs, fins and wings were sufficient. Evolution adapts us to suit our environment. Adaptation may cause either the gain of a new feature, or the loss of an ancestral feature. If there were motorways a hundred million years ago you and I would be moving around Quincy Market on our own “flesh-and-blood roller skates”.

He said that the professor told him, by way of illustration, that the larvae of the mother-of-pearl moth (Pleurotya Ruralis,) when startled, will roll itself into a round shape and roll away and the bacterium Escherichia coli moves by spinning filaments called flagella like tiny propellers which rotate at a speed of several hundred times per second. “Now” says our Kerry friend, “if those are not wheels they are fairly bloody close.” “And” he says “I was wondering about the blood supply but didn’t dare ask the question. The professor read my mind, he told me, ‘The flesh-and-blood wheel could use the umbilical connection similar to that used on merry-go-rounds’. I don’t know if he was making this bit up but the man from Lixnaw finished his tale with, “Seeing that his erudite instruction was falling on barren ground he gave me a practical demonstration using a CD and one of my shoelaces.”

I, once again, re-introduced the topic of my plan for a mobile crematorium.

At the mention of incineration a man quickly changed the subject to eternal damnation. So vivid was his word-picture of the less appealing aspect of the afterlife that I felt I was back in Lacken

in the 1950s listening to a Redemptorist Missioner roaring at the top of his voice about fire and brimstone.

A well-travelled undertaker then became vocal about ways of avoiding the fires of hell. He told us of one Richard Mellon, a steel magnate in Pittsburgh, who, on nearing the end of his life, donated the equivalent of $66 million today to build a cathedral. Some wondered if his celestial philanthropy was a salve for his guilt or a get-out-of-hell free card. In fact, he died two years before the cathedral was

completed. It is known as the Cathedral of Hope or East Libertarian Presbyterian Church. However, the locals prefer to call it “Mellon’s Fire escape.”

A man, from Blackpool in Cork, at the table, not to be outdone, started his contribution with, “Speaking of fire insurance, boy...” He went on to tell the story of Blackpool’s Roman Catholic parish Church, the Church of the Annunciation, which, according to him, was designed by noted stone carver Seamus Murphy.

The building of this church, completed in 1945 to replace the earlier St Nicholas Church, was funded by the Dwyer family who owned the nearby Sunbeam textile complex. Although their contribution included money taken up from their staff with weekly collections the new church earned the nickname “Billy Dwyer’s Fire escape.”

FuneralTimes | 79

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

2005 VAUXHALL VECTRA HEARSETTE • 80,000 Miles • NCT Aug 2016

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

Price €3,950 Contact T: 087 2759254 for more information

FOR SALE

131 DUFFY 3 DOOR HEARSE BINZ VF3700 LWB CHASSIS • E 250 Diesel Engine • 7 speed Automatic Transmission • Traditional Style Mercedes Front Grille • Automatic Transmission • 040 Black Paint • 111 Black Artico Leather Trim

• 220 Parktronic • Interior Wood Trim • Full size alloy spare wheel, jack and tool kit • Elegance Chrome mouldings to sides • Manual Tailgate Release System

Price on Application Contact Tommy 094 98 60031 86 | FuneralTimes

FuneralTimes | 1

N EW 2016 JAGUAR F ROM ÂŁ124,950

2012 Prices!!

enquiries@wilcoxlims.co.uk www.limousines.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1753 480 600