Funeral Times issue 5 / 2022

Non-religious funeral and memorial ceremonie

Non-religious funeral and memorial ceremonies

Non-religious funeral and memorial eceremoni

Meaningful and bespoke ceremonies

Humanist funerals and memorials are non-religious ceremonies that focus on the person who has died, the life they led, and the relationships they forged. They are based on the humanist perspective that every life is valuable and unique.

A humanist funeral or memorial is the perfect option for families and friends

on the life of their loved ones – without religion. This can be especially important if the person who died was not religious.

Each funeral and memorial ceremony is tailored to the person who has died, and the wishes of the people who love them. We can help commemorate the person who has died with an upbeat celebration of life, instead of taking a more solemn tone.

A funeral can include time for silent

This time is inclusive of people from all backgrounds and people with religious beliefs can take this opportunity to say a silent prayer, if they wish.

Find your local celebrant

Our funeral and memorial ceremonies are conducted by humanist celebrants. and personal farewell.

BALLYCASTLE

John Foley

07949 114455

BALLYMENA

Lisa Wilkinson 07759 514139

BANBRIDGE

Joan Davis 07546 954222

BANGOR

Michael McAlinden 07305 892201

BELFAST

Richard Lavery 07802 839543

BELFAST

Maire De Buitlear 07841 860276

BELFAST

Cathy Graham 07595 927494

BELFAST

Rachel Smith 07957 474643

BELFAST

MaryLou McShane 07962 906236

BELFAST

Michael Conlon 07494 505033

DERRY

Julie Hassell 07510 851612

DROMORE

Sheena Bradley 07732 143183

DUNMURRY

Janni Knox 07890 861690

NEWTOWNABBEY

Stewart Holden 07971 634098

NORTH DOWN

Trevor Molloy 07549 946622

humanists.uk/ ceremonies

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

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Carrickfergus funeral director

Uel Irvine remembered for helping many people at their time of loss

Woodburn Presbyterian Church premises were at capacity as the people of east Antrim gathered to say farewell to funeral director Samuel (Uel) Irvine.

Mourners were told the huge turnout at the Carrickfergus church was a tribute to a man who had helped many in the community during their own times of loss.

Uel, who founded S. & J. Irvine Funeral Directors Carrickfergus & Ballyclare, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 6.

A service of thanksgiving for his life was led by Rev David Kelly, minister of Woodburn Church, who was joined by Rev Brian Courtney and Pastor Drew Hamill, both friends of Mr Irvine.

In his opening address Rev Kelly said: “I think the crowds both inside the church, in the hall and I know standing outside as well, pays testament to the man that Uel was.”

And the minister also acknowledged over his four years in Carrickfergus, the help he had received

from Uel in “learning the families, the community”, stressing “he’s been a friend, a true friend to me”.

It was a recurring theme during the service which included a touching tribute from Mr Irvine’s daughter Ruth.

Pastor Hamill, who was invited to deliver the eulogy, traced Mr Irvine’s life from early years on a farm at Loughmourne, through a range of work experiences and on to his career as a funeral director.

Born on February 6 1945 to Samuel and Lena Irvine, Uel was the eldest of four children and was brought up on the family farm at Loughmourne. He attended Loughmourne School, Sunnylands Primary School and the Intermediate (now Carrickfergus Academy).

Pastor Hamill said: “Uel started his working career in Magheramorne Cement Works, where his father was also employed. After this, Uel worked in Fulton’s in Larne for a short period, then moved on to Flaxall’s factory in Carrickfergus. He also worked to Sam Crowe, the local meal merchant, delivering meal around the farms. He then took on a milk run with Dale Farm Dairies, delivering around Woodburn, Prospect and the local country area where he lived himself.

“After meeting the love of his life, Dorothy Martin, in 1962, from Queen Street, in Carrick, he purchased his own farm on the Liberty Road in 1967. After their marriage on 26th September 1969, they moved into their own place beside his father’s house, where in 1970 their first child Ruth was born.

Not long after in 1972, a second daughter Lois was born – a few months later they moved to the farm on Liberty Road, where they have been ever since.

“Sadly in 1973, Uel and Dorothy had to deal with the loss of their two-week old son Jonathan, who suddenly died of meningitis. Then in 1976 their second son James was born – finally in 1978 the last child Rachel arrived to complete the family.”

Explaining how Uel’s move into the funeral director’s role was influenced by helping an undertaker, Pastor Hamill continued: “After taking over S S Logan’s in Whiteabbey, he then expanded to Carrickfergus and later to Ballyclare. He was committed and dedicated to his job for 47 years and didn’t believe in taking a holiday or a day off –it was 24/7 and just became a way of life.

“Uel also served the local community as a councillor in the 1980s. During lambing season, Uel became undertaker during the day and shepherd by night – with a keen interest in seeing the safe arrival of the new born lambs.”

Turning to family life, Pastor Hamill illustrated that as well as being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Uel had a keen sense of humour, including offering to give family members a lift to school or from the bus stop - in a hearse.

There was a note of levity too from Rev Courtney, who said: “I would have looked on Uel as a friend, a true friend which means you can be annoyed when you hear his voice on the other end of the phone saying ‘are you free on Tuesday’ or something like that.”

He also emphasised the important service Uel provided, noting he was the person who many people turned to when the “shadow of death” fell on their home or their family.

“Whatever the day, whatever the hour, they knew they could lift a phone and they knew they would get an instant response. Uel made himself available to whoever, to wherever. Maybe Uel helped you

make arrangements for the family, your family, a loved one. And that same Uel helped his own family make arrangements for today.”

Following the service of thanksgiving, interment took place at Loughmourne Churchyard.

A notice on the Funeral Times website described Uel as: “Beloved husband of Dorothy. Devoted father to Ruth, Lois, James, Rachel and the late Jonathan. Father-in-law to Matthew, Jenifer and Jamie. Proud grandfather of Matthew, Jack, Katelyn, Faith, Annie, Kyle and Adam.

“Will be loved and remembered always by his loving wife, daughters, son, sons-in-law, daughterin-law, grandchildren and the entire family circle.”

In a statement on social media after the funeral, S. & J. Irvine Funeral Directors Carrickfergus & Ballyclare, expressed appreciation for “a great turnout for his send off” and “ a big thanks to everyone that attended watched on line, sent cards, gave donations, visited the home etc”. Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, were invited to NI Children’s Hospice c/o: S & J Irvine Funeral Directors, 31-35 Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus BT38 8BL.

The family have been touched by the amount of people who have said how much Uel had helped them plan fitting tributes for their loved ones at their own time of loss. They all mentioned his quiet manner and how he had a marvellous way of making the family and bereaved relatives feel at ease at such a difficult time. The funeral business continues to be privately owned and operated by the Irvine family with Son James stepping into his father’s shoes as Funeral Director.

Terry Ferry – Carrick Times

Uel’s funeral cortege – (left to right) grandsons Jack and Kyle with son, James Irvine

OBITUARY Mrs Ruth Ryan 1945-2022

It is with much sadness that we inform you, Ruth Ryan, mother of David Ryan of Ryans Embalming Service, Navan, Co. Meath sadly passed away on 9th May 2022.

Ruth suffered a short illness which she bravely borne with dignity and courage. David recalls how his mam was a fantastic mother who had a real love of life and concerts! Over the years she was a massive Queen and Westlife fan. She also very much loved going on her holidays and, of course, adored her dog, Neyo. She was a wonderful grandmother to her beloved grandson, Jake and was overall a fantastic person who would help anyone. Her vibrant personality would light up any room she entered. David says, “Thank you mam for always being the best mam. I will hold you in my heart until we meet again. I love you mam”.

New Delivery - Quinn

Hearse and Limousine

David Ryan, Ryans Embalming Service, Navan, County Meath with his beloved mother, Ruth

Deborah Quinn hands the keys of a new E class hearse to Seamus Cross of Joseph Cross and Sons, Limerick.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DARDISTOWN CEMETERY

Across all of our locations, Dublin Cemeteries Trust’s chief priority is: To exhibit the utmost respect to the deceased and to protect the dignity and sensitivities of the bereaved.

Dardistown

Cemetery is one of five cemeteries operated by Dublin Cemeteries Trust, and provides both burial and cremation services close to the M50 and M1 motorways. It is therefore ideally located to serve the communities of north Dublin and beyond to the north and north-west, and right up the east coast as far as Armagh and Down.

Established in 1990, Dardistown is set in scenic grounds covering an area of 42 acres. It is a lawn cemetery, carefully landscaped and maintained on a daily basis, with a symmetrical design which creates a sense of light and space. Each section in the cemetery is named after a saint with an association to the local area.

Cremations at Dardistown:

The Chapel/Crematorium was opened in 2016 and is a bright, modern space suitable for any type of ceremony.

It can accommodate up to 300 people and can also be seamlessly divided into two rooms for smaller groups.

There are a number of hotels within 5 minutes’ drive, for those families who wish to hold a reception immediately after the cremation ceremony.

Dardistown has facilitated thousands of cremations over the last six years; as the equipment used is quite modern, it operates to environmental standards using a highly-advanced filtration system.

Following a cremation service, ashes are usually available for collection within a few days, but Dardistown also provides a range of options in the cemetery for memorialisation of ashes.

Memorials for Cremation

Among the options for memorialising loved ones who have chosen cremation are the following:

Urns & Keepsakes

For those who wish to keep ashes in decorative urns, caskets, or keepsakes, we have an extensive selection available to purchase from our Head Office at Glasnevin Cemetery.

Garden of Remembrance

The Garden of Remembrance in Dardistown resembles a conventional burial plot. The urns are placed in a vault underground which is marked by a memorial stone with an inscription remembering the deceased.

The Ash Garden

This is a tranquil section of the cemetery specifically for those who have opted for cremation. Each plot holds six sets of ashes, and a headstone can be inscribed with the names of each of the people whose remains are held in the plot.

Memorial Tree

The Memorial Tree at Dardistown Cemetery is a thoughtful and innovative way to remember loved ones who have passed away. The name, birth and death dates of the deceased are engraved onto a personalised leaf that is attached to the tree for a lasting memory.

Interment of ashes in a grave

Where a family owns a grave, but one or more family members opt for cremation, it is possible to inter urns in the grave, just below the surface.

Columbarium Wall

Dardistown Cemetery has a number of Columbarium Walls for the placement of urns. Each wall contains a number of square sections, and each section is designed for one urn, with an inscription remembering the deceased. Please contact us and we would be happy to advise on how this option can be tailored to meet your requirements.

If you would like more information on Cremation Memorial options, please contact Mark O’Neill at moneill@dctrust.ie

Dardistown Contact Details:

Manager: Derek Donohue

Dardistown Cemetery and Crematorium

Collinstown Cross, Old Airport Road, Co. Dublin K67 HP26

Tel: 01 842 4677 Fax: 01 842 4294

AMG Mercedes Plug-In Hybrid Hearse Investment Boost for Norman McBriar & Son

Family

run Norman McBriar & Son have expertly assisted families in the Saintfield area in County Down for many years. The supportive and well-trained team guides families through the difficult process to ensure the perfect farewell ceremony.

After more than two successful decades, the company’s continuous improvement drive has recently seen a relocation to larger purposebuilt premises which boasts a mortuary, beautifully decorated reception and viewing rooms, offices, and garage facilities. A brandnew AGM Mercedes petrol plug-in Hybrid Hearse is the latest investment boost for the business with a matching limousine on order.

Capturing the stately AMG elegance, this hearse not only impresses with its looks, but it also delivers significantly lower carbon emissions and saves on fuel costs. This highperformance vehicle operates in silence during

the ceremony, adding a dignified presence.

The hearse is personalised with a Vogue Grey deck, integral coverboards and illuminated signage and benefits from driver’s tech including a reversing camera, Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth.

Norman McBriar commented:

“Presentation and performance were crucial factors in our new hearse decision but also the ability to offer our families a more environmentally conscious choice. This AMG Hearse has exceeded all our expectations and offers fuel cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions.”

Pictured at the Saintfield premises is (L-R) The McBriar family: Donna, Norman, Coleman Milne’s Tony Kerr, and Mark

Community given insight into mindfulness by funeral firm

Funeral Directors organised an introduction to mindfulness to offer mental wellbeing support in their local community.

James

Brown & Sons in Dunmurry teamed up with local charity Inspire Wellbeing and their Change Your Mind campaign for the starter session.

Mindfulness is a technique which helps bring people’s attention into the present, clearing negative thoughts and allowing them to focus on the here and now.

James Brown & Sons is part of the Funeral Partners network. Funeral Arranger Lisa Hutchinson said she was delighted with how the debut event went at Dunmurry Community Centre.

“We support our communities in a variety of ways in addition to our role as Funeral Directors,” Lisa said.

“One of my special interests is mental health and wellbeing, I wanted to provide an opportunity for people to learn about a tool they can use to help care for themselves.

“The response was extremely positive and the people who came said they were able to take something useful away from the session.

“We are so pleased with the reaction that we are looking at the possibility of continuing our support by delivering a fuller mindfulness programme in the future.”

Funeral Partners Regional Support Manager Emma-Jayne McClure, attended the session and is now using the techniques to help her in everyday life.

She said: “I learnt some valuable mindfulness

Participants at the mindfulness session hosted by James Brown & Sons and Inspire Wellbeing at Dunmurry Community Centre

techniques and realised that you don’t need a lot of time in a busy day to allow for selfcare and some small activities can make a big difference.

“I gained a lot which I am very grateful for both in my work and personal life and remembering to take a few moments out to look after me.”

For more information or to find out about future sessions visit www.

jamesbrownfuneraldirectors.com/news

Amateur photographers showcase the best of their hometowns in popular competition run by Funeral Directors

Bairds of Antrim and Mulhollands of Carrickfergus reached out to their community to share what they love about their hometowns

Talented amateur photographers showcased what is great about their communities in a competition run by local Funeral Directors.

Bairds of Antrim and Mulhollands of Carrickfergus received dozens of entries during the contest. The chosen theme was ‘My Hometown’ which reflects how proud both Funeral Directors are at being embedded in the heart of their communities.

Johnpaul Gnanadhas was selected as the winner for Antrim after he captured a stunning sunset.

He has received £200 worth of photography equipment so he can continue to take spectacular images.

Johnpaul, who heard about the competition on Facebook, said: “It gave me the opportunity to show my work and creativity to others.

“Antrim is a town where the light cannot be hidden – it just shines everywhere and to everyone.

“I think the picture reflects how beautiful it is.

“I’ve been taking pictures since 2009 and

Regional Support Manager Emma-Jayne McClure

Business Principal Jon Baird with Johnpaul Gnanadhas and his winning photograph outside Bairds of Antrim

photography is one of my biggest hobbies – it’s all about capturing a moment at the right time.

“Photography is also a great opportunity to socialise with my friends and other people who enjoy taking pictures.”

Business Principal Jon Baird said: “We had some fantastic entries into this year’s competition – I was really blown away by what people captured, but we all agreed that Johnpaul’s picture was outstanding and really encapsulated our wonderful Antrim.

“Congratulations to him, and a big thank you to everyone who entered.”

Cecil Owens was chosen as the winner in Carrickfergus for his beautiful image which included the town’s most famous landmark –

Carrickfergus Castle. He will also walk away with his prize, £200 worth of new equipment so he can continue to hone his craft.

Cecil said: “I entered the photo because it represented my hometown with Carrickfergus castle, the seafront and historic church. The sunset added that glowing red sky to the scene.

“I have been taking pictures for a very long time - I travelled the world with my job and visited many places that most people don’t get a chance to see but I didn’t have the time to capture the beauty or culture.

“I got really interested after I retired and wish now that I had taken more interest in the past.”

Peter Mulholland, from Mulhollands of Carrickfergus said: “I was really pleased at the large number and the high quality of all the entries again this year.

“I found it very interesting to see how each photographer had interpreted the competition theme and judging wasn’t easy.

“However, after lengthy discussions and appraisal we agreed Cecil was a worthy winner.

“I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to submit a photograph and congratulate Cecil on being the overall winner.”

To see some of the entrants follow Bairds of Antrim and Mulhollands of Carrickfergus on Facebook.

About Funeral Partners:

Funeral Partners is the UK’s third largest funeral business, with more than 230 funeral homes staffed by over 1000 dedicated funeral professionals serving communities across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Chief Executive Sam Kershaw has over 40 years’ experience in the funeral profession, joining the business back in 2016 as Chief Operating Officer. Funeral Partners, celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2022, has grown rapidly, building a strong reputation as a well-run, high-quality funeral services business overseeing more than 25,000 funerals each year.

It now includes more than 125 family businesses, which have entrusted their reputation and heritage to Funeral Partners.

For more information about Funeral Partners or if you are considering selling your business visit: www.funeralpartnersnorthernireland.com

Competition winner Cecil Owens with Branch Development Manager Emma Moore and Funeral Arranger Kerry Kennedy

Mary Cunniffe attends re-launch of Irish Hospice Foundation “Think Ahead Plan”

Mary Cunniffe attended the re- launch of the Irish Hospice Foundation “Think Ahead Plan” on Tuesday 4th October last at Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, No 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

In the 10 years since Think Ahead was initially launched, it has become a key advance care planning resource for people in Ireland.

Dr Tony Holohan launched the expanded and updated Think Ahead Planning Pack, which is a comprehensive advance care planning toolkit for all.

Dr Tony Holohan as keynote speaker was joined by an engaging panel who talked about this life, changing resource for patients, carers, and healthcare teams in Ireland. The Chair of IHF, Jean Callan also spoke at the launch.

The Think Ahead Planning Pack is an easy to read and complete guide for patients, their families, and caregivers to start putting their affairs for their end-of-life. With Think Ahead, people can make their care wishes known, appoint somebody to act as their healthcare advocate, keep track of important documents, and more. Over 100,000 people have already received a version of Think Ahead through their GP, at events, or by ordering from IHF.

This Autumn, Valerie Smith, IHF’s Public Engagement Lead is taking Think Ahead on the road around Ireland where people can learn how to use Think Ahead packs and start conversations with their loved ones.

To find out more please visit www. hospicefoundation.ie or call (0)6793188.

IBCB Common Commitment of Care

In2019, the IBCB launched the Common Commitment of Care with its Member Banks, which provides for improved services for customers (and their families) who have experienced a bereavement. This includes each of the IBCB’s member bank’s commitment to a dedicated Bereavement webpage, a bereavement guide and help in accessing available funds in accounts to cover funeral costs. Feedback from key stakeholders the following year indicated that the Common Commitment of Care had made a positive difference. In summer of 2022, the Common Commitment of Care was updated. It now includes dedicated phone lines and email addresses for bereaved customers, within each of the member banks. It has also been awarded the NALA Plain English mark which means it helps bereaved customers understand the document the first time they read it through using clear short sentences and everyday words.

The IBCB continues to engage with important stakeholders and customer advocates on this initiative such as Money Advice and Budgeting services (MABS), The Irish Hospice Foundation

(IHF) the Coroners Court, and the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD).

As a result of discussion with the IAFD in 2022 the IBCB worked with its member banks to better understand the purpose and acceptance of the Death Notification Form (DNF), which may simplify the process for a bereaved customer when notifying the bank of a bereavement.

You can read more about the IBCB and the Common Commitments of Care at https:// www.irishbankingcultureboard.ie/workprogramme/bereaved-customers/

IAFD in the News

Our Public Relation Officer, Mary Cunniffe took part in an interview with Claire Byrne on her Today show. The subject of the interview was - How to plan your own funeral.

Mary said “I have been championing pre-arranged funerals for over twenty years. I have seen the emotional strain it places on families when they are uncertain of Mary Cunniffe

the wishes of their loved one, they are unsure what is the right thing to do. It’s so important to have these discussions, at a certain point in life people worry about their end-of-life arrangements so it is vital to be open to the conversation if they want to talk about it.”

To listen to the podcast go to https://www.rte.ie/ and search for How to plan your own funeral

Benefits of joining

Irish Association of Funeral Directors

• Membership of a professional organisation recognised by the general public

• Board of funeral professionals available to assist members

• Funeral director led organisation for promoting and developing standards of funeral service including a Code of Practice for all Members

• Access to IAFD education programme

• Representation of Members with Government, local authorities and media

• Unique all island network of funeral directors

• Professional Indemnity Insurance included as part of Membership fees

• Dispute resolution and Mediation - including legal advisory service

• Links to other trade associations

IAFD Contacts

Dara Gillespie (President)

Finlays Funeral Service

Tierney Street

Ardee, Co. Louth

Mobile: 086 7923472

Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com

Tom Lawless (First Vice President)

Lawless Funeral Directors

Mucklagh, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Ph: 057 9322622

Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie

Niall Mulligan (Second Vice President and Hon. Treasurer)

Heffernan’s Funeral Directors

Trim, Co. Meath

Mobile: 086 8208501

Ph: 046 9438662

Email: heffernansfd@gmail.com

Donal Forde (Immediate Past President)

Forde & Sons Funeral Home

South Gate Bridge

Cork, Co. Cork

Ph: 021 4318222

Email: fordes@indigo.ie

Keith Greaney (Hon. Secretary)

Conneely Funeral Directors

Flood Street

Galway

091 562866

keithgreaney@gmail.com

Mary Cunniffe (PRO)

Massey Bros Funeral Home

Templeogue Village

Dublin 6W

Mobile: 085 8010742

Ph: 01 4907601

Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com

Fintan Cooney (Membership Officer)

Fanagans

54 Aungier Street

Dublin 2

Ph: 01 4167700

Email: fintanjen@gmail.com

Niamh Sweeney (Education Officer)

John Sweeney and Sons

Fairgreen

Arklow

Co Wicklow

Ph: 0402 32333

Email: niamh@johnsweeneyandsons.ie

Kylie Gourley

Funeral Partners Northern Ireland

300 Newtownards Road

Belfast

BT4 1HF

Ph: 028 9045 1021

Email: kylie.gourley@funeralpartners.com

John Mark Griffin

Griffin Funerals

John’s Gate Pennywell

Limerick

Ph: 061 415000

Email: johnmark@griffinfunerals.com

Peter Maguire

Massey Bros

Crumlin Road, Dublin

Ph: 01 4541666

Email: peter@masseybros.com

Changing views reflecting new cultures

Somuch has changed in recent times around the ways we mark a death in our community. Some people are very traditional in their beliefs and customs particularly in rural areas, while others are more open to celebrating a life in a more relaxed and not so formal fashion. There have been changing views around the different religious and secular ceremonies, and our industry has had to adapt to the changes that our families ask for.

Some of you may have met with Ray Cashman who is Professor of Folklore and Ethnomusicology from Indiana University in the US, who has been in Ireland since early August, travelling around the country, meeting with Funeral Directors, embalmers, Clergy of various denominations, Civil Funeral Celebrants and Interfaith Ministers, and other interested bodies who have an interest in the funeral industry.

It is Professor Ray’s intention to publish his findings in a document setting out how our values, customs, and traditions have either remained the same, or changed dramatically reflecting our new diverse cultures.

I have spoken with Ray on numerous occasions during the past year via Zoom, and I found him to be very well versed in our unique Irish ways. He is interesting, a good conversationalist, and very appreciative of any input offered. I was delighted to be able to catch up with him for a cuppa before he headed back to the US. He will be returning to Ireland in the Spring (2023) to complete his research.

Padraic Cawley Civil Funeral Celebrant

Padraic Cawley, Professor Ray Cashman and his wife Lorraine

New Delivery - Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Mortuary Services & Training Specialists

(BIE Accredited tutor, Cyril Gantley)

Professional and very Competitive Repatriation Service. Nationwide Collection and Embalming Service.

Daily Collections from Dublin Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc. (deceased can be then collected from our premises or delivered to your Funeral Home)

Fully Equipped Fleet of Private Ambulances

Woodstock Ind. Est. Athy, Co. Kildare 086 0619500 059 8631541 085 7671582

www.mortuary-science.ie

Tierney’s Funeral Director’s, Roscrea, collect their new hearse from Fearghas Quinn.

The mountains may be imagined but the Coleman Milne Mercedes Plug-In Hybrid is realilty... and available to test drive now.

Can you give a little help to NICHS this Christmas?

Somany little things go into making Christmas perfect. Wrapping gifts, decorating the tree and going Christmas shopping to name but a few. Most of us can’t imagine Christmas without them.

Sadly however, that’s the reality for many people living with a chest, heart or stroke illness.

Bosco McShane is one of them. The 44-yearold husband and dad of seven from Coalisland found his life turned upside down when he suffered a sudden stroke in the run up to Christmas in 2019.

Bosco says; ““I was probably the last man you would have expected to have a stroke. I was always on the go. I don’t drink or smoke and thought I was fighting-fit. But that’s exactly what happened to me.”

“I was kept in hospital for a month which impacted the whole family. The kids felt it when I was away for so long and it was tough for my wife Lynette.”

“One of the Care Co-ordinators from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) contacted me. This was during the pandemic. Only for the support of NICHS, I was lost. When you come home from hospital, you’re left on

your own. The support from the charity meant I got Zoom meetings and support phone calls and was able to speak to others who had the same experiences. Those chats were worth their weight in gold.”

“At Christmas little things can annoy me that would have never bothered me before - like blinking Christmas lights. Background noise is also difficult, like when the children are making noise playing with all their different toys. Sometimes I just have to avoid it or go and have a lie down which is hard. It affects the whole family.”

“Christmas shopping can be more difficult too. When I’m counting out money it takes a lot more concentration. You feel conscious that you’re holding up the queue. Those wee things can be tough. People don’t always realise, because on the outside you look okay.”

“I couldn’t recommend the support I received from NICHS highly enough. They supported me and thanks to them I’m keeping positive. With seven children Christmas will be hectic, but it’s those little things and moments with family that will make it special.”

To find out how you can support NICHS this Christmas, visit www.nichs.org.uk

Finlays of Ardee Ltd.

Office: Tierney Street, Ardee, Co. Louth

Factory: Kells Road, Ardee, Co. Louth

Finlay update 14th October 2022

Dear Customer,

I hope that this communication finds you well and that business is good with you.

Over recent months we have been working on our business to improve the service we provide to our customers and to improve the sustainability of our business as we move through these extraordinary times and the following are some of our current actions which we would like to make you aware of.

• Environmental (Energy) - We as all large electricity users have been impacted greatly by the very substantial increases in energy costs and we have been working for some time on a Solar energy project for our factory electricity needs and during the summer months the factory has been extensively surveyed both physically and by drone. Using the data provided a Solar plan has been devised for the factory and a decision has now been made to proceed with a project to install a farm of solar panels on the factory roofs during early 2023 which once operational will generate a majority of the factory’s energy needs. As the old farming saying goes, “a good farmer only spends money in a bad year” so we hope that what we invest in these incredibly difficult times will stand to us over the long term and will also greatly help reduce our environmental impact .

• Environmental (Waste) - We are now processing our wood waste into two environmentally sustainable areas, the generation of electricity and the heating of our factory. We currently have two wood waste burners onsite and these burn wood waste to deliver warm air into the factory and we have a third larger wood waste burner being installed at the start of November. These burners burn wood and veneer waste and the warm air they generate is blown through insulated pipes into the factory building. The wood waste which we do not use for heating is now transported offsite and processed as biomass for use in the generation of electricity.

• People - during the summer months we have maintained a full team in the factory and we have spent a lot of time on training and cross training in order to improve our process skill set and this will allow us fulfil our Customers orders more efficiently. Did you know, we now have Team Members from seven different nationalities working with Finlay.

• Materials - While availability of materials has improved somewhat, pricing of raw materials has not and certain materials continue to increase in cost.

• Non-Material inputs - Nonmaterial inputs (i.e. electricity, gas, diesel) remain a major concern and we will work to manage same through planning of the factory efficiency and hours of operation.

• Plant & Equipment - During the summer months we been working hard on preventative maintenance work and repairs on our factory machinery. One interesting (and challenging) job we had was to replace two half ton electrical motors on the top of our 30ft dust extraction tower. All credit to our fitting and electrical team lead by our factory foreman Alan McDonnell who craned out the old and in the new all in one day!

Finlay Team News - We would like to pay tribute to Martin Carroll who after 39 years with the Company has decided to retire, we are sorry to see Martin leave but we wish him all the very best for his retirement.

In summary I would like to thank you for your custom and your support and to assure you that we at Finlay will work as hard as we can to serve you.

Colman Finlay Managing Director

Dara Gillespie General Manager

Dermot Sharpe Funeral Service Adviser

Alan McDonnell Factory Foreman

Aurelija Siniciene Mounting & Lining Team Leader

Eimear Grimes Administration

Ashling McCabe Assistant Customer Service Manager

Carles Mahiques Dispatch

Jimmy O’Reilly Dispatch

Adam Healy Assembly Team Leader

Gary Taaffe Machining Team Leader

Paddy Ward Spray-shop Team Leader

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

- By Ian FeeLakelands Funeral Home & Crematorium, Cavan

Depending on your disposition, those words either fill you with glee or with dread. No doubt we can already see trees and decorations up in some homes and towns, while in others, Christmas Eve will be time enough and then only under extreme social pressure. But, whether you’re a Grinch or an elf, there’s no escaping the season.

Those of us working in the funeral business know how difficult these days can be. Throughout the year, we sought to guide families through some of their darkest days and no amount of glitter and sparkle, no amount of festive music will dispel the loneliness they feel as they face a first Christmas without a loved one.

Christmas has long moved from being a purely Christian celebration; the Season of Good Will is marked by people of all faiths and philosophies, across many traditions and cultures. As we struggle to look past the rampant commercialism that threatens

to smother every Christmas, there is the central message of compassion and caring, of togetherness and belonging, of hope and peace.

As we continue to accompany people through times of great sadness and perhaps are still working with families who are facing into what can only be a difficult Christmas, if falls to us to be even more keenly aware of the meaning of the season, to make the most of every possible act of kindness, to be less caught up in the busyness of the business and more conscious of the needs of those we work with, including our fellow staff members, some of whom may have had a difficult year themselves. The Christmas story is about following a light to find hope. Hopefully, we have, in some small way, been that light for others this year and can continue to be all the more so in the year ahead.

From all of us at Lakelands, thank you to all who have come to us throughout the year and we wish you and yours a hopeful and peaceful Christmas.

BIE News BIE News

Ireland Division

Hi All,

I hope everyone is keeping well and at least got a bit of time off before the madness of winters starts! With this being the last edition of the year I want everyone to take note that we have our AGM and next meeting on Sunday 29th January 2023. The venue is to be confirmed and also the line up of activities are in motion. Myself, Jenny and a few members are helping out with the ideas so as I’ve always said if you would like your say in ideas get in touch!

We had our last meeting on the 9th October via zoom. It was great to catch up with everyone who attended. On behalf of the division I want to say a huge thank you to Maria Stibbards for joining us and for the amazing presentation on Infant embalming. I have to say it was great to see and hear of the different

techniques and Maria was a pleasure to listen to.

On a final note, it feels like only yesterday I was saying this but I want to wish everybody a very Happy Christmas and we’ll catch up in the New Year.

BIE Irish Chairperson Niamh Cusack

List of BIE Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2022/2023

IRISH DIVISION

Chairperson & Divisional Liaison Officer:

Niamh Cusack MBIE

Ballingowan West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

Tel: 086 3744762

E: cusackembalmings@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson: Robert Fehily MBIE

Strand Road, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

Tel: 087 660919

E: robertfehily@gmail.com

Secretary & Public Relations

Offcer:

Jennifer Tighe MBIE

St. Patrick Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 086 8854333

E: Jennytighe30@yahoo.com

1st National Council Rep & National Educational Rep:

Cyril Gantley MBIE

336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile: 085 7671582

E: cyril.gantley@mortuaryscience.ie

Treasurer:

John Hawe MBIE

12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co. Cork

Mobile: 087 6390087

E: jmhawe@eircom.net

Professional Standards Rep:

Susan Moran

20 Cedarwood Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Mobile: 086 0619500

E: susan.moran@mortuaryscience.ie

NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION

Chairman

Pat Harley, MBIE

67 Creggan Road, L’derry

BT48 9DA

Tel: 07712 899137

E: pat.harley@hotmail.co.uk

Vice Chairman: Mrs N Taggart, MBIE

11 Alderley Crescent, Newtownabbey

BT36 7WY

Tel: 07917 220073

E: nikkiknockaning@aol.com

1st National Council Representative: Laurence O’Neill MBIE

98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast BT11 9JP

Tel: 028 9062 0099

E: oneill8210@hotmail.com

2nd National Council

Representative: Ellison Sloan MBIE

Tel: 028 3833 6175

Treasurer: Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney

Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ

Tel: 028 2766 2265

E: andrew@mcmullanfunerals. com

Secretary: Liam Edwin Boyle, MBIE

4 Bradford Place Belfast

BT8 7AW

Tel: 07713 575501

E: liamboyle15@hotmail.co.uk

Public Relations Offcer:

Ciaran Bailie

Tel. 07523 477852

27 Navan Court

Armagh

1st Educational Committee

Representative: Stephen Shields MBIE James Brown & Sons

300 Newtownards Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9045 1021

E: jamesbrown.belfast@ funeralpartners.com

Student Liaison Officer Mr Frank Harron MBIE

National President: Richard D. Van Nes MBIE

Imm. Past President: Bobby Hopkins-Hoggarth MBIE

1st Vice President: Dianne Hughes

2nd Vice President: Mrs Rachel Shipley MBIE

National PRO & National General Secretary: Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA

Tel: 01335 361419

Mobile: 07786 432014

E: karencaney@btinternet.com

National Treasurer: Michael Liddle FBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ

Business Tel: 01582 490005

Home Tel: 01525 860117

E: michael@silsloe.wanadoo.co.uk

Editor: Gwen Schofield FBIE

9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP

Home Tel: 01484 851994

Mobile: 07778 279100

E: gwen.schofield@ntlworld.co.uk

Master Fellow: David Kaye FBIE

Student Liaison Officer: David Coster MBIE

Eimer Duffy is a Social Media Consultant and Trainer at FIT Social Media. Through bespoke solutions, Eimer helps Funeral Professionals gain a better online presence, build communities and trust online with zero stress and hassle in a short space of time. She also co-hosts the only social media for business radio show in Ireland called “The Let’s Get Social Show” every Friday at 2pm on Dublin South FM and the show is on podcast too. Check out www. fitsocialmedia.ie to learn more.

NFDA2022 and Social Media

Hasn’t this year flown in? Probably down to the fact that there’s an air of more freedom each day compared to the last couple of years. Over this year, we have been able to plan more things ahead such as; in person meetings and attending events (rather than online).

NFDA2022

And a few weeks ago I was delighted to be able to attend NFDA2022 “The National Funeral Director Association’s International Convention and Expo 2022” (and I have to mention the hashtag was #NFDA2022). It was held in the Baltimore Convention Centre from 9th to 12th October 2022. NFDA2022 is the largest funeral service exhibition in the world. It gave exhibitors the opportunity to promote their products and services face to face with many funeral service decision makers from all around the world.

I did notice at the exhibition the emphasis on pre-needs/pre-planning funeral services. There were quite a few companies there offering a range of plans and their stands were exceptionally busy. And one thing I can say is, if you are offering this service it’s important that you highlight that not only on your website, but to use social media to help with things such as sharing the benefits, answering any questions and this will help with opening up the conversation with friends and family. All of the social media platforms have search facilities and people do use them for research,

as well as using Google. So by posting on social media about this funeral service, you have the opportunity to educate your online community about the process, share feedback from families you have assisted with their plans and lead people to want to find out more.

Social Media played it’s part

It was my first visit to this event and it was a great experience. Social media played a big part when it came to my NFDA2022 journey. Conversing and connecting with many Funeral industry professionals I already had on social media, Zoom calls and then finally getting to meet face to face was amazing. We had hugs rather than handshakes.

It was great to go to the stands of the businesses and people I had wanted to converse with, and with those who had been sent invitations ahead of to meet at the exhibition. Business cards were shared and the question of “do you have a LinkedIn profile?” came up quite a lot. Definitely more eco-friendly and takes away the concern of running out of

and/or business cards you get going missing. New connections were made and much more personal follow ups sent via the platform, so less emails.

Social media was definitely embraced leading up to NFDA2022, during the whole event and afterwards by all exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. So many selfies and group shots taken, lots of memories shared online and already building excitement for next year’s NFDA2023.

Before, during and after my visit to NFDA2022, I took photos and videos to share on social media. Here are a few photos (thought I’d leave out the plane and coffee pics) and I felt I had to share a photo of my favourite display, yes it’s the Funeral Lego:

One highlight was being invited to chat with Brian Waters, Host of “Undertaking The Podcast” and John Adams, The President of “The National

out the podcast.

Association of Funeral Directors” in the UK as an Associate Member of NAFD. Do check

Talking of making new connections. I met the most interesting people at NFDA2022 and one in particular was Jeffrey Weafer who was representing “The Canadian Association

of Funeral Directors”. He sent me this poem he had written with permission to share. I hope you like it as much as I do “The Last Responders”.

The last Responders

We are the last responders you don’t know us. You don’t want to know us. You don’t want to know us.

We are the forgotten last link in the healthcare chain. The price we pay for the unselfish work we do as general rule goes unrecognised.

We may meet in your darkest hour without question or judgement, we commit to walk with you through your toughest day.

We ask for little in return but do appreciate respect. We consider our work a privilege, an honour, a higher calling.

Don’t expect most to understand.

But know this... As a dedicated funeral professional,

Social Media Question

Idid get asked when I was away about different things regarding social media and websites etc… and one thing that came up again and again was; ideas about what to post?

November can be a difficult month. Traditionally a month in which the community remembers those who have died. Here are a few social media post ideas for Funeral professionals to consider for November. By sharing content

you have the potential to make a profound difference on the lives of others. The work that you do matters.

You have demonstrated courage to do what others can not. Reward, recognition and remuneration are not always found in the bank account.

The fact that we may feel unseen by others does not make our work any less valid.

If you are fortunate enough in this career, you will have the opportunity to give a little of yourself to those who you serve and know that you have made a difference.

So step out of the shadows and be seen. We are the last responders.

Written by Jeffrey D Weafer - May 2021

that is supportive, helpful and insightful - this will encourage engagement such as likes, comments, follows, and even the sharing of your posts. From there, this then leads to building more trust online as your audience gets to know you more.

If you have any more questions, send them into Eimer and she will answer them for you, and we will publish them in our next edition. All questions submitted and published can be anonymous if you wish. You can contact Eimer by email at: eimer@fitsocialmedia.ie.

Launch of NIKRF Ambassador

Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is delighted to announce chef and food writer Paula McIntyre, MBE, as their Ambassador to help the charity promote awareness of kidney disease.

One of Northern Ireland’s renowned chefs and food writers, Paula is a regular contributor on both radio and television.

She says, “I am honoured to become Ambassador for this Northern Ireland charity who play such an important part in funding the ongoing research into kidney disease. In accepting the role I am looking forward to combining my passion for cooking and food to highlight diet, which is an important ingredient in the fight against renal disease. With the charity celebrating 50 years this is an exciting time to come on board.”

29th November 2022

Sunflower Woods

NIKRF are delighted that the Woods Family selected us as one of their chosen charities for their amazing Sunflower Woods.

It was free entry to their sunflower fields, just off the A1 dual carriageway. People could pick sunflowers and give a donation to charity.

What a magnificent philanthropic gesture. Thank you.

CELEBRATING YEARS

Paula McIntyre, MBE, the new Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Ambassador

Gas

prices got you down? Don’t feel the same way about a tissue gas case

By Lincoln Plain

As I sit at my desk drinking a cup of coffee and scratching my head trying to figure out what issues embalmers might be interested in reading about, there are several topics that immediately come to mind.

Let’s face it, embalming a body today is different than it was twenty years ago, five years ago, or even a couple of years ago. With the advancement of medications, surgical procedures, and donation, we are seeing cases come to the funeral home that are very different than what we saw years back. Certain medications present in the deceased make it harder to properly preserve and firm the body and at times it can be a real challenge for us embalmers. Medication present in the body can be a real problem and an example of this was covered in the articles on Methylene Blue in this magazine (Winter and Summer 2022). Now wouldn’t it be a shocker to any funeral director to walk into the preparation room the day after embalming to check on the case and see the body has turned blue overnight. If you haven’t read the articles, I suggest you do. They are a good read.

Combine that with the family’s request for delaying traditional funerals farther out into the future. It used to be families pushed up a funeral so they could have it on a Saturday, and now that has turned into pushing it back four Saturdays or even longer in some cases.

When I’m brainstorming topics, I always seem to defer to the questions or issues that clients have called me about. I just took a call a couple of days ago from a colleague about treating a body with potential tissue gas. He had such a case and, from the description he gave me, it sounded like a doozie. Fortunately for him, he had the right chemicals available, and we

started to talk through what to do. In this article I will cover some ways that will help you minimize tissue gas bloating and how to stop it from spreading.

Clostridium perfringens, better known as “tissue gas,” is a bacterium that, when present, can accelerate the decomposition of a body. Deceased bodies at higher risk of tissue gas include people who have died of gangrene, decubitus ulcers, or necrotizing fasciitis, and those who have had open wounds exposed to soil, feces, or water. So, if the body was the victim of a car accident, or a body found in the woods, or a drowning case, it should be an automatic red flag. It can also be spread to a body through the use of improperly sterilized instruments, both in the hospital setting and funeral home, but we will talk about that later.

Tissue gas, once present in the body, can spread quickly. Waiting a few hours to embalm can have devastating consequences on how the deceased will look for a viewing. Acting quickly and using the correct chemicals will make or break your end results.

According to the CDC, formaldehyde does kill clostridium. Chemicals that are 30 index or higher, like Regal 30, Introfiant, Metasyn 35, or Permaglo 35, are all good choices for arterial injection. The only issue is that, even using stronger chemicals, it takes time to be effective. The results are not immediate. It can take eight to twelve hours for formaldehyde alone to be effective in killing tissue gas. Luckily for us as embalmers, we have some products available that render more immediate results.

Those of us who have been around the block a few times were always taught to add a couple of bottles of Dis-Spray into our tank to mix with our solution. It is effective and, in a pinch, it is

Lincoln is the Dodge Representative for Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota. He is a licensed funeral director in Minnesota and stays active in the preparation room helping clients on a regular basis.

your best line of defense for stopping tissue gas from spreading throughout the body if that’s all you have in the cabinet. And, equally as important, it won’t harm your embalming machine. However, there are products currently available to you that are better and specifically designed to combat tissue gas. Products like Halt GX and Halt Cavity are formulated to stop tissue gas. If you don’t have some, I strongly suggest you get some with the hope that you don’t need to use it. But if you have a case that requires it, you’ll be kicking yourself for not getting any.

Halt GX is an additive chemical (0 Index) that is designed to be mixed in your tank. As a preventative, adding a bottle to a regular case is a good idea. But if you know that you will be holding that deceased for an extended period before the funeral, it’s insurance that you won’t end up with an issue down the road. I know many embalmers that add a bottle to every embalming that they do, similar to using Proflow or Rectifiant. For a “red flag” case like what was mentioned above, I would add two bottles to a three-gallon tank and, if you are already seeing signs of tissue gas, I would suggest one bottle per gallon of solution.

Halt GX has other benefits as well. It can be injected into the abdomen if you have a distended stomach, but you do need to remember that there are no preservative qualities in Halt GX, so you will need to also inject a higher index cavity chemical in conjunction with your cavity treatment process. Halt GX can also be hypodermically injected using a needle and syringe. Using the product straight and injecting it into an area like around an eye or neck that may be swelling due to

tissue gas will quickly stop the spread to further areas. Later in this article I will address ways to get that swelling down to help create a more natural appearance.

The other product that is in the Halt line-up is Halt Cavity. Halt Cavity has a 21 index. This is an ideal cavity chemical for everyday use because it will also give you insurance that you won’t end up with an issue. It is the perfect chemical to use when you have a tissue gas case because it contains Halt and will actively work on killing the clostridium present in the body.

How do you know if you have a tissue gas problem? If it’s in the early stages, it may be difficult to see, so always err on the side of caution and assume that you do, and set your embalming protocol as such. There are several things to look for when doing your pre-embalming analysis that may give you some insight.

Things that are common are blisters. Blisters will appear on the arms, torso, and legs of the deceased. That doesn’t always mean you have tissue gas but it’s a red flag.

Another thing to check for is the obvious, swelling. Swelling where it wouldn’t normally be, like around the eyes, the neck, the top of the hands, and the chest. If you take your hand and press down on the skin and you hear or feel crackling under the skin, it’s another red flag. Next, check the ears. If you have a fluid discharge coming from the ears, that’s not a good thing and yet another red flag. Lastly, when making your incision for raising the vessels, if you smell a pungent odor or have any bubbling or white frothy fluid then you pretty much know what you’re dealing with.

So you’ve got yourself a tissue gas case,now

what? The first thing to be aware of is that time is of the essence. Tissue gas spreads quickly and waiting a couple of hours or until the next morning to embalm can have monumental consequences. After removing the deceased from the body pouch, thoroughly disinfect the orifices and spray down the entire body with a disinfectant like Dis-Spray. While you are doing that, start making your mental “pre-embalming analysis.” If you have read any of my previous articles, you will know that I’m big on doing a pre-embalming analysis. This process helps you become aware of areas of concern that may need further attention. Look for areas that you may need to address.

As previously mentioned, common with tissue gas cases are blisters on the arms, abdomen, back, and legs. The best way to treat blisters is to open them, let them drain, and apply a cauterant pack to the area using some Webril saturated with Dryene Basic, Dryene II, or Dryene II Gel. These products will cauterize the area and prevent further weeping. I think that it is important to note that out of the three Dryene products listed above, Dryene Basic is the only one that contains Phenol. I mention this because Phenol is effective in killing clostridium. It will be a product that I will mention down the road during our embalming process.

I have always been a firm believer that with any difficult case, a restricted cervical injection is an automatic. It gives the embalmer full control of what and how much chemical is being injected into the head. Many times, when embalming a difficult case, I will mix a different solution specifically for injecting the head in order to achieve the results that I want. I will give you an example. If I am embalming a person that is full of edema in the torso but has no water retention in the head, I’m going to be adding Edemaco into my mixture, injecting the descending carotids into the trunk, arms, and legs, but I don’t want to have Edemaco added in my solution when injecting into the head because it will just prematurely dry out the tissue and increase the chances of dehydration marks.

Before you start setting features on the body, gather all the instruments and chemicals that you think you will need for your embalming, including trocar, forceps, aneurism hooks,

various hypodermic needles, syringes, and arterial tubes. It is important to make sure that the instruments you are using for a tissue gas embalming do not get mingled with your other instruments in your drawer or cabinet. This will help eliminate any cross-contamination of your instruments and prevent the chance of spreading to other cases in the future.

After you have positioned the body, done the shaving, set the features, and raised both common carotids, it is time to start thinking about the chemicals that you are going to use. Unlike embalming a jaundice case where the chemical choice is more critical because of the high levels of ammonia and bile pigment present in the body and the negative color reaction potentially happening, the main concern with embalming a tissue gas case it to make sure you are using a high enough index chemical to achieve a high solution rate. As mentioned earlier, chemicals at a 30 index or higher are suggested. Introfiant, Regal 30, Metasyn Firming, Metasyn 35, Permaglo 30 or 35, are all viable choices. Choosing to add a chemical like Chromatech Pink or Chromatech Tan primarily for the active dye and coloring is fine but you will want to do it in conjunction with something 30 index or higher. Also, using Proflow/Metaflow, Rectifiant, or Edemaco in your solution will help aid in your results. A suggested mixture would be: 32 oz. Introfiant, 16 oz. Metasyn Firming, 8 oz. of Chromatech Pink or Tan, 32 oz. Proflow, 16 oz. Rectifiant, 16 oz. Halt GX, and 16 oz. Edemaco to make one gallon of solution. Essentially a “waterless embalming.”

Your solution rate will be around 10.5% which is strong, but keep in mind that the body has gas and fluid present, and the higher solution rate will ensure that preservation of the tissue will be reached and will help reduce swelling by drawing out water in the tissue. I think that it’s important to mention to NOT use Dryene Basic or anything containing Phenol in your solution. Yes, it is effective in killing tissue gas but no, your machine won’t like it. Phenol can severely damage your machine and give you problems down the road.

Depending on the condition of the deceased, I would not rule out a pre-injection, especially if the time between death and embalming has been substantial. Use Proflow, Rectifiant, and Edemaco to make a gallon of solution and inject

it down the right common carotid into the torso to a closed system, meaning not having the vein opened for drainage. Closed drainage does a couple of things for you. First, it allows the vascular system to build pressure and forces more chemical into the capillaries, giving you a better embalming and, second, it expands the veins allowing for a greater chance of potential clots to be loosened and eventually work their way towards your drainage point. Proflow has a surfactant which acts like a lubricant, thus helping your chemical distribution throughout the vascular system. By doing a pre-injection, you’re better prepared for success when introducing your arterial chemical.

If you notice that the deceased has stomach distention or that other areas of the body show signs of tissue gas, but the head does not, take this step to help prevent the gas from creeping upward into the head causing you more issues. Using the incisions for both common carotids as access, fill your syringe with straight Halt GX and inject with a hypo needle the superficial and deep tissue in the neck and completely saturate the area to help create a barrier. The Halt GX will give you some defense against the clostridium creeping upward into the head.

When I start my injection, I usually inject the right common carotid first. I choose that location because of its proximity to the heart and it has the best chance for drainage when using an angular vein spreader. Again, if you have read any of my previous articles, you know that I am partial to high pressure with a low rate of flow when embalming. Everyone has their different opinion about what is best, but ultimately you need to choose what you feel most comfortable with and what gives you the most control over the process. Assuming you have pre-injected and have approximately one gallon of solution already in the vascular system, I would start by continuing to inject your arterial solution to a closed system, assuming the body can handle it. What I mean by that is that you aren’t seeing any signs of distention in places like the temples, neck, stomach, or eyes. If you do have any of those signs, open the vein immediately and relieve the pressure. If you haven’t already opened the vein for drainage, I would try and inject about a halfgallon and then open the vein and insert your angular vein spreader.

When embalming a difficult case like this, come to terms right away that you will be doing a multi-point injection. Making sure that the body is properly preserved is crucial and this isn’t the type of case where you want to be thinking to yourself, “Eh, that’s good enough.” Going into it with the mindset that you’ll be doing a sixpoint injection in hopes that it doesn’t turn into an eight-pointer, and you might be pleasantly surprised that it only ends up being a two-point injection (both common carotids).

I like to mix things up a bit by switching back and forth between direct inject and pulse. I feel that it helps move clots through the system and give you better circulation. Another tip that I find handy when encountering clots is to change the direction in which I’m injecting the chemical. An example: If I’m injecting down the right carotid and not getting great drainage, I will raise one of the femoral arteries and inject up towards the head. By coming at it from a different angle, it helps loosen any blockages you may encounter by pushing the clots from a different direction. Once you have achieved sufficient preservation through arterial injection, I would suggest leaving all incisionsopen to allow any potential tissue gas to escape out of the incisions. The incisions can be closed at some point later once you’ve been assured that the body has been stabilized.

The next step is cavity treatment. Thoroughly aspirate the viscera, taking the time to make sure you get as much fluid and gas out of the abdomen as possible. The chemical that you choose to treat the abdomen is crucial. I would recommend a few products. Halt Cavity is an excellent choice and I would recommend using a minimum of two to three bottles to thoroughly saturate the organs. If you have a case that is going south on you quickly, my suggestion is to use PermaCav 50 and Halt GX. A couple bottles of each will be sufficient to give you some peace of mind that the abdomen is properly treated. If you don’t have Halt GX, use a couple of bottles of Dryene Basic as its replacement. As mentioned earlier, Dryene Basic contains Phenol and it is effective in killing clostridium. It will also add to the drying of the viscera. It is important to not suture or use a trocar button to close the opening in the abdomen at this point. If tissue gas does

continue, you want an avenue for it to escape to help minimize any swelling.

Over the next few days, closely monitor the body to make sure there are not any visible changes or swelling occurring. You will want to re-aspirate before dressing, depending on any changes you see and quite possibly re-treat with a high index cavity and Halt GX or Dryene Basic.

One of the tasks that some embalmers forget to do is treat the brain. The abdomen and brain are the two places clostridium typically likes to start. Before you conclude your embalming, you’re going to want to treat the brain. The most effective way to treat it is to use a 6” long, 15 gauge hypodermic needle and enter through the nostril by breaking through the cribriform plate using the palm of your hand. Once you have inserted the needle into the brain, use a brush with Kalon Massage Cream and coat the area around the upper lip, nostrils, and mouth to prevent any unwanted bleaching when injecting the Dryene Basic. Attach your syringe filled with Dryene Basic to the needle and inject into the brain, all while continually changing the angles of the needle to ensure that you are covering as much area as possible. I would typically do three to four full syringe applications to ensure saturation. Taking some Webril with Inr-Seel and inserting into each of the nostrils will help prevent any leakage of the Dryene Basic out of the nostrils over the next few hours.

So, you’ve got some unwanted swelling in the eyes, face, or hands? Here are a couple of procedures that can help reduce the distortion you might be facing. First, take a longer, smaller gauge hypo needle, such as a 3”, 18 gauge, and insert it into the swollen area. Use the needle to channel the area of swelling and carefully apply pressure with your hand and work the swelling out of the hole that the hypo needle created. Safety tip: you should always remove the hypo needle before applying pressure to the area. Once you have the swelling down, you can hypodermically apply some Dryene Basic. You will get some re-swelling because of the chemical you are injecting, but don’t worry, that swelling will go back down. After injecting the Dryene Basic, the use of a compression bandage or Webril saturated with water will also help bring down the swelling faster.

At the conclusion of your embalming, it is important to take all the instruments that have

been in contact with the body and properly disinfect them using a disinfectant like Wavicide. Soaking your instrument in undiluted Wavicide for 10-12 hours will ensure that you won’t be transferring the clostridium bacterium to the next body you embalm. After a thorough soaking of your instruments, place them on a towel and liberally spray them with Dis-Spray and then let them air dry before putting them away. Using the Dis-Spray is giving you an added layer of disinfection beyond just using Wavicide. If you find yourself having tissue gas spreading from case to case in your preparation room and you don’t know why, I can assure you the culprit is going to be a non-properly disinfected instrument.

Some of us may be lucky enough to never be called to embalm a tissue gas case, but for most of us, it is inevitable. These types of cases can be intimidating and challenging, however, we are fortunate that there are chemicals on the market that make the process a bit easier and give us a greater chance of achieving favorable results. As the bodies that we embalm continue to change and create new challenges, so must the means by which we embalm them to overcome those challenges. As funeral directors, we are tasked with creating a meaningful and favorable final viewing for those that we serve. It’s a task that should never be taken lightly. It is our calling and our passion to serve others in their time of greatest need. Families entrust their loved ones into our care every day and we have the skills and compassion to help those families through their journey. Thank you for everything you do.

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 on the number below:

Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 33 49702/00353 87 2486668

Pierce Coachbuilders

Introducing the Skoda Superb...

Pierce

Coachbuilders, Killarney, Co. Kerry are proud to introduce their new Skoda Superb Hearse to the market. The Superb Hearse lives up to it’s name, boasting high quality craftsmanship together with a first class specification.

Pierce are a small family run business based in the southwest of Ireland. They specialise in building, modifying, maintaining and restoring vehicles based on thier clients requirements.

For enquiries please contact Barry on +353 87 269 0044 / Email sales@coachbuilders.ie. / Ballyfinane, Firies, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

of jewel lery, a photograph or any thing that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a smal l keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn.

Funeral directors we are cur rently working w ith have tai lored our serv ice to suit their needs. We have t wo options of how our serv ice can work for you. If you w ish you can buy our products f rom us at a w holesale price and sel l them directly to your clients. Alternatively we can o er this serv ice to your clients directly.

We would hope that by recommending our serv ice we w ill enhance and add value to your business at no ex tra 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

This new 3 Door E Class was built for O’Halloran Undertakers, Nenagh.

New Delivery - Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Professional, Confidential and Caring Services Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification at your own pace

• The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming’ offers students and registered embalmers the highest standards of teaching and practice in a supportive environment, with full use of our training facility.

• We offer both Distance Learning and attended courses.

For further information and to discuss how this course might work for you please contact us:

John and Annette Glennon, Newbridge, Kildare pictured with their new 5 door hearse at Quinn Hearse and Limousine in Co. Antrim.

Coleman Milne heads over to Ireland for Milne Funeral Services new Mercedes handover

Established in 2000 at Seagoe Cemetery, Portadown. The family-run and independent business now operates from three purpose built funeral homes in Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge.

Coleman Milne’s distinctive Mercedes Classic diesel hearse is the latest edition to their fleet. Traditionally styled and incorporating a striking Burled Amber deck and personalised illuminated signage, this premium specification

hearse features LED ambient lighting, two bearer seats and integral coverboards.

Ian Milne remarked:

“We are very pleased to take delivery of this beautiful hearse is it is a pleasure to drive and a great addition for our business.”

Pictured at the Coleman Milne handover is Ian Milne and his team and Coleman Milne’s Tony Kerr

New Delivery - Quinn Hearse and Limousine

We

Willie from William Doyle Funeral homes gets the keys to his latest upgrade. An AMG E Class hearse with custom lights, deck, slide out drawer.

Alana Gillen

List of PEAI Officers and Appointed

Representatives for 2022-2023

Chairperson - Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland

Pauline Lynch

MPEAI, MEAE

Mobile: 087 7677088

Email: paulinelyn@gmail.com

Secretary - Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland

Gráinne Teefy

MPEAI

Mobile: 085 857 0029

Treasurer - Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland

Michael Grealish

MPEAI, MEAE

Mobile: 087-8184283

Email: grealishmichael@gmail.com

PRO -Professional Embalmers Association of Ireland

Joe McNamara

MPEAI, MEAE, MIAFD

Email: josephmcnamara94@gmail.com

Learning the secrets of the big screen

Hi members, I hope you all had a great summer and are getting ready for the winter. I would like to thank our members who went to our workshop on the 15th of October. Our workshop was with makeup artist and prosthetic creator for film Tom McInerney who has won many awards for his work in the film industry. Having discussed our work with him and the difficulties we encounter he demonstrated the art of restoration and reconstruction using silicone. It was intriguing seen him mix and create using his craft. For the 2nd part of the workshop, Tom concentrated on

makeup, showing us how to cosmeticize using an airbrush to create a natural or full makeup look, then showing us skills of mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick. The skills learned at the workshop can be used to enhance the presentation of the deceased to families in their time of sorrow. Many thanks to Tom and his team at his studio. This workshop also gave us embalmers and opportunity to discuss what difficulties we find in these situations & very interesting to hear what approach each embalmer takes. A great day was had by all and hope to see you all again soon.

Chairperson Pauline Lynch.

CPL FUNERAL SUPPLIES

C P L

FUNERAL SUPPLIES

William McGuckin

We would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

• 6 BODY RESTS

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• 2570mm x 760mm

RECONDITIONED

• NEW STAINLESS STEEL BASE AND CASTORS

• DRAIN OFF

• 2100mm x 650mm

Category A

England, Wales, Nor thern Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands

Category B

* Category A members only

NAFD Member Benefits

Bu siness Advice & Suppor t

• Client Will search facility *

• Repatriation Helpline *

• *

• Stationery solutions

• NAFD Energy Club

• NAFD Telecoms

• NAFD Legal Advisory Service

• Counselling helpline for staff/family

• Property Planning Advice

• Health & Safety advice

• PR Handbook and PR Helpline

• Merchant card services

• NAFD Fast Track Debt Recovery Service

Knowledge Shar ing

• Networking opportunities through Area Federation and Local Association meetings

• Conference and Autumn General Meeting

• Member website

• Attendance at National Funeral Exhibition (discount on stand space if exhibiting)

Professional Credibilit y

• Code of Practice and client dispute resolution service, NAFD Resolve *

• Listing on funeral-directory.co.uk *

• Listing on supplier member search on NAFD website

• Use of logos and marketing collateral

Category C Benefits

• Discount on stand space if exhibiting at the biennial National Funeral Exhibition

• A listing in the overseas member search on the Association’s website

• Monthly copy of Funeral Director Monthly

Financial

• Fleet breakdown cover *

• Fleet insurance *

• Perfect Choice Funeral Plans *

• £5m professional indemnity insurance *

• £150k employment claims insurance

• £150k H&S prosecution insurance

• £150k HMRC & VAT investigation insurance

• Personal/commercial insurance discounts

• Royal Mail Same Day Service

Communication/Representation

• Parliamentary campaigning

• Monthly copy of Funeral Director Monthly

• Discounted advertising in Funeral Director Monthly

• Free editorial in Funeral Director Monthly

• Monthly e-newsletter

• NAFD social media

• Regular e-communication updates on important issues affecting your business

Professional Development

•

• Election to NAFD boards/committees

General

• Volvo schemes offering preferential rates *

Category C

Overseas

• Free editorial in Funeral Director Monthly

• Discounted advertising in Funeral Director Monthly

• Use of NAFD overseas member logo

• Invitation to attend the NAFD Conference and Annual General Meeting.

NAFD News

NFE 2024 launches with a new brand, a third hall – and new date format!

Thursday 13 June to Saturday 15 June 2024

Stoneleigh Park

new brand for the National Funeral Exhibition launched at the end of October, when it was also revealed that the 2024 show would run with a new three-day format from Thursday to Saturday and floor space would increase by more than a third to encompass a third hall and larger outside exhibition area.

Avibrant

One of the world’s most popular funeral sector exhibitions, many of the international exhibitors that were unable to attend the show in 2022 due to lingering COVID travel rules, will be back as the show returns, bigger and better than ever.

In response to feedback from both visitors and exhibitors, the 2024 exhibition will be held from Thursday 13 June to Saturday 15 June 2024 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

The show is also expanding into a third hall for the 2024 show, in response to interest from exhibitors for more stand space for new brands and larger display areas. A larger outside exhibition area has also been designed, to provide additional space for vehicle manufacturers to showcase their latest models.

Jane Lawrence, NAFD Event Operations Manager, who organises the

show explained:

“The NFE brand has been reinvigorated with a bright and vibrant new look, echoing the optimism and trust in the NFE brand that we see from the market.

“It’s one of three major step changes in the show that exhibitors and visitors will see when they visit the website.

“We’ve also opted to slightly change the format. It remains a three-day event but, over the years, Sunday has become progressively quieter as a show day, so is clearly less attractive

to visitors – and this naturally does not work well for exhibitors.

“Feedback from last year’s exhibitors and attendees asked for more of the show to be held during the business week, but one weekend day to be preserved to ensure that those unable to leave their businesses Monday to Friday would still be able to attend. So we’ve moved to a Thursday-Saturday format, which has met with a very positive response from the market.”

“Hall 1 and Hall 2 are almost fully reserved already, so exhibitors should get in touch to reserve their preferred space as soon as possible.”

If you would like to exhibit at the show, you can download the latest floor plan at www. nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk. Why not follow @funeral_exhibit on Twitter to keep in touch with all of the news from the National Funeral Exhibition?

IFSO Board members focus on ensuring high standards and a consumer-focused culture

InSeptember, Julian Walker, Director at funeral directors AB Walker & Son Ltd, and Leon Livermore, Chief Executive Officer at New Homes Quality Board and a longstanding champion of consumer rights, were appointed as non-lay and lay board directors, respectively, of the Independent Funeral Standards Organisation (IFSO).

Both bring valuable experience and insight to the work of IFSO. Leon Livermore’s experience includes leadership of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute as its Chief Executive after a successful career in Local Government. He has also overseen the transfer of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme from the Office of Fair Trading to the Institute, chairing the Government’s Used Car Commission looking into the high levels of consumer complaints and delivering the National Trading Standards Conversation. He has previously contributed, as a consumer champion, to the Independent Funeral Service Consumer Standards Review in 2018-19.

A.B. Walker & Son Ltd is a seventh generation family business, independent funeral directors and

monumental masons, serving Berkshire and South Oxfordshire for over 196 years. Julian Walker, as Managing Director, runs the business with brother Matthew and Matthew’s wife Melissa and the firm also founded Memory Giving, which enables bereaved family and friends to raise money for charity in memory of a loved one. Julian is an active member of both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.

Leon Livermore said of the appointment: “I have a passion for good consumer protection and that it’s a system that is proportionate, pragmatic and is built on an understanding of the sector from both consumer and business perspective. Having been part of the strategic group that over saw the development of the Funeral Directors Code I saw at first

hand the desire from the industry to get it right. My background in better regulation, codes and supporting businesses means that I genuinely believe I am able to help them on that journey.”

Julian Walker added: “The decision to put myself forward was derived from my belief that our profession and the people in it are enormously committed to delivering sensitive and considerate care, personal service and respect for all.

“The opportunity to contribute to building a national regulatory framework is exciting: standards incorporating aspects of real-world experience alongside wider consumer expectation and considering evolving practices and needs can only help our profession meet the expectation of our future customers.”

Julian Walker

Leon Livermore

The Governing Board appoints SMT members to lead the NAFD during CEO transition

Commercial Director Elaine Walder will assume the role of interim Chief Executive of the NAFD, during the transition period which will follow outgoing CEO Jon Levett’s departure later this month.

Elaine will continue to lead on her current responsibilities, but will also oversee the work of those teams that hitherto reported to Jon, including the education and policy teams, and the communication functions.

Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Rachel Bradburne, will also step up to become Acting Deputy CEO and Senior Director, assuming responsibility for representing the NAFD on sector wide bodies and external groups, such as the Deceased Management Advisory Group. Independent Chair of the NAFD Governing Board, Jonathan Rees, said: “We are very well placed with a great Senior Management Team, and expert staff in National Office, which should stand us in good stead to

navigate this period of transition with success.

“We will of course miss Jon’s contribution greatly, but I am sure that, working together, we will continue to deliver a great service to our members and the wider funeral sector at what will undoubtedly be an important and exciting time.”

Yorkshire born James Schofield becomes chair of the Membership Committee

James

Schofield, of family funeral firm Ratcliffe Funeral Services, in Honiley and Kirkheaton in Yorkshire, succeeded current NAFD President John Adams as chair of the Membership Committee, which oversees the development of membership services, strategy and benefits. James is the third generation of the family in Ratcliffe Funeral Services, following his grandad Bryan and parents Gwen and Andrew. He has been involved in the committee since 2020 and is also on the Yorkshire Area Federation Executive, where he will become President in 2024.

Said James: “I want to make a tangible difference and roll up my sleeves and get involved. You can’t do that from the outside so, for me, being involved with the NAFD is essential. It gives me the opportunity to use my energy and experience to make a difference to the experience of funeral sector employees

and bereaved families.

“The NAFD provides the biggest voice for members in the profession and I see my role as a great responsibility to help shape the policies, processes and activities of the Association so that the NAFD’s voice can make the biggest difference it possibly can.”

Elaine Walder and Rachel Bradburne

NAFD organises multi-agency meeting to address funeral delays in Scotland

With pathology problems and issues with registration services affecting bereaved families and causing delays to funeral services in Scotland, the NAFD organised a meeting with Health Improvement Scotland, the NHS, National Records of Scotland (NRS) and the Scottish Government to try and find solutions.

Issues reported include staff shortages and a backlog of marriages, postponed during the pandemic, causing delays for registrars. In addition there have been incidences where the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), or Form 11, is sent to the registrar office of the bereaved families’ choice, rather than one with the lowest waiting times, which can result in some offices being overloaded with death registrations and examples of hospitals sending all MCCDs to one registrar’s office or sending MCCDs in bulk – not always writing an MCCD at the time of death.

The NRS wrote to registrars to underline that directives from registrars that a funeral director should not make arrangements for a burial or cremation until the form 14 was issued “may be causing unnecessary delays” and that the Burial and Cremation team has advised funeral directors that provisional burial or cremation bookings can be made prior to the form being issued. This, the letter said, would help provide clarity and minimise distress to the bereaved.

In turn, they warned funeral directors that an appointment for registration must be made and any booking for a funeral should take into account the possibility that the death registration may be delayed if the MCCD is selected for medical review, or if further investigations are necessary and the registration cannot be completed within the expected timescale.

The NAFD’s advice to funeral directors in Scotland is that they should discuss any request for an urgent death registration with the registrar, in exceptional circumstances only and not to routinely call registrars to expedite the process. For deaths selected for a review, an Advance Registration can be requested if it meets the criteria.

The meeting also concluded that communication to Health Boards highlighting the impact of delays in MCCDs being sent to registrars or to wrong offices would be helpful, along with highlighting that the death registration can be at any office; this will come from the Scottish Government.

However, it is important to note that once the MCCD is sent to the registrar of choice, if the family decide to register at another office, this involves the registration offices having to email/ send the MCCD to the new office, which could further delay progress.

NAFD challenges Government over security of energy supply

In September, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy announced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, to support businesses in England, Scotland and Wales from 1 October onwards. A similar scheme, based on the same criteria and offering equivalent support, is operating in Northern Ireland.

The NAFD welcomed the move, although

noting that six months may not be long enough, and the Association is continuing to push for additional information on other measures, such as security of energy supply, to ensure funeral homes and mortuaries can remain operation over the challenging winter months. There is also concern over the impact of a further round of cremation fee increases on bereaved people.

NAFD secures extension of remote death registration in Northern Ireland

Following a campaign by the NAFD, in September the Northern Ireland Executive and Belfast City Council agreed to extend some of the emergency measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic around the electronic transfer of documentation.

In a letter and subsequent media activity across BBC outlets, the Association highlighted to Government Ministers the problems that

removal of remote death registration and electronic submission of paperwork would cause funeral directors, leading to a review and announcement of a Statutory Rule to extend provisions made in the Coronavirus Act 2020 by a further six months, until 24 March 2023. In a letter to the NAFD, Finance Minister Conor Murphy said he would be seeking to make them permanent via legislation when the Assembly begins sitting again.

Association speaks out for the funeral profession, in the media, on false rumours of cancellations

InSeptember, the NAFD sought to counter false rumours that all funerals would be cancelled on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, as these were leading to negative coverage/social media comment about funeral directors.

The NAFD worked with journalists and

fact checkers such as Full Fact, Reuters, Associated Press and BBC Fact Check and, over the course of a couple of days, was able to move coverage to a more accurate picture, with several outlets actively noting that the previous perceptions had been wrong.

Can you help ensure hearing aids don’t go to waste?

Hearing aids are often thrown away or stored after someone dies. At the same time, more than 360 million deaf people around the world have no access to free hearing aids or hearing care.

While some hearing aids are so closely physically tailored to the individual that it is not possible to refit them to someone else, the standard ‘behind the ear’ (BTE) devices are easily reusable. This type of aid makes up a large percentage of the aids dispensed in the

UK meaning there are lots which are going into drawers and bins every day.

Not for profit organisation Hear Today Hear Tomorrow is setting out to recover, refurbish and repurpose all redundant hearing aids so that they may be re-used where they are most needed. The funeral sector is ideally placed to help us spread the message; to incorporate the hearing aids into the conversations they are already having with families. Find out more at: www.heartodayheartomorrow.org

DMAG Study Day charts course for future collaboration

The Deceased Management Advisory Group (DMAG) held a Policy Study Day at the NAFD’s offices in Solihull.

DMAG comprises seven organisations representing the funerals sector - the National Association of Funeral Directors, the Society of Allied and independent Funeral Directors, The Cremation Society, the Funeral Suppliers’ Association, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Association of Private Cemeteries and Crematoria.

Attending the meeting were Brendan Day (FBCA), Julie Dunk (ICCM), Alun Tucker (FSA), Jon Levett (NAFD), Wendy Bray (Cremation Society), Richard Barradell (APCC) and Terry Tennens (SAIF). The purpose of the study day was to discuss the future of DMAG and its priorities post the COVID-19 pandemic, which had first prompted its establishment in April 2020. There was a commitment from all seven organisations to keep DMAG, and its spirit of partnership working, going – which saw it win the Best Collaboration Award at the 2021 Association Excellence Awards.

DMAG considered a long list of projects where there was a common interest across DMAG’s constituent organisations, including the introduction of the statutory medical examiner system, the re-use of graves, the Fuller Inquiry and the Public Inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.

DMAG invited Professor Lucy Easthope, a leading authority on disaster response and recovery, to part of its meeting. Professor Easthope, who has publicly praised DMAG’s work during the pandemic, advised DMAG on its application for Core Participant Status in the COVID-19 Inquiry DMAG also discussed how it could further involve bodies such as the British Institute of Funeral Directors, the British Institute of Embalmers and celebrant organisations into its work, and resolved to hold six-monthly stakeholder meetings, the first of which will be held in early 2023.

Find out more about DMAG on its website: www.DMAG2020.org.uk.

Liza

Would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2022 and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2023.

from Treasured Keepsakes

Terence McClintock from Donegal collects his new Superb hearse from Pierce Coachbuilders, Killarney, Co. Kerry

The economy coffin

If you see a reusable coffin, in flat pack form advertised by Ikea remember where you heard about it first. Let me explain. If you ask anyone in Kylebeg, Lacken or further afield they will tell you that I was always as honest as hard times would allow. However at this point in time I may be guilty of a small bit of intellectual property theft.

A reusable coffin was introduced by Emperor Joseph II in 1785, during the Age of Enlightenment and it reflects the ideals of that time, when man was seen as a reasonoriented as well as thoroughly rational being. Joseph II said: “why should good wood, which could be used elsewhere, rot in the ground?” And “why should one arrange a pompous funeral that drives people to expense and in part to ruin?” So he came up with this idea of the folding coffin. The people of Vienna were underwhelmed. The new method of burial was passionately opposed by the clergy, the nobility and the bourgeoisie. After six months the regulation had to be revoked. The emperor reacted correspondingly angrily, allegedly saying: “let them let their stinking carcasses decay as they please”.

He did however remain true to the ideas of the Enlightenment even after his death. His coffin in the Capuchin crypt in Vienna is strikingly simple.

“SPAKES”

By Mattie Lennon

The so called “economy coffin“ was made of wood, it came with a flap at the bottom to release the body into the grave. The corpse (sewn into a sack) was afterwards covered with unslaked lime for sanitary reasons. The coffin was closed and returned to the church again. Birgit Kopp informed me that one original economy coffin is on display at our Bestattungsmuseum (funeral museum) in Vienna. I have submitted accurate technical drawings of my plan for a reusable coffin, using modern materials, to Ikea Creative Hub, in Malmo, Sweden. I included instructions for the customer to assemble it. I am awaiting a reply.

“This is where I’ll be buried, if God spares me.”

How long is your brother Mick dead now?”

“If he had lived another three days he’d be a year dead next Tuesday.”

“What did old Sean die from?”

“I don’t know but I think it was nothing serious.”

heard in Templeboden Graveyard;

“Look at that Round Tower. It’s there a thousand years and it’s as good as ever. Weren’t they great builders in the old days all the same?” They were. There was nothing built since that lasted as long.”

... and this one from Clonmacnoise cemetery;

Create the independent future you want.

Saif NewS Saif NewS

AGM Weekend 2023

For 2023, the SAIF AGM Banquet Weekend will be held 2nd to 5th March 2023 at The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

If you are a SAIF member, as a taster of what to expect, the weekend commences on Thursday 2nd March with a Golf Tournament at the Neville Golf Club.

On the Friday a buffet lunch will be available followed by an afternoon of interactive wellbeing sessions. The first session will be delivered by Neil Laybourn and Jonny Benjamin who are leading mental health campaigners, ambassadors to Mental Health UK and Founders of Beyond. They will be followed by Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide for the second session.

The evening meal will provide the opportunity for members to meet the associates as well as networking, with micro presentations from some of our key sponsors. Entertainment will be provided by Dave Sharp.

On the Saturday, we have the Annual General

Meeting followed by lunch and then free time to explore Tunbridge Wells or take some wellbeing time and visit the hotel’s Spa. Saturday evening is the black-tie banquet, which promises to be fun filled with entertainment by The Big Kahuna Band and for those night owls the customary supper of egg & bacon rolls.

On the Sunday morning we bade farewell to the current National President, Jo Parker and welcome the 1st Vice President, Mark Horton to take the reins of National President.

If you are interested in attending the AGM weekends or any other events held by SAIF and would like more information on becoming a member then please contact the SAIF Business Centre on 0345 230 6777 or visit the website www.saif.org.uk, we would love to hear from you.

The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Wednesday 28th December

Thursday 29th December

Friday 30th December

Grief and Muscle Memory

By Dr Bill Webster

Have you heard of “muscle memory”? Frankly, I have forgotten the last time someone even acknowledged my muscles!

Muscle memory refers to “the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, with improved efficiency and accuracy that is acquired through practice and repetition of that movement.”

Muscle memory enables us to do things well, almost without thinking.

Athletes, for example, depend on muscle memory. A gymnast will repeat a specific muscular movement in their routines with mindnumbing repetitiveness, for hours and days, weeks and years, so that each spinning, twisting landing off the high bar becomes an act of muscle memory. Same applies in every sport.

But muscle memory is found in many everyday activities that become automatic and improve with practice, such as driving motor vehicles, typing on keyboards, entering PIN numbers, playing video games, musical instruments, poker, martial arts, dancing and many other ordinary actions.

However, the fact you may know how to ride a bike and will likely never forget is more due to brain memory than muscle memory.

A neuroscientist will tell you that muscle memory is actually “the cellular memory of individual muscle cells”. Muscle memory refers to the brain learning a motor skill and referencing the changes in muscles cells caused by exercise, repetition or practice.

In my younger days rode a motorcycle. I owned a BSA and then a Triumph, British motorbikes which sadly were put out of

business in the seventies by more mechanically reliable Japanese bikes.

I would love to ride a motor cycle again, but my biggest hurdle has to do with my muscle memory. British-built motorcycles had the gears on the right foot and the brake on the left. Japanese and American bikes are the reverse. For me to ride a motorbike again, I would have to UNLEARN everything I learned and was familiar with … and that isn’t easy at any age.

Just ask someone who retired after 30 years of getting up at 6am, showering, making a lunch and heading to work. Retirement means they don’t have to get up as early, but somehow the alarm clock in their system wakes them up at that hour every day.

People who have lost a limb sometimes experience the presence of that limb long after it has gone, as if the nervous system refuses to accept this new, altered reality.

Why is a grief counsellor talking about muscle memory? Because grief is like an amputation and this concept has an important application in the grief process.

Julian told me that for months after his wife died, he would come into the house after work, and call out “I’m home, honey” as he had done for 25 years. He would speak to her from another room, only to realize once again that she was no longer there. Once, he invited two friends to join him for dinner, and only after they arrived did he realize that he had set the table for four, his “muscle memory” telling him his wife would be there as well.

“It’s at times like this that grief feels like a life shaped around the person who is no longer

there, but the shape remains” said Julian. “It is the kind of thing that my wife and I would have probably discussed. I tried to raise the subject with the cat, but she seemed singularly uninterested!”

Liz lost her first husband in a car accident, and six years after his passing she married again. Her second husband was diagnosed with cancer shortly after and Liz cared for him through 3 years of painful decline.

But when he died, it was eerily similar. Liz found herself experiencing the same emotions, reactions and behaviours that she had for her first husband, even though the circumstances were entirely different. One loss does not instruct a person in how to better weather another one.

“If anything,” Liz commented, “I found that this death was summoning the pain of all the other losses I had experienced … my parents, my first husband.” For her, grief was like a muscle memory.

But strangely, nothing, not the years of her husband’s decline, or even her previous loss, prepared her for the shock of his death when it came, or the startling pain she felt when she happened on a street corner or restaurant

where they had shared a moment. Now the memories were hers alone, “echoes where there had been communication”.

Muscle memory can be helpful and useful in performing everyday tasks or actions. But it can be detrimental as well. “This is the way we have always done things” is not always the most progressive or constructive way of moving forward. Sometimes we have to change the way we do things.

I have realized that my desire to have another motorbike was really an attempt to relive and recapture those heady days in the sixties when all of life was an adventure. I’ve re-educated my muscle memory it to recognise that it is easier and safer at my age both to get into and also drive my car rather than to endure the rigors of riding a motorcycle. The song is ended … but the memories linger on!

As professionals, we likewise have to ask ourselves if the familiar way we have always done things is working for us, or if it is time to re-educate ourselves as to better ways to do what we do.

Not easy, I know, but your muscle memory will adapt if you only start ... and keep going.

First you hurt, then you heal

Dr. Bill Webster understands grief not just in theory, but also from personal experience. In his book, “First you Hurt, Then you Heal”, Dr. Bill outlines a road map for the grief journey in a series of articles that take us through the process .

He begins with a chapter entitled “I Didn’t Plan for This” that gives people an understanding of what they may experience in the early days after a loss. The book then goes on to give us an understanding of grief, some insights into various situations of loss, and some strategies to help us work through the process.

This book will be a helpful resource for those who are going through a grief process as well as containing much relevant and practical information for those who would like to know what they can say and how they can help someone who has experienced a significant loss. It will also serve as a basic knowledge and layman’s guide for those in the helping professions such as nurses, teachers, funeral directors and those who seek to support grieving people, young and old, through their work. “First you Hurt, Then you Heal” provides practical, down to earth and effective insight into one of the most difficult topics and most misunderstood experiences of life.

First you Hurt, Then you Heal: A Road Map for the Grief Journey (Kindle Edition) is available to buy on Amazon.

Jennifer Muldowney is an event planner for memorials in the United States of America and Ireland and is currently partnered with the prestigious Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel in NYC as their in-house event planner.

Jennifer is also notable as author of Say Farewell Your Way, Tedx speaker of ‘Grief as Unique as your Heartbeat’ and host of ‘The Glam Reaper Podcast’. Check out Muldowney Memorials (.com) to learn more.

By Jennifer Muldowney

2022 NFDA International Convention & Expo

As the world continues to answer the question, “What’s next?” after the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral service professionals gathered October 9-12 in Baltimore, Maryland, for the 2022 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo to find the answers.

The total attendance for the 2022 NFDA Convention was 5,076 (3,042 attendees and 2,034 exhibitor representatives). A total of 198 international attendees, representing 31 countries and territories. The Expo Hall featured 344 exhibiting companies. The NFDA convention proved to be an impactful experience for all who were able to attend. There was lots of hustle and bustle as folks got back to in person conversations, sales and educational workshops. It was great to see and even better to experience.

There were incredible keynote speakers including Kindra Hall, who shared strategies for using storytelling to connect with consumers and build a funeral home’s brand in the community. Sergeant Dakota Meyer, a Marine Corps veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, shared stories from his military career to illustrate what it takes to survive, thrive, and tackle your biggest obstacles. John O’Leary, brought the convention to a motivating close. Burned on 100% of his body as a child and given less than a 1% chance of survival, no one would have blamed him for giving up. Thanks to a few influential people he met after his accident, O’Leary learned to cultivate a positive attitude and a sense of gratitude and love that has helped him live an incredible life despite the challenges he continues to face.

A highlight for me, the 2022 Professional Women’s Conference attendees and those interested (130 in total) in learning more about the conference came together for the first-ever PWC ReConnect, for the chance to visit with friends and meet new ones. It was interesting how often each woman said how different the vibe was at the Womens only ’table’. Women became less competitive and more compassionate with each other, sharing valuable information and camaraderie.

There was a powerful Service of Remembrance, with

a serious military influence, and with the help of the Dignified Transfer and Military Honors Teams, NFDA explored the customs associated with honoring the lives of our fallen heroes. Attendees learned these and other traditions, and their importance to families of the fallen, from Col. Chip Hollinger, commander, Air Force Mortuary Operations. As attendees witnessed simulated dignified transfer and military honors ceremonies, NFDA also paid tribute to members of the NFDA family who died this past year during the Service of Remembrance.

Located approximately 100 miles east of Baltimore is Dover Air Force Base, which is home to the Department of Defense’s largest aerial port and approximately 11,000 Airmen and joint service members, civilians and families. It is also home to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, which is charged with fulfilling the nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families.

Interestingly for us Irish at least, there is British history in Baltimore. After crushing the Americans at Bladensburg and invading the nation’s capital, the British targeted Baltimore. If they could capture the city (the third largest in the United States) and a commercial and shipbuilding hub---they could likely bring the war to an end. Military and civilians, including free and enslaved African Americans, rallied to fend off the British.

Baltimore (Fort McHenry) withstood a 25-hour British bombardment successfully at ‘dawns early light’ on September 1814, thanks to thousands of determined volunteer citizen-soldiers. “Lady Baltimore,” a classical female figure, tops the battle monument erected to honor this win. The Garrison flag waving over the victorious fort inspired Francis Scott Key to pen lyrics that became the U.S. national anthem.

It was pretty cool and skin shivering to experience hundreds of Americans singing their national anthem in Baltimore having learnt that information, knowing that we had all just come through another battle (COVID) both as a community and a human being worldwide.

All of the photos can be viewed at www.nfda.org/ BaltimorePics.

Bernard and his son Conor, from Peter Carty Funeral Directors, Garrison, Co. Fermanagh with his new hearse, a 5 door E class from Quinn Hearse and Limousine.

area

Alternatively Living accommodation attached (in need of modernization) • All stock included (Modern 3 door Duffy, 40 coffins, Spencer trolleys)

Offers over €150k

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