Lakelands Crematorium play their part in many different and varied funeral services
T
his time last year, we were optimistically hoping that by now, life would be back to something closely resembling normality. But as another summer approaches, we know that the reality of Covid and all its implications will be with us for some time yet. The ongoing affects of it are felt right throughout the funeral services business and what were once thought of as temporary measures are now being seen as long-term, fundamental changes in the way we serve the bereaved families and affected communities we encounter. All traditions and denominations have been affected by these changes, with many longheld practices now becoming difficult to observe, at least in the ways they would have been in normal days. It falls to all of us to be
aware of these evolving challenges and to be even more sensitive to the needs of the bereaved as they look to honour their loved ones in the way they feel is appropriate for them and the tradition of which they were a part. Here at Lakelands Crematorium, we play our part in many different and varied funeral services: religious, humanist, and those that find expression somewhere between the two. We realise that many come to us here looking to make the most of what the current required restrictions ask of them, and with the help of clergy, lay ministers, civil and humanist celebrants, we work with each unique family who come to us so that, even within the limits allowed for the service, they feel that their loved one’s life has been acknowledged and reflected in an honest and loving way. The variety of our experience here gives us a very varied network of people and organisations who can help us and the bereaved loved ones to create something truly fitting. We are all longing for the day when this most precious and meaningful practice, the funeral of a loved one, will be freely celebrated when and how we wish and with all those who should be a part of it but until then, we continue to work together with understanding and imagination, in a spirit of togetherness. This is and will always be a cornerstone of the service we offer here at Lakelands Crematorium.
