The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland
2020 Vol.20 No.4
Morning queue of coffins for Mounting & Lining in Finlay factory
YOUR PARTNERS IN DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN FUNERAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Non-religious funerals in Northern Ireland Meaningful and bespoke funerals Humanist funerals are non-religious ceremonies that focus on the person who has died, the life they led, and the relationships they forged. They are based on the humanist perspective that every life is valuable and unique.
Each ceremony is suited to the person who has died and the feelings of the people who love them. We can help remember the person who has died with an upbeat celebration of life, whilst others may take a more solemn tone.
A humanist funeral is the perfect option for families and friends who want a sincere, personal reflection on the life of their loved ones – without religion. This can be especially important if the person who died was not religious.
A funeral can include time for silent reflection on the life of the deceased. This time is inclusive of people from all backgrounds and people with religious beliefs can take this opportunity to say a silent prayer, if they wish.
Find your local celebrant Our funeral ceremonies are conducted by humanist celebrants. Contact your celebrant today to find out more about saying a dignified and personal farewell. BALLYCASTLE John Foley 07949 114455
BELFAST Richard Lavery 07802 839543
BELFAST MaryLou McShane 07962 906236
NEWTOWNABBEY Stewart Holden 07971 634098
BALLYMENA Lisa Wilkinson 07759 514139
BELFAST Maire De Buitlear 07841 860276
DERRY Julie Hassell 07510 851612
NORTH DOWN Trevor Molloy 07549 946622
BANBRIDGE Joan Davis 07546 954222
BELFAST Cathy Graham 07595 927494
DUNMURRY Janni Knox 07890 861690
HUMANISTS UK info@humanists.uk 020 7324 3060
BANGOR Michael McAlinden 07305 892201
BELFAST Rachel Smith 07957 474643
LISBURN Sheena Bradley 07732 143183
humanists.uk/ ceremonies
Humanist Ceremonies™ is part of Humanists UK, a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 285987) and company limited by guarantee (no. 228781).
The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland
Saying goodbye to Victor Malcomson 5
Contents
Mullen’s at the heart of the community 11
Saying goodbye to Victor Malcomson ...................................................................................... 5 Finlay’s ready for Brexit .....................................................................................................................8 Mullen’s at the heart of the community ..................................................................................11 IAFD News . ............................................................................................................................................12 Cruse Bereavement’s support partnerships .......................................................................... 16 Cassidy’s beautiful 1940’s Rolls Royce hearse ....................................................................... 19 Quinn Hearse & Limousine celebrate 25 years ................................................................... 20 BIE News ................................................................................................................................................32 Jessica Mouck on dealing with decomposition .................................................................. 37 Release of Obit Version 4 ............................................................................................................. 44 NAFD News ......................................................................................................................................... 46 Padraic Cawley on working around restrictions . ................................................................54 Home for Christmas with Dr Bill Webster .............................................................................56 Jennifer Muldowney on showing them you care ...............................................................62 SAIF News ............................................................................................................................................ 64 Sue Anne O’Donnell finds a place to gather ........................................................................74 Humanist Funeral Celebrants’ rising to the challenge ......................................................76 Classifieds ..............................................................................................................................................79
Cassidy’s beautiful 1940’s Rolls Royce Hearse 19
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 E: sales@funeraltimes.com
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
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OBITUARY
Victor Malcomson FBIE Article reproduced with kind permission of The Company of Fellow’s of the British Institute of Embalmers
V
ictor was born on 24th May 1923 and was proud of the fact that he shared his birthday with that of Queen Victoria (only the day, not the year, obviously). He has been a member of the Institute since 1948 and was very much involved in the formation of the Northern Ireland Division, which was formed in 1949. Their first meeting was held at The Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, and W. A. Doggart was the first Chairman J. T. Doggart (that’s Billy Doggart’s father) was the first secretary, the Vice Chairman was Tommy Bell, and Victor was a member of the committee. (Interestingly the Midland Division bought their Chairman’s Jewel, although it is fair to say that when their first Chairman, W. A. Doggart, died in 1951, they bought their current chain of office in his memory). The Division was very important to Victor, and Victor was so important to the Division. Ten years after its formation (in 1959) he became its secretary, and he was still secretary in 1980. That’s some stint – over 20 years! (there are only a couple of other people who have achieved that sort of service, and they are Ralph Gascoigne, who was secretary of the Midland Division for twenty years, with a break to be National President, and Rachel Shipley, who is currently in her 21st year as secretary of The Midland Division). Although Victor became secretary in 1959 and gave up the position in 1980, it wasn’t a completely unbroken period of service, as he took a year out in 1961 to be the Chairman of the Division before resuming the secretarial duties. Victor was dedicated to both the Northern Ireland Division and the Institute itself. He was interested in education and was the principle of the Northern Ireland School of Embalming. He was interested in maintaining high standards, and became an examiner for the National Examination Board of Embalmers. He was interested in helping others, and became a member of the Kenyon’s DVI team. (In fact he was a great favourite of Des Henley & John Nichols). He attended various emergencies including Aberfan in 1966 and the Air India incident off the Irish coast in 1985.
But it wasn’t all work. Victor has many other interests. He was an ardent cricket fan, passionately supporting Lurgan Cricket Club for decades. He had an enthusiastic interest in singing and some of the older members may remember he gave many a fine rendition at conference, in the days when conference was a week long, and delegates used to dress up and sing. For all this work, and all this dedication to the Institute, Victor had never been the National President. This had been his choice. When he was in business, working with his family firm, Malcomson’s of Lurgan, he continually declined to accept nomination, because he thought he would not be able to dedicate sufficient time and effort to do the position justice. Once he sold the company he continued to refuse nomination, this time on the grounds that he was too old, and the position should be given to a younger, more energetic person. However he did accept the nomination to be Master Fellow on the understanding that it would only be for twelve months, and so he held the office of Master Fellow from 2005 to 2006. Victor sadly passed away on Wednesday 4th November 2020, in his 98th year. FuneralTimes | 5
Season’s Greetings Best wishes for the New Year, from all at Duffy Coachbodies.
The new Facelift
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BREXIT A
s we are all aware the date for Brexit is approaching and we in Finlay have been working hard over the last two years to prepare our systems and supply lines for post Brexit operation and we would
like to reassure all of our customers that we are ready for Brexit and there will be no disruption or changes to your supplies. With hundreds of customers and dozens of suppliers throughout
Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales we have had a team planning and preparing for the 31st December 2020, so we are confident to say that we at Finlay are ready for Brexit.
Finlay Customercare Team
O
Jim Conlon
Dermot Sharpe
ne of the more unfortunate Covid impacts on our business was that our colleague Jim Conlon had regrettably, to retire on health grounds. Jim, who joined the business in 1992 was a highly valued and committed colleague who was passionate about taking care of the needs of his clients. We learned a great deal from Jim over the years and we greatly enjoyed working with him. We wish Jim all the very best for his retirement. Jim has handed over to Dermot Sharpe who, with over thirty-seven years with our company brings huge funeral service experience to Customercare.
Excellence in Funeral Products and Services 8 | FuneralTimes
FINLAY DISPATCH TEAM Your Partners In Delivering Excellence In Funeral Products & Services Nationally
Martin Carroll
Jimmy O’Reilly
Robert Furley
Carles Mahiques
Customercare Foreman
www.finlaygrp.com FuneralTimes | 9
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Mullen’s are at the heart of the community Located in Cootehill, Co. Cavan, Mullen’s Funeral Directors have been established for over 30 years. riding themselves on providing a personal and professional service, they strive to offer the families they serve a complete funeral package from the first phone call. Mullen’s funeral home was established in 2000 in the very heart of Cootehill Town, offering ample car parking, and from here they are in a perfect position to serve families across
Cavan and Monaghan. With the ability to comfortably accommodate up to 100 people at any given time, Mullen’s have worked hard to offer a funeral home where members of all religions as well as the non-religious can gather together to mourn the loss of those dearest to them. The family-run business was established by Kieran and Sheila Mullen alongside Kieran’s late father Brian Mullen. Kieran now proudly works alongside his daughter Niamh and son Mark.
Mark, Niamh and Kieran Mullen
Catering for religious and non-religious services
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FuneralTimes | 11
IAFD News Irish Association Of Funeral Directors successfully lobby Government on behalf of bereaved
T
he 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland moved to Level 5 of the Living with Covid plan on Wednesday 21st October 2020. In the original plan level 5 restricted the number of mourners permitted to attend funeral services to 10 people.
However, following extensive lobbying by the IAFD on behalf of its members and by other concerned parties the Government reviewed this limitation and keep the number permitted to attend funerals at the current limit of 25 people.
2020/2021
COURSE
T
he Education Officer and Programme Coordinator are responsible for delivering the FDCA Course which is more relevant to the work of funeral directors, and less expensive and less demanding time wise than the previous course, the Certificate in Funeral Practice. The FDCA consists of three modules: 1. Operating and Managing a Funeral Business. 2. Arranging and Managing a Funeral; and
AGM
3. Safety and Health in the workplace. Despite current restrictions due to COVID19 IAFD were determined to proceed with the course and are pleased to announce that 16 students commenced the course on 8th October 2020. As with so much of life at present the course is being run via Zoom, which has been a learning curve for everyone however initial feedback from the students has been positive.
W
ork continues towards hosting the annual AGM via Zoom. As with the Education programme this will be a first for IAFD and we are sure it will also be a learning curve. We are looking forward to meeting our Members, even if it is virtually.
New IAFD Board Member O
n 24th September 2020 Keith Greaney from Galway was co-opted onto the Board of IAFD. Keith is married to Cathriona (A Galway Girl) and father to three girls. Following a career in various management roles, Keith, who had always been curious about funeral services, started work with Robert Conneely in Conneely’s in February 2018 and as trade embalmers he developed a real understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. Everyday interaction with many different Funeral Directors (both in size and in style of working) has given him a broad perspective of funeral services as a whole. Keith said “I was drawn to the Board of the IAFD because I believe funeral directors and funeral service providers are the glue holding many families together when they are bereaved. While we can’t grieve for them, we can take care of everything else to allow them the space that they need to grieve. I will always be grateful to Robert Conneely for having the foresight to see that I had transferable skills, built up over the years, that could be very useful in the funeral business.”
12 | FuneralTimes
IAFD Contacts Robert Fanagan (President) Fanagans Willbrook Street, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 Ph: 01 4931000 Email: robert@fanagans.ie
Mary Cunniffe (PRO) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village Dublin 6W Mobile: 085 8010742 Ph: 01 4907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com
Donal Forde (First Vice President) Forde & Sons Funeral Home South Gate Bridge Cork Co. Cork Ph: 021 4318222 Email: fordes@indigo.ie
Fintan Cooney (Membership Officer) Fanagans 54 Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ph: 01 4167700 Email: fintanjen@gmail.com
Edwina Fitzgerald (Immediate Past President) Fitzgeralds Funeral Directors Channel Road Rush Co. Dublin Ph: 087 3512949 Email: edwinafitzgerald78@gmail.com Dara Gillespie (Hon. Secretary) Finlays Funeral Service Tierney Street Ardee Co. Louth Mobile: 086 7923472 Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com Niall Mulligan (Hon. Treasurer) Heffernan’s Funeral Directors Trim Co. Meath Mobile: 086 8208501 Ph: 046 9438662 Email: heffernansfd@gmail.com
Tom Lawless Lawless Funeral Directors Mucklagh, Tullamore Co. Offaly Ph: 057 9322622 Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie Dermot McCarthy McCarthy’s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork. Ph: 029 56044 Email: dermot@mccarthyfuneraldirectors. com Niamh Sweeney John Sweeney and Sons Fairgreen Arklow Co Wicklow Ph: 0402 32333 Email: niamh@johnsweeneyandsons.ie
FuneralTimes | 13
DIGNIFIED SILENCE Introducing the new Coleman Milne Mercedes-Benz Plug-in Hybrid with full electric mode.
T: +44 (0)1942 815 600
E: info@coleman-milne.co.uk
Drawing on four decades of experience on the Mercedes platform, Coleman Milne presents the E-Class Plug-in Hybrid Petrol option across the full Mercedes range. With the ability to switch effortlessly to full-electric mode for up to 30 miles, the Coleman Milne Mercedes-Benz E300e allows you to provide a silent funeral cortege as well as zero emissions operation in clean air zones. Meanwhile, the Coleman Milne E300e’s efficient 2.0 petrol engine means the vehicle can still travel substantial distances without needing to refuel or recharge. The E300e plug-in hybrid typically uses a combination of electric and petrol-engine power for complete efficiency. Delivery from April 2021, pre-order now.
Stacey Moore Central/S.E England & Wales 07393 014 281
Eddie Mardsden Central England & N.Wales 07919 162 564
Tony Kerr Scotland & NI 07860 586 850
Funeral Arranger Lisa Hutchinson outside James Brown & Sons Lisburn Road
Funeral teams launch bereavement support partnership with Cruse As families try to come to terms with the loss of loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic, 17 funeral homes across Northern Ireland have partnered with Cruse Bereavement Care to help provide extra support to bereaved people.
T
he partnership with Funeral Partners Northern Ireland will help Cruse recruit and train 20 new Bereavement Volunteers at this much needed time. Online support sessions will also be provided to bereaved families. These sessions will address specific challenges presented by the pandemic, including the highly sensitive and emotive issues around funeral restrictions and not being able to be with loved ones at their time of death. Sessions will also cover understanding your grief and understanding your child’s grief. Cruse Bereavement Care thanked Funeral
16 | FuneralTimes
Partners for this new partnership which will help Cruse continue to provide vital support to bereaved families in Northern Ireland as they navigate their way through the pain of loss in 2020. The partnership was initiated by Funeral Arranger Lisa Hutchinson, at James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors in Lisburn Road, Belfast, who wanted to find a way to provide greater support to those coping with bereavement during the pandemic. Through Funeral Partners, it covers funeral homes in Antrim, Bangor, Belfast, Carrickfergus,
Derry/Londonderry, Donaghadee, Dungannon, Glengormley, Holywood, Larne, Newtownards and Portadown. Paul Finnegan, Director of Cruse NI, said: “Grief is being felt across the country on an unimaginable scale Paul Finnegan Director of due to the impact Cruse Northern Ireland Covid-19 is having on those who have been bereaved, whatever the circumstance. This partnership will help ensure that the bereaved families using Funeral Partners branches are offered support when they need it most.” Julian Hodgkinson, Regional Development Director for Funeral Partners in Northern Ireland said: “Being unable to offer any physical comfort to the bereaved in the way we have become used to has been extremely difficult for us this year as caring is at the very heart of our business. “We believe this support service is being offered to the community at a truly critical time. Processing grief and loss can be almost unbearable for some in normal circumstances and this has been heightened beyond comprehension during the pandemic. We are
privileged to be able to help those who are grieving at this difficult and challenging time with Cruse Bereavement Care.” Directors and Arrangers working for Funeral Partners Northern Ireland will also be offered the opportunity to be among the new Bereavement Volunteers specially trained by Cruse, which will enable the team members to provide specialist support to the families we serve.
F
uneral Partners is interested in further expansion in Northern Ireland and would be happy to have an informal and confidential chat with any Funeral Directors who are considering selling their businesses. Contact Chief Executive Officer Sam Kershaw, directly on 07834 531822 or email: sam.kershaw@ funeralpartners.co.uk or Acquisition & Mergers Director Steve Wilkinson on 07528 970 531 or email: steve.wilkinson@funeralpartners.co.uk www.funeralpartnersnorthernireland.com
If you are interested in joining an online bereavement support session in Northern Ireland, please contact your local Funeral Director for more information James Brown & Sons, Central Belfast.............................................................................................. 028 9045 1021 Houston & Williamson Funeral Directors....................................................................................028 9074 3540 John Gray & Co Funeral Directors, Bangor & Holywood.........................................................028 9127 1148 Doggarts of Newtownards Funeral Directors, Newtownards.............................................. 028 9181 3382 Mulholllands Funeral Directors, Carrickfergus & Larne...........................................................028 9335 1585 Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors....................................................................................028 9188 2825 Joseph Poots & Son Funeral Director, Portadown......................................................................028 3835 2154 Holmes of Dungannon Funeral Directors, Dungannon........................................................... 028 8775 2212 Adair & Neeley Funeral Directors, Derry/Londonderry............................................................028 7131 1321 Bairds of Antrim Funeral Directors, Antrim.................................................................................028 9442 8230 FuneralTimes | 17
CASSIDY
CHAUFFEUR DRIVE
Newly Restored 1940’s Rolls Royce Hearse For Hire Our recently restored 1940’s Rolls Royce Hearse is available for hire to Funeral Directors, along with one of our drivers, throughout the country. 13 Knockmitten Lane, Western Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Phone: 01 4501533 / Mobile: 087 2567822
1940’s elegance available for your exit! Cassidy Chauffeur Drive, established over thirty years, are an independent family run business in the Dublin 12 area. Cassidy Chauffeur Drive provide limousine hire for Funeral Directors with the Leinster area. Recently they have launched their 1940’s Vintage Rolls Royce Hearse for hire. The Hearse has been totally refurbished and restored by the team at Cassidy Chauffeur Drive. The Hearse was in a sorry state of disrepair and neglect. However, the team at Cassidy Chauffeur Drive have lovingly transformed the Hearse into a stunning example of a working Rolls Royce Hearse from the 1940’s period. The deck of the Hearse has been redesigned so it can be adjusted in order to facilitate all sizes of coffins. Cassidy Chauffeur Drive are happy to hire the Rolls Royce Hearse with one of their drivers to Funeral Directors throughout the country. FuneralTimes | 19
Quinn Hearse and Limousine celebrate 25 years in business this year. Managing Director Fearghas Quinn built his first hearse based on a Ford Granada in 1995 after working part-time in the family funeral firm for 11 years.
C
ombining his knowledge of the funeral sector with his skill in accident repair he developed and built the Granada hearse initially as a one-off project. However, interest in the vehicle was such that he was commissioned to build 3 more exactly the same. Soon after, Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousine was born, and the business grew quickly. In 1999, the first Mercedes hearse was produced, and in 2000, the first Opel was built. In the following years a range of 3 door and 5 door hearses, along with 6 and 4 door limousines became available. In 2015, Fearghas reached the milestone of 500 vehicles built by FQHL with the 500th hearse being purchased by Nicky Doran, the same funeral director who took delivery of the first Granada 20 years prior. “A lot has happened over the years” Fearghas recalls, “It took time to build up trust in the funeral
20 | FuneralTimes
sector, but the fact that the vehicles are of a high build quality helped. We also made sure to stand over our work. We’re confident in the quality of our hearses and limousines and provided support and aftercare from day one.” “As vehicles have progressed, so have we” he continued, “The electronics became incredibly advanced and you have to keep up with that, and make sure that the extended platform vehicles retain all the original functionality. Advances in metals, paints and engine types also had to be accounted for, and continue to be” Today, Fearghas is joined by his son and daughter in the business, with Patrick an international award-winning spray painter and Deborah a distinguished background in management and customer relations. Quinn Hearse and Limousine continue to build quality new funeral vehicles, with their E Class and Insignia ranges, as well as
Quinn Hearse and Limousine state of the art factory in Portglenone
Inside the factory is the impressive production line
The first hearse based on a Ford Granada in 1995
The first hearse based on a Opel in 2000
planning to launch a new range in 2021. Their vehicles have been sold across 4 continents, including all over the UK, and hearse number 1 continues to be in use today, a great example of their longevity. “We still look to progress” said Fearghas, “We have plans to launch a new range in the near future and we continue to invest in the business. We’ve recently renovated, added new tooling and done a little bit of construction work. I think with everything that happened this year, it has encouraged us to take a proper look at the company, take time to do some housekeeping and
make sure we’re in the best possible shape to grow in the future.” Quinn’s have this year completed renovations and expansion of their factory, with dedicated engineering, sales, parts, manufacturing, testing and composite departments. While celebrations this year have unfortunately been muted, Quinn’s look forward to the next 25 years with continued optimism and have recently launched a new website, www.fearghasquinn. com, with its own page dedicated to the company history www.fearghasquinn.com/about-history. Have a look today and see what you discover. FuneralTimes | 21
GM CANOPIES - ‘Social Distancing’ Canopies
C
ongratulations to Dereck Marshall on the purchase of his new Vitabri 3m x 4.5m ‘Social Distancing’ canopy from GM Canopies. These uncertain times have cast a long shadow over the physical and mental well being of all our communities. Funeral Directors like our Health Professionals are at the front line of this pandemic. It is invariably funeral directors such
as Dereck Marshall, are there for the bereaved offering a first class professional service. GM Canopies have a wide range of ‘Social Distancing’ canopies ideal for outside the Funeral Home, Wake House or during a Graveside Committal. For more information contact Gerard on Tel: 07778 345074 or 087 9515019
Shivnan Funeral Home, Ballyfarnan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon were delighted to receive their ‘Social Distancing Canopy’ from GM Canopies 22 | FuneralTimes
Tel: +�� (�)�� ���� ����
Email: fearghas@fearghasquinn.com
www.fearghasquinn.com
New Delivery -
Quinn Hearse and Limousine
Shaun Murphy, of Inishowen Funeral Services, collects his new Insignia 3 door from Quinn Hearse & Limousine
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Celebrating 10 years serving the Irish Funeral Trade!! Next Working Day Delivery Guaranteed
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The Benefits of PEAI Membership # 1 Continuing education: The PEAI educational programmes which provide updates on any issues that affect their jobs. # 2 Networking opportunities: Professional association’s periodic meetings offer events throughout the year that allow professionals to network with their peers, you’ll forge lasting ties with others who have common professional interests and similar business concerns. These relationships will be a rich, ongoing source of inspiration and ideas. We try to accommodate nationwide meeting venue locations. # 3 Access to resources: Offer helpful information about our industry. Such resources may also provide news about upcoming events, conferences, meetings, and even career opportunities not publicized elsewhere. # 4 New perspective: Working as an embalmer can become extremely busy and embalmers can get stuck in their own little bubbles. Being around other industry professionals with different viewpoints will expose you to new ideas and outlooks. This can have a very positive effect not only on your personal growth and development but also your mental health. # 5 Professional developments: Beyond proven certification provide some form of professional development opportunities. These come in the form of workshops programme.
26 | FuneralTimes
# 6 Getting your name out there: Professional organizations can be a great way to increase your own visibility, this increased visibility can be essential when trying to enhance your own professional trade service, especially in the beginning of your career. # 7 The PEAI supply all member with embalming certificates for repatriation cases.
The Benefits to the undertaker operating with our members. You can be assured that all our members are continuously enhancing their skills and stay ahead of industry trends and techniques with our educational programmes. As a result of availing our members service our members will aid you to provide a better service to your clients. The PEAI has an established Code of Professional Conduct which must be adhered by all of its members while practicing embalming. All our members are provided with Professional Identification cards and embalming documentation required to accompany repatriation cases. With you in mind please view our list of members available nationwide listed by county for your convenience www. professionalembalmers.ie All members must meet certain criteria before being accepted into the Association.
List of PEAI Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2020-2021 Chairperson - Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland Pauline Lynch MPEAI, MEAE Mobile: 087 7677088 Email: paulinelyn@gmail.com
Secretary - Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland Gráinne Teefy MPEAI Mobile: 085 857 0029 Treasurer - Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland Michael Grealish MPEAI, MEAE Mobile: 087-8184283 Email: grealishmichael@gmail.com PRO -Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland Joe McNamara MPEAI, MEAE, MIAFD Email: josephmcnamara94@gmail.com
www.professionalembalmers.ie www.professionalembalmers.ie secretary@professionalembalmers.ie
The next generation of public health I
t goes without saying that the current pandemic has changed life in an immeasurable way, both in our work and social lives. The stark reality is that, once we reach a point where we may consider ourselves, at least from an Irish perspective, to be ‘through’ this, it seems
foolish to expect things to go back to the way they were pre-2020. Going the extra mile to ensure the utmost safety and hygiene for your staff and customers alike is no longer an achievement to be praised for, it is the bare minimum, the norm as opposed to the exception. It is very easy to fall into the trap we saw unfold throughout the island whereby hand sanitisers and the like were re-sold at massive markups and many businesses quickly ran out of the basic necessities. Funeral Homes as it is, already pride themselves on the level of care they provide to the families and Surface Sanitisation communities Systems in practice
they serve, with cleanliness very much next to Godliness. In an 8-hour period, a single bacterium can multiply to over 8 million. With this in mind, as we go further into the unknown, providing ongoing protection for your staff and customers from Harmful Bacteria & Viruses is no easy feat, however Kerry-based Pure Air Systems has some solutions. With Hand, Air, and Surface sanitisation solutions available, the three working machines are available to view in a Mobile Display Unit which they find very effective to demonstrate the actual working machines to the potential customers at their own premises, at your convenience. For further information, pricing, or to discuss a demonstration, please contact Billy Sweeney on Tel: +353 (0) 68 41924, Email: info@pureairsystems.ie or Visit: www.pureairsystems.ie
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Pierce Coachbuilders First Call Ambulance
P
ierce Coachbuilders are delighted with the response they have had from existing and new customers, regarding their First Call Ambulance. The team have been thrilled with the reaction they have received regarding this immaculatelypresented vehicle, the build quality especially impressing those in the funeral industry across the
country. A number of enquiries have been made by people and Pierce Coachbuilders, as ever, look forward to continuing to serve the Irish funeral industry by offering this stunning example to the market, the culmination of speaking to funeral directors from all walks of life and asking what they wanted to see.
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BIE News BIE News Ireland Division Hi All, First of all I hope you are all keeping well, with the absence of our divisional meetings it can be hard to keep in touch with everybody. Living with Covid has now become a major part of our lives and as Embalmers we have all had to adapt to professional situations and guidelines within a number of different venues and premises. As a division we need to re think the way we meet and communicate with each other too. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to arrange guest speakers to attend virtual meetings. One of the positive and exciting aspects we are finding here is that we can invite speakers from anywhere in the world which opens up a much larger wealth of experience, knowledge and methodology that we can all become part of, share in and learn from. We are in the process of finalising topics and speakers for our first zoom meeting and for what we hope will be the start of a very different but positive future for our division. BIE Irish Chairman Cyril Gantley
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List of BIE Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2020 National President: Bobby Hopkin-Hoggarth MBIE Imm. Past President: Dr Phil Gore MBIE 1st Vice President: Dianne Hughes National PRO & National General Secretary: Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01332 349035(BIE) Mobile: 07786 432014 E: karencaney@btopenworld. com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle FBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 E: michael@silsloe.wanadoo. co.uk Editor: Gwen Schofield FBIE 9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100 E: gwen@radcliffefs.co.uk Master Fellow: David Kaye FBIE Student Liaison Officer: David Coster MBIE
IRISH DIVISION Chairman: Cyril Gantley MBIE 336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile: 085 7671582 E: cyril.gantley@mortuaryscience.ie Secretary: Susan Moran 20 Cedarwood Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Mobile: 086 0619500 E: susan.moran@mortuaryscience.ie National Council Rep: Pamela Murphy MBIE 14 Parknasillogue Court, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Mobile: 085 7415421 2nd National Council Rep and Treasurer: John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co.Cork Mobile: 087 6390087 E: jmhawe@eircom.net NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION Chairman Pat Harley, MBIE 67 Creggan Road, L’derry BT48 9DA Tel: 07712 899137 E: pat.harley@hotmail.co.uk Vice Chairman: Mrs N Taggart, MBIE 11 Alderley Crescent, Newtownabbey BT36 7WY
Tel: 07917 220073 E: nikkiknockaning@aol.com 1st National Council Representative: Laurence O’Neill MBIE 98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast BT11 9JP Tel: 028 9062 0099 E: oneill8210@hotmail.com 2nd National Council Representative: Ellison Sloan MBIE Tel: 028 3833 6175 Treasurer: Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Tel: 028 2766 2265 E: andrew@mcmullanfunerals. com Secretary: Liam Edwin Boyle, MBIE S. Clarke and Son Funeral Directors 12 Court Square, Newtownards, Co. Down BT23 7YN Tel: 07713 575501 E: liamboyle15@hotmail.co.uk 1st Educational Committee Representative: Stephen Shields MBIE James Brown & Sons 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9045 1021 E: jamesbrown.belfast@ funeralpartners.com Student Liaison Officer Charlie Poots MBIE FuneralTimes | 33
Why hold expensive stock? We all know that funeral directors have to hold coffins in stock just as crematoriums have to hold urns. But why would funeral directors go to the expense of holding urns or keepsakes in stock when Treasured Keepsakes can do it for you? ou can buy urns or keepsakes that you feel your clients will like but given the choice most clients would probably prefer to pick their own. By showing your clients a brochure, which they will provide to you, or by directing them to the Treasured Keepsakes website they can choose from a selection of products. Then all it takes is a phone call from you to Treasured Keepsakes to place the order. Your client is happy as they have chosen their preferred urn and you did not have the expense of holding stock. Using Treasured Keepsakes means you never have to buy urns or keepsakes for stock but they are still readily available from a local Irish company. Treasured Keepsakes will sell their products to you at a wholesale price for you to sell on to your clients. Alternatively they can meet your clients on your behalf and let them view a selection of their urns and keepsakes, filling the chosen items on your client’s behalf. You can refer your client to them safe in the knowledge that they will be looked after in a professional and compassionate manner. Treasured Keepsakes have Brass Urns, Hardwood Urns, Eco Urns, Brass Keepsakes, Keepsake Pendants, Memorial Pictures and Memory Bears all in stock just waiting on your call. Using their service will enhance your business by giving the choice of a wide selection of products to your clients but at no extra cost to you. If you would like to view any of their products or would like to discuss how Treasured Keepsakes can deal directly with bereaved families on your behalf, please do not hesitate to contact them and they will be happy to discuss the options with you. For more information contact us or visit our website. Tel: 01 825 4579 or From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 info@treasuredkeepsakes.ie www.treasuredkeepsakes.ie
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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.
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Decomposition: When Time Is Against You By Jessica Mouck There are days when it seems like your worst enemy’s time. We’ve all been there. Unknown to me, my clock began to tick the moment I was informed we would be receiving a decedent from out of province into our care. The family wanted a viewing as soon as possible, but I didn’t know at the time how soon that would be. The funeral director who was looking after the family phoned the out of province funeral home to check on the condition of the decedent and make arrangements for him to be shipped to us. The funeral director then phoned me to tell me the situation and his condition. I was told that he was not in good condition, but that it was important to the family to see him one last time. The father had been the one to identify him so he was aware of how he looked and I was told to do anything necessary to achieve a natural appearance again. Now when I am told that I can do whatever is necessary to achieve a natural appearance a little warning sound goes off in my mind. How bad is their condition exactly? Then the full story came out. This young man had been a gang member and had been involved in something that had gone bad. He was killed, beheaded, dismembered, and left in the woods for two months before being found. The director asked me to phone the other funeral home to explain to them exactly what I needed.
I gave them a call and when I explained to them that I was going to restore him for visitation, there was a long silence on the other end of the phone. For a few seconds I thought the call had been dropped. Just as I was about to hang up and call back the silence was broken by a hesitant question of whether or not I knew what he looked like. I had heard descriptions of his appearance and I knew what I was getting myself into. At least that’s what I thought at the time. When I told them I would need him embalmed waterless they told me that this was a practice they did not subscribe to, plus they did not have the necessary chemicals. In the end we agreed to double bag him, place him in a sealed liner, and send him as he was. Their final words were, “Good luck, you’re going to need it.” There’s never been a case that I’ve turned down yet and I wasn’t about to change that. We received him into our care late Saturday evening. First thing Sunday morning I removed him from the shipping box and placed him on my table. No one had come close to describing what I
I laid out all the materials I was going to need on the table next to me. I had my gel mixture, my powder mixture, strips of forming cotton separated into thinner layers, plastic wrap, spray glue, and several clean pairs of gloves. was up against. But that was okay, like I said, I have never said “no” to trying to make someone viewable for the family and this case would be no different. He was black and well into the end of the active stage of decomposition. His epidermal layer had slipped off completely, leaving a moist dermal layer oozing adipose. Unlike his face, which was almost mummified, his body was wet. His arms and legs had been dis-articulated at the elbow joint and the knee joint as well as at the wrist and ankle joints. In a separate bag with him were both sets of his tibias, fibulas, ulnas, and radials. It looked like animals had eaten the tissue away from these bones, leaving them bare and dry. His hands and feet were still intact, though in the same state of decomposition as the rest of the body. His head had been removed from the neck, separating the skull from the spine. If that wasn’t enough trauma to the body, he had been autopsied. As I was finishing up placing his remains on my table and trying to figure out my game plan, I received a call from the funeral director. He let me know that the visitation was set for 7 p.m. that evening. Pretty sure my heart skipped a beat. The clock on the wall read 8 a.m., leaving me eleven hours to have this man ready for his mother and father to see. The hardest part was going to be drying out the tissue in such a short time, but I was ready to do my best. I knew I wanted a waterless solution because I needed the tissue as firm and dry as I could get it, not only for the smell but also to create a good base for the application of wax and cosmetics. My solution consisted of 32 oz. Rectifiant, 32 oz. Metaflow, 16 oz. Halt GX, 16 oz. Edemaco, and 64 oz. Introfiant. I added the Edemaco in hopes of drying out the tissue further in the short time 38 | FuneralTimes
I had. While my chemicals were mixing in the tank, I began to undo the loose sutures holding the autopsy incisions together. I removed the viscera from the original bag and placed it in a new, clean biohazard bag. I took what was left of the intestines, flushed out any fecal matter and other biological waste before putting them back into the bag containing the rest of the viscera, and added 48 oz. Dri Cav. I twisted, not tied, the opening of the bag and placed it to the side where I would finish with it once the chemical had had time to work. I then took the breast plate and the top of the cranium and placed a piece of Webril soaked in Basic Dryene on top of both pieces before setting them to the side. In addition, I placed a Basic Dryene pack using forming cotton on his face, legs, and arms. I even placed two little cotton balls soaked in the cauterant up the nostrils to not only treat the tissue, but to rebuild the shape they should have. The last pack I placed was on the inside of the scalp because I did not want to have any leakage once I sutured it back together. Now it was time to inject the body. I knew the chances of arterially injecting the face were slim because the tissue of the face had already begun to dehydrate and mummify, so I decided to start injection on the limbs first. Since he was autopsied I had easy access to both the left and the right axillary and iliac arteries. I began my injection with the right axillary artery at a high pressure and low rate of flow on pulse to help the chemical better diffuse into the tissue. Immediately I had leaks from where the arm had been severed. Unfortunately, even with all my efforts to clamp the leakage sites, I couldn’t build up adequate pressure and did not receive acceptable preservation. I tried the same method on the other three limbs but had similar results.
At that point I switched from attempting to gain preservation through arterial injection to using the hypovalve trocar, with which I obtained the level of preservation I was looking for. For his hands, feet, and face I used a glass hypodermic syringe to inject the tissue using straight Dri Cav. There were no intercostal muscles left after the post mortem had been performed, so there was no tissue there to treat. I did inject the torso flaps, buttocks, genitals, and what was left of his neck with the hypovalve trocar as well. Once I was finished hypodermically injecting, I went back and repeated the process with Basic Dryene to further dry out the tissue. Because the cauterant would have caused damage to the tank if I had used the hypovalve trocar, I had to use my glass syringe for the second round of injection. I removed the Basic Dryene packs and saw that the tissue had begun to firm and dry to my liking. Before I began to suture the open wounds at the ends of the upper arms and thighs, I brushed on a Syn Gel HV and Basic Dryene mixture and then spread a Viscerock and Action Powder mixture onto the gel which stuck nicely. This was to prevent any leakage that might try to seep out of the wounds once I was finished suturing the tissue together. Using a baseball stitch I closed all the open wounds at the ends of the limbs. I turned my attention back to the viscera that had been sitting in the Dri Cav. Taking the autopsy aspirator, I removed all of the excess liquid in the bag, leaving me with treated viscera to which I added about five cups of the Viscerock and Action Powder mixture. After I made sure that all of the organs were coated properly, I placed my aspirator hose into the bag and vacuumed out all of the air, tied the bag off, and was left with a bag of vacuum sealed, dry packed viscera. I like this method of dealing with the viscera of an autopsy case because it adequately preserves the tissue while condensing the size of the bag. This make it easier to place it back in the cavity, and removes any liquid that might cause leakage if the bag were to be compromised. Before placing the viscera back into the cavity, I coated all the open tissue within with more of the Syn Gel HV and Basic Dryene mixture, followed by more Viscerock and Action Powder. Next I placed the breast plate, which I had coated with gel and Action Powder, back into place, and sutured the incision closed with a baseball suture.
It was time to start focusing on the head. I removed the packs and saw that the tissue had begun to dry out, which was my goal. I still had to figure out how I was going to reattach his head to his neck. Using a dowel rod I had measured and cut to the right length, I placed one end down his spinal column and the other end up through his foramen magnum. To attach the skull more securely to this dowel rod, I drilled a hole in the end of it and through each side of this skull, through which I ran wire to fasten the rod in place. Next I filled the base of the skull with plaster to solidify the dowel rod in place. I then wired the calvarium back in place and ran a strip of Aron Alpha to reinforce it. With his skull in place, I carefully sutured the two sides of his neck tissue together. I ran a strip of Inr-Seel over the line created by joining the two halves of the skull and smoothed it out to make sure that when the scalp was placed back in the proper position there would be no imperfections. Finally, I coated the entire calvarium with the Syn Gel HV and Basic Dryene mixture before suturing the scalp back together. I had been worried that the tissue was too desiccated to come back together properly but it worked out in the end. My next step was to create packs for all the exposed skin of his body to cut down on any smell and to continue to dry it out. I laid out all the materials I was going to need on the table next to me. I had my gel mixture, my powder mixture, strips of forming cotton separated into thinner layers, plastic wrap, spray glue, and several clean pairs of gloves. To prevent any contamination from my table, on which he had been the entire time, I moved him to another table that was covered in a plastic body bag before I scrubbed my table clean. I coated his right arm with gel, followed by the powder mixture, a layer of cotton to keep it pressed against the skin, and finally a piece of plastic wrap sprayed with glue to create a tight seal. I moved from limb to limb in the same fashion, finishing with his torso. I treated his feet and hands the same way, except instead of plastic wrap I placed his hands in gloves. Now it was time to place him in a unionall. To prevent contamination again, I placed him back on my now clean table. I started by placing his feet in the correct place, then the bones of his lower legs, and then finally I placed his torso in the unionall. FuneralTimes | 39
Slowly I moved from his cheeks to his lips, his nose, and to his eyes. The whole time I used a small brush dipped in Dry Wash II to smooth the wax and feather it out to meet his tissue seamlessly. Next I placed the bones of his forearms in the sleeves followed by his hands. Once everything was in the anatomically correct place, I taped the unionall tight to his body. Everything was now in place and secure leaving the next step…the restoration of his face. I had been so busy I hadn’t even stopped to look at the time. By this point my clock was ticking down and I only had a few hours left to do the wax work, dress him, and cosmetize him. The tissue was as dry as I was going to be able to get it due to my time constraints. Though the eyeballs were incredibly sunken in, they were miraculously intact and I was able to use Feature Builder to restore their shape. With his eyeballs filled out I was able to close his eyelids. They had no eye lashes, but I would be able to fix that. Next, using a submandibular suture, I set his mouth, but something didn’t look right. His lips had thinned due to the state of decomposition he was in, so using more Feature Builder I was able to plump them back out to a size more similar to that in his photograph. Once I had the foundation of his face prepared, I brought out the wax I would be using and placed his photograph where I could reference it as I worked. Because the tissue of his face was so dehydrated there were areas that I was not able to fill out using the Feature Builder, so I had to rely on building it up with wax. The first type of wax I used to fill out his features was Wound Filler because I did not need detail with this wax, I just needed a fuller face. I then switched to Surface Restorer because I would be able to smooth it out and create all the 40 | FuneralTimes
details found on his face. Slowly I moved from his cheeks to his lips, his nose, and to his eyes. The whole time I used a small brush dipped in Dry Wash II to smooth the wax and feather it out to meet his tissue seamlessly. To replace his eyelashes I used a fake set that I had cut down to the length that matched his in the photograph, and glued them to his real eyelids. I then placed a thin layer of wax over his eyelids to smooth them out and create a more natural round shape. His face was coming together nicely but when I took a step back, I noticed something wasn’t quite right. Then it hit me! He had no eyebrows. His natural hair color was black, so I took one of my old fan makeup brushes and began to cut the length off of it. Then along his brow line, bit by bit, I placed a dab of Aron Alpha, followed by strands of my makeup brush, until he had not only eyebrows, but eyebrows very similar to the shape and thickness seen in his photograph. I took a step back and felt confident in the features I had built. The face looking back at me was similar enough to the photograph that the family would recognize him. You can never recreate the exact features and make them look perfect, but as long as you can give a recognizable face with at least one feature that is identifiable to the family, you have done a good job. Luckily for me the family had provided a hat to cover up not only the autopsy incision but also the fact that he had lost all his hair due to his condition. With no more wax work or hair restoration left to do, I carefully dressed him in his suit. I placed white gloves over the latex ones he had on. Before placing him in the casket I had the final task of applying his makeup. I began with liquid mortuary cosmetics as my base to cover up his discolourations and to create an even base to build up from. I then switched to the powder mortuary cosmetics to achieve his skin tone while adding warmth back into his highlight areas. When I was happy with his appearance, I placed him in his casket to make any final touches that he might need. The color of the casket lining can sometimes change the colours you have created on the decedent’s face, so a final check from afar as well as close-up once they have been placed in the casket is always a good idea. When I saw this young man for the first time
he was in no condition to be seen by his family but in the end I was proud and confident that he was acceptable for a mother and father to see. Just as I was closing the casket I looked at the clock and saw my time was up, his visitation was going to begin shortly. The next day the funeral director told me that the family was so pleased by his appearance that they left the casket open for the funeral so the rest of the family and friends could say their farewells. The father, having seen what he looked like before, was thankful that he was able to see his son’s face one last time. As professional embalmers we should not only take the utmost pride in what we do, but always strive to better ourselves. Decomposition and a lack of time are not excuses that should be used to say, “Why don’t we just have a closed casket?” There are ways to work with difficult cases and still have success. Though we can never achieve perfection, we can always work to give the family someone that they can recognize and that is all they need sometimes, to say goodbye to a face and not the lid of a casket.
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Jessica is a full-time embalmer working at the Vancouver Personal Care Centre, one of the largest decedent care facilities in Canada. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us at: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 33 49702 /00353 87 2486668
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Obit reaches new milestone with the release of version 4 Version 4 of Obit was released in October and is the culmination of many months of consultation and development. It’s easily our biggest single release of new features to date and includes several improvements to streamline work flows and aid internal communications. e have streamlined the process for creating a new funeral, allowing you to enter all the important data as quickly and efficiently as possible. This saves you time and also helps avoid any data being forgotten or entered incorrectly. With version 4, you can now define how your internal processes work in Obit and have staff members register when the different steps have been started or completed. This unlocks a whole new level of internal communication
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NAFD News NAFD Autumn General Meeting broadcast live from Birmingham studio Broadcast live from central Birmingham to one of the largest audiences to attend an NAFD General Meeting, the 2020 Autumn General Meeting was the first full event in the Association’s 115-year history to be conducted remotely - rather than conducted in person. For a sector where being there in person is such a fundamental principle, gathering together online might once have felt like a very poor substitute for an in-person event. But this is 2020 and, with no large gatherings permitted anywhere in the UK, the playbook for Association events had to be rapidly rewritten, by NAFD Events Manager Jane Lawrence, for a pandemic period to ensure that the NAFD and its members could continue to discuss the important matters driving the funeral profession forward. More than 120 member firms tuned into the broadcast live, with a further 50 already having watched the video posted on the members’ website at the time of going to press. This compares to a typical in-person attendance at the Autumn General Meeting of around 100 member firms. We also know that many didn’t watch the broadcast alone, and so it is a very positive indicator that blending virtual and inperson events in the future will help the NAFD to reach as many member firms as possible. The NAFD was grateful to First Vice-President Kate Edwards, who stepped in at short notice to chair the event after Tier 3 travel restrictions prevented President David Barrington from making the journey. Following the Association business section of the meeting, speakers included former Inspector of Funeral Directors in Scotland Natalie McKail, who addressed the meeting on the work she is doing with Senior Standards & Quality Manager Nigel Cooper to review NAFD inspections and Funeral Service Consumer Standards Review (FSCSR) independent chair and former Chief 46 | FuneralTimes
Ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith who explained the short history of the FSCSR and how it had brought together representatives from the funeral and consumer sectors to develop an industry-wide Code of Practice that would “do justice to the passion for funeral directing which you and others have so eloquently expressed and will ensure that bereaved people are always properly and professionally cared for, no matter what kind of funeral they wish to arrange”. Finally, Past President Alison Crake revealed the second version of her much-valued Pandemic Planning Response guide, which had been updated with the benefit of the experience gained over the last eight months and having realised just how valuable a resource it had proven to be for the profession not only across the UK but internationally too. The NAFD would like to thank the event sponsors who had helped to make sure the event could be held in such a difficult period: principal sponsor The MazWell Group, JC Atkinson, Auden Funeral Supplies, Ecclesiastical Planning Services, Funeral Partners, Funeral Products and Seker Funeral Home Management Software.
Former Inspector of Funeral Directors heading up review of NAFD Inspections The NAFD is undergoing a major review of its inspections regime to ensure that members are fully aware of and can achieve compliance with the new Code of Practice. The new Code of Practice, aligned to both the Funeral Service Consumer Standards Review’s (FSCSR) proposed standards code and the draft Scottish Government Code of Practice for Funeral Directors, was launched at the NAFD’s virtual Autumn meeting in October. Before this new Code is formally adopted, members have a six-month period to help ensure they meet the required standards laid out in it. As part of the future implementation of the new Code of Practice, the Association was keen to conduct a rigorous assessment of its inspections, quality and standards processes and introduce new ways of working with and supporting members with compliance. Work on the new Code was underway prior to the Competition and Markets Authority’s Provision Decision Report into the funeral market, as an additional benefit it will also help ensure that NAFD member firms are meeting the CMA recommendations. The Association has appointed Natalie McKail, the former Inspector of Funeral Directors in Scotland and an experienced lead in organisational transformation, to investigate and propose a new framework of standards and quality assessment and inspections. Ms McKail has been requested by NAFD Chief Executive Jon Levett to report back by the end of the calendar year, with a view to her recommendations forming part of the formal rollout of the Code in early 2021. “What the Association aims to create is a supportive relationship to make sure that everybody who is a member of the NAFD understands what compliance with the new Code of Practice entails and is supported to do so with input from the Standards and
Natalie McKail Quality team,” said Natalie. “The focus of this work is to design an outcome-based, riskbased and proportionate framework – it will not be about prescribing to firms how they achieve something; it’s about looking at what the outcomes would be and how best to meet those. That can of course mean looking at different ways to achieve that depending on the size and nature of the member firm. “It’s also about changing the emphasis of what may have been viewed as a tick-box exercise, and moving it to an outcome-focus model. This involves encouraging new practice, innovation, sharing good practice among members firms and encouraging people to embed continuous improvement in their day to day operations.” “I am keen to look at what member firms are doing that works well and what can we learn from this to share good practice across the board. This also involves looking at in-house approaches from right across the UK; what members firms are already doing in terms of carrying out assessments - they might have FuneralTimes | 47
self-assessment, they might buy in assessment support, they might use different frameworks like ISO accreditation. We are looking at all these different models from across the UK and internationally, and we will look at recommendations about what improvements can be made for the NAFD framework.” Drawing on her experience of recommending a system of regulation for funeral directors in Scotland, Ms McKail said the NAFD framework must set “a real clarity of expectation” so that everyone – funeral directors and the public – understand what to expect. Introducing a risk-based and proportionate system will form a critical part of her recommendations, putting in place a framework to ensure that the NAFD standards and quality team supports members in areas of high-risk activities not only in compliance, but also in operational practice that mitigates risk and,
crucially, best benefits the customer. Ms McKail is also looking at the feasibility of introducing themed inspections, targeted on specific issues should they arise from trends or patterns of customer feedback or national issues which may emerge. She said: “Ultimately, what we want to do is introduce a modern framework that works for members firms and works for the public. We want to make the best use of member firms’ resources and the best use of our standard and quality team moving forward. “We aim to encourage best practice across the board by sharing that best practice, by designing a framework that underlines how seriously the NAFD takes its responsibilities around quality and standards and providing best service to customers, all done in a supportive and proactive way so that its members feel the value of that supportive engagement for their business.”
NFE 2021 postponed until 2022 Due to the ongoing seriousness and unpredictability of the current COVID-19 pandemic, a decision has been made to postpone the National Funeral Exhibition 2021 until Friday 10 – Sunday 12 June 2022. The NAFD is extremely saddened and disappointed to have had to make this decision, but we made it for a number of important reasons. The simple fact is that there are still no exhibitions, or other large gatherings, taking place in the UK – and no indication of when it might be possible to do so. We are advised that Stoneleigh Park will not reopen until April 2021, at the earliest, and this is uncomfortably close to NFE, risking us being caught up in any last minute delays to this date leaving us unable to run the event. Even if it proves possible to run the event in the planned dates, the consensus is that vaccinating the population will take many months and so it is likely that social distancing will remain a requirement well into 2021 – leading to reduced capacity, both for visitors and exhibitors, at the show. We know that this decision impacts upon the marketing plans for our exhibitors and we 48 | FuneralTimes
wanted to give them as much time and support as possible to consider their options for not only 2022 – but also 2024, when the subsequent NFE will now be held. It’s been a very difficult year for everyone and the NAFD has been humbled by the support and partnership shown across the funeral sector, in the common interest of serving bereaved people at this difficult time. We have a difficult few months ahead as a sector, but planning is now underway to ensure that the National Funeral Exhibition will return, in 2022, stronger and more vibrant than ever.
NAFD Member Benefits
Category A Funeral firms in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands Category B UK Supplier * Benefits for Category A members only
Business Advice & Support
Financial
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
Client Will search facility * Repatriation Helpline * Interflora membership package * Stationery solutions NAFD Energy Club NAFD Telecoms NAFD Legal Advisory Service Counselling helpline for staff/family Property Planning Advice Health & Safety advice PR Handbook and PR Helpline Merchant card services NAFD Fast Track Debt Recovery Service
Knowledge Sharing • • • •
Networking opportunities through Area Federation and Local Association meetings Conference and Autumn General Meeting Member website Attendance at National Funeral Exhibition (discount on stand space if exhibiting)
Fleet breakdown cover * Fleet insurance * Perfect Choice Funeral Plans * £5m professional indemnity insurance * £150k employment claims insurance £150k H&S prosecution insurance £150k HMRC & VAT investigation insurance Personal/commercial insurance discounts Royal Mail Same Day Service
Communication/Representation • • • • • • •
Parliamentary campaigning Monthly copy of Funeral Director Monthly Discounted advertising in Funeral Director Monthly Free editorial in Funeral Director Monthly Monthly e-newsletter NAFD social media Regular e-communication updates on important issues affecting your business
Professional Credibility
Professional Development
•
• •
• • •
Code of Practice and client dispute resolution service, NAFD Resolve * Listing on funeral-directory.co.uk * Listing on supplier member search on NAFD website Use of logos and marketing collateral
NAFD qualifications Election to NAFD boards/committees
General •
Volvo schemes offering preferential rates *
•
Discounted advertising in Funeral Director Monthly
•
Use of NAFD overseas member logo
•
Invitation to attend the NAFD Conference and Annual General Meeting.
Category C Benefits • • Category C Overseas
• •
Discount on stand space if exhibiting at the biennial National Funeral Exhibition A listing in the overseas member search on the Association’s website Monthly copy of Funeral Director Monthly Free editorial in Funeral Director Monthly
For more information on membership of the NAFD please call: 0121 711 1343 or email: su@nafd.org.uk National Association of Funeral Directors @NAFD_UK @NAFDUK
NAFD helps member firms prepare for a COVID-dominated winter Government modelling suggests that the second wave of the virus may prove more challenging than the first, with a second peak potentially having a more prolonged peak than March – May 2020. If you compound this with the normal challenges that winter weather and the normal seasonal mortality rate spike represent for the sector, then it’s clear – this is not the year to leave any planning to chance. To support the funeral profession, the NAFD has updated its Pandemic Response Planning Guide with all of the learning and experience of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. New sections on caring for the health and wellbeing of staff and other information have been added which author Past President Alison Crake hopes will be useful to members and the wider profession. The Association has also offered guidance
on the additional challenges that may come with responding to a pandemic during winter weather – and also on stocking up with supplies. Although it’s possible that the profession may not experience the shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the second wave that we did in the first, the Association is aware that there are already challenges in sourcing certain items - so advises its members to make sure they are not caught out. In addition, during the first peak, unnecessary over-buying of other key supply items, by some firms, caused delays in the system - so a gradual and measured approach to procurement is advised. The NAFD continues to provide regular email briefings – as well as posts on its social media channels – and the Association’s dedicated website, nafdcovid19.org.uk, is also kept up to date with changes to regulations and guidance.
NAFD launches the Funeral Director Code On 15 October, the NAFD launched The Funeral Director Code, a new Code of Practice for members, based on the Funeral Service Consumer Standards industry-wide model, during its first livestreamed Autumn General Meeting. Many of the additional requirements of the new Code, including requirements for pricing information visibility, equality and diversity and professional education, fall in line with the recommendations in the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) Provisional Decision Report, published in August. Over a six month settling-in period, the NAFD is monitoring implementation of the new Code by members, supporting them in meeting the
50 | FuneralTimes
new requirements and providing feedback to the FSCSR steering group. The new Code will be reviewed every twelve months to ensure it is effective and up to date. Supporting the new Code of Practice will be a revised inspections framework, which will be launched following a detailed review by former Inspector of Funeral Directors in Scotland, Natalie McKail. The review will lead to the development of a standards and quality assessment framework for funeral homes which ensures that NAFD’s oversight of its members is targeted on remedying those issues that present the highest risk of detriment to the dignity of deceased people and the users of funeral director services.
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Shine a Light This Winter FUNERAL Director Solutions
Why should a Funeral Director bother with Social Media?
Embrace Social Media to Engage with your Community The arrival of the Pandemic has changed the way people engage with each other and businesses. Trends that were likely to happen over a ten year period have now taken place over ten months. The families and communities we serve now rely much more heavily on the internet and social media as a way of interacting with the world. We are light years ahead of where we were ten months ago in terms of technology use. Facebook is the predominant social media platform most relevant to our communities. In October 2020 there were over 3.3 million users in the Republic of Ireland with largest recent audience gains among users aged between 40 and 50. Very simply, Facebook has become a very important tool for Funeral Directors to help you inform and engage with your community on a regular basis. I would like to show you an example of a post published on our own funeral business page to show how the local community can provide an alternative way to support grieving families during dark winter months.
October 1st Facebook Post – Kieran Bros Funeral Care Concept – As the nights get longer and darker, encourage the local community to “hold a torch or shine the light of your phone and help to brighten up the dark nights for grieving families.” as funeral cortege passes their door or street. The engagement levels with people that you can see below speak for themselves.
11,374 people reached, 1,153 people engaged This is a perfect example of how to encourage a new trend or continue an
existing one by engaging with the community in a place that they now “hang out”. If you already have a Facebook page for your funeral business, feel free to jump onto our page and use this text and image for a post on your own page. If you don’t yet have a Facebook page, we would suggest that you consider setting one up so that you can continue to provide that level of information, education and engagement with your community. Very simply, there is a demand in these times. On the page opposite you will see a full range of new Digital and Marketing services now available from Funeral Director Solutions. You will see that Social Media Help and Consultation is one such service. Get in touch with us if you need any help on your social media journey or guidance with your existing page. Colm Kieran
Telephone +353 (42) 9667309 or email: info@funeraldirectorsolutions.ie 52 | FuneralTimes
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Introducing The Virtual Funeral Arranger How does it Work? Send your customers/families a link to an easy to use, company branded website where they can; • Fill out their details • Share the details including a photograph of the deceased for the funeral notice • Generate and review a funeral notice automatically • Provide a preview of the funeral notice for the family before its published • Choose a coffin • Choose additional funeral options such as floral options
FUNERAL Director Solutions
• Make payments direct to your bank account using their debit/ credit card What are the benefits? • Reduce funeral arranging time • Speed up funeral notice production • Easy to set up and easy use • Put your customers/families at ease • No downloading/no installation • Gather the “first call” information remotely
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Digital Consultancy Services • • • • • • • • •
Online Marketing Website Audit New Website Design & Build Logo Design Social Media Consultation (Facebook) Search Engine Optimisation (“Google My Business” Search) Google AdWords Audit and Campaign Design Funeral Home Virtual Tours Digital Brochure Design – E.g. Coffin Brochures
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH US FuneralTimes | 53
As a community we are finding new ways to help support and carry a family through their grief We have all faced a very difficult job this year since could be held at the family home, allowing neighbours Covid 19 began, trying to offer our families a service and close friends to congregate outside, pay their while abiding by the rules and restrictions. And while respects, and feel included in a ceremony of farewell. those rules have been varied over the last six months, This is then followed by a service of committal at the the restrictions of allowing between 10 and 25 crematorium or graveside. This idea has proved to be mourners to attend a funeral have had a huge impact popular with many families, and I have witnessed some on how the life of a lost loved one is celebrated. very emotional send-offs from family homes where Funerals are about a community coming together to many friendships were forged, and memories created. offer support or just words of comfort, and families One such funeral for a man who was a huge GAA Dublin draw great strength from these acts of kindness. Even supporter, saw his neighbours line the streets wearing the book of condolence has been suspended, and the jerseys and waving flags – it was like all Ireland Day! signing of a name or writing a personal note, along with For others, the simple clapping of hands as the cortege leaving a sympathy card was always an easier way for passes can be as positive as a handshake or embrace. people to express their feelings when the spoken word On another occasion, as the hearse was driving through might sometimes be awkward. People are now posting the crematorium gates, people who were gathered, burst messages of sympathy on RIP.ie, and I have noticed some into singing a Dublin ballad. Funeral Directors are now putting those comments into Sometimes an unannounced or pre planned gesture a beautifully presented folder for families. can be very emotive and moving. For venues that don’t The ritual of the ‘three day funeral’ has also gone, and have a live stream facility, a whole new enterprise has the length of a funeral service has been curtailed to a been born with services being recorded by professional single time slot in the crematoriums. As a celebrant, this videographers. is proving to be very challenging – it’s impossible to fully So as we enter a new year, and a still uncertain future, celebrate a life in twenty minutes! Thinking outside the the ritual of ‘Irish Funeral’ as we know it, will find ways to box has opened up new avenues and opportunities, adapt, and people, as a community, will find new ways to Padraics Civil Advert July 2020.qxp_Layout 1 17/07/2020 13:50 Page 1 and I have suggested to many families that a service help support and carry a family through their grief.
Padraic Cawley Civil Funeral Celebrant Celebrating the life of the deceased, reflecting their personal beliefs, wishes, values and traditions.
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E: padraic@padraiccawley.ie W: www.padraiccawley.ie 54 | FuneralTimes
INSTITUTE OF
CIVIL FUNERALS
Treasured Keepsakes Would like to thank you all for your support throughout this very difficult year. We wish everyone a safe and peaceful 2021!
Liza Webster
“Quality, Professional Embalming Care Service Founded on the Importance and Values Associated with Viewing & Visitation of a Loved One After Their Passing” Complete Embalming Care Service continues throughout these challenging days of COVID 19 margaretdavis4@icloud.com Tel. 07841 100249 FuneralTimes | 55
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS By Dr Bill Webster It has not been a great year. 2020 will go down as the year the world pressed the PAUSE button. Very few will be sorry to see the old year out and the new coming in. The pandemic has meant the loss of so many things we care about and that give our lives meaning. Not able to visit with, or even say goodbye to loved ones in hospital or long term care facilities because of quarantine. Funerals enforced by strict regulations and restrictions, leaving people to lament, “This is not what I wanted for my relative.” For some, the loss of their job or financial security, the loss of freedoms, right down to the loss of travel plans and opportunities to go places and do things. Activities and social gatherings like sporting events or concerts have been cancelled, restaurants and theatres closed, shopping malls shut down, and normally busy places deserted. But you know all this, because we have been living it for months! We are grieving more than those who died, we are lamenting life as we knew it, feeling our world has changed, and trying to come to terms with this new reality. Even life’s most meaningful celebrations and rituals like birthdays, funerals, anniversary parties, baptisms or weddings have been cancelled. Well, I’m sick of it, and I plan to do something about it. I’m darned if that pesky virus is going to spoil my Christmas. Different doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Think about it, you get to avoid that family get-together or party you usually complain about? How wonderful that we don’t have the hassle of travelling, lugging presents and winter woollies this year. So here’s how it’s going to be: I’ll be home for Christmas, and so will my entire family. Now admittedly, I will be in MY home, and my son, my family and my grandchildren will be in THEIR homes. Instead of the Queen on TV, I 56 | FuneralTimes
will be watching my family on Zoom … and when I need a nap, I’ll just hit the mute button. So, here are a few suggestions … but come up with your own: 1. Spread joy not germs! 2. Organize a scavenger hunt for kids of all ages to find the stocking-stuffers, with the “clues” in the stockings. Use any leftover Halloween candy for a Christmas Easter egg hunt. Taking a familiar activity and turning it into something fun will ease any disappointment. 2. Do the Zoom thing. It has become quite normal to virtually gather with far-away family members and friends. Before the pandemic, if someone couldn’t make a holiday gathering, we just missed them. Now, we can all get on Zoom just to talk … or to sing Christmas carols or songs together; to share what you’re grateful for; to light the candles, or open gifts. It’s ALMOST as good as being there. 3. Get Creative and organize some crazy things: • Try some “Look what you missed” gifts … open ridiculous gifts that no-one would have wanted (like a Chia pet, or an ugly sweater) that everyone will get a good laugh over. • Reindeer Games, where everyone wears reindeer antlers, pyjamas with a Christmas theme, or a “Worst Santa Outfit” contest. • Christmas Cookie Show and Tell. Have the kids make and decorate their best Christmas cookies to show off in the video feed. • Organize a quiz for adults, kids and families. There are many online resources and ideas to give you questions to build a truly comprehensive quiz experience. In short, virtual holiday parties or get-togethers make new kinds of lasting memories and help you maintain strong connections with friends and loved ones you can’t see due to physical or social distance. Admittedly it’s difficult to replicate the joy of being with friends and family, and while
technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch, nothing beats giving someone you love a hug. But there are those who do not have family or others to share with even virtually. Many are finding that loneliness, isolation and feelings of abandonment have been the worst part of this year. So, make a difference: • Staying connected to those you love, but cannot be with physically, is a noble task. Phone someone every day. Even these small, unexpected surprises and gestures go a long way. • Sending someone a small gift during a difficult time can be a meaningful expression of kindness. A gift card to some programme that will enable the person to watch movies, or subscribing to a book club or playlist can be a great mood booster. • Maybe you can send them a meal through a local restaurant or food delivery service. As Ebenezer Scrooge discovered, Christmas past often seems better than Christmas present. So however you decide to celebrate, remember that it’s OK to feel ticked off about this season not being the same as Christmas’ past. Life is full of disappointment right now and it’s hard.
But if we can look at holiday-related changes as an opportunity to get creative, you and your family will enjoy more time making memories and less time feeling like this year is incomplete due to pandemic restrictions. And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover new ways of celebrating that will become a family tradition post-virus. But also remember this. It had not been a great year for Mary and Joseph that first Christmas. An unexpected pregnancy, the teenage mother far from home, away from her mother’s loving support and care, with no comfortable hospital care for the birth of her child, no warm fluffy towels, no hot water. No room at the inn, just a stinky cattle shed after a long weary journey to a strange and foreboding place. Oh I know the Christmas cards and carols paint a much prettier picture of the nativity scene, but to Mary and Joseph, THEIR world that first Christmas night must have seemed like a very unfriendly, uncomfortable and unpleasant place. Perhaps this can teach us, especially THIS Christmas, that life CAN be meaningful even though it doesn’t always work out as we expect; that something good can come out of it if we allow it to; that there is a purpose, even though we may not be able to see it just at the time.
First you hurt, then you heal Dr. Bill Webster understands grief not just in theory, but also from personal experience. In his book, “First you Hurt, Then you Heal”, Dr. Bill outlines a road map for the grief journey in a series of articles that take us through the process . He begins with a chapter entitled “I Didn’t Plan for This” that gives people an understanding of what they may experience in the early days after a loss. The book then goes on to give us an understanding of grief, some insights into various situations of loss, and some strategies to help us work through the process. This book will be a helpful resource for those who are going through a grief process as well as containing much relevant and practical information for those who would like to know what they can say and how they can help someone who has experienced a significant loss. It will also serve as a basic knowledge and layman’s guide for those in the helping professions such as nurses, teachers, funeral directors and those who seek to support grieving people, young and old, through their work. “First you Hurt, Then you Heal” provides practical, down to earth and effective insight into one of the most difficult topics and most misunderstood experiences of life. First you Hurt, Then you Heal: A Road Map for the Grief Journey (Kindle Edition) is avaialble to buy on Amazon. FuneralTimes | 57
www.griefJourney.com Our friend and long-time magazine contributor, Dr Bill Webster of Grief Journey, has developed a new state of the art website at www.griefJourney.com. He would be very pleased if any or every funeral director wanted to put a link to this comprehensive grief support programme on their websites at NO COST! Dr Bill says, “We just want to make it available to as many grieving people as we can”.
If you would like to contact Grief Journey, please email info@griefjourney.com
All at Funeral Times would like to wish the compliments of the season to our readers.
Pearson Repatriation Service (UK) A small independent family run company offering a fast and reliable service 24 hours a day.
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Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
Local support helps Breidge stay on track
A
fter Breidge Barry from Camlough survived two strokes in her 50s, one in 2018 and another 11 months later, she was left to face the idea of living with a long-term disability and needing a battery-powered wheelchair to get around for the rest of her life. Less than a year later, Coronavirus has changed everything and posed another obstacle to her road to recovery – but thankfully, local support has helped her stay on track. Breidge had been working as a childminder prior to her stroke, a job she loved but was forced to give up. She says “Hope and optimism were in very short supply.” “I couldn’t go to the bathroom on my own. I was like a child learning to get dressed and put its shoes on. I had to be put to bed at night and helped up in the morning. I have overcome some of those challenges, but I still can’t put on a jumper. I’m determined, though, that I’ll do that someday too.” Following her stroke, Breidge went through a series of rehabilitation and exercise programmes from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS), as well as attending the charity’s stroke groups, which she says have helped rebuild her strength and confidence. “After my second stroke, I literally couldn’t stand on my own two feet. Now, although I have the wheelchair, I can walk around using a stick. I can make the dinner and clear out and lay the fire. Sometimes, of course, there are bumps on the road. But I don’t like anything to beat me. There’s no such thing as can’t do.” When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, it threatened Breidge’s progress, but NICHS’s services moving to online, phone and postal support meant she didn’t lose out. “Our faceto-face support group meetings have had to be suspended, but we’re still able to meet via video conference,” Breidge says. “I also know that wonderful NICHS care staff are only a phone call away any time I need them.”
Breidge continues her excercise programme “But every day, 11 people across Northern Ireland will suffer a stroke and have to go through the same long journey to recovery. It’s a lonely and difficult journey to try to attempt on your own - especially during COVID.” To find out more about how Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke are Still Caring through COVID for people like Breidge or how you can help, visit www.nichs.org.uk.
FuneralTimes | 59
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Jennifer is author of ‘Say Farewell Your Way’ - a funeral planning guide for Ireland, blogger of www.theglamreaper.blogspot.com, creator of Irish Glass Memorial Jewellery line: Humans www.celtic-ashes.com; Pets - www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com, planner of Memorials at funeral homes and talker - @TheGlamReaper on Twitter and Tedx 2017 Any questions just ask - muldowney.jennifer@gmail.com
By Jennifer Muldowney
A small gift to remind them you care W
e all know in the funeral community how difficult it can be in the winter months for those who are grieving. Grieving alone, grieving with family, grieving at work, grieving during Christmas and now grieving in COVID times where even if we WANTED to we can’t reach out for a hug or call into an elderly neighbour. I often get asked what makes for a good GIFT for someone who is grieving and, honestly, the person grieving will adamantly say the greatest gift would be their loved one’s return but sadly we can’t do that so we can do the next best thing which is to show our support in some shape or form. I have compiled a shortlist of unique sympathy gifts that might help you to help your own individual grieving communities.
1. A Memory Tree/Plant: Planting a tree/plant can be a beautiful way to honour the memory of a cherished family member. I know some companies that are eco-conscious already provide this but dropping off a small sapling or seed kit to someone’s door to plant in their loved one’s honour is a beautiful symbol of strength and healing. Once dropped off, you could follow up with a video call explaining your reasoning and offer to help them to plant it when they have chosen the resting place of the tree. 2. A Charity Donation: Small or large, money typically does not matter when it comes to grief and/or charitable donations. It is the thought that counts. A charity donation can be a great way to honour the memory of a person who has passed away. If the family needs help with setting up a foundation or a fund in honour of the deceased, you could offer assistance there too. Pledgeling is a great company to help with this. 3. A handcrafted wind chime: A beautiful addition to anyone’s porch or back door are chimes and they can be crafted in many forms which could be personalized using the materials, decoration and sounds. How beautiful to wake in the morning to the sound of chimes that remind you of your favourite person while you enjoy your morning coffee or tea. 62 | FuneralTimes
4. Starting a neighbourhood memory book: Purchasing a beautifully bound book with empty pages begging for stories and photos and memorabilia from the neighbourhood and/or community of the deceased. It starts with you, includes a letter with instructions and once complete send it off to the next person. Once it returns to you, have it wrapped and presented to the family or loved one you had in mind. What a treasure. 5. Trinkets, Ornaments or Frames: Depending on the deceased, a small trinket or ornament or particular frame might be perfect to show their family you are thinking of them. It is a perfect one for this time of year to remember a loved one during the Christmas season. Newbridge Silverware do beautiful small ornament frames that hold a passport-sized photo, Farewell Celtic Ashes offers personalized ornaments that house the ashes of the deceased (pet/human) or paperweights with the deceased’s photo inside. I worked with a family whose mother adored angels and fairies of all kinds so each year they receive one to decorate their Christmas tree in her memory from a family friend. What a true gift that friend is! Stay safe and take care of each other is the greatest gift you can give.
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Saif News Saif News SAIF Business Centre SAIF News
A
s we come to the end of 2020, who would have thought a year ago the changes that have occurred to our daily working and home lives. We would like to say a thank you to our members who have managed the COVID waves through these uncertain times contiuning to offer the care, service and dedication to their clients.
Emails!!
F
or SAIF members we want to ensure that you are kept updated with all the latest guidance and news about your membership and issues affecting the funeral profession. It is now more important than ever that we hold the correct email address for you as this is also used for you to log into the members area of the website. Therefore, please ensure that your inboxes are monitored, your junk/spam boxes are checked, and information disseminated.
Brexit Again
D
ue to COVID-19, BREXIT seems to have been put on the back burner however there could be choppy waters ahead as the culminaton of the Brexit transitional period looms. You should be starting to prepare for a no-deal Brexit especially as an agreement looks less likely as we start to move twoeards the 31st December 2020. GOV. Uk has provided comprehensive and personalised guidance on what business should be preparing to do for 1st January 2021. Further information and to assess your business can be found at https://www.gov.uk/transition. This is a reminder that the SAIF Business Centre have produced a checklist for our members to assist them in planning and thinking about the situation due to a ‘no deal, this can be found in the members’ area of the SAIF website. 64 | FuneralTimes
PPE
A
s we are now entering into the season where coronavirus cases are starting to increase you may be looking to increase your PPE supplies. This is a reminder that by logging into the Covid-19 page in the members area there is a list of suppliers who offer this provision, including for associate members current stock levels. If you need assistance logging into the website please do not hesitate to contact the SAIF Business Centre.
SAIF Annual Subscription Renewal
T
hank you to members who have already renewed their subscriptions. The deadline to renew is the 31st December 2020 – if you have still to renew please ensure that the SAIF Business Centre receives this by return to ensure that your membership and accompanying benefits continue. Due to COVID-19 and working restrictions, we would ask that those who have not signed up for the annual direct debit to pay electronically by either BACS, debit or credit card or online by visiting the member’s area.
Christmas Opening Times Over the Christmas period the SAIF Business Centre opening times will be: Thursday 24th December 9.00 – 16.00 Tuesday 29th December 10.00 – 14.00 Wednesday 30th December 10.00 – 14.00 Thursday 31st December 10.00 – 14.00 Normal hours from Monday 4th January 2021 From all at SAIF Business Centre we wish all our SAIF members and readers, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Join the association that’s leading the way. Representing and promoting the interests of 850 independent funeral directors. SAIF is at the forefront of tackling the big industry issues that matter to you. As the united voice of independent funeral directors we have led the way in setting the highest standards of professionalism and conduct within the industry. By joining SAIF you too can demonstrate that you uphold this same commitment. For over 25 years SAIF has been promoting and protecting the interests and values of independent funeral directors. Supporting our members is at the heart of everything we do, listening, responding and engaging to secure your independent future.
Join SAIF now: visit saif.org.uk or call us on 0345 230 6777 or 01279 726 777
New Delivery -
Quinn Hearse and Limousine
Paddy, from Quinn Hearse & Limousine, hands over the keys of a new E-Class 3 door to Jamie, of Joseph Cross & Sons, Limerick
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FuneralTimes | 67
Professionalism, common sense and no small measure of courage! As the reality of COVID-19 plants its roots more deeply into our foreseeable future, even the most optimistic or sceptical among us have to accept its impact on almost all aspects of life. That includes those of us who work in funeral services. It has become a part of all current and ongoing funeral planning. For us here in Lakelands Crematorium, the observing of government guidelines is of great importance as we are working with funeral directors and families from both sides of the Border, who in turn are dealing with two, not always identical sets of restrictions. The emotional effects of the pandemic, especially how it challenges the bereaved at a very raw and fragile time, have been well documented already, but they must never be overlooked. The funeral director is at the very heart of the funeral arrangements, working with family and friends to mark a loved one’s passing in a unique and deeply personal way. The fact that there are limitations imposed on us during these days is an added burden, but it is one we have to take seriously. Like other funeral homes, churches and chapels, our crematorium is under the current Irish Government regulations, which may have changed again at the time of reading from the time this is being written. That being said, it is incumbent on all those involved to adhere to the current regulations for the safety and wellbeing of all present. It is expected then that funeral directors using the crematorium will 68 | FuneralTimes
have informed the family of the requirements around numbers in attendance, the use of masks and sanitisers, social distancing, etc. While we acknowledge that making greater requests of the bereaved at a difficult time is not easy, this is where the ‘directing’ part of being a funeral director comes into play. We are professionals in an often-difficult profession and it is vital that we treat this entire matter with the greatest of seriousness. During these unpredictable days, the funeral director will play their part along with health care professionals, clergy and other local leaders in caring for and gently guiding the community. These regulations, or versions of them are going to be with us well into 2021. This is not something that we can cut corners on, not something that we can choose to ignore hoping that it will simply go away. There will be difficult decisions to be made, requiring a sure-hand and clear thinking but our industry is no different than others. Confronting this pandemic demands professionalism, common sense and no small measure of courage. Together we can play our part in helping those mostly deeply affected by the horrors of COVID-19, those who turned to us to ensure that their loved one’s passing is marked in a truly dignified, albeit somewhat different manner. All of us here at Lakelands Crematorium are here to help and guide you through these uncertain times.
We wish all our colleagues throughout the industry a Happy and Safe Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
Our Crematorium, Facilities and Remembrance Garden are available 7 days a week to accommodate Families and Funeral Directors (no weekend surcharge) Memorial Keepsakes
Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Rd, Cavan, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 4362200 / mob: 086 2458489 email: info@LakelandsCrematorium.ie www.LakelandsCrematorium.ie
From left to right: Brendan Glanville, Philip Ward, Gerard Duffy & Joe Redmond, seen taking delivery of a new Mercedes E-Class fleet from Duffy Coachbodies. With Glass Roofs in both Hearse and Limousine. This high specification fleet will be noticeably distinct from others on the road. J.P. Ward & Sons also took the extra step of specifying upgraded 18” Alloy Wheels. Duffy Coachbodies endeavors to work with all customers ensure their vehicles meet their personal Duffy Coachbodies lookdelivery forwardoftoa From left totoright: Brendan Glanville, Philip Ward, Gerardspecification. Duffy & Joe Redmond, seen taking working with J.P. Ward fleet & Sons on Duffy futureCoachbodies. vehicles. new Mercedes E-Class from With Glass Roofs in both Hearse and Limousine. This high specification fleet will be noticeably distinct from others on the road. J.P. Ward & Sons also took the extra step of specifying upgraded 18” Alloy Wheels. Duffy Coachbodies endeavors to work with all customers to ensure their vehicles meet their personal specification. Duffy Coachbodies look forward to working with J.P. Ward & Sons on future vehicles.
From left to right: Dermot McGuill, Gerard Duffy, Patrick McGuill takes delivery of a new Mercedes E-Class fleet from Duffy Coachbodies. Patrick McGuill Funeral Directors of Carlow opted for a matching Exclusive Line exterior for their E-Class fleet with full chrome packages. Patrick McGuill also opted for a tasteful balance of modern and traditional aesthetics with his choice of an “Olive Espana” deck laminate. Duffy Coachbodies would like toMcGuill, thank Patrick McGuill Directors for their continued support. From left to right: Dermot Gerard Duffy, Funeral Patrick McGuill takes delivery of a new Mercedes E-Class fleet from Duffy Coachbodies. Patrick McGuill Funeral Directors of Carlow opted for a matching Exclusive 70 | FuneralTimes Line exterior for their E-Class fleet with full chrome packages. Patrick McGuill also opted for a tasteful
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Tallon Mortuary y Specialists Professional, Confidential and Caring Services
School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification at your own pace • The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists Sch School hooll of Embalming’ offers students and reg registered giste ered d embalmers the highest standards off so teaching and practice in a supportive ortiv ve environment, with full use of ourr training facility. • We offer both Distance Learning g and attended courses.
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Your reputation is our reputation Funeral Partners is interested in further expansion in Northern Ireland and would be happy to have an informal and confidential chat with any Funeral Directors who are considering selling their business. Contact Chief Executive Officer Sam Kershaw, directly on 07834 531822 or email: sam.kershaw@funeralpartners.co.uk or Acquisition & Mergers Director Steve Wilkinson on 07528 970 531 or email: steve.wilkinson@funeralpartners.co.uk
Finding a place to gather Holding a Space to Gather as we honour both our grief and the life of our Loved One, what a challenge this is right now. BY SUE ANNE O’DONNELL
I
could sound like a broken record here. I am not saying anything new when I say, part of how we mourn, how we support those when they are grieving is to reach out, to attend the funeral, shake hands, hug, bring food or offer some words we hope convey our sympathy, our love and show we are here for those left behind. This past year we cannot do what we have naturally done for generations past. Not only can it cause us to feel helpless, the grieving family and friends can experience feeling isolated and alone, almost forgotten. When a loved one dies we can feel raw, lost in unfamiliar territory unsure of what to do, yet knowing we want to honour our deceased in a way that is fitting, respectful, love filled and truly reflects the person they were. Currently the grieving family find they are faced with arranging a Funeral, Anniversary or Memorial (if they are, dare I say lucky enough to be
74 | FuneralTimes
allowed to hold an Anniversary or Memorial ceremony) far from the traditions we have followed for years. Traditions we are familiar with and felt supported by. Traditions where the family are involved in the funeral. However no longer can family and friends be involved in readings, prayers nor singing. As for the sharing of memories during the ceremony or placing items which hold a special memory on the coffin this too has had to be stopped. Where allowed in the past we could carry our Loved Ones coffin (from personal experience I know how important this can be as part of our grieving) this too is removed from the ritual of our funerals for now. As Celebrants and Funeral Directors we are familiar with the tension, the under-currents that simply can on occasion be part of the life of the grieving family, and which now unfortunately are increased due to the decisions that must be made now as a result of
restrictions; such as, who from the family can and cannot attend the funeral. There is no denying how challenging our roles have become, we want to be supportive to those grieving while also following all guidelines. It is new to us too and so we continually learn ways with which we can offer support enabling us to meet the needs of the grieving family and friends. I am someone who looks at life and says ‘ok, so this is how it is!’. Let me be clear, in no way does this mean I like how it is, however it is how it is and I have learned it is always better to ask myself, ‘what are my choices now, what can I do?’ While also believing life presented me with experiences so that I could discover that I have a gift. A gift as a Holistic Civil Celebrant I can share with the grieving in their darkest hours- I can hold a space for those in grief. With so many changes these past months, I explored choices open to me, what
was within my scope using my skills as a Holistic Celebrant. I looked at the restrictions, I listened to those who shared with me how these changes have impacted their life, their way to honour their Loved One, their space to grieve not only at the time of death but at the time of their Anniversary and set about finding a solution. I realised I could help them hold their ceremony in a way that allows them to gather, mourn and remember, it is not perfect yet it is a solution, it is possible, it works and people are reaching out to ask me to be the Celebrant for their Virtual Ceremony. To meet the challenges and more importantly to support those in grief, I now offer all my Funeral, Memorial and Anniversary Ceremonies on a Virtual platform, with every ceremony dedicated to the deceased, written to honour their life and full of memories from the family and as with traditional Funerals, family and friends can participate fully in the ceremony, from readings, to sharing memories, to including symbols of significance. For the month of November, I have been holding a series of virtual Holistic Civil
Ceremonies to ‘Remember with Love’ our deceased Loved Ones. The response and interaction each week has been above and beyond what I initially envisioned. From the increasing number joining me live week on week, to the private messages describing how the Ceremony of the day helped them with their loss especially this year when they could not attend a Funeral or hold an Anniversary/Memorial ceremony. Added to this, the growing requests to have Loved Ones remembered on the dedicated day has shown me; People are open to a Virtual Ceremony. A Ceremony where they can ‘Gather to remember, share stories and memories. Be fully involved throughout and free to say goodbye in a way that honours both their grief and the Life of their Loved One as close as possible to what is familiar and supportive. I can of course be present with those allowed at the Funeral home, Crematorium
and or Graveside, while on other occasions the Ceremony is held for all the family and friends at a later date depending on the family’s request. As a Holistic Celebrant it is always my intention to offer a supportive, understanding and safe space to meet the needs of those in grief and so for now I do so where requested Virtually, with the constant hope that for now my ‘traditional style Ceremonies on a virtual platform offers those in grief the gift of having the ‘familiar in the midst of unfamiliar’. If you would like to arrange a Virtual Ceremony, please feel free to contact me Sue Anne O’Donnell The Celebrant By Your Side +353868239431 Associate Member of the IAFD, IIOC Trained
Sue Anne O’Donnell - ‘The Celebrant By Your Side’ IIOC Trained and Associate Member of IAFD Civil Celebrant
As a Holistic Celebrant I offer an alternative to church ceremonies. Every ceremony is personally written and delivered respectfully to pay homage to the life of your loved one ensuring they are remembered with grace and dignity. Civil Funerals, Memorials and Anniversaries allow us a time and space to mark our loved one’s passing while also honouring our grief. The ceremony can take place in your home, funeral chapel of repose, crematorium, grave-side or place of special significance. If I can be of help in my role as a Funeral Celebrant for a Funeral, Memorial or Anniversary, please feel free to contact me.
Funerals conducted throughout Ireland 7 days a week Mobile: +353 (0)86 8239431 Email: sueannecelebrant@gmail.com / Website: thecelebrantbyyourside.com FuneralTimes | 75
Humanist funeral celebrants’ response to the pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has brought many challenges to the funeral industry and we have all had to adapt and do things differently; from virtual and socially distanced ceremonies to launching a new pre-planned funeral service. Angie Aspinall from Humanists UK takes a look back over recent developments at Humanist CeremoniesTM.
Earlier this year, as a result of restrictions on attendance at gatherings, Humanist Ceremonies celebrants adapted quickly to delivering funeral ceremonies and memorial services online via Zoom. These virtual ceremonies enabled people to come together to pay tribute to a friend or loved one, celebrate the life lived. In the same way that an ‘in person’ humanist ceremony works, these virtual ceremonies also offered the opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and mourning. Once funerals could once again be attended by more people, with the necessary social distancing rules in place, humanist celebrants were there on the frontline alongside Funeral Directors, delivering personal, meaningful funeral ceremonies. And, because people were becoming more used to hearing about death and funerals in the media, we saw an increase in demand from people seeking help to plan their own funerals. 76 | FuneralTimes
Humanist funeral celebrant Sheena Bradley, based in Lisburn Pre-planned funeral service In May, Humanist Ceremonies launched a pre-planned funeral service to help people think through and record their own funeral plans. It’s designed to work in conjunction with prepaid funeral packages offered by Funeral Directors. Prepaid funeral packages tend to include: • Advice about the certification and registration of the death
• Collection and transportation of the body to the funeral home • Taking care of the body prior to the burial or cremation • The coffin • Arranging a burial or cremation However, they do not include planning the style, tone, and what is said at the ceremony, — and that’s where humanist celebrants come in. The Humanist Ceremonies pre-planned funeral ceremony
place each year in the UK where family and friends have guessed at what their loved one would have wanted.’ Our pre-planned service allows individuals to discuss their funeral wishes with a celebrant in advance, and know that these have been recorded. Humanist funeral celebrants encourage clients to talk about the type of funeral or memorial service they would like to have, who they would like to be involved, what music should be played, which poems or text should be included, and whether they would like anyone to contribute a tribute or a reading. They can advise on many practical matters, and suggest ways in which to make the ceremony unique and meaningful. Clients wishes are recorded and securely stored. Any notes or scripts that the celebrant has written are kept in a secure repository. Belfast-based funeral celebrant Cathy Graham service allows clients to discuss their wishes for a humanist funeral ceremony with a celebrant who will talk them through each aspect of the ceremony and help them decide what to include. In the same way that paying for a funeral in advance removes the stress of costs for relatives, pre-planning a ceremony service removes the stress of family members trying to guess what the
deceased would have wanted in terms of their ceremony. Taking away the guesswork When someone has left no funeral plans, it becomes the responsibility of close relatives or friends to ‘best guess’ what they would have wanted, and this can cause confusion and disagreement. According to Funeral Service Times: ‘Over 382,000 funerals take
Benefits of the network In the event of the celebrant being unable to take the ceremony when the time comes, it can be delivered in exact accordance with the written wishes by another member of the network of accredited humanist funeral celebrants. The fee the celebrant charges reflects the level of service required: an enquiry (free of charge); consultation only; script writing; or a full ceremony delivery.
Find a celebrant To find your local humanist funeral celebrant, visit our online map (www.humanistceremonies.org.uk/find-a-funeral-celebrant) or refer to the directory on the inside front cover. Or you can refer to the directory on the inside cover of this Funeral Times. FuneralTimes | 77
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GM Canopies are the sole distributors in N. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for Vitabri Canopies, tables and accessories. Vitabri Canopies are manufactured in fourteen sizes and thirty-three colours. Our graphics and printing department can design and print to your exact specifications. 183 Tamlaght Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT78 5LL. Tel: 028 8224 4025 Fax: 028 8224 3338 (Rep. Of Ireland prefix 048). Email: gmcanopies@btinternet.com / www.gmcanopies.com 78 | FuneralTimes
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FuneralTimes | 79
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80 | FuneralTimes
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