The Bearer - Issue 3 - March 2024

Message from Claire …

Welcome to the third edition of ‘The Bearer’. It has been a hectic three months and we are delighted to share recent developments within the company, news of our Team and a few fun items.

Most importantly, our teams at Austin’s and Harwood Park have been exceptionally busy caring for bereaved families. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to register my heartfelt thanks for their continued commitment and dedication.

Progress at 74a High Street

We’re very pleased with progress at the new Austins Head Office. Our Contractor has done a great job of finishing the vehicle housing space to the rear of the ground floor. Phase II, will see the start of the Chapels of Rest and the Arrangement Rooms. We will keep whetting your appetite with photos over the coming months!

Austin’s Natural Burial Park

Progress on the development of the Natural Burial Park at Harwood Park continues, with the introduction of the Harwood Hedge a powdercoated aluminium memorial installation. Envisioned as one of potentially five memorial hedges adorning the perimeter of the burial site, these hedges will afford our families the chance to establish enduring memorials for their cherished ones. We will have some literature for you all, very soon. In the meantime …

Why Opt for Natural Burial?

■ Natural burial offers a sustainable alternative to conventional burial and cremation methods, minimizing environmental impact and promoting planetfriendly practices.

■ The focus lies on returning the departed to nature, fostering a meaningful contribution to the cycle of life.

■ Only natural materials are used, avoiding harmful chemicals sometimes used in the preparation of the deceased, thus safeguarding the soil from pollution.

■ Managed yet unmanicured, the Natural Burial Park encourages the proliferation of native plants, grasses, and wildflowers, fostering pollination and biodiversity.

■ The site serves as a biodiverse habitat for wildlife, maintaining its appeal for future generations to cherish in the years to come.

New IT Hardware

We’re pleased to announce that during February, our IT service provider Ziptech have successfully installed new Dell hard drives and monitors to each user across the business. Furthermore, during 2024, there will be a planned rollout of secondary monitors to all branch offices. This will help facilitate the upload of arrangements and the transfer of documents onto Funeral Manager.

Austins 2023 Charity of the Year –Teens:) Unite

Teens Unite were our Charity of the Year for 2023 and Claire and Maggie went along to their headquarters based in Hoddesdon to meet with Lesley and Roxanne and present them with a donation of £5,000. What an amazing morning.

Based at the old Hoddesdon Police Station, we were given a tour of their Jailbreak Café where you can enjoy an afternoon tea or just a coffee or cuppa and cake in one of the police cells furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas. We then went on to see their fabulous charity shop where you will find a wonderful array of clothing much of which is brand new. We would definitely recommend you pay them a visit.

A Social Media Star in the Making

Woody the resident cat at Harwood Park Crematorium now has his own Facebook page! Follow our star to keep up to date with his daily feline musings! @woodythecremcat

Meet Our New Cleaners …

We now have four new cleaners supplied by Blue Sapphire Cleaning Company. Welcome to Sophie, Lois, Sarah and Nikki. Sarah and Nikki will be assigned to Austin’s and Sophie and Lois will be assigned to HPC. Pictured here are Sarah and Nikki.

New Transit Funeral Vehicles to join our Fleet

We have recently invested in two new Ford Transit funeral vehicles. Versatile and efficient, these CE Health and Safety approved vehicles will each accommodate 4 coffins/stretchers and come equipped with a double deck that is electrically operated for the safety of our deceased and team.

Grief Support Lending Library

We opened our second grief support lending library at Harwood Park Crematorium on Thursday 29th February. The library, located in the reception area, holds a carefully selected collection of compassionate adult grief resources as well as thoughtful children’s books on loss, and is available to all our families and the wider community. To promote this free resource which is available at both Harwood Park Crematorium and Stevenage High Street branch of Austins, we have a radio advert being aired this month, promotional leaflets which will be added to our Austin’s brochure packs, as well as posters that will be displayed in the local Stevenage libraries.

Alzheimer’s Research UK

We received a lovely Thank You certificate from Alzheimer’s Research UK in recognition of our recent donation of £1,250. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is a progressive condition. Whilst the exact cause of it is not yet fully understood, donations to the Charity, go a long way in contributing to their pioneering research into preventions, treatments and a cure.

Our Grounds Staff complete their PA1/PA6 Licence training

We understand that professional ongoing care and cultivation of our beautiful grounds at Harwood Park is essential if our families are to continue to find peace and solace during their visits. Our grounds maintenance team recently gained their PA1/PA6 licence, which means they are fully versed in the safe handling, storage and use of appropriate chemicals required to maintain the green space. Congratulations to Sam, Scott and Adam on successfully gaining this industry recognised qualification.

New Radio Advertisements

We are pleased to announce that the absolutely fabulous and divine Joanna Lumley has recorded a new series of radio adverts for Austin’s Funeral Directors. Furthermore, none other than Jim Carter, the patriarch of Downton Abbey, is now the voice of Harwood Park radio adverts. These new adverts will air in March. In the meantime, here are photos of Joanna with Claire and Peter, Joanna hard at work, and Jim looking resplendent in his bow-tie.

Austin’s 2024 Charity of the Year : FeedUp WarmUp

Austin’s is a proactive, charity-minded organisation. Each year, we link to a local charity and support their activities. For 2024, we are delighted to announce that our chosen charity is… Feed Up Warm Up

The homeless charity provides a safe, welcoming space, one evening a week, where guests can pop by to enjoy a hot meal and a chat, hear some live music, and find practical and emotional help. They also do homeless outreach, sending teams into our community to offer direct support where it’s needed most, right across Hertfordshire.

www.austins.co.uk

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘Biggest changes in the Death Certification Process in over 50 years.’ A Brief Account!

Following a death, the case will either follow the path of medical certification by a medical practitioner or investigation by a coroner. This will remain the case in the new system, but with important differences.

Medical examiners are now scrutinising almost all deaths in acute trusts and a growing proportion of deaths in all other healthcare settings (including the community).

As part of the reforms planned from April 2024, a medical practitioner will be eligible to be an attending practitioner and complete an MCCD, if they have attended the deceased in their lifetime.

The introduction of medical examiners will see routine independent scrutiny of the cause of death proposed by an attending practitioner.

Medical examiners have been carrying out independent scrutiny of causes of death since implementation of the non-statutory medical examiner system. They will continue to carry out these activities in the same way in the new death certification process, but independent scrutiny by a medical examiner will become a statutory requirement prior to the registration of all non-coronial deaths in England and Wales.

From April 2024, a new MCCD will replace the existing certificate to reflect the introduction of medical examiners, who will scrutinise the proposed cause of death.

Deaths will not be registered until the registrar receives notification of the cause of death from the medical examiner or the coroner. This notification will also start the

5-day statutory time frame to register a death. (The end procedure stays the same).

Once the statutory medical examiner system is implemented, the medical examiner’s scrutiny will make the form Cremation 4, obsolete and the regulatory requirement for the medical referee to scrutinise it will therefore be removed.

Information about medical devices and implants in the body of the deceased (which is currently recorded on form Cremation 4) will be included on the MCCD and in the certificate for burial or cremation (Form 9, (green form)). In coronial cases that are followed by cremation, the coroner will continue to certify the cause of death using Cremation form 6, (as at present). Form 6 will be amended to enable the coroner to record information on the presence of medical devices and implants, where available, so that this is communicated to the cremation authority. The coroner’s order for burial (form 3 (used to be form 101)) will also be amended to enable the coroner to record information on the presence of medical devices and implants, so that this is available to the burial provider.

It goes without saying that these are going to be the biggest changes in the Death Certification Process in over 50 years.

The final regulations are to be laid before Parliament and the Senedd with a coming-into-force date from April 2024 As a team, we will ensure you have the information and support, that you need.

What do you enjoy about working at Austins

Meeting the families at the most upsetting time in their lives and doing the best that I can for them. Working for Austin’s means I can go above and beyond to help them get the funeral they want for their loved ones.

Over the years, if you had to recall one favourite memory of your time at Austin’s (work or pleasure!), what would it be?

The Minister from the local church said Austin’s are the Waitrose of the funeral business, and I am the face of Hitchin. Quite scary that.

One other thing that sticks out in my mind, was when I had first started at Austin’s and was doing my training at Stevenage. Kerry sat in on my first arrangement. All went well until the end when I explained that there was someone at the end of the phone, if they needed anything. But couldn’t get the correct words out, so told them we have a “Hotline” if they needed anything. Kerry will still laugh now when it is mentioned. But I am still here so couldn’t of done too badly.

What advice would you give to people new to the profession?

You have to be polite, approachable and organised. Be prepared for challenges from grieving families and treat them as if they are the only family you are dealing with no matter how many other funerals you have going on at the time. As I like to say, I don’t work for Austin’s, I work for my families – and I mean that in the nicest possible way – my families come first, and that is a perspective I think you need to have if you want to be successful in this profession.

STAFF UPDATES

Special Feature: Celebrating our Longest Serving Funeral Administrators

Collectively, Jackie and June have worked for Austins for nearly 35 years! June started working for Austins in November 2004 and Jackie in May 2008. Their wealth of knowledge and experience is second to none and their commitment and dedication they show to each of our families is something we are incredibly proud of and have cause to celebrate. We spoke with Jackie and June recently to get their view of life at Austin’s and what their role has meant to them over the years.

What do you enjoy about working at Austins

I really like thinking I have been able to help families at their lowest time. Working at Austin’s, which has always been a family business, we all work together as a team by talking and helping each other, and the management team also trust me to do my job and are always there if you need help, support and advice.

Over the years, if you had to recall one favourite memory of your time at Austin’s (work or pleasure!), what would it be?

Oh I have a few of them!! I absolutely loved John Austin. He used to come in while Jean went shopping – and you could tell him anything. He was so funny and a right character – I used to love it when he came in! And when Jean Austin came in and I stood up to open the door, tripped over and all she could see was my legs in the air!! So funny !! Although she was worried about me, we both had a giggle over it!

We had some good times at the Austin’s fun days. One year, we had a climbing wall and I climbed up and got higher than the trees, but the harness was killing me so I just leaned back and jumped! Then, one year we had a bucking camel and I was dressed as a Harlem girl, wearing a hat, I tried to hold onto it but got bucked off!

I did a funeral for a little girl, a twin who passed a way from Leukemia. she was two and a half years old. She had a lovely service - really family orientated. All the children were at the front of the service, drawing. Being a twin myself it really got to me, and I did an abseil for her charity, Click Sargent and raised £650. The family bought her twin sister in to meet me afterward, which was nice of them and I felt that I had done something for that little girl.

What advice would you give to people new to the profession?

You’ve got to take things easy, and make your family feel comfortable before you shoot questions at them. Get to know them first. Every family is different and everyone reacts to grief differently, so you don’t take anything personally if a family get a bit upset. It’s such a rewarding job. Everyone said you must be hard to do that job, but I’m not a bit. I’ve sat and cried with families before. Sometimes, it’s part of the process.

www.austins.co.uk

June Bramble

Jackie Brown

Staff Breakfast … Save the date

Please do join us for our next staff breakfast on Tuesday 19th March at LoLo’s Arrival between 7:30-8:00am. We will have a guest speaker joining us, Shane Coles, founder of Feed Up Warm Up, our sponsored charity of the year 2024. Shane will be giving a short talk on the Charity and any donations on the day of non-perishable items, would be greatly appreciated by the Charity.

Caroline Chelsea

Danny (red card)

Dave B

Jane Lee

Tina

Photo Competition

Competition Winner is Claire! A £25 Gift voucher is on it’s way you. Thank you to all that submitted photos for this edition:

Guided Meditations with Nicola Martin-Davis

The past few months have been challenging to say the least, and the fabulous and very lovely Nicola Martin-Davis has offered to lead several regular small group guided meditation sessions to help Austin’s staff decompress. Anyone interested in attending a meditation session, to be held in one of our Arrangement rooms, please contact Amanda Mac, and anyone interested in learning more about the benefits of mediation before attending a session, may find the information below, of interest.

Stress Reduction: meditation helps to reduce stress levels and induce a state of deep relaxation. Through focused attention and mindful awareness, meditation helps quiet the intrusive chatter of the mind, allowing for a state of profound calmness.

Relaxation: by releasing tension from the body and soothing the nervous system, meditation offers respite

from the relentless demands of modern life, promoting a sense of balance and inner peace.

Emotional Wellbeing: meditation helps develop mindfulness, self-awareness and emotional resilience, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges and observe their thoughts and emotions with nonjudgmental awareness, leading to emotional stability and reduced reactivity to stressors.

Improved Cognitive Function: regular meditation practice can lead to improved attention, memory, enhanced focus, and concentration.

Better Sleep Quality: For those struggling with sleep disturbances and insomnia, meditation offers a natural remedy for promoting restful sleep and relaxation by calming the mind and body.

Physical Health Benefits: meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system. As well as alleviating symptoms of chronic pain conditions, such as back and neck pain and arthritis.

If small group meditation sessions are not your bag, but you like the idea of guided meditations, Nicola has a number of podcasts on her website nicolamartindavis. co.uk/podcasts You can also find her on Spotify.

www.austins.co.uk

Vee Maggie Claire Amanda P

Birthday Wishes - Happy birthday to:

MARCH

CELEBRATIONS

Work Anniversaries

Gary 26 year anniversary on 2nd March

Tina 5 year anniversary on 7th May

Amanda 1 year anniversary on 9th May

Maggie 3 year anniversary on 6th April

Claire 26 year anniversary on 31st March

Jo 1 year anniversary on 15th May

Chelsea

2 year anniversary on 4th April

Neil 12 year anniversary on 12th March

Kath 9 year anniversary on 26th May

Hayley

8 year anniversary on 14th March

Rob 8 year anniversary on 18th April

Nick 27 year anniversary on 10th March

Jackie 16 year anniversary on 27th May

Malcolm 5 year anniversary on 1st April

David 5 year anniversary on 7th May

Julie 15 year anniversary on 2nd March

Adam 1 year anniversary on 25th April

Welcome

We would like to give a huge warm welcome to our new starter, Stuart McQueen who will be joining us as a Funeral Assistant on Monday 4th March, working with the Operations Team.

www.austins.co.uk

Congratulations to Claire and Peter who will celebrate their 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary on 6th March.

For the Record!

We thought we would share a photo of Kevin Miller and his whopping 33.2lb’er !!

The 0.2lb makes all the difference!

Well Done Neil

Well Done to Mortuary Manager Neil Wilkinson on successfully completing the NAFD’s Mortuary Management Training Workshop in December.

Congratulations to Kelly and her partner on their engagement.

Saturday 17th August 2024 Austin’s

Hold the date for the social event of the year! The Austin’s annual staff summer barbeque. Claire and Peter look forward to welcoming all Austin’s and Harwood Park staff and their families from 12 noon on Saturday 17th August 2024. Invitations will be sent in due course.

19th March 7.30-8.00 am :

www.austins.co.uk

Word Search

URN WAKE ASHES

BURIAL COFFIN EULOGY

HEARSE FUNERAL MEMORIAL

CELEBRANT

GRAVESTONE PALLBEARER

Small Little Library at Head Office

We now have our own Small Little Library at Head Office. We have a selection of fiction and non-fiction books for all staff to borrow, read and return. Just pop into the Letchmore Road office and you’ll find the library outside Claire’s office. Anyone wishing to donate their unwanted books for others to enjoy, are welcome to drop them in or put them in the internal mail.

Royal London Pension – Mobile App

Austin’s Pension provider Royal London have a mobile app so you can keep an eye on your pension. It’s an easy way to view your pension contributions and see what your pension may be worth in the future. Plus, you get access to well-being support to help you with your finances.

Registering for the app means you’ll be able to:

• Stay up to date with your pension savings

• See what your plan could be worth in the future

• Add your beneficiaries

• View your investments in more detail

• Explore Royal London’s well-being guides, tools and calculators to help support you with your finances

If you’ve not yet received a letter from Royal London in the post, explaining how to access the app, you will do soon.

The Austin’s Employee Assistance Programme

Please remember the Peninsula Employee Assistance Programme, the confidential employee support service for you and your immediate family which is run through Health Assured and Offers a number of benefits as shown below:

• Counselling service

• Legal information

• Bereavement support

• Medical information

• Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Tel: 0844 892 2493

You can also download the My Healthy Advantage smartphone app. Scan the QR code to get started.

Thinking of James

Great picture, great guy, great sense of humour.

www.austins.co.uk

WELL BEING AT WORK

Spotlight on…

Sleep Matters: the impact of sleep on health and wellbeing

Sleep problems are common, and the reasons we struggle to sleep are likely to change throughout our lives, for instance, illness, work or having a baby are only a few possible causes. Signs of sleep problems include finding it difficult to fall asleep, lying awake for long periods at night, waking up several times during the night or waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep.

A few sleepless nights are usually nothing to worry about, but longer-term sleep problems can affect our relationships and social life and leave us feeling tired all the time, eating more and not able to do daily tasks. Sleep is vital for good physical and mental health and wellbeing. It is as essential to our bodies just like diet and exercise. Sleeping helps repair and restore our brains, not just our bodies.

There is no set amount of sleep that is appropriate for everyone, some people need more sleep than others,

A qualified Mental Health Responder, Amanda can support you with any mental health questions.

but we all need to make sure we get the right amount of sleep, and enough good quality sleep.

Sleep and health are strongly related, poor sleep can increase the risk of having poor health, and poor health can make it harder to sleep. Common mental health problems like anxiety and depression can often underpin sleep problems. We can all benefit from improving the quality of our sleep. It may simply be a case of making small lifestyle adjustments one being introducing a good sleep routine, regularity, and timing of our sleep. If we get into a pattern of sleeping at set times, then we will be able to establish a better routine and will find it easier to sleep at that time every day. Relax, unwind, and try meditation, try mindfulness for sleep, create the right sleep environment, improve sleep through diet and exercise.

Try this website for tips for sleeping better.

www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeingtips/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-and-sleep-better/#1

WELLBEING CHAMPIONS

With experience and an interest in mental Health and wellbeing, Danny can offer practical support.

As HR Rep, Maggie is here for anyone wanting to talk about their mental wellbeing.