Puzzle corner

deep, 20 White-hot, 21 Shredded, 22 Prosper. and fro, 7 Lemonade, 15 Penknife, 16 Throttle, 17 Distance, 18 KneeDown: 1 Waxworks, 2 Stiletto, 3 Piranha, 4 Repeater, 5 Sabotage, 6 To

Instead, 26 Descend, 27 Afflict, 28 Eyesore. 13 Halfway, 14 Spot, 17 Drake, 19 Owes, 23 Undress, 24 Earlier, 25 Across: 8 Astride, 9 Wagoner, 10 Welfare, 11 Corncob, 12 Ratchet, Across

8 Straddling (7) 9 Farm vehicle driver (7) 10 Well-being (7) 11 Type of tobacco pipe (7) 12 Move by degrees (7) 13 Midpoint (7) 14 Small blemish (4) 17 Bowling Elizabethan admiral (5) 19 Is indebted (4) 23 Disrobe (7) 24 Prior (7) 25 Alternatively (7) 26 Move down (7) 27 Trouble grievously (7) 28 Something unpleasant to look at (7)

Down

1 Type of effigy museum (8) 2 Short dagger (8) 3 Predatory South American fish (7) 4 E.g. revolver (8) 5 Deliberate damage (8) 6 Back and forth (2,3,3) 7 Fruit drink (8) 15 Pocket tool, originally a quill cutter (8) 16 Strangle (8) 17 Space between two objects (8) 18 Submerged half-way up the legs (4-4) 20 Incandescent (5-3) 21 Finely chopped (8) 22 Flourish (7)

Reducing funeral costs

The average cost of a funeral in 2021 was £4,056*. With inflation on the rise and the cost of living at the highest levels in years, we are mindful that paying for a funeral, usually an unexpected cost so not always budgeted for, can be a worry…

Funeral costs are made up of third party fees, the funeral director fees and optional extras. There are a few ways in which you can still have a beautifully unique funeral, that don’t have to be expensive.

Is burial or cremation cheaper?

Generally speaking, cremation is a cheaper option as you don’t have to consider an accompanying headstone, however there are some ways you can reduce costs for both options, including: J Speak to your funeral director regarding other time slots and options, there are reduced rates for early morning slots or farewell services. Weekend services will cost more; J The choice of crematorium will have an impact on costs; J You can hold a service in a church or alternative venue at a different time to the committal, which could use an unattended funeral slot; J There are additional costs if you aren’t resident in the county of the cemetery; J Reopening an existing plot, where there is space available, is usually cheaper than purchasing a new grave; J A natural burial can be a cost effective alternative as there is no headstone; J Could you use family or friends as bearers instead of paying for company bearers?

Getting to the funeral

Do you need a limousine to take you to the funeral service? Instead, perhaps you can follow on in your own cars. You don’t have to use a hearse to transport the coffin, perhaps a family

vehicle or van that has a connection to the person that has died could be used?

Should I organise a funeral wake/tea?

A good way to reduce costs is to hold the wake at home or, if you don’t have the space, consider utilising a caterer at a village hall or community centre. Alternatively, you could ask those attending to bring along something to create a feast! There are many local hotels and function rooms, that offer a variety of great packages. We recommend putting together a list of attendees so you don’t over cater. A buffet of sandwiches and cakes is ample.

What coffin is the cheapest?

There a variety of coffins to suit all budgets. From cardboard

manila coffins to solid wood coffins there really is something

for everyone. Could you opt for a cardboard coffin and decorate

it yourself?

How much should I spend on flowers?

Flowers on top of the coffin can be a

real statement, but you don’t have to spend a lot. Choose seasonal flowers,

add foliage or other flowers to fill

out the spray or consider reducing the size to help keep the costs low. Another great idea is flowers from

your garden or perhaps use vegetables like we created earlier this year!

Do I need a Funeral Notice?

We offer all families a free online tribute page on our website, which can be shared via WhatsApp, email or Facebook helping to save on costs.

If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com, we’d be happy to help. n

Kelly Owen is first female funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an award-winning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at https://www.tomowenandson.com/