Funeral Times issue 4 2018

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2018 Vol.18 No.4

PRODUCTS

DONATION BOXES

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Kieran Bros. Kingscourt Funeral Home up for award..... 5

Honour for Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust....................... 9

Contents

Kingscourt Funeral Home up for architecture award....... 5 Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust honoured by Teresa May. 9 IAFD News.................................................................... 14 CPS Trust - Take back control of your pre-paid plans... 22 NAFD News................................................................... 27 SAIF News..................................................................... 36 PEAI News..................................................................... 40 Patsy McCauley holds Golf Classic for Marie Curie .... 77

It’s a matter of choice says Mary Elizabeth Dillon ....... 43 Jack Adams on the 1957 Alumnus................................. 46

Editorial and Advertising contacts: Graham Brown | Ruth McQuillan Vikki Crangle | Paula Hanna Tel: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI

Irish directors focus on debt - Braemar Finance............ 51 Padraic Cawley considers ceremony choices................. 54 Lakelands Crematorium sees increase from NI............. 57 BIE News....................................................................... 60 Jennifer Muldowney takes a look at resomation............ 65

Funeral Times is owned and published by: InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF email: sales@funeraltimes.com

Meet the Finlay Team.................................................... 69 Mattie Lennon “From here to Eternity” and beyond .... 70 Patsy McCauley holds Golf Classic for Marie Curie..... 77 Classifieds...................................................................... 81

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

Kingscourt Funeral Home nominated for architecture award!

Kieran Bros Funeral Home, Kingscourt, designed by Niall Smith Architects, has been nominated for ‘Public Building of the Year’ in the Building & Architect of the Year awards 2018!

T

his contemporary funeral home sits comfortably in it’s Irish provincial town surroundings, nestled between a small Garda Station and a house, two hundred yards from the market town’s Main Street.

It’s crisp facade, with white walls, zinc box entrance and raised box at the ridge is in stark contrast with the 1950s bungalow it used to be.

When Niall Smith Architects were approached by Kieran Bros Funeral Care to convert their bungalow into a funeral home, they took the approach of radical modification, to create a space, filled with light, which would encourage celebration of life rather than mourning of death. The traditional ‘Irish Wake’ is a significant part of Irish culture and they wanted the building to encourage social interaction and allow mourners to feel comfortable enough to sit on and talk. Inside, the white walls and vaulted ceiling, highlighted by one continuous skylight, which funnels light from above throughout the space, creates a soothing ambiance for grieving families.

The idea was to transform the traditional

approach to funeral spaces, to design this environment with more energy and reverence for life. A more positive, life-affirming space, where the dead are honoured and their loved ones can process their loss in peace. Nothing here was left to coincidence - conscious design decisions create the resulting light, sound, temperature, and humidity that create the desired environment.

The result is a building that treats its users with the respect and sensitivity needed in such a space.

The winner of the 2018 Public Building of the Year will be announced on 4th October 2018 in The Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin.

Contact: Kieran Bros Funeral Care T: (042) 9667309 www.kieranbrosfuneral care.com. Niall Smith Architects T: (042) 969 3700 www.niallsmitharchitects.ie

FuneralTimes | 5

YOUR OWN FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Trust FCA concerns regarding pre-paid funeral plans are: Mis-selling Third party fees Specific Funeral not provided Customer Service

RESOLVE THESE BY SETTING UP YOUR OWN

FUNERAL DIRECTOR TRUST WITHIN 3 MONTHS

Never has this opportunity been available to independent funeral directors. The Trust becomes part of your business that you have total control over via your own Trustees. This opportunity will offer you vastly increased profits and cash flow, it will give your local community even more reassurance that their funerals are fully covered in the future and your business instantly becomes more attractive should you be looking to sell on in the future.

CPS Trust Consultancy are the only UK business that can offer a complete package to set your own Trust up within 3 months. The Trust complies with all current legislation surrounding Trusts and is supported by Solicitors, Actuaries, Trustees and Accountants.

CPS TRUST CONSULTANCY Bollin House, Bollin Walk, Wilmslow SK9 1DP. Tel: 08000 197 133 email: enq@yourowntrust.co.uk www.yourowntrust.co.uk | FuneralTimes CPS6Trust Consultancy is a trading name of CPS Ventures Ltd. Company Registration No. 08755137

The advantages of your own trust Put simply take back your Profit and Control. Keep the profit currently made by a 3rd party provider and take back control of your future clients.

Compliant Trusts for England Scotland and Wales.

Admin fees are yours. 140 plans @250 = £35,000 per annum. You would then benefit from the investment growth on approx £500,000 per annum and growing.

Growth of trust is yours. Any return over CPI can be drawn out or taken on provision of funeral.

Building a book of future funerals.

Guaranteed funerals will come to you when client passes.

Control of future clients is in your hands.

The trust will become a valuable asset to your business.

Potential purchasers of your business might not see funeral plans through a 3rd party as a valuable asset.

The client wants to deal with you and not a faceless 3rd party.

No more selling plans for 3rd party funeral providers.

Giving you full control to still accept plans from providers if needed.

All funds go to your funeral directors.

No mis-selling.

We’ll get you up and running in just 3 months We’re here to help you every step of the way...

We can help you set-up your own trust for a fraction of the cost of doing it yourself.

Total cost Cap if it goes over we reduce our fees.

We have all the key contacts required for managing your trust, your investments and ensuring the assets of the trust are compliantly safeguarded.

All our professionals are qualified.

Help setting up a complex Trust Bank account.

All you need to do is call us on

Supply of legal agreements for your client. Regularly reviewed and updated for any changes in legislation.

You are free to focus on your core business while we help manage your trust.

Accounts, taxation and audit are taken care of.

Costs are absorbed by the trust.

You become a trustee so have control over the trust and its assets.

We remain on hand to assist with any queries and to ensure a smooth process at all time.

We have the experience of settingup and running previous Trusts.

One of our directors founded a very successful Provider.

We have references available from other funeral directors we have helped.

08000 197 133

For a free information pack email enq@yourowntrust.co.uk

www.yourowntrust.co.uk

FuneralTimes trust consultancy| 7

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500 families helped by Trust N

ewry-based Colin Bell and wife Eithne, who many of you will have met at the Funeral Times Trade Shows, were recently honoured to receive an award from the British Prime Minister Theresa May. The Points of Light award recognises ‘outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others’, a point echoed by local Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady who described the Bell family as ‘shining examples to us all’. The article, covered by the BBC, described how the PM commended their passion and intentions in turning “a personal tragedy into a force for good”.

Alongside wife Eithne, the couple formed the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust following the death of their son in New York in 2013, aged 26, with the aim of supporting families whose loved ones have passed away overseas.

To date, the charity has aided in bringing home the bodies of roughly 500 people.

Upon the heartbreaking loss of Kevin, in excess of £100,000 was raised to help bring him home, with Colin and Eithne deciding to utilize this to form the charity. After receiving the award, Colin described his

gratitude, not through any sense of personal pride, but for the recognition of the work of the trust, outlining his hopes that publicity around this will ‘encourage those people in England, Scotland and Wales who are in the process of setting up similar trusts based on The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust model’.

In a personal letter to Colin, Theresa May described how he ‘should feel incredibly proud of the work you are doing in Kevin’s memory to support grieving families across Northern Ireland and Ireland.’

One of the truly heart warming aspects of the story is that the public support shown to the trust meant it has never needed to rely on Government funding; ‘It’s amazing’ says Colin, ‘it shows you the strength of the community in Northern Ireland and down south. It really shows the good of people in the worst of times’.

For more information, please ontact: Colin Bell (Trustee) Email: colin.bell@kevinbellrepatriationtrust. com / cbell977@hotmail.com or Damian Ruddy (Trustee) damian. ruddy@kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com / damianruddy@yahoo.co.uk

FuneralTimes | 9

New delivery from Fearghas Quinn R. Gibney Funeral of Gibneys of Oldcastle Funeral collects his new hearse from Fearghas Conneely’s Directors, Galway addDirectors, another Mercedes Hearse to their Fearghas Quinn Quinn & Hearse and Limousines.

Hearse Limousines fleet

Tallon Mortuary y Specialists Professional, Confidential and Caring Services

School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification (BIE) 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 leading to o membership of the British Institute of Embalmers For further information and to discuss how this course might work for you please contact us: 10 | FuneralTimes

Glyn Tallon - 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: 086 826 8876 / Fax: 046 903 6001 Web: www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com Email: info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com

New brochure launch L

egacy Expressions are a company who pride themselves on their dedication to the trade and their wide base of loyal, satisfied customers. With this in mind, they strive on a daily basis to research, innovate and create fresh new ideas and products.

They were recently delighted to have launched their new 2018/19 Brochure, detailing the beautiful array of offerings they can make to families hoping for the chance to hold onto some tasteful, comforting keepsakes. The diverse nature of their product range helps make true on the promise they make to prospective customers; “we offer a wide range of products to ensure that we meet you right where you are in life.”

Legacy Expressions’ fingerprint transfer process is efficient, simple, and professionally completed for a beautiful and long-lasting result. As suppliers of high quality, customisable jewellery, pendants, and giftware, their aim is to ensure that the memories, events and people that make life so special can be celebrated in a meaningful way.

The Derbyshirebased company offer keepsakes, from jewellery to picture frames, Christmas ornaments to teddy bears. With varying prices from ornaments at £25, stainless jewellery at £75, silver at

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£125, gold jewellery at £750, and everything in between, they can cater for any family’s budget.

All their 500+ customers will receive their hardcopies over the month of August, and if YOU would like to display brochures in your home, simply contact David Gosling MD on 0800 3689233 or david@legacyexpressions. co.uk to request your copies. Legacy Expressions also CAN WORK WITH INK prints in the first instance, before moving onto their State of the Art scanning technology.

For more information, please contact www.legacyexpressions.co.uk / T: 0800 3689233 / email: info@ legacy-exp.co.uk

Damian Flynn Creative Binding Working for you

It’s been a very busy year so far for Damian and the team at Creative Binding Solutions. The summer months can often be relatively quiet across the funeral industry in Ireland and the team at Creative Binding have been enthusiastic in taking this opportunity to explore and innovate, scouring the market worldwide for new products, ideas, and practices to adapt to the Irish market.

O

n top of this the firm have developed a new logo and are underway with the development of a brand new website designed with a customer-centric focus, likely to be unveiled later in the year.

Interestingly, Damian has, over the past 12 months, received a number of enquiries from across the industry for pens and, having initially outsourced the orders, has continued to demonstrate his dedication to the funeral profession in Ireland by acquiring a new screen printing machine for in-house printing which the company is delighted to offer in small quantities.

Taking pride in their work is something constantly emphasized at Creative Binding

12 | FuneralTimes

and this is rarely more clearly highlighted than with the release of their new donation boxes. The boxes are eloquently simple and can easily be sealed and returned to family. There is also a plastic sleeve included to insert charity and deceased details. The minimum quantity per order is 10 for a generic style and, should you wish for a company name to be branded on the flap, the minimum quantity is 30.

Exciting new products and updated offerings are important, but so is sticking to what you are good at. With this in mind, Creative Binding continue to produce their ever-popular black/burgundy luxury presentation bags which are gold or silver foiled. The minimum quantity per order is 150 (1 box) which is easy for storage. Damian notes that a new range of printed, branded bags are on their way which may also be foiled with your custom logo. Additionally, the firm are pleased to offer USB Sticks for Funeral Webcasts, branded with company logo and arriving in presentation case.

As ever, should you have bespoke requirements relating to any order, the team will be there to help.

Promotional Pens

“Manufacturers of Condolence Books�

Presentation Bags

Account Holders

Registers

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FuneralTimes | 13

IAFD News Regional Meeting and Training Workshop 19th July 2018 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone

- Training Workshop Prior to the Regional Meeting a very well attended Training Workshop was held. Many funeral directors travelling distances had the privilege of listening to Nigel Brothers, Jennings Funeral Directors, Dublin, make a presentation on the subject, “Financial Planning for the Funeral Sector�.

The feedback provided indicated that it was a very informative and worthwhile event. There were many nuggets of useful information in connection with both simple and other types of funerals together with suggestions regarding finance and accounting in relation to operating funeral businesses.

- Regional Meeting

M

ary Cunniffe welcomed all who attended and thanked them for travelling to her homeland of Kiltoom. She introduced her colleagues on the Board after which the Officers gave their reports and then responded to various interesting questions from the members who were present.

Mary introduced the first guest speaker, Senator Maura Hopkins who had taken time out of her very busy schedule to speak at the meeting. The event proved an excellent opportunity for the Senator to listen to funeral directors from different parts of the

Senator Maura Hopkins, Guest speaker 14 | FuneralTimes

country raise issues and share their concerns regarding a number of specific matters.

Maura has a keen interest in the profession and due to her work in the community in the Roscommon Galway Constituency; she has an appreciation of the current challenges in relation to families being able to access the Exceptional Needs Payments when a death occurs. Senator Hopkins addressed the meeting very eloquently and promised she would write to Minister Regina Doherty to request that the Minister meet members of the IAFD Board to discuss the topic

Drew McAllister, National Sales Manager, Golden Charter

Konrad Wilkinson, Regional Sales Manager Golden Charter

IAFD News and other related matters including the Bereavement Grant. She also undertook to raise issues relating to funeral directors and the provision of Coroners Removals throughout the country.

A presentation followed by Golden Charter representatives, Drew McAllister, National Sales Manager and Konrad Wilkinson, Regional Sales Manager. Following a power point presentation by Drew a healthy discussion ensued, the main issues raised by members were: • The provision of relevant P.O.S. material for the Irish Market

• The possibility of direct debit payments for funeral plans in Ireland • The reduction of the Arrangement Fee and the payment of same • Lack of communication/method of communication/no hard copies received in post • Maturity values paid on the original plans • Lack of personal contact with Funeral Directors in Ireland Both Drew and Konrad gave a commitment that they would seek to address all issues raised.

Excellence Programme Visits - 2018 To date almost 50% of excellence visits have been conducted this year. Visits will continue on a random basis over the next few weeks. Members have responded very well to the visits using the opportunity to engage with the Board to showcase their services and premises and to seek support and assistance with minor issues.

Education Programme 2018-2019 Over the last few weeks the Education Committee has been busy marking this year’s course material and project work submitted by Candidates.

The 2018/19 course is due to commence on the 20th September next and places are filling fast.

Expressions of interest should be sent to Joanne Cooney, Education Course Coordinator via education@iafd.ie. as soon as possible.

Mary Cunniffe, President of the IAFD

Representation

A

s part of our on-going communication with government Mary Cunniffe and members of the Board have met with various government Ministers and Senators and will continue to forge links in the various departments to discuss issues relating to the funeral sector.

FuneralTimes | 15

IAFD News DIARY DATES FOR 2018 20th September 2018 Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown • Regional Training Workshop @ 2.30pm & Regional meeting @ 5.30pm 24th November 2018 Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone AGM & Dinner Dance

Why Join the IAFD? For just a little more than €1cent a day you get: • Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Code of Practice

• Membership of professional organisation recognised by the general public

• Access to IAFD Education Programme

• Unique all island network of funeral directors • Representation of members with Government, Local Authorities and Media • Funeral Directors led organisation for promoting and developing standards of funeral service

• Excellence Programme • Board of Funeral professionals available to assist Members • Dispute Resolution and Mediation • Legal Advisory Service • Links to other trade Associations

Applications for membership of IAFD: Please visit www.iafd.ie and download an Application Form.

16 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News Mary Cunniffe (President) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village Dublin 6W Mobile: 085-8010742 Ph: 01-4907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com

Robert Fanagan (Chair - Membership & Excellence Committee) Fanagans 54, Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ph: 01-4754101 Email: robert@fanagans.ie

Edwina Fitzgerald (First Vice President) Fitzgeralds Funeral Directors Channel Road Rush Co. Dublin Ph: 0873512949 Email: edwinafitzgerald78@gmail.com

Colm Kieran (P.R.O & Chair Communications Committee) Kieran Bros. Funeral Directors Kingscourt, Co. Cavan Mobile: 087-6218740 Ph: 042-9667309 Email: colmkieran@gmail.com

John Foley (Immediate Past President) Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph: 01-8555511

Dermot McCarthy McCarthy’s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork.

Ph: 029-56044 Email: dermot@mccarthyfuneraldirectors. com

Dara Gillespie (Hon. Secretary) Finlays Funeral Service Tierney Street Ardee Co. Louth Mobile: 086 7923472 Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com Martin Thompson (Hon. Treasurer) Thompson Funeral Directors Chapel Hill Mount Hawkins Athy Co. Kildare Ph: 059-8632714 Email: thompsonfuneraldirectors@gmail.com

Tom Lawless Lawless Funeral Directors Mucklagh, Tullamore Co. Offaly Ph: 057-9322622 Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie Kieran Shovlin Seamus Shovlin Funeral & Embalming Services Sandfield Ardara Co. Donegal Ph: 074-9541300 Email: kieran.shovlin@gmail.com

Donal Forde (Chair - Education Committee) Forde & Sons Funeral Home South Gate Bridge Cork Co. Cork Ph: 021-4318222 Email: fordes@indigo.ie FuneralTimes | 17

Funeral Director Geoff Jeavons and Coleman Milne’s Tony Kerr

Prestigious Coleman Milne Mercedes fleet for O’Kane’s Independent Family Funeral Directors Belfast based O’Kane’s Independent Family Funeral Directors’ reputation goes before them in offering a supportive, dignified and personalised service.

Their professional skills have been forged through generations of the O’Kane, followed by the Dougal family and they have proudly served their community for over 150 years. The business is now expertly run by fourth generation son Hugh F. Dougal from their three branches in Belfast.

Coleman Milne are pleased to welcome back O’Kane’s Independent Family Funeral Directors, who have chosen the new Mercedes E213 hearse and matching limousine as the newest editions to their fleet. With a host of exquisite and innovative features as standard, the E213 range adds luxury and comfort to the ceremonial fleet.

The E213 hearse is fitted with a glass roof, to add a visually stunning aspect to proceedings, wreath rail, LED interior lights for subdued lighting, 2 bearer seats 18 | FuneralTimes

and integral cover boards. The limousine has been carefully constructed to deliver comfort as paramount with an exceptionally luxurious interior and adjustable multichamber body control air suspension.

All the range boasts a sumptuous leather upholstery and 64 colour ambient lighting.

The adaptive breaking system with HOLD function and multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles make the E213 the best in class to drive.

tailor-made solutions to the funeral trade

Funeral Supplies Donegal Ltd. YATES – BM TWEED Blue & Mint

We manufacture and supply: FR΀ Q DQG FDVNHW VLGH VKHHWV (fall over) FR΀ Q DQG FDVNHW SDGV (elastic/tape, black/green/purple) eco friendly linings (cotton & linen) lid linings shrouds mountings

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Leghowney Donegal Town Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: +353(0)74 9723715 Fax: +353 (0)74 9723742 Mobile: +353 (0)87 2376169 www.funeralsupplies.ie funeralsupplies@eircom.net

FuneralTimes | 21

Independent Funeral Directors are taking back control of the pre-paid funeral plan industry WHY CAN CPS TRUST CONSULTANCY OFFER THIS SERVICE? We were involved in the setup of a Major pre-paid funeral plan Provider over 5 years ago. The combined experience and knowledge gained through this process allowed us to establish CPS Trust Consultancy. Where CPS Trust Consultancy are unique is that we help with the whole business model including marketing and work flows, along with structured time efficient meetings in relation to the trust.

This ensures that very little of your time is taken up when running the Trust.

WHAT PROFESSIONALS ARE NEEDED TO SET UP THE TRUST? Specialised Trust Solicitors, Actuaries, Trustees and Investment Managers. We only have the very best qualified professionals, that have a working relationship. This is 22 | FuneralTimes

combined with the expertise of CPS trust Consultancy who fully understand the working business model as a whole.

HOW EASY IS IT FOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS TO SET UP THEIR OWN PREPAID FUNERAL PLAN TRUST? It would be extremely difficult for a funeral director to set up his own Trust without the correct guidance. The professionals are key; you need to be able to have the right people who are not just qualified in their given field but are working with a proven business model. This cuts down on meetings and the due diligence between the professionals and the formation of the Trust.

HOW MUCH INVOLVEMENT DOES THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR HAVE IN THE PROCESS? We only need the funeral directors for three key meetings and from that point on they

are kept informed of every stage. We take control of the whole process from beginning to end, right up to the point of trade. During the 3 Month process it is a great time to get the Funeral Director up to speed with every aspect of the business so he is ready and eager to get started when we have completed the project.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING YOUR OWN TRUST? The main reasons are having full control over your clients with regards the sale of the plan and customer service. The financial benefits can be massively beneficial as you are in control of every aspect, including the price of the plan and the administration charges. Generally, these costs would be controlled and kept by third parties, now your funeral directors gets them directly.

COULD A TRUST ADD VALUE TO MY BUSINESS? Almost definitely as you are in control of your own pre-paid funeral plans with regards to the plans price and administration fees, eventually all that

revenue will come to you, so naturally, that will have a direct effect on the value of your business. Also, if the Trust over achieves its investment targets, any additional revenue belongs to your Funeral Directors, again, having a positive effect on the value of the business.

HOW COMPLICATED IS IT TO OPERATE ONCE THE TRUST IS UP AND RUNNING? Our business model is designed to take up as little of your time as possible because you are dealing with everything in-house and have no third party to deal with; it will give you back control and save you time. Your ongoing meetings with all the professionals are very structured and most could be carried out remotely. It is really that simple.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF I NEED FURTHER INFORMATION? We cover the whole of the U.K including Ireland so if you just need further information, a phone call, or a funeral home, visit simply contact one of our team and they will be happy to help. Call 08000 197 133 or email enq@yourowntrust.co.uk

Pearson Repatriation Service (UK) ! SMALL INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN COMPANY OFFERING A FAST AND RELIABLE SERVICE HOURS A DAY

As part of our service to you, we can: s 2EPATRIATE THE DECEASED FROM THE 5+ s 0ROVIDE A COFlN AND INTERIOR s 0ROVIDE EMBALMING SERVICES

Telephone +44 (0)1484 844289 Proprietor Clive J Pearson LMBIFD. DIP.FD. MBIE -ANCHESTER 2OAD -ARSDEN (UDDERSlELD 7EST 9ORKSHIRE 5+ ($ %9 FuneralTimes | 23

New delivery from Fearghas Quinn R. Gibney of Gibneys of Oldcastle Funeral newFearghas hearse from Fearghas Shaun McGlynn, Donegal, with his 5 doorDirectors, Mercedescollects Hearsehis from Quinn Hearse & Quinn Hearse and Limousines.

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GREEN COFFINS IRELAND FAQ: How do I get one of your coffins Answer: Since 2009 we have operated a next working day delivery service to anywhere in Ireland. Our policy is never leave a customer without a required product. We can’t help until you call 00353749152712

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Irish Willows (various designs and sizes available) Since 2009 we have been weaving willow coffins at our workshop in Donegal. Our team has expanded in recent years as has our offerings.

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Representing the needs of almost 4,000 funeral homes, the National Association of Funeral Directors is the “Voice of the Funeral Profession”, supporting members and assuring the public of high standards for more than 100 years.

The NAFD is influential • Consulted by Government on legislative issues • First call for the media on funeral / bereavement issues • Established cross party groups in all four UK Parliaments / Assemblies • Universally endorsed professional qualifications

The NAFD is inclusive • We are financially independent of any other organisation • We campaign on issues affecting all members equally • Members range from small independent firms to groups and Co-operatives • We are totally democratic with one member, one vote - irrespective of the number of funeral homes

The NAFD is supportive • Best benefits package within the sector, saving up to £5,000 a year on essential business costs • Free helplines for financial, legal and employment law, HR, public relations and repatriation issues • Free £5m professional indemnity insurance per UK funeral home member - unique within the sector • Free insurance against tribunal claims, H&S and tax prosecutions

The NAFD is trusted • NAFD members are trusted by consumers to deliver our Funeral Promise: • A funeral that is a fitting farewell, at a price they are comfortable with • Treating bereaved families with respect and acting with integrity • Fulfilling any special wishes and requests • The right to independent redress if the need should arise

Your business will be Stronger by Association with the NAFD. Apply to join today and start taking advantage of the benefits of membership.

Call: Su Lewis on 0121 711 1343 ext. 20.

Visit: www.nafd.org.uk/whyjointhenafd

NAFD News CMA response highlights proactive work of NAFD members I

n late June, the National Association of Funeral Directors provided a detailed 45page response to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Statement of Scope in respect of its market study of the funerals sector.

During the course of several discussions with the CMA team the Association has also offered to expand upon these points in more detail and provide further evidence to help build the most comprehensive picture of the profession in 2018 as is possible. The NAFD is currently working to respond to additional questions and requests for information, by the CMA team.

In responding to the Statement of Scope, the NAFD provided evidence of how the funeral profession overcomes the challenges of:• A customer base that is often uncomfortable discussing its services ahead of time (or grieving and emotionally illequipped to do so when they are needed); •An often aggressively negative media environment; and • An increasingly outdated and inconsistent regulatory and political environment to deliver hundreds of thousands of funerals each year that are personal, meaningful and are provided at a reasonable cost in comparison to other equivalent consumer purchases.

The NAFD was clear in its response that it does not believe that the funeral profession is above criticism. Indeed, we are sure members would agree that there are areas where we believe some sections of the profession need to evolve, such as in the area

of passive pricing visibility – and we show in our submission how the NAFD is assisting its members in achieving this change.

However, the NAFD also outlined the many factors outside the funeral director’s control which can serve to frustrate the profession’s attempts to act in the public interest and set out how the NAFD believes that change - and a greater degree of consistency - is also needed from the public sector, together with a shift in society’s willingness to make the appropriate plans for the end of life, to ensure that bereaved families are able to say the kind of farewell to their loved one that they would like to.

Highlighting key points made in the submission, NAFD President Abi Pattenden said: “Fundamentally, we recognise that funeral directors are purveyors of services that no-one wants to use. This makes the purchase of funeral services a more difficult, sensitive and challenging one – and discussions about cost far more loaded with emotion. When is the right time to discuss money with someone that is grieving the recent loss of someone they love?

“Traditionally, this has led funeral directors to prefer having discussions about costs face to face, supported by the comprehensive price lists that membership of the NAFD has always required them to produce. However, as the NAFD has said in its response, recent rapid changes in how consumers buy services and products has left the funeral profession running to catch up, to explain the nature of its services and the value of a funeral to consumers in ways the public FuneralTimes | 27

will understand, and in ways that bereaved consumers will be able to digest.

“Increasingly, numbers of funeral directors are finding ways to participate in the digital economy, building more sophisticated web presences and publishing price lists online, as well as sending them by email, and the NAFD is actively supporting this evolution and has encouraged its members to make their prices more visible since 2016.

However, given the nature of the services, we believe there will always be, and should be, an element of personal conversation and connection in the purchase of funeral services - as the care of those that have died and the people who mourn them is not a commodity, nor should it ever be.

“We know that the CMA understands that funeral directing is not an easy job.

It is certainly not one that many people could do and so it is both frustrating and disappointing when responsible, decent funeral directors are publicly berated for earning a living from the difficult, demanding and caring job that they do.

“There is a growing (and worrying) tendency for an assumption to be made that, because bereaved people are vulnerable, they will automatically be taken advantage of. Not only does that imply that funeral directors are fundamentally greedy, but it also denies the truth that being vulnerable does not necessarily mean one lacks capacity to make choices. Indeed, in the experience of our members, many families find the ability to choose, for example, a personalised coffin or a special piece of music to be both essential and cathartic.

“We hope that, as a consequence of this market study, the funeral profession will emerge with not only valuable and important guidance as to how it should evolve to be able to deliver what consumers need in the future – but also with a greater understanding, by the public and by opinion formers, of the factors driving the cost of a funeral and how funeral choices are made as well as, importantly, a clean bill of health - as has been the case following previous investigations by the CMA’s predecessor, the Office of Fair Trading.”

The NAFD responds to TV presenter’s 28 | FuneralTimes

comments that wearing bright colours to a funeral is unfair on bereaved children In July, Immediate Past Presidents Alison Crake and Paul Cuthell took to the airwaves on BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Tees and Radio Clyde to comment on the views expressed

by Sky presenter Colin Brazier, who recently lost his wife, that it is unfair on bereaved children to wear bright colours to a funeral and treat it as a ‘celebration of life’.

In their response, Alison and Paul echoed the NAFD’s view that any decision about what happens at a funeral must be for each family to make, and must be based upon what is right for family members – including any children involved. They also described how funeral directors regularly see requests for colourful clothing at funerals, or for specific clothing to be worn, as part of a changing landscape in respect of funerals, with an increasing focus on making the funeral specific to the person that has died and that, when families do make a specific request such as this, it is often the case that it is something that has been decided before the funeral arrangements are made, sometimes with the involvement of the person who is dying, or other times as a result of discussions within families about the memories they have of the person they have lost.

Both Paul and Alison also reflected on a wider issue, raised by President Abi Pattenden of how we prepare for and support children after a loss; how we help them make sense of the ending of a life. Said Abi: “As funeral directors, we’re often asked about how far to involve children in funerals and how to support them when someone, or something, they love dies. Increasingly, there are fantastic resources out there to support children, at home or in school, after a bereavement, through the work of charities like Winston’s Wish and Child Bereavement UK, books by authors such as Elke Barber and others. But is this enough?

“Arguably, by the time a child is dealing with their first bereavement, whenever that might be, we’ve missed the opportunity to give them an understanding and resources that will help them deal with loss in their life, resources that will also help them to be

better equipped to face bereavement and their own eventual death, as adults? By encouraging an open and curious learning environment about the end of life, in children, it could have a very positive impact both emotionally and practically when they reach adulthood in terms of how prepared they are for the end of their own life and that of those that they love.”

Our hope, as an Association, is that by normalising death as part of the curriculum – as part of the circle of life – for young people, and making it an open and gentle topic for discussion, it will be easier to support children who go on to become bereaved at an early age. The additional benefit is that, over time, it will help to create a generation of young people who have a better understanding of, and emotional vocabulary for, the end of life – which will support them when they become adults too.

2018 YouGov poll for NAFD reveals funeral directors are valued for their expertise In June 2018, the NAFD commissioned YouGov to undertake a second research project on its behalf, to support the Association’s work to respond to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) funerals market study. Already in the planning, the research project was accelerated to ensure that results could be incorporated into the NAFD’s response to the CMA. As before, YouGov spoke to two groups of people: 1,000 people who had arranged a funeral in the past five years and a representative sample of all GB adults in their omnibus survey. Here are some of the findings: Rising funeral poverty is a myth?

The number of people unable to pay for a funeral has not grown in the last two years, according to YouGov’s research. 12% of Britons said they had no means to pay for a funeral ‘in any way’ in the 2018 survey, the exact same figure as in Funerals Matter 2016, carried out by YouGov for the NAFD and Cruse Bereavement Care, two years ago. In the survey, respondents were asked to imagine that someone they loved had

suddenly died and had left no money to cover funeral costs, which were £3,000 to £4,000. They were asked how they would expect to pay for the funeral. Almost half (49%) would use savings and almost a third (27%) would turn to family and friends for help. Only 3% said they would turn to a crowd funding website, despite extensive media coverage talking about the fast rising numbers of people choosing this option.

Feeling comfortable is key for Britons when choosing a funeral director In the 2018 YouGov Omnibus Survey, GB adults were asked what factors they thought might be important when choosing a funeral director. Convenient location was the fifth most important consideration (29%) after reputation (51%), cost (44%), choice of the deceased person (44%), recommendation (43%) and whether they liked the funeral director when they met them (38%). A similar question was asked by YouGov of the adults with experience of organising a funeral and who chose their funeral director.

‘I felt comfortable with them’ came out on top at 46% with the next most important criteria being previous experience of using them before (41%), emphasising that decisions are not being made solely on the basis of price lists, online information or other second hand information – people are choosing funeral directors based on personal experience.

Satisfaction and value for money levels remain extremely high The findings showed that 97% of respondents who had used a funeral director in the past five years were satisfied with the services of the funeral director, 83% considered them good value for money and 84% value the services and expertise of a funeral director more highly as a result of using the services of one.

Most people are still not shopping around - but this is generally not because the information isn’t available.

Seventy percent of respondents who had used a funeral director in the past five years agreed with the statement that ‘a funeral is just any other purchase and consumers FuneralTimes | 29

should do their research before selecting a funeral director and arranging a funeral’.

An even higher number (84%) agreed with the statement that funeral directors should list their prices online. However, despite this, only 15% of these people had actually compared the prices of different funeral directors (up from 10% in 2016). These figures are likely to change significantly over time as, according to the findings, the percentage of people who did compare prices grows significantly the younger the respondent.

Choosing the cheapest funeral director isn’t a priority for 96% of Britons The 2018 YouGov research has shown, as did the equivalent study undertaken two years ago in 2016, that comparing prices is not the most important criteria for many people when choosing a funeral director and that there are other criteria which are considered more important. Only 25% of respondents said that keeping costs down was a priority in funeral arranging and only 4% said they chose a funeral director because they were the cheapest they could find.

In fact, cost was only the seventh most important priority for those surveyed who had organised a funeral in the last five years (25% said it was the most important consideration), behind criteria such as ‘making it personal’ (56%), ‘following the wishes of their loved one’ (54%), ‘making it a celebration of the deceased person’s life’ (52%) and organising a ‘proper send-off ’.

76% of these respondents also agreed with the statement: ‘When planning a funeral I wouldn’t always want the cheapest option (i.e. I would be prepared to pay more for certain things such as the coffin, flowers etc.)’.

The majority of respondents reported being presented with a range of options – and not feeling pressured over choices In the survey of people with experience of organising a funeral, respondents were asked if the funeral director discussed a range of options and prices with them – to which 76% confirmed that this took place 30 | FuneralTimes

(9% couldn’t recall) and 72% of respondent said they did not feel pressurised at all by a funeral director when deciding what to include – with a further 22% saying they did not feel much pressure. They were also asked if they were alone when they discussed the costs and options relating to the funeral.

81% of respondents were accompanied by at least one other person (34% by two or more people) – refuting suggestions that vulnerable bereaved people are generally arranging funerals alone, with no one else to support them or urge caution in respect of costs.

Direct Cremation is fast becoming a mainstream funeral choice 38% of GB adults said they would be likely to consider a direct cremation for themselves, and 28% would consider it for a loved one. A similar question was asked in 2016 YouGov Omnibus survey for the NAFD - to which 26% said they would be likely to consider it for themselves and 16% for a loved one, demonstrating a notable increase in interest in direct cremation as a funeral choice. This change is supported by findings from our 2018 Member Survey in which 39% of respondents said enquiries about direct cremation had increased a little and 29% said they had increased significantly.

A change in consumer behaviour is still needed According to the 2018 Omnibus survey of all GB adults, 12% of UK adults said nothing would ever prompt them to think about their own funeral (down from 14% in 2016) and 52% would only turn their attention to it after experiencing a serious illness or accident, or after someone else close to them had died. It seems unlikely that this will change any time soon. When YouGov asked all GB adults ‘Who, if anyone, do you think should be MAINLY responsible for making plans to cover the cost of your funeral?’ 61% responded that they themselves were mainly responsible – however this is an almost identical number (59%) to those who confessed they had put no plans in place at all. Even among the over 55s the number of people with no plans in place remained significant at 44%.

NFE 2019 exhibition space now almost 80% sold W

ith just under a year to go until the National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) 2019, exhibition space is now 78% sold, with a wide variety of UK, European and global brands signing up for a presence at the show in recent months.

Recent additions to the floor plan for the show include Memorial Trees, which designs elegant corten weathering steel ‘trees’ with engraved memorial-leaves, North American casket supplier Legacy Tribute UK, Signature Aromas – which offers air treatment systems using natural oils and the latest environmentally friendly technology, eco-transport firm Brahms Electric Hearses, Scottish-based funeral firm G McAllister Funeral Directors and, making their debut at the show, Asap-Norway, which has developed a range of durable protective covers for beds, tables and stretchers from a soft and flexible bio film which creates a waterproof and breathable barrier and is fully biodegradable.

For Brian Chappell of Signature Aromas, which is returning to the show for the second time, the results from the 2017 show convinced him that exhibiting again at NFE 2019 was a must-do.

“Funeral directors were a relatively new market for us in 2017 and so attending the National Funeral Exhibition was an opportunity to get to know the sector, expand our network and see if we could create some opportunities for the business.

It was a significant investment from our marketing budget, but it’s proven to be a wise one as it’s been very successful for us we’ve done business with some really great people - and that’s why we’ve decided to exhibit again in 2019,” said Brian.

The NFE team attended the BEFA Forum 2018, at the Messe, Dusseldorf in May, as well as both Funeral Expo in Brussels, and Tanexpo in Italy in April as part of an international marketing campaign building

appetite and excitement for the show.

The campaign for the show, which takes place on Friday 7 June – Sunday 9 June 2019 at Stoneleigh Park in central England, continues with a brand new website for the show, reinvigorated social media presence, new marketing and advertising collateral which is being translated into a number of languages - regular e-shots about the 2019 event and both stories and advertising in key trade press titles, both in the UK and across the world.

NAFD Second Vice-President Kate Edwards, who chairs the NFE Committee, said: “NFE 2019 is proving to be an extremely compelling draw for major European exhibitors and we will be announcing some major signings to the show over the next couple of months.

“If there are potential exhibitors who would like to discuss having a presence at the show, I would urge them to contact NAFD Business Manager Kirsti Clifford on 0121 711 1343 ext 1009 or email kirsti@nafd.org. uk to secure your preferred location on the floorplan.

“For exhibitors that book before September 2018, there’s a 5% discount on space which makes an early decision to participate in NFE 2019 even more compelling.”

FuneralTimes | 31

Scotland:

NAFD gives evidence at Social Security Committee meeting on Funeral Expense Payment In June, NAFD Past President Paul Cuthell gave evidence to the Social Security Committee as part of the Scottish Government’s consultation on Funeral Expense Assistance.

The 14-week consultation period runs until 23 August and follows the announcement in Parliament recently that the Scottish Government was going to index-link the £700 funeral payment.

Paul told the committee that, while this was welcome, it did not address a key concern of the Association - namely that the current system caused additional distress to bereaved families by requiring them to undertake financial commitments without information on whether they will receive an award. He also made the point that, while a commitment to index-link the £700

Immediate Past President, Paul Cuthell

payment, it remained woefully inadequate to cover the costs of a funeral.

The session was broadcast and the video can be viewed at the following link: https:// www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/socialsecurity-committee-june-21-2018

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SAIF NEWS ... SAIF NEWS ...

SAIF ACQUISITIONS: Keeping independents independent

W

e are delighted to announce ‘SAIF Acquisitions’, an exciting new professional brokerage service aimed at helping independent funeral directors to sell their business to other independent funeral directors.

SAIF members who are interested in purchasing an independent funeral business will be able to register with SAIF Acquisitions and become an ‘approved buyer’, protected by non-disclosure agreements with prospective sellers.

SAIF members looking to sell their business are invited to contact SAIF Acquisitions, which will discreetly connect you with buyers in your area. As a seller, you will also be provided with a list of preferred agents able to act on your behalf, if you so wish.

SAIF will provide the above information but it will be the seller who determines the buyer firm and, if applicable, the agent/

consultant.

This is an ‘opt in scheme’ with SAIF claiming 0.5% of the selling fee to cover costs of advertising and facilitation services.

In an age when one independent funeral business is being snapped up by a corporate every other week, SAIF Acquisitions will help to protect the business you have nurtured and grown, ensuring bereaved families can continue to rely of the unique service only an independent funeral director can provide.

SAIF is contacting all members with further information about how to register for the ‘approved buyer listing’ or, as an independent looking to sell, make contact with approved buyers / agents.

For further information please contact Claire Day or Terry Tennens in the strictest confidence and with no obligation on Tel: 01279 726777. Alternatively email: claire@saif.org.uk or terry@saif.org.uk

Education Day 31st October 2018

REMEMBER...

The Tigers Rugby Club will once again host the Education Day

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY BUSINESS Once you have undertaken the training https://bit.ly/2MbDXDF please contact the SAIF Business Centre for your action card and badge

Following on last years’s successful education day, SAIF has booked the same venue being Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.

For full information on the guest speakers and how to book please visit the SAIF website www.saif.org.uk 36 | FuneralTimes

SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE PARTNERSHIP (SASP) Please contact the SAIF Business Centre for the ‘Help at Hand’ Booklet to ensure your staff are aware. You can also visit the website www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk

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

FuneralTimes | 37

SAIF AGM Weekend 2019 The weekend will take place between 29 and 31 March 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Essex.

There are different packages for members, which include: AGM ATTENDANCE ONLY (FOC) Saturday AGM: On arrival tea, coffee & biscuits THURSDAY GOLF (TBC) SAIF Open Golf Championship for the President’s Cup for ladies and gentlemen FRIDAY & AGM (FOC) Friday afternoon: Keynote speaker Saturday AGM: On arrival tea, coffee & biscuits SATURDAY DINING & AGM (£25.00) Saturday AGM: On arrival tea, coffee & biscuits, buffet Lunch Saturday afternoon: Seminar on ‘GDPR ’ SAIF BANQUET (£70.00) Drinks reception on arrival, three course meal followed by tea/coffee, entertainment, bacon and egg rolls THE AGM WEEKEND EXPEREINCE (£95.00) Friday afternoon: Keynote speaker Saturday: On arrival tea, coffee & biscuits, AGM, buffet lunch, SAIF Banquet Sunday: Installation of Officers All prices are per person For further information on the weekend and how to book your accommodation please visit the SAIF website: www.saif.org.uk

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Obit update - Autumn 2018 W

e’d like to thank our Funeral Director clients for their great support and encouragement throughout the past year!

Although Obit is a relatively new software package, some Funeral Directors have seen the advantage of inserting historical records into Obit, making it easier to answer queries such as where people were buried as well as queries in relation to the Funeral Account.

Obit allows a very simple approach to these to be adopted so that a few minutes only is required. Minimal data entry is required and the original invoice or any other relevant documents can be uploaded in case detailed questions are asked. Once these records are entered, the reporting suite in Obit allows high quality analyses to be generated.

Currently we are working to improve the

way Obit can integrate with Accounting Packages. The current integration project is focused on Sage, but we are confident that, once completed, integration with other accounting packages will be easier.

We are working continuously to improve Obit so it is intuitive and easy to understand, both reducing the time it takes to create a funeral as well as limiting the possibilities for errors. Publishing of Death Announcements on the Funeral Director’s website has been simplified to a single step.

Just click the Publish button. This will instantly have your death notice live on your website for your visitors to view.

We are planning to have more exciting developments ready in time for the AGM!

FuneralTimes | 39

Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Professional Embalmers’ Association of Ireland Email: secretary@professionalembalmers.ie Commitment to the Family Dear Member, To serve each family in a professional and caring manner, being respectful to their Wishes and confidences and being honest and fair in all dealings with them.

This is to advise you of the upcoming annual general meeting of the members of Professional Embalmers’ Association of Ireland.

The details of this meeting Commitment to the Care of the Deceased are as follows: To care for each deceased person with the highest respect and dignity and to transport,

prepare and shelter the remains in a professional, caring and conscientious manner.

Date: 20th October 2018 Time: 10:30am - Registration Meeting to begins at 11am Commitment the Public Location: Hotel Minella Clonmel, Co. Tipperary 052 6122388 offer rate: services in accordance with the highest principles of honesty, PEAI To special €110 single / €140 double fair dealing and professionalism.

Following our meeting please join us on our Educational Field trip at 2:15pm Commitment to invite the Government The PEAI are privileged to be able to our members for a private visit to maintain strict compliance with the our letter and spirit of all governmental the To Boston Scientific campus following above meeting. laws and regulations that impact the deceased, the bereaved family, thewill embalming and the public health.

Mr. James Fouhy present profession the company’s diversified portfolio of medical devices with the emphasis on devices we as embalmers encounter. Topics Commitment the PEAI covered will include the handling of theto devices, their correct disposal and health and safety with reference to the embalming process.

To promote, participate and support the Professional Embalmers’ Association of Ireland in its mission to help all members enhance the quality of the Following initial induction, a facilityservice tour has arranged where James will embalming to been families. be on hand to answer any questions.

40 | FuneralTimes

DATE: Saturday, 9th May 2015

DATE: Saturday, 10thpm October 2018 Time: 2:00 RadissonMeeting Blu Hotelbegins at 11am TIME: 10.30amVenue: Registration Ennis Road, Limerick

LOCATION: Hotel Minella Clonmell, Co. Tipperary

Please contact the secretary if you require directions or further details.

Email: secretary@professionalembalmers.ie www.professionalembalmers.ie

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42 | FuneralTimes

A Matter of Choice C

rematoria are now situated conveniently around the country, giving people more choice than previously when it comes to choosing between burial and cremation. That said, there are still many people, especially from country areas, who have never been to a crematorium or experienced a service there and they do not know how things are done or what to expect.

Recently, Mary Elizabeth Dillon, of Civil Funerals Ireland, looked after a family from Kildare whose brother had died. The family were clear in their instructions, they wanted a civil service in the funeral home followed by cremation in Dublin the next day. What the family didn’t know was that a celebrant would not be provided by the crematorium. Mary Elizabeth stepped in.

“I was looking after matters for this family for the evening service when I raised the matter of who would look after things in Dublin the following day. It was only then they realised that a celebrant wouldn’t be supplied as a matter of course. Initially they decided that they would not have anyone but I gently pointed out to them that this would be their last moments with their brother and that they should think carefully about

how they wanted this to be and how they would remember it. I told them I would be available for them but left them to talk and make their own decision.” Soon afterwards Mary Elizabeth got a call asking her to look after both the evening and day ceremonies.

“I was relieved that they had decided to have a celebrant for the ceremony in the crematorium. Otherwise I think it could have been a very flat and possibly cold ending for them,” said Mary Elizabeth.

“Instead, very quickly, I put together two pieces of music, two poems and on behalf of the family spoke about their brother and some words of thanks,” It was lovely, simple, moving and very well received.

Looking back, Mary Elizabeth comments, “There is always a fine line between pushing people and guiding them. It is vital never to cross that line. In this case I was so happy that I spoke up and gently placed the options before the family, letting them make their own decision. Ultimately it was absolutely the right decision for them. It is a skill I have learned over the years dealing with families and preparing services and one which I am sure I will be called to use again and again into the future”.

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FuneralTimes | 43

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FuneralTimes | 45

The 1957 Alumnus

By Jack Adams, CFSP, MBIE Jack is Dodge’s busiest embalming educator and lecturer. Along with working for Dodge as a sales representative in northern Illinois, he is an Embalming Lab Instructor at Worsham College.

C

ollege basketball gets very exciting at the end of the season when the tournaments are in full swing. Fans vary from enthusiastic sports lovers to loyal Monday morning quarterback types that know all the names of the players, their shooting percentages, and defensive performances during their careers. A funeral director and friend of mine gave me a call regarding a case he had pending, with a prominent family and wellknown individual in the community. He was also a good friend of the son of the dying man and knew the whole family.

Their father, who in 1957 was a star college basketball player, stood 6 feet 8 inches tall, and weighed 240 pounds, was dying. The family members were in agreement that there would be a closed casket because of the disfiguring effects of a cancer their father had been fighting for six months. It was an aggressive form of cancer that caused a severe weight loss and an appearance that was not recognizable. The funeral director wanted to touch base to see if I might be able to help when the death occurred because of his own belief in doing the best he could, just in case they changed their mind and someone wanted to say goodbye. I told him that if I was in town, I would try to do what I could to help.

About three weeks after that I received the call that the gentleman had died. This father and grandfather weighed about 260 pounds during his healthy elderly years and now weighed about 155 pounds. His face was what we might describe as skin and bones.

The family said when he was young he had caught professional scouts’ attention but knee injuries kept him from any professional basketball opportunities.

46 | FuneralTimes

I talked to the embalmer who was not familiar with bulking facial tissue for emaciated remains. She described the distorted physical appearance of this onetime large, healthy man. I asked her to use some cotton covered with Kalip Stay Cream and place it under the upper eyelids to form a normal eyeball contour. This immediately forms a more normal roundness to the top lid that prevents dehydration and is a foundation for eye treatment that allows for better final results. She said the eyes were sunk close to 1 and 3/4 inches. Over the years, I’ve had consistently positive results in building up or bulking up tissue on emaciated cases, especially on the extreme cases. I asked her to use a restricted cervical injection for the best control for injecting the head and distorted face. I shared a restoration recipe guideline for building bulk on the extreme emaciated case. This head mix consisted of: • 8 oz. Chromatech Tan • 24 oz. Proflow • 8 oz. Rectifiant • 24 oz. Restorative • 8 oz. tepid water This solution makes approximately a half gallon. She injected about a quart to each side of the head, making sure it was enough to plump but also preserve. An initial pulsating injection using a three to five ounce rate of flow and 20 pounds of pressure is a safe way to begin. It’s best to start with a low flow to prevent any abnormal swelling such as an acute eye distension. Once you reach 10 or 15 pulsations you have reached a safe zone.

Now, begin to raise the rate of flow slightly and see if it can eventually take eight to

twelve ounces of flow. I always like to do the left side first (practice side) when using restricted cervical. If any swelling occurs, it is always because of using too high a flow or injecting too much volume too quickly.

It turned out that I couldn’t make it to the funeral home for a few days. The visitation was scheduled for the following day, closed casket or not. The funeral director called the daughter and asked for other photos and explained that I had requested more photos to help us do our best. She began to get hopeful for viewing and brought in several good pictures, full of great character lines and identity markings. Photos like these let you quickly know how far away from recognizable you are.

My feelings upon first view of the remains were mixed. There was good bulking but weaker results with features and mouth closure. However, the bulking was the key to this restoration and the mouth was easy to adjust and to give a pleasant expression.

Even though the facial tissue was bulked up and no longer had the skin and bone appearance, the eyes were still sunken. But the upper lids were filled by the injection and restored to a natural shape with the use of the cotton. This stretched upper lid would make it possible to eventually create a natural eyelid closure of 2/3 upper lid, 1/3 lower lid.

The eyes hadn’t been closed for several months which was obvious to see by the unnatural appearance of the eyeball. It was easy to see why the family at first didn’t want to have the viewing. The mouth had an appearance of someone who might have had a stroke with one side lower and wider than the other side. The corners were also

open and drying on the lower side. I placed some Restorative packs on the inner canthi of the eyes and some on the lips to condition the drying tissue while filling a 30cc syringe with Regular Feature Builder. I removed the mouth former, which was a big part of the mouth distortion, and disinfected the mouth.

We were short of a few supplies but colleagues from the next town over shared some of theirs with us. I thought this was special, funeral homes working together instead of becoming enemies or back stabbers. They realized they were in the business to do their best for their clients and sometimes they helped each other to make that possible.

While I was waiting for the needed supplies from our friendly neighbours, I worked on separating the connective tissue beneath the eyelids. I like to use a cotton swab saturated with Dryene II (no Phenol) to quickly cauterize this delicate tissue to insure against any leakage. This material is so effective, it only takes a few minutes to dry. You should always put some Kalon Massage Cream on the face to protect the skin and prevent bleaching. One can fill the emaciated area below the orbit of the eyes and cheekbones, as well as bring up the eye using Inr-Seel or cotton covered with Kalip Stay Cream. This eye treatment can restore swollen eyes, sunken eyes, or distortions caused by disease or trauma. (Refer to my article, “The Eyes Have It!” which ran in the winter 2009 issue of the Dodge Magazine.)

I placed ribbons of Inr-Seel over the teeth that were still present. Of course, I put an extra amount under the mouth corners and sulci, as well as the space below the FuneralTimes | 47

now slightly formed, bulked up folds. I put a small amount under any area where the photo showed identity lines such as the philtrum. Using gentle but firm pressure, we formed the nasolabial folds with an aneurysm hook. Once the folds were formed to match the photo, the corners of the mouth were gently pushed upward to give a pleasant appearance and to remove the stroke-like expression. No matter what the condition of an embalmed body, a wellformed mouth can allow the family to view a peaceful, pleasant expression that is easy to look at.

Now the mouth was beginning to resemble what was in the photo. At this point, the face had some bulk and the mouth was formed, but the protruding bones still needed to be camouflaged by using Feature Builder to take this abnormal protrusion away. This is when communication and good photos can make a big difference. The daughter wanted a viewing but didn’t think it was possible.

The bulking allowed us a chance to bring back his actual, recognizable appearance in the photos, including the identity lines and markings. This is all but impossible using just Feature Builder on “skin and bone” faces. Adding Feature Builder into bulked up tissue that already has foundational lines and markings allow us to naturally restore emaciated facial features. This is the only way to really restore, rather than just improve, the skeletal face. Feature Builder on an embalmed “skin and bone” looking face will inflate the skin and act like a balloon, expanding the face, but losing all natural lines and markings. I like to use hidden entry points such as the inner nostrils, the sideburns, hairlines, and eyebrows for the hypodermic 18 gauge 6-inch-long needle. This may seem like a long needle to some but it allows the embalmer to reach further into tissue using far fewer entry sites. It also delivers more Feature Builder faster to save valuable time on difficult cases. It is not a short cut, just good time management. You can use a 19 gauge 3-inchlong needle when the lower emaciated point is closer to the hairline or on the chin.

After the important nasolabials were 48 | FuneralTimes

formed and the levels of the cheeks restored, I made sure the fold was rounded and formed, trying to duplicate the identifying facial marks in the photo. I used the nose for needle entries to reach the cheeks.

Always cover the fold with an aneurysm hook to insure no Feature Builder infiltrates this important fold. It also helps form the natural, rounded uplift and contour.

While touching up the face and digitally smoothing the Feature Builder, I found sporadic soft tissue. The tip of the nose and chin area were a bit too soft compared to the majority of the moderately firm facial tissue. Using a diabetic needle, I hypoed Firming Feature Builder with an eye dropper of dye mixed in. The diabetic needle is very accurate and valuable for touching up lips and facial tissue. The needle is so small it won’t dry out those tissues. This will prevent a bleached appearance and is desirable when using transparent cosmetics.

I hypodermically injected the nose using the 19 gauge needle, being careful to place the needle into the nostril and just on top of the nose between the bone and skin, pushing gently toward the centre of the eyes.

The nose didn’t need much treatment.

Let the photos guide your artistry and stop when restored. Remember the family wanted a home run or nothing. This was the challenge. We were not going for an improvement in his appearance, we were trying to achieve the good, healthy, pleasant image in the photo. I was beginning to see the light at the end of this tunnel.

We injected the lips as well as the chin with Firming Feature Builder because the tissue needed to be better preserved. There were tell-tale marks on the lips where medical tubing had been used for feeding. This had also damaged some tissue that did not accept an even diffusion of preservative. This is common in cases where death is caused by a debilitating disease. It is a good idea to use Webril saturated with Penetrating Dryene in areas like this. This will insure the lower part of the face is well embalmed so the lips, chin, and mouth don’t turn grey and remain soft or unembalmed because of haemorrhages or damage to tissue.

This loved father was now much like the

man in the photo. Some final touches were necessary on facial lines and sulci below the corners of the mouth. These fine lines are common with the elderly and without restoring all these contours and lines there is always something missing. An embalmer can reinstate all these lines using a diabetic needle, an aneurysm hook, and using digital pressure. After pressing the hook to the adjacent raised tissue for a minute or so, these lines and contours return. Once formed, you can return an hour or two later and reinforce these lines. Pretty soon they are back to stay. We felt good about the lines and the mouth was his for sure. This pleasant focal point is the key to all viewings.

I received a message the day after the funeral to call my friend. He told me that all went well and that the entire family was pleased and were unanimous about leaving the casket open for the two days of services.

At the funeral, one son made an announcement thanking the funeral director and his wife for making it possible that their family could have an open casket viewing and a traditional service. I’ve heard thank

you and high praises but I have never heard a thank you specifically for the value of the open casket. They also said that some of their father’s last words were to pray for his team in the tournament. They asked all present to remember his team in their prayers. It turned out to be even better than the home run they were hoping for. It was a Grand Slam home run. I was proud of my friend and his wife and honoured to be asked to be a part of this good team.

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: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford.

Ph. 00353 43 3349702/00353 87 2486668

FuneralTimes | 49

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TO FIND OUT MORE CALL: Joe Biesty - Republic of Ireland:

086 772 7552 MELHVW\#EUDHPDUรฐ QDQFH LH

Gail Cormack - Northern Ireland

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Servicing debt key focus for Ireland’s Funeral Directors in light of Brexit uncertainty Paying down debt is the main priority for Funeral Directors in Ireland with continued Brexit uncertainty making around a quarter of those polled ‘less confident’ about their business prospects, research from Braemar Finance reveals.

Aileen Boyle, MD, Braemar Finance

T

he findings are based on a Lightspeed survey conducted on behalf of Braemar Finance in May 2018, which canvassed the opinion of 830 Professions SMEs across the UK and Ireland.

In Ireland, 38% of Funeral Directors said ‘paying down debt’ is their number one focus (25% UK), followed by ‘standing still’ and ‘achieving growth’, both 25% (see table, below, for full results).

“It’s interesting that Funeral Directors are prioritising paying off existing debt over growth or developing products and services,” said Aileen Boyle, Managing Director, Braemar Finance. “There are multiple reasons for this, including wanting to de-risk the business in the event of an economic downturn.

“Our research also shows that the continued uncertainty around Brexit is affecting funeral businesses in Ireland more than in the UK, and this uncertainty manifests itself in the delay of investment decisions, as has been seen in recent economic data, which then takes a toll on wealth creation.”

Q: What is your main business priority at the moment?.

Achieving growth: Ireland 25%

UK 21%

Paying down debts: Ireland 38%

UK 25%

Standing still: Ireland 25%

UK 18%

Developing products/services: Ireland 0

UK 11%

Investing in staff: Ireland 12%

UK 11%

Investing in equipment /assets: Ireland 0

UK 14% ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Focusing on Funeral Directors’ economic outlook for the coming months, practice owners in Ireland are less positive than their British counterparts, with 38% feeling that while the worst is behind us, it will be a slow path to prosperity. No Irish funeral business owners are confident about the steady recovery of the economy, compared to 39% in the UK. “We’re finding that in Ireland businesses are not as optimistic about the future as they are in the UK,” said Aileen. “No-one appears to be expecting the economy to outperform expectations, with one in four Funeral Directors surveyed in Ireland saying that they hadn’t seen a true economic recovery.”

Q: How would you best describe your business’s current economic outlook?

Confident about the steady recovery of the economy: Ireland 0%

UK 39% The worst is behind us but it will be a slow path to prosperity: Ireland 38%

UK 25% The worst is behind us but I’m concerned that the economy could decline again: Ireland 38%

UK 18% FuneralTimes | 51

I don’t think there is any true economic recovery yet:

The economy is worsening:

Ireland UK Ireland UK

24% 14% 0% 4%

BREXIT Much has been – as is still – being said and written about Brexit and the implications of the various options currently on the table.

In the funeral sector, confidence is unchanged for 63% of those polled; however, a significant minority (24%) are less confident about their business prospects as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Q: Does Brexit make you more or less confident about your business prospects?

More confident:

The same:

Less confident:

Ireland UK Ireland UK Ireland UK

13% 7% 63% 86% 24% 7%

Contact Braemar Finance for more information: Republic of Ireland: 086 772 7552 / Email info@braemarfinance.ie Northern Ireland: 01563 852100 / Email info@braemarfinance.co.uk

New management structure A

s many will already know, since the 31st of January 2018 Treasured Keepsakes is under A wide selection the sole management of of keepsakes are Liza Webster. Due to other available commitments Edward had to step away from his role within the company.

All contact information remains the same, however Edward’s mobile number is no longer in use.

When we spoke to Liza she said: “As our clients have seen since the end of January this change has had no effect on the operation of the business. We still provide the same service and dedication to quality that everybody has come to expect from us.

52 | FuneralTimes

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their business, loyalty and friendship over the years. I look forward to this continuing into the future.”

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the change, please do not hesitate to contact Liza on T: 01 825 4579 From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 or email: info@ treasuredkeepsakes.ie

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 oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

For more information contact us or visit our website Tel: 01 825 4579 From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 info@treasuredkeepsakes.ie www.treasuredkeepsakes.ie FuneralTimes | 53

Today’s funeral ceremony choices I

t used to be so easy! Religious ceremonies went straight to the minister and nonreligious ceremonies went to the local humanist, if available in the area. Now there are multitudes of folk knocking on your door constantly saying that they are offering a new type of funeral ceremony for your clients!

How much choice you offer is obviously your decision and affected by who is available in your area and your opinion on their work. You will also be trying to work out what sort of funeral will best suit the needs of the people in front of you at a time when they need every ounce of your help and advice that you can give.

If you select the wrong person for the family, or if the funeral ceremony isn’t as good as the family expect, this could reflect on your business. So it is crucial to offer the rightCivil choices.

Padraics Advert Feb 2018.qxp_Layout 1 15/02/2018 12:34 When discussing Civil Funerals, the

following points may be useful: How are Civil Funerals different from Humanist funerals?

The main difference is that Humanist funerals should not include religious references, hymns or prayers, whereas a Civil Funeral Celebrant will read a prayer or include hymns or religious music and religious references if required. This can reflect something of the ‘mix-and-match’ spirituality of those people who do not identify with a church yet do not regard themselves as atheists.

Five things to consider when matching Celebrant to family: • Have you heard the delivery style of the Celebrant or can you speak to someone who has? (e.g. Crematorium staff ) • Does their personality suit the family?

• Will the person be flexible about the time Page 1 and location of the meeting with the

CIVIL FUNERAL CEREMONIES Padraic Cawley MICF Civil Funeral Celebrant

Celebrating the life of the deceased, reflecting their personal beliefs, wishes, values and traditions.

087 267 6050

padraic@padraiccawley.ie www.padraiccawley.ie

INSTITUTE OF

CIVIL FUNERALS

54 | FuneralTimes

family to discuss the funeral?

• Will they provide a full copy of the text available beforehand for the family to check for any inaccuracies?

• Will they provide a full copy of the ceremony available for the family afterwards to keep?

It’s very easy to send a family in the wrong direction, if they ask for a non church

service. Sometimes a family can differ in their requests, and what I have noticed over the last while, is where a family have a church service, and a civil committal at the crematorium or graveside. This can satisfy a family who may be divided on how best to celebrate their loved ones life, while they are restricted to the structures of a religious service, they can express themselves more freely at a civil ceremony or committal.

James Irvine, Samuel Irvine and Tony Kerr for Coleman Milne

S & J Irvine choose Norwood and Rosedale

E

stablished in 1975, Samuel Irvine and his son James have over 35 years of experience providing compassion and care for the bereaved of Ballyclare and Carrickfergus. Operating as memorial masons as well as a funeral directors, they have built a reputation for helping their community celebrate and commemorate the lives of loved ones.

New customers to Coleman Milne, S&J Irvine took delivery of a new Norwood Classic Hearse 2L Eco Boost and Rosedale Limousine. The father and son team opted for all the trimmings with coverboards, wreath rails and bespoke illuminated signs to make this sophisticated fleet stand out.

James Irvine said: “We’re very happy with the cars all round, and the service we’ve received too.”

FuneralTimes | 55

Our Crematorium, Facilities and Remembrance Garden are available 7 days a week to accommodate Families and Funeral Directors (no weekend surcharge)

Memorial Memoria aall Keepsakes es We also have a large supply of urns, casks es. and keepsakes.

Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Rd, Cavan, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 4362200 / mob: 086 2458489 email: info@LakelandsCrematorium.ie www.LakelandsCrematorium.ie

Increased cross-border pull of Cavan Crematorium

Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Road, Cavan welcomes all funeral directors from Northern Ireland. With easy access and hassle-free paperwork, we have had a large volume of business to date coming from the North.

Four forms are all that are required. Form A is filled in by the Funeral Director, Form B filled in by a family member and witnessed by the funeral director (and no JP required).

An out of state certificate, which can be got from the Coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office in Belfast once the death is registered and a copy of the death certificate issued, we will then organise form D from the Irish coroner.

We accept a fax or emailed copy but the originals forms must be handed into our office on the day of cremation. There is no extra charge for the weekend of Bank Holidays. We are open seven days a week and can arrange a cremation at any time.

We like to give family time in the crematorium, no service is ever rushed or set to a time limit. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice for family to meet and talk to friends and relations that they might not have seen in a long time, to talk and listen to stories of their loved ones who have passed away. We can also download a favourite song or Hymn and this can be

played during the service. The service can also be viewed on our web cam by family and friends who cannot attend the service.

We provide clergy or civil celebrants and we facilitate all needs to the best of our ability.

For further information on booking a cremation please contact our office.

FuneralTimes | 57

Trolleys

Crucifix

Handles

Grave Markers

Grass Mat

Condolence Books

Body Bags

Soft Furnishings

Visit our new premises or go online for the latest products on offer!

Embalming products developed for Professional Embalming

View and order from our wide range of products online .

DJ MacNeice & Co. Ltd. Unit 3, Union Business Park, Collooney, Co.Co. Sligo F91 AKW5 Unit 3, Union RoadRoad Business Park, Collooney, Sligo F91 AKW5 tel: (+353) 018828731 email: sales@ djmacneice.com Tel: (+353) 01 8828731 Email: sales@djmacneice.com

Here when you need us DJ MacNeice & Co is Ireland’s leading manufacturer and supplier of funeral products. We have more than 80 years’ experience in the business, and a reputation for excellence.

W

e serve as a one-stop shop, offering a full range of quality products and services to funeral homes, coffin makers, mortuary technicians and universities in Ireland and Britain.

Our customer service team will advise you on all aspects of the funeral trade.

Whether you’re looking for a qualified embalmer or a professional co-ordinator, we are equipped to meet your needs.

INTRODUCTION Our large range of funeral and mortuary products are sourced and manufactured to meet the high standards required by the industry. We understand the importance of consistency and quality to our clients.

FUNERAL ACCESSORIES The smallest detail can make a large difference to each funeral. We can supply your business with accessories tailored to suit your clients and staff.

GRAVE MARKERS & MATTING Our Grave markers have been sourced to accommodate any budget. From the traditional Celtic Cross to the small grave spike, the markers can be used for a new grave or to mark the burial of ashes. Our Grave mats are available in full sets or as individual pieces.

URNS The Cremation process is fast becoming a popular part of the modern funeral ceremony. Our large range of urns have been selected to suit cemeteries and crematoria in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

COFFIN FURNISHINGS From Casket and Coffin handles to the smallest screw, we have a large range of products allowing you to tailor your coffins to suit your client’s needs. We also stock high quality plastic products suitable for cremations.

TROLLEYS AND TROLLEY COVERS Our range of Trolleys and custom made covers are sourced from within the EU and the trolley covers can be designed specifically to the customer’s requirements.

DJ Mac Neice has a long history in the funeral industry but our aim has always stayed the same - to provide products of the highest quality at a competitive price while delivering excellent customer service. We look forward to doing business with you in the future.

D.J. Mac Neice & Co. Ltd., Unit 3, Union Road Business Park, Collooney, Sligo F91 AWK5. T: 01 8828731/071 91 33145 sales@djmacneice.com www.djmacneice. com

FuneralTimes | 59

BIE News Ireland Division I hope you are all keeping well and got through the blazing summer. We can now confirm the details of our next meeting. It will be held in the Dunsilly Hotel, County Antrim on Saturday 13th October 2018 at 2pm. This is a joint meeting with the Northern Irish Division and will include an educational session delivered

by Ben Whitworth. Later that evening there will be a social evening including dinner where we will be joined by members of the NAFD (NI).

Just a reminder that this will be our final meeting of the year and it would be great to see as many members as possible. Rooms are available in the Dunsilly Hotel at a reduced rate for members, please quote British Institute of Embalmers when booking.

The price of the social night will be costed at £30 per person. Please make all cheques for the social night payable to NAFD Joint Dinner Account. Your booking and cheque should be sent to the NAFD Hon. Treasurer, Andrew McMullan, at James McMullan and Son Funeral Directors, 22 High Street, Ballymoney BT53 6AQ. We would request that your cheques must be sent to the Hon Treasurer before the 22nd September 2018.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Cyril Gantley

MBIE, MASE, Dip.Couns. Dip.Psych.

THE NAFD NORTHERN IRELAND FEDERATION AND THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF EMBALMERS are having a joint social night on

Saturday 13th October 2018 at 7:00pm IN THE DUNSILLY HOTEL, ANTRIM Tickets £30 per person Please make all cheques for the social night payable to: NAFD Joint Dinner Account.

Your booking and cheque should be sent by 22nd September 2018 to the NAFD Hon. Treasurer, Andrew McMullan, at James McMullan and Son Funeral Directors, 22 High Street, Ballymoney BT53 6AQ.

60 | FuneralTimes

List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2018/2019 National President: Barbara Fowley MBIE Imm. Past President: Amanda Woodward MBIE 1st Vice President: Dr. Phil Gore MBIE phil.gore@yahoo.co.uk National PRO & National General Secretary: Mrs Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01332 349035(BIE) Mobile: 07786 432014 karencaney@btopenworld.com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle MBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 michael@silsloe.wanadoo.co.uk Editor: Gwen Schofield MBIE 9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100 gwen.schofield@ntlworld.com Master Fellow: David Kaye MBIE Student Liaison Officer: Lizzy Bollington-Kinch Anubis House, 21c Station Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 0HL, Tel: 01564 778 991

IRISH DIVISION Chairman Mr. Cyril Gantley MBIE 336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile:00353 857671582 cyril.gantley@mortuary-science.ie Vice Chairman Mr. Shane Casey MBIE Gortnabinna, Ballingeary, Macroom, Co.Cork.

Mobile: 00353 860744117 info@caseyfunerals.ie Secretary Susan Moran MBIE Maydown House, Aughraboura, Athy, Co.Kildare.

Mobile: 00353 860619500 moransfuneralservices@gmail.com National Council Rep Mr. John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co.Cork Mobile: 00353 876390087 jmhawe@eircom.net

NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION Chairman & 2nd National Council Representative Laurence O'Neill 98 Stewartstown Road Belfast BT11 9JP Tele: 028 90 620099 Email: oneill8210@hotmail.com Treasurer Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Andrew@mcmullanfunerals.com 1st National Council Representative Ellison Sloan MBIE Telephone: 02838 336175 poots@fsni.info 1st National Educational Committee Representative Stephen Shields James Brown & Sons, 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast Tele: 028 9045 1021 jamesbrownandsons@fsni.info

2nd National Council Rep and Educational Rep Pamela Murphy MBIE 14 Parknasillogue Court, Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow Mobile:00353 857415421

2nd National Educational Committee Representative Pat Harley MBIE 67 Creggan Road, Londonderry BT48 9DA Mobile: 077128 99137

Treasurer Mrs Anna O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co.Cork Tel:02960142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com

Divisional Secretary Elizabeth Douglas 3 Rathlin Crest, Ballymena BT43 5JA Mobile: 07483 178508 Email: izzydouglas31@gmail.com

Phschoolofembalming@hotmail.com

FuneralTimes | 61

Clarke’s take delivery from Byrne Coachbuilders Byrne Coachbuilders are delighted to be handing over the first of their 182 production batch of Hybrid Hearses which is being delivered to Michael Clarke, owner of Clarke’s Funeral Services, Foxford, Co. Mayo

M

ichael has been at the helm of the family business which stretches back to 1962 when it was founded by his father, Mr Joe Clarke. Michael, being a very forward thinking Funeral Director, was adamant that at the core of what Clarke’s do is an understanding of the needs of families in the community at a time when they need them the most.

The latest addition to Clarke’s Funeral Services comes in the form of the all new Hybrid Hearse known as the Deacon V Hybrid. The Hybrid was a fitting choice for Michael as the growing trend is becoming more prominent than ever to provide funeral care with an innovative yet very sensible vehicle such as the Deacon V

62 | FuneralTimes

Hybrid which is in keeping with a ecofriendly approach to the whole funeral procession.

The modern design both inside and out of the hearse provokes a very fresh and appealing look that can only truly be seen to be appreciated. The most innovative feature being the sheer noiseless nature of the hearse as it manoeuvres in and around graveyards and of course homes of the deceased.

We would like to wish Michael and his team every success with the continuous development of their business into the future and many years of success with the new addition to their fleet.

NFE

2019

Brought to you by the National Association of Funeral Directors

@funeral_exhibit www.nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk

National Funeral Exhibition Everything you need to grow, improve or start your business

Friday 7 Sunday 9 June 2019

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, United Kingdom

“This has been our single most successful marketing activity in eight years. We have exhibited at many trade shows in the care sector but it was refreshing to enter the funeral sector, meet with such a great response and have such an enjoyable three days.

We’ve got plenty of leads and now just need to convert them.”

Paul Edwards Owner, Signature Aromas Limited FuneralTimes | 63

CREMATION CREMATION JEWELLERY JEWELLERY Cremated remains FUSED with glass Cremated remains FUSED with glass creates a unique piece for your client. creates a unique piece for your client.

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Bio/Water/Hydro... etc... Cremation!

By Jennifer Muldowney

K

nown by a million different names, Resomation (that’s what I am sticking to for the purpose of this article) is definitely in hot water in the funeral world!

At the ICCFA in Las Vegas earlier this year, there was a workshop early one Saturday morning talking all things resomation in the pet world. I went to update my knowledge.

So what is it? From what I gathered at the show and from previous informative workshops and a little research, it produces less carbon dioxide than cremation and would be considered more environmentally friendly as there is no fire or smoke emissions as it ‘dissolves the body’s tissue’.

It uses a combination of heated water and potassium hydroxide (or the cheaper sodium hydroxide) to liquefy the body, leaving only the bones behind. The bones are then pulverized, similar to regular cremation, and these fragments are returned to loved ones.

There is a choice of two different types of machines - one using high temperatures and one using low. There is a ‘cycle time’ for the typical body of a pet of 8-20 hours which seems like a fairly broad estimation of time so clearly, there is no ‘average’ yet. For pets, about 2-6 pets can be put through each ‘cycle’. For humans it appears the cycle time is 3-4 hours as there is a higher temperature used.

While considered environmentally friendly, backed by research showing the destruction of all pathogens (things that cause disease), there is still a concern over prions (deadlier disease-causing creeps that mostly reside in the brain). The speaker at this particular Vegas workshop, Seyler, said he had not ever witnessed the destruction of prions and was curious to hear more on studies of it using resomation.

The first human ‘test’ was completed in the Mayo Clinic in 2005 and it slowly gained traction in the US, reaching a height of... morbid curiosity maybe... in 2011 and it continues to grow. As far as I am aware, however, it is not legal in every State in America but is gaining traction outside of the US, in the UK and Canada.

It has been described by those looking to promote it as a ‘gentle reduction process’, however, I have heard, on fairly good authority, that to begin the process and help it along, the skull which protects our most valuable accessory, the brain, must be gently cracked open so the brain can be dissolved in the liquid. Otherwise, there are times when some brain tissue is left because of the hard protective nature of the skull. There is an issue with fully dissolving the liver also (albeit this only happens in a few out of a hundred cases according to Resting Waters in Seattle). On the plus side, operators of the machine can open and see the machine running - although I’m not quite sure why this is a positive because you’re hardly going to stick your arm into a solution that dissolves tissue to prod or move things around are you?

So the big question - What happens to the wastewater? Apparently, it can go down the drain but what about the pH balance?

Surely the same solution that dissolved the body would corrode the infrastructure and the sewer plant and anything else it passes through? Very interested to hear other funeral industry leaders thoughts on this process - Twitter @TheGlamReaper or email me muldowney.jennifer@gmail.com Prices for resomation seem to average at similar, if slightly more expensive than regular cremation.

FuneralTimes | 65

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The Hypo “from here to eternity” and beyond

By Mattie Lennon

While a Wicklow man was dying, his wife was maintaining a candlelight vigil by his side. She held his fragile hand, tears running down her face.

Her praying woke him from his slumber.

He looked up, and his pale lips began to move slightly. “My darling,” he whispered.

“Hush, my love,” she said. “Rest, don’t talk”. He was insistent. “I have something that I must confess,” he said in a tired voice. “There isn’t anything to confess,” replied his weeping wife. “Everything’s ok. Go to sleep.” The man blurted out: “No, no, I must die in peace. During the Punchestown Races of 1963, I... I slept with your sister, your best friend, her best friend, and your mother!” “I know,” whispered his wife, “that’s why I poisoned you.”

Speaking of which I have some interesting news for funeral directors. Do you know that hypochondriac that you thought was worrying himself into an

early grave? Well, scientists have found they have a lower risk of dying.

Generally, people with neuroticism – who have higher than average feelings of anxiety – had a higher mortality rate, the study found. But those who rated their health the poorest – in other words were the hypochondriac types – had a lower risk of dying. It is thought ‘the healthy neuroticists’ take better care of their health and seek medical advice more often.

Lead researcher, Professor Catharine Gale says: “Our findings are important because they suggest that being high in neuroticism may sometimes have a protective effect, perhaps by making people more vigilant about their health”.

However Professor Gale wasn’t the one who defined a hypochondriac as, “A person who wants to have her ache and treat it too.”

In this digital age we are all familiar with people of all ages glued to their Smart phones. There is nothing fun about a funeral, but despite that, a mourner at a recent funeral told me of the following reaction by his two children.

The man, along with a bunch of other relatives, were following the hearse of his late great aunt.

When his daughter who, he said, always tends to focus on the morbid things in life raised the dreaded question, “Dad, what’s going to happen to us when you die?”

His son who was busy texting one of his friends at the time barely glanced up from his phone. “We’ll go in the limousine dummy.”

A sheep-farmer from Kylebeg who wasn’t all that used to eating out went into a restaurant in Naas one Fair-day. The place was packed and he was obliged to share a table with a stranger. He ordered his steak and chips and when they were served he started to frantically go through his pockets looking for something. He searched pockets of jacket, trousers waistcoat but all in vain. Looking at the stranger across the table he exclaimed, “Dannit amn’t I after forgttin’ me false teeth.”

Imagine his surprise when the well-dressed man opened his briefcase, producing a pair of dentures and said,” Let me help you, try these.” The Kylebeg man tried them but they didn’t fit very well. So the stranger produced another set which were better but not perfect. A third set fitted to perfection and he tucked into his steak delighted.

“Thanks Doctor” says he, “I always had trouble with false teeth but these are wonderful. How much do I owe you?” I presume he was pleasantly surprised when the man replied, “There’s no charge. I’m not a Doctor. I’m an undertaker.”

70 | FuneralTimes

Practising mortician, Caitlin Doughty has long been fascinated by people’s pervasive terror of dead bodies. In her book, From Here to Eternity she set out in search of cultures who don’t have such fears. Did the author ever have such a fear herself? The opening paragraph of her introduction goes, “The phone rang and my heart raced. The first few months after I opened my funeral home, a ringing phone qualified as a thrilling event. We didn’t get many calls. ‘What if...

What if someone died?’ I’d gasp. (Well yes, dear, it’s a funeral home - that would be the point.)”

Her research took her not only all over the USA but to Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Bolivia.

Dr Cheryl Johnston who runs the Forensic Osteology Research Station, at Western Carolina University, where corpses, donated to science, are laid out to decompose for forensic study and law enforcement training. Dr Johnston described the station, to Ms Doughty, as “a skeleton farm”.

Her account of her experience in Mexico must be read to be believed. She quotes the Mexican poet Octavio Paz who said that citizens of western cities like New York, Paris and London would burn their lips if they as much as uttered the word “death.” He went on the say, “... the

Mexican, on the other hand, frequents it, mocks it, caresses it, sleeps with it, entertains it; it is one of his favourite playthings and his most enduring love.”

By the time the author left Mexico she agreed 100% with the poet. She was informed that at Starbucks, near her hotel they sold Pan de muerto or bread of the dead, which is,” ... a roll baked with raised human bone formations and topped with sugar.”

In Japan she spoke with an eighty-fourold man about the modern treatment of death. In the 1950s, he said, everyone knew exactly what to do when someone died; they didn’t need to pay someone to help them. “Look at young people today in the presence of death” he said. “The first thing they do is call a funeral company.

They act like helpless children.” When I asked her where she got the name Caitlin she said, “My father is Irish and my mom liked Katherine Hepburn, they named me the Irish form of Catherine.”

From Here to Eternity, which is certainly not lacking in humour, is published by W&N. Enquiries to; Virginia. woolstencroft@orienbooks.co.uk And while I have you, Caitlin was a founder member of Death Positive Movement. I know you will be interested in their website; http://www. orderofthegooddeath.com/death-positive.

Did you hear about the TD who was so big when he died that they couldn’t find a coffin big enough to hold the body? They gave him an enema and buried him in a shoebox.

QUOTATION: Some of the greatest followers of the medical profession are Funeral Directors FuneralTimes | 71

McAllister Cars Ssangyong’s only recognised funeral coachbuilders

Ssangyong Chairman Hearse

• ϱ ŽŽƌ͕ ,ĞĂƚĞĚ ůĞĂƚŚĞƌ ƐĞĂƚƐ • ϰdžϰ ĂƵƚŽ ƚƌĂŶƐŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ • Ϯ͘Ϯ ůŝƚƌĞ ƵƌŽ ϲ ĚŝĞƐĞů • ůƵĞƚŽŽƚŚ • ϱ zĞĂƌ ƵŶůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ŵŝůĞĂŐĞ ǁĂƌƌĂŶƚLJ

dŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂŶĚ ĮĞƌĐĞůLJ impressive hearse on the roads KŶ ƚŚĞ ƌŽĂĚ ƉƌŝĐĞ άϲϰ͕ϵϵϱ

&Žƌ ĂŶ ŽďůŝŐĂƟŽŶ ĨƌĞĞ ƚĞƐƚ ĚƌŝǀĞ ĐĂůů DĐ ůůŝƐƚĞƌ ĂƌƐ ŽŶ͗ Ϭϭϰϭ ϱϱϰ ϭϵϳϱ ǁǁǁ͘ĨƵŶĞƌĂůǀĞŚŝĐůĞƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ 72 | FuneralTimes

016D0918

,ĞĂƌƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƚǁŽ ƐĞǀĞŶ ƐĞĂƚĞƌ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ůŝŵŽƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝĐĞ ŽĨ Ă DŽŶĚĞŽ ,ĞĂƌƐĞ

SsangYong Chairman Hearse headed to Ireland M

cAllister Cars have recently been pleased to introduce the SsangYong Chairman Hearse, representing one of the best value vehicles in the funeral industry in terms of comfort, class and practicality.

The Chairman Hearse comes in a spacious 5 door model with luxurious heated leather seats. For those difficult to reach spots, and to ensure a smooth and seamless ride for the loved ones on their hardest day, it comes with 4x4 automatic transmission and a 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine.

On top of this the generous 5 year unlimited mileage warranty and state of the art Bluetooth connectivity coming as standard mean that South Korean-based automakers SsangYong are able to really offer exceptional value for money with this robust, fiercely impressive hearse.

FuneralTimes | 73

(L-R) Megan, Elizabeth, and Stephen Whyte standing alongside their Jaguar fleet

Jaguar fleet for Balmoral Funeral Directors

W B

almoral Funeral Directors is owned by Brian and Elizabeth Whyte. Their Son, Steven, and Daughter, Megan, are also part of the family business. Brian and Elizabeth have recently decided to return to the funeral service after leaving it for a while. The photo is taken at their new premises in Kilmarnock, which is due to open imminently. They also have a funeral home in Cumnock. The new businesses are to serve the families of Ayrshire and surrounding areas.

Brian was delighted with his new vehicles, which will run alongside a pre-owned silver

Jaguar fleet The Jaguars come with a high specification including satellite navigation, air suspension, luxury leather, DAB stereo, alloy wheels and Bluetooth. Brian opted for a two bearer with cover boards giving him a vast deck area for flowers. The deck benefits from LED lighting both above and to the side of the coffin area. The vehicle also has electric deck signs.

Wilcox Limousines Limited would like to thank Brian and Elizabeth for their business and wish them every success in their new venture.

New fleet for Chariots Wedding and Executive Cars

W J

ay was delighted to receive his new 3.0 Petrol Limousine in Caviar with Cashue leather interior.

When purchasing the Jaguar Jay expressed that he needed extra luggage area as he will use the limousine to collect and drop clients to and from the airport, Wilcox limousines took this on board and have managed to increase the luggage area in the boot allowing for extra bags. The car being Caviar in colour will Owners Jay Sherwin receiving his new Jaguars Limousine from also be used for Weddings and Malcolm Brooks of Wilcox Limousines funerals.

Wilcox Limousines Ltd would like to thank Claire and her team at Chariots for their custom and wish them every success with their new Limousine.

74 | FuneralTimes

W

W

New Jaguar Hearse for J & R Killick Ltd Family Funeral Directors

W J

& R Killick have been serving the local community and surrounding areas from our premises in West Wickham, Kent which was built by our great grandfather James Killick in 1879.

J & R Killick have been running Jaguars for a number of years and believe them to be the finest funeral fleet available. J & R Killick, have chosen the 3.0 petrol option as they are very close to London.

Wilcox Limousines Ltd would like to thank Peter, Michael Killick and the Killick family for their continued custom and wish them every Julia, Michael, Malcolm (Wilcox Limousines) Maria, and success with their new fleet.

Adam from J & R Killick receiving their new Jaguar Hearse

Top Selling ‘Wilcox’ Hearsette for Peter Dodd Funeral Directors

W

Peter Dodd Funeral Directors commenced in Sunderland in 1982. David has run the business since Peter sadly passed away. The business has three funeral homes in Hylton Castle, Roker and the main office in Grindon.

Professional family funeral directors, they are members of SAIF. David opted for the ‘Wilcox’ high specification model, which includes satellite navigation, reverse camera, Bluetooth, DAB stereo, heated front and rear windscreens, alloy wheels, folding mirrors and heated seats. The folding removable deck system is larger than any standard estate and capable of carrying two deceased at one time, or four coffins. The deck is slightly raised to enable folding stretchers to be stored underneath.

Wilcox Limousines Limited would like to

(L-R) Craig Thompson and David Gardener taking delivery of their new Ford Tourneo Grand Connect Hearsette supplied by Wilcox Limousines Limited thank David for his continued custom and wishes him every success with his latest purchase.

FuneralTimes | 75

Coleman Milne’s Stacey Moore and Funeral Director and Operations Manager Kevin Bowen

Merstow Green Funeral Home commemorate 10 outstanding years with a Coleman Milne Mercedes fleet

M

erstow Green Funeral Home in Evesham, Worcestershire has, for a long time, enjoyed a reputation for providing exemplary levels of customer service. This independent, family run business is managed by Philip Tomlins whose experience in the funeral trade spans over 30 years. This expertise, coupled with an extensive local knowledge, ensures that all his staff deliver an unprecedented level of care to the community they serve.

To coincide with 10 successful years in the industry, Merstow Green Funeral Home augmented their fleet with the eye-catching, hand-built Coleman Milne Mercedes E213 range. The range is skilfully engineered to be practical yet prestigious and features best in class specification, all finished in elegant leather upholstery. The E213 hearse incorporates a light enhancing glass roof, personalised illuminated signs and name plates.

Kevin Bowen, Operations Manager explained: “In everything that we do we endeavour to exceed the expectations of the bereaved families that we serve. From our beautifully 76 | FuneralTimes

appointed premises, our experienced and empathetic staff to the immaculately presented ceremonial vehicles that we maintain - everything has to perfect.

Providing uncompromising levels of service is never easy, however the decision to order a new E Class Mercedes Hearse and Limousine from Coleman Milne was one of life’s easier decisions.

We have been enormously impressed by Coleman Milne’s ability to instinctively understand our specific requirements.

Our new hearse, with its classic styling and spacious interior, and new limousine, providing luxury and comfort to bereaved families, are exactly what we had hoped for.

We will be in contact with Coleman Milne again when other vehicles in our fleet need replacement.

Merstow Green Funeral Home has been operational for 10 years this year, so by purchasing these new vehicles from Coleman Milne has enabled us to celebrate these 10 years by further investing in the company, making sure we provide our families with the best vehicles.”

Bundoran Golf President Dr Eugene Deeny and Patsy at the recent Golf Classic presentation

Fundraiser for Marie Curie A

fter Celebrating a milestone birthday earlier in the year, Belleek Funeral Director, Patsy McCauley recently hosted a Golf Classic in Bundoran Golf Club, Co. Donegal with all proceeds going towards local Marie Curie Cancer Nurses.

Through the generosity of family, friends, local businesses and many local funeral

colleagues from the Fermanagh and Donegal area, a total of £5000 was raised for this great cause.

Patsy wished to thank local colleagues, Austin Stinson of WT Morrison, Claude McKervey, John Mulraney, Patsy McGloin and Peter Carty for their support and donations to the event.

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Funeral Times is delivered FREE of charge to all Funeral Directors and Principals of associated businesses throughout Ireland, North and South.

If you know of anyone who should receive a copy but currently does not, please let us know. The more Funeral Directors on our mailing list, the bigger your audience!

Please send details to: Funeral Times, Inhouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF or simply email details to: sales@funeraltimes.com FuneralTimes | 77

The flexibility of Eulogica - from any location!

E

ulogica Bespoke Funeral Software has a long-established reputation for powerful and flexible funeral administration software, but unless you have an in-house remote access server setup it has only been accessible from your own offices. The time has come for that to change, with the advent of the new Eulogica Cloud solution. With this solution, we host your Eulogica system in a secure cloud environment, which you can access in a number of ways and from many different types of internet-enabled devices.

ACCESS OPTIONS For your regular office computer, you can set it up so that you have a Eulogica desktop icon, just the same as a traditional installation, but which seamlessly connects to the Eulogica Cloud instead of a local server.

From other devices, such as a laptop, an iPad or Android tablet, or even a mobile phone, you can access a web address which gives you a palette of programs including Eulogica, an email client and regular office applications.

TIERS There are three different tiers available with Eulogica Cloud. The first tier includes your Eulogica system, plus Mozilla Thunderbird for email and Open Office for word processor and spreadsheet programs.

The second tier provides Eulogica alongside Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel, as well as the option to install your own software, such as Sage accounts or applications such as Skype. The third tier provides a dedicated virtual server environment for advanced users.

WORRY FREE As well as a cloud hosted Eulogica system accessible from any internet connected device, alongside various office applications, Eulogica Cloud provides various additional services in the background. Data stored on the Eulogica Cloud is automatically backed up - this includes your Eulogica database and any files you have stored online. The remote environment is kept up to date with the latest remote access technology, and being a hosted environment you will be amongst the first to receive the latest versions of the Eulogica software.

To find out more or request a free trial, please contact the Eulogica team on enquiries@eulogica.com or call 01 431 9760

78 | FuneralTimes

East end excellence for Janice Stevens Independent Funeral Care Janice Stevens Independent Funeralcare have refreshed their fleet with Modern Cardinal MK11.

Based in Glasgow’s East End, Janice McLean and Stephen Walker set up their independent funeral business 5 years ago at the Tollcross premises. Since then their reputation has flourished and so too has their business with the partners opening a second branch in Craigend earlier in the year. This admirable growth is the result of dedication and care which is both appreciated and respected by the community they serve.

The next step in their growth and development was to refresh their fleet and they chose, for the first time, to come to Coleman Milne.

Stephen said: “We are beyond happy with our new hearse.

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Stephen Walker, Janice McLean and Tony Kerr We’ve had fantastic service from Tony and the team at Coleman Milne and the car has been brilliant. We would highly recommend them.”

Janice and Stephen have over 20 years of industry experience between them and selected the modern model to accompany their existing two Dorchester Limousines.

The traditionally black Cardinal hearse was fitted with an adorning wreath rail, leather seats, and equipped with a reversing camera.

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Legacy Expressions is a division of Life Expressions Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2017 FuneralTimes | 79

Mercedes fleet update for McCallum & Tritton & Sons (L-R) David Bray, Eddie Marsden, Andrew Stones, Jim Bayley & Joe Hurley Liverpool based McCallum & Tritton & Sons have continued their loyalty to Coleman Milne and taken delivery of a Mercedes 212 Hearse and Limousine.

The independent funeral directors have been continuously updating their fleet of Mercedes ceremonial vehicles for over 30 years. As proud members of their community they have served diligently, offering comfort and compassion to whoever needs it. With a variety of funeral options ranging from traditional to eco and even more elaborate choices, they have worked

unerringly to build and maintain their worthy reputation.

Each fleet is marked with their distinctive company livery of black and grey, making a McCallum & Tritton & Sons cortege easily identifiable. This new line-up features all the standard refinements of a funeral fleet with leather seats, alloy wheels, aircon in cabin and rear and a distinguished burled amber deck.

Andrew Stones said: “It’s always a pleasure dealing with Eddie and we are already looking forward to our next acquisition.”

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2007 CHRYSLER 300C HEARSE

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For more information please contact T:086 2593327 FuneralTimes | 81

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FOR SALE MERCEDES E CLASS HEARSE

• 2001 • 2.0L Petrol • Automatic • 3 door • 89,484 miles • Good condition • Taxed & NCT until 2019 PRICE €6,500 ONO

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• Mercedes E 240 Petrol 6 door Limousine • Very clean throughout • 82k miles • Taxed until October 2018 • PSV’D until 26th March 2019 PRICE £6,750 ONO For more information please contact T: 028 3833 2069 FuneralTimes | 83

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• 2003 Vauxhall Omega CD Automatic • 2198cc • 3 door • Petrol engine • 49,000 miles • MOT expires 17th November 2018 PRICE £6,950 ONO For more information contact Mobile: 07802 451892 Tel: 028 4272 8379 or email: ian@jsmiths.co.uk

Hearse and Limousine Hire We have a Mercedes Fleet of: 1x 171 Hearse 2x 181 Limos 1x 12 Limo 1x E Class Saloon 1x E Class Private Ambulance Contact: Niall Kehoe @ Dixons Tel: 0429334240 Mobile: 0862800880 84 | FuneralTimes

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• Duffy Built • Only 13,000 miles • Black Leather Interior • Automatic • Auto/Daytime Lights • Superb condition

MERCEDES E250 CDI 6 DOOR LIMOUSINE

• Duffy built • Only 21,500 miles • Black Leather Interior • Automatic • Front and rear Parking Sensors • Auto/Daytime Lights • Superb Condition

£POA Contact Laurence on: 07872953540 / 028 90 620099

FOR SALE MERCEDES E240 HEARSE

• Mercedes E240 • Duffy built hearse • Petrol • 2006 D 6200 PRICE €22,500 For more information please contact T:01 8484444 and 086 2104588

Matthew L. Jones FUNERAL REPATRIATION SERVICE • South Wales based • 24 Hour removal & repatriation service • Long & short distance throughout UK & Ireland • Inclusive of airports & ferry ports • B.I.E qualified embalming service • Also Hearse & Limousine hire available

Mobile: 07815 866652 Tel: 01267 236787 (24hrs) email: info@mljfs.co.uk www.matthewljonesfuneralservices.co.uk FuneralTimes | 85

Classifieds... Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

2011 MERCEDES BENZ HEARSE

POLLMAN MERCEDES E300

• 3 door hearse (Quinn Built) • 25,000 miles • Service history • One owner from new • Excellent condition throughout • More photographs on request PRICE £33,500 Please Contact: NI Mobile (+44) 07841 100838

• 2007 Diesel Hearse • 101000 miles • EU type approval • Electric rise and fall deck • Bearer seats with deck extension • Elegance spec.

• Usual refinements • One owner from new • MBSH Contact: Neal Massey, Rom Massey & Sons, Dublin, +353 1 453 8888 or emaI: neal@rommassey.ie

FOR SALE

MERCEDES E CLASS ALL BLACK HEARSES

• 2008 31,000 Miles €27,500 • 2009 50,000 miles €28,995 • Both immaculate, fully serviced, current NCT and taxed.

• 2008 FORD MONDEO REMOVAL ESTATE WITH DECK €2,500 For more information please contact:

Seán Feehily, Sligo T:086/8700000 86 | FuneralTimes

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Sean Feehily Funeral Services.

Feehily’s Funeral Home, Sligo

EXPERIENCED FUNERAL DIRECTOR REQUIRED

Requirements:

•Clean drivers licence •Proficiency with Microsoft Office •Caring nature with good social sk i l l s •Ability to work in a team •Good leadership skills

Responsibilities: •Arrange and conduct funerals •Perform out of hours work •Acting with discretion and professionalism

SEND CV AND COVER LETTER TO sean@feehilys.ie

www.feehilys.ie 071 915 9999

CUNNINGHAM MEMORIALS

Formerly of Ormeau Road, Belfast

All types of Quality Headstones, Surrounds, Plaques, Vases and Stone Chippings.

Renovations and Additional Inscriptions.

A Specialty in any Cemetery.

Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed

Tel/Fax: 028 9070 4404

WHAT DOES YOUR

ORDER OF SERVICE SAY ABOUT YOU?

Contact Graham or Richard for further details Telephone: (028/048) 3835 5060 production@inhousepublications.com

A NEW CAT HAS LANDED

Meet the XF New Jaguar Hearse & Limousine Priced from £114,950 inc VAT The New XF Range, why settle for anything else?

Petrol, Diesel & All Wheel Drive Based on Jaguar XF 5 doors UK’s Jaguar Authorised Convertor British Built Long Wheel Base Rear Doors Carbon Fibre/Aluminium Technology The largest in its class Orders now being taken, call +44(0)1753 for a free, no obligation quote.

Finance & Part exchanges available.

480 600 enquires@wilcox.uk

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