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HEALTH & FAMILY
Direct to cremation?
fUNERAL director Rod Major says it is easy to be swept away with the latest fads and trends, including “direct to cremation” services – as chosen by the late superstar David Bowie. The service is a funeral that has no service, no flowers, minister or celebrant and certainly no congregation. Rod, who runs Wells funeral Services, says such funerals are an option to be considered where money is an issue or very few people are able to attend a service because of lockdown and travel restrictions. Lack of available finance can sometimes be an important factor too. But Rod said: “However, given the choice, I still believe that most people see a final farewell as a way to recognise and honour someone’s life and the difference they made in ours. Here at Wells funeral Services, as I reflect on the first few (busy) months of this year, our records show that Somerset does not have many David Bowie followers. “A ‘direct to cremation’ funeral costs somewhere between £997 and £1,499 and we have only delivered two such funerals. Ninety five per cent of our funerals have been traditional funerals: a hearse, limousine, flowers and order of service. The cost of this can be anywhere between £2,995 and £4,495.” Covid-19 restrictions on the number of people able to attend a funeral in person have seen a rise in the use of Zoom and facetime and the live broadcasting of services on YouTube and facebook. Rod added: “Many of us have friends and family living all over the world so I think we will see increased demand for the use of Zoom-type technology in the future. Crematoriums and churches are installing broadband and webcams, providing varying degrees of quality and viewpoint. Surely this is a good thing if it allows relatives who are being shielded or friends who live elsewhere in the world to attend and pay their respects?”
Middlewick: relax, unwind
THE Spa at Middlewick, on the edge of Glastonbury, offers views of rolling hills, blue skies and airy spaces designed to keep you connected to your beautiful surroundings. find your space to unwind: choose from meadow gardens, relaxation lounges, or the indoor pool and steam room. for the ultimate pamper, their luxury shepherd’s hut treatment rooms, lit by lanterns, complete the Spa at Middlewick’s quiet, contemplative and restful experience. Their spa is a little different to others you might have visited. They say their focus is your holistic wellbeing and the nourishment of your mind, body and soul. They do this by drawing on the wisdom of Glastonbury, with a distinctive Somerset twist. The stunning relaxation room is where you can drift away following your treatment and fully absorb the benefits of unwinding in the calm and reflective space.
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Everyone is talking about Wells Funeral Services. Why? We have an unblemished record of 5-star Google reviews which speak for themselves:
“If you are searching for a high-touch, high care, bespoke funeral director, then without question, I would recommend Rod and his team.” EK
“Thank you very much Rod for the professional and caring service, and the guidance you provided during such a difficult time. I believe that what you offered was way above and beyond what a typical funeral director would do.” LGN
“From the first time of speaking to Rod, regarding our dad’s funeral, he just made a very difficult time a little less so. When I would come off the phone, my husband would say it sounded like I was talking to a member of the family, and really it felt like that, he put you at ease, everything was thought out professionally but with a sense of humour, which we felt was the right way to go, always providing a personal touch.” ML
01749 670 100 • wellsfuneralservices.co.uk
Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals Theas’ Footcare, Mobile Foot Clinic
Minimum 2hrs = £32.50 (All Credit Cards Accepted)
Mobile: 07849 033 055 Email: thea-m-1@hotmail.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 67
