The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland
2019 Vol.19 No.2
Professional Discreet Funeral Streaming Services
Funerals Live Making funeral participation instantaneous around the world
Funerals Live, Co. Clare, Ireland Alan Foudy - Tel: 087 765 8133 / Email: info@funeralslive.ie
www.funeralslive.ie All Ireland covered
The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland
Laurence nominated for award...................................... 22
Showtime at the SAIF AGM.......................................... 48
Contents Obituaries: Brendan Brown and Hans Clyde...................... 5 Cover story - Funerals Live............................................... 11 IAFD News....................................................................... 14 Padraic Cawley on preparing a draft................................. 17 BIE News.......................................................................... 22 Laurence nominated at Belfast Business Awards.............. 22 NAFD News...................................................................... 26 David Gresty looks at Resomation ............................... 70
Dr Bill Webster - When the grief counsellor grieves........ 34 Putting the children first by Mary Elizabeth Dillon ......... 44
Editorial and Advertising contacts: Graham Brown | Ruth McQuillan Vikki Crangle | Paula Hanna Tel: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI
SAIF News........................................................................ 47
Funeral Times is owned and published by: InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF email: sales@funeraltimes.com
Rory McKeown takes a look at the emaciated body......... 61
PEAI News........................................................................ 53 The Brompton Cocktail and keening by Mattie Lennon . 54 Jennifer Muldowney on the right track............................. 57 BIFD News....................................................................... 70 Chest Heart and Stroke on Atrial Fibrillation................... 77 Classifieds......................................................................... 79
Disclaimer: Readers are urged to support the magazine’s advertisers, but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any claims made or implied in the advertisements. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising. Opinions expressed in this magazine by contributing writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contributed for inclusion in this magazine but no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from the use of published articles. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent. Articles and photographs for inclusion are welcomed but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for their loss or damage however caused. FuneralTimes | 3
A Tribute to Brendan Brown T
ributes have poured in from across the industry to a popular and beloved figure in Belfast Funeral Director Brendan Brown, founder of PJ Brown Funeral Directors, who passed away at the age of 71. A proud familyman, the great-grandfather had spent most of the last decade battling COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) before being diagnosed with esophagus cancer three years ago. Having formerly worked as a lorry driver, with both the plans and ambition to purchase his own fleet and start a transport business, the young man opted instead to become an undertaker, following in the footsteps of his brothers. 1977 saw Brendan launch his first business out of a garage in West Belfast, subsequently moving to another premises on the Cliftonville Road. Following this, the firm moved home to a lock-up on the Antrim Road however were burnt out of the location in June, 1988. Only a few weeks later, Brendan made an offer on a house with garages on the Oldpark Road and it would Meeting the Pope
be here that the roots of PJ Brown Funeral Directors really took hold. The garages housed the business and later his wife, Sadie and the couple’s five children moved into the house in the grounds. In 2011, a second premises was opened on the Falls Road. Among the employees operating across the two locations are his daughter, son, and sonin-laws. His daughter Brenda said “My dad was the best dad he could be, we wouldn’t have changed him for anyone in the world. He was a great family man and lived for mum and his five children, he was an all round family man. Mum and dad were married for 46 years. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchild and gave us 100% of his attention at all times. He left us so many happy memories which we will cherish for the rest of our lives”. Brendan, in January 2018, was deeply moved to have the opportunity of a lifetime when he and Sadie met Pope Francis. A deeply religious man with a strong faith, the chance meeting with the Pontiff during a visit to the Vatican on a trip to Rome could be seen as fitting for a man who gave so much throughout his life, both to the industry and the families he served. FuneralTimes | 5
A Tribute to
Alfred Hanna ‘Hans’ Clyde It was with deep sadness that the local community of Garvagh, Coleraine and the funeral profession in N.I. learned of the peaceful passing of Alfred Hanna “Hans” Clyde on 23rd February 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on 23rd December 1930, Hans Clyde was the eldest of the twin sons of Isabella and Alfred Clyde and brother to John and Mary. After his education at Coleraine Academical Institution; he served his apprenticeship as a draper with R. Corbett and Son Ltd in Portadown. On returning home to the family business on Main Street, Garvagh, Hans commenced his career as a draper, house furnisher, farmer, funeral director and embalmer. Hans was a Garvagh man through and through, he married local nurse Jean Dobbin on 6th June 1959 setting up home in Garvagh, firstly at Woodbank House, then at the shop in Main Street and latterly retiring to Woodbank Lodge. He was well known and deeply respected by all the community of Garvagh and wider afield. He was devoted to his wife Jean, sons Keith and Alan, daughters-in-law Phyllis and Norma, grandchildren Alfred and his wife Danielle, Philip, Jonathan and the late Samuel and great-granddaughter Ivy. At his service of thanksgiving at Main Street Presbyterian Church on Monday 6 | FuneralTimes
25th February 2019, Rev. Raymond Kelly described Hans as a compassionate gentleman of sincere Christian faith, he would do whatever he could for all without distinction. He was a church elder for over 40 years, served as Clerk of Session on two occasions, he served as treasurer of the Building Fund and as convenor of the graveyard committee. He loved his congregation, representing them at Presbytery and General Assembly, he sang in the Church choir, Men’s group and Seven Towers male voice choir. He was President of the Royal British Legion (Garvagh), President of Garvagh Tennis Club, First Aid tutor with Red Cross, member of St John’s Ambulance, and member of the Masonic order. Former Presbyterian Moderator, Rev. Dr. Harry Allen, a personal friend of Hans for over 60 years, from his early days in Portadown and meeting up again when he was called to Main Street, Garvagh, said Hans “loved people, people who needed his help, shared his faith, he loved singing, he loved his Lord and ministered to many outside his family- faith, hope and love flowed out of his life.” Hans was one of the first professionally qualified embalmers and funeral directors in the country receiving his BIE diploma on 14th September 1961 and NAFD
diploma on 10th October 1962. Newly qualified, he willingly volunteered as a dedicated member of a repatriation team that assisted following the air disaster at Shannon airport in 1961. This was the first of many scenarios in which Hans helped throughout his lifetime, assisting in a similar fashion following many of the atrocities in the history of N.I. He served on the committees of the BIE, BIFD and NAFD, chairing each in turn and on more than one occasion, serving selflessly with great vigour and determination. He was recognised in 2014 for his services to the BIFD and also the BIE serving as Chairman 50 years after his first time in office. Apart from his own business, he tutored
and helped many funeral directors in N.I., those who needed his help, practical assistance, professional advice and encouragement. To that end, there are many in the profession who are eternally grateful. He will be fondly remembered by all who loved and knew him; his willing hands are now still. Following the service of thanksgiving, Seven Towers Male Voice choir sang “Going Home” as his coffin was taken to be laid to rest in the family grave at Main Street Presbyterian Church, Garvagh through a guard of honour from funeral directors and embalmers throughout the country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
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R. Gibney of Gibneys of Oldcastle Funeral Directors, collects his new hearse from Fearghas The Curtis family, representing Oliver Curtis & Sons, Navan, Co. Meath, collect their new Quinn Hearse and Limousines. E-Class hearse supplied by Quinn Hearse & Limousine
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Welcome to the world of Funerals Live W
ith the world becoming smaller by the day and the accessability of air travel meaning most families will have several members residing outside their country of birth, attending the funerals of loved ones may simply not always be a realistic possibility. Being part of the final goodbye to someone who has meant something in our lives has long been considered a crucial part of the grieving process, however what can be done in a situation where getting from Tasmania to Tipperary in 2 days notice just isn’t feasible? Alan Foudy of Funerals Live enables families to record their loved ones' funeral service in order to afford family and friends who are unable to make it in person the opportunity to feel part of the experience. Virtual mourners are presented with the opportunity to take part in the grieving process via a secure online viewing system. With the families permission, the funeral service is recorded and made available within several hours through a secure online portal. Crucially, the ceremony may only be accessed and viewed by those who have received a specific password, thus ensuring high levels of privacy for the family. Additionally, a live streaming option exists for viewing in real-time. Funerals Live strive to provide a professional and discreet service, respecting the sensitivity of the occasion and ensuring to conduct their operations from an appropriate distance so as not to disrupt the ceremony. There are a range of options available to suit the different needs of each and every family who wish to avail of the services offered. Prices start from ₏350.
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If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact Alan Foudy on: T: 087 765 8133 or by email: info@funeralslive.ie FuneralTimes | 11
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IAFD News New Appointments 2018/19 Education course On behalf of the Board, Edwina Fitzgerald (President IAFD) is pleased to announce the following appointments: • Second Vice-President – Donal Forde • Hon. Treasurer – Niall Mulligan • Public Relations Officer – Mary Cunniffe The IAFD Board is delighted that Donal, Niall and Mary have accepted these roles and wish them every success in the months ahead.
Second Vice-President
D
onal Forde, Fordes Funeral Homes, a well-established business based in Cork for over 80 years. Donal has been committed to the IAFD for many years and was welcomed onto the Board in 2017. He was subsequently appointed Chair of the Education Committee which plays a very important role in providing IAFD Funeral Directors with opportunities to explore and gain new skill sets.
Diary Dates 2019 Mid-year Members Meeting Friday 17th May 2019 - Portlaoise Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise Lunch – 2pm Guest Speaker/Meeting – 3:30pm to 5pm Regional Training Workshops: (Details to be published in due course) Thursday 15th July 2019 Newbridge, Co. Kildare Thursday 26th September - Cavan Town 14 | FuneralTimes
The current fifteen learners are nearing the completion of the course but have still two training days to attend. They have completed the written examination and are all working hard on completing their assignments which are to be submitted in May. IAFD wishes to acknowledge the support of Glasnevin Trust which has generously provided the accommodation for all the training sessions. In particular IAFD acknowledges the assistance and co-ordination provided by Mervyn Colville and Áine Ryan during the duration of the course. FUTURE PLANS IAFD will deliver the Funeral Directing Certificate Award course again from January 2020 and bi-annually thereafter. Individuals are encouraged to register their interest by emailing Joanne Cooney: joanne@cooneysfuneralhome.com
New Members FULL MEMBERSHIP • McMahon & Sons, Blackwater, Co. Clare • Foleys Funeral Directors, Timoleague, Bandon, Co. Cork • Alan Wray Funeral Directors, Portadown, Co. Armagh IAFD ASSOCIATE • Charles Poots, Embalmer, Dromore, Co. Down
IAFD News Edwina Fitzgerald (President) Fitzgeralds Funeral Directors Channel Road Rush Co. Dublin Ph: 0873512949 Email: edwinafitzgerald78@gmail.com
Mary Cunniffe (PRO and Immediate Past President) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village Dublin 6W Mobile: 085-8010742 Ph: 01-4907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com
Robert Fanagan (First Vice President & Membership Officer) Fanagans 54, Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ph: 01-4754101 Email: robert@fanagans.ie
John Foley Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph: 01-8555511
Donal Forde (2nd Vice President & Education Committee Chair) Forde & Sons Funeral Home South Gate Bridge Cork Co. Cork Ph: 021-4318222 Email: fordes@indigo.ie Dara Gillespie (Hon. Secretary) Finlays Funeral Service Tierney Street Ardee Co. Louth Mobile: 086 7923472 Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com Niall Mulligan (Hon. Treasurer) Heffernan’s Funeral Directors Trim Co. Meath Mobile: 086 8208501 Ph: 046 9438662 Email: heffernansfd@gmail.com
Tom Lawless Lawless Funeral Directors Mucklagh, Tullamore Co. Offaly Ph: 057-9322622 Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie Dermot McCarthy McCarthy’s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork. Ph: 029-56044 Email: dermot@mccarthyfuneraldirectors.com Kieran Shovlin Seamus Shovlin Funeral & Embalming Services Sandfield Ardara Co. Donegal Ph: 074-9541300 Email: kieran.shovlin@gmail.com
FuneralTimes | 15
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Preparing a draft script W
hoever I’m working with on the design of a Funeral, you’ll hear me explain at some point about how the draft script is likely to look. I prepare clients for a piece of writing that will be sent to them, that at times looks odd. At various points, it will feel awkward to read. And I can guarantee that it would fail any academic, English language or grammar test! The reason is simple. My ceremonies are written to be ‘heard’ and not to ‘read’ and I write them hearing myself saying the very words I put together. When I’m delivering a ceremony, then the language, pace, tone, punctuation and overall presentation carries just as much weight if not more sometimes, than the actual written content. Writing to be ‘heard’ is very different from writing pieces of work that are to be read and digested. When you’re writing Padraics Advert Feb 2018.qxp_Layout 1 15/02/2018 12:34 to be Civil heard, you’re writing for immediate
impact! It’s about thinking through every single word you use. It’s a different skill set and not everyone understands it. In my design work, I make use of language patterns. I systematically hit all of the senses. I speak in colour as well as in ‘black and white’. I draw from the past as well as walk people into the future. I talk ‘big picture’ alongside the detail… and lots, lots more. It all helps to create a ceremony that’s engaging, captivating and unforgettable and any Celebrant worth their weight in gold should be able to explain how they do this too! Your ceremonies are a one off experience. You won’t get a second chance to run them again. So if you’ve got a Celebrant in mind for your celebration, then do ask them how they approach their writing and presenting. You owe it to yourselves to have the best. Page 1 Padraic Cawley MICF
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Eulogica at the National Funeral Exhibition 2019 I
t seems scarcely believable that almost two years have passed since the last NFE, but preparations are in full swing for another busy June weekend in Stoneleigh! As usual, the Eulogica team will be on hand in the regular spot on stand L1 in the Link Hall, ready to say hello and discuss what we have to offer, including the following: • The Eulogica funeral administration system – the tried and tested concept, tailored to the needs of your business • Online service sheet design portal – quickly and easily design orders of service, order direct or print yourself, and then create memorial books, thankyou cards and more at the click of a button • Mobile task management app – update task status on the move, or have a dedicated tablet in places like the workshop to enable immediate updates • Eulogica Cloud – host your Eulogica system online so it is available anywhere
you have an internet connection, and from many different devices • Online memorial pages – provide a respectful online space for people to share memories of their loved ones • Upcoming next-generation Eulogica 7 system – with a new database engine. As well as the tried and tested bespoke Eulogica funeral administration concept, there will be a focus on extra features to help you get more from your system. Please drop by and say hello at stand L1 in the Link Hall.
David Wright explaining how the Eulogica system works
FuneralTimes | 21
BIE News Ireland Division Hi all, well it’s that time again and at the time of writing this National Conference is nearly upon us. It promises to be a spectacular weekend of educational sessions and entertainment. I hope everybody got the reminder to cast your votes on the issue of associate membership of the BIE. We will be issuing a full report on National Conference in the next issue. After having to re schedule our AGM from January to March, we ended up having a very successful meeting. The first of our guest speakers of the year was Dr. Peter
Kelehan (Perinatal Pathologist) who gave a fascinating talk on this field. We are looking forward to introducing more guest speakers throughout the year. After 11 years of serving as treasurer, Anna O’ Reilly has stepped down. We cannot thank her enough for her dedication and commitment to the division. And wish her all the very best for the future. Thank You.
Cyril Gantley Chairman
Belfast funeral director nominated for award L
aurence O’Neill of O’Neill’s Funeral Directors on the Stewartstown Road, Belfast was recently honoured with a nomination for Young business person (under-30) of the year, an award sponsored by Victoria Square shopping complex, at the Belfast Business Awards, held by Belfast Chamber for Trade and Commerce. The chamber prides itself as the voice of business in Belfast, representing businesses across all industries and sectors in the city since 1912, and boasting
22 | FuneralTimes
more than 400 members. Regarding Laurence’s nominated category, the process considered Belfast’s young entrepreneurs (30 years or under at 28th February 2019) who have been deemed to achieve significant commercial success through building their business or, who hold a strategic and influential position within an existing company. Laurence will find out the result in the Belfast Titanic Centre on Friday 10th May.
List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2019 National President: Barbara Fowley MBIE Imm. Past President: Amanda Woodward MBIE 1st Vice President: Dr. Phil Gore MBIE phil.gore@yahoo.co.uk National PRO & National General Secretary: Mrs Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01332 349035(BIE) Mobile: 07786 432014 karencaney@btopenworld.com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle FBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 michael@silsloe.wanadoo.co.uk Editor: Gwen Schofield FBIE 9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100 gwen.schofield@ntlworld.com Master Fellow: David Kaye FBIE Student Liaison Officer: Lizzy Bollington-Kinch Anubis House, 21c Station Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 0HL, Tel: 01564 778 991
IRISH DIVISION Chairman Mr.Cyril Gantley MBIE 336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile:00353 857671582 cyril.gantley@mortuary-science.ie
NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION CHAIRMAN Mr Seamus McLaughlin MBIE 904 Glenshane Road, Dungiven Co L’Derry BT47 4SB TEL : 07747 046084 Email: info@ mclaughlinfuneraldirectors.com
Vice Chairman Mr.Shane Casey MBIE Gortnabinna, Ballingeary, Macroom, Co.Cork. Mobile: 00353 860744117 info@caseyfunerals.ie
VICE CHAIRMAN Mr Pat Harley MBIE 67 Creggan Road, L’Derry BT48 9DA TEL: 07712 899137 Email: phschoolofembalming@hotmail.com
Secretary Susan Moran MBIE Maydown House, Aughraboura, Athy, Co.Kildare. Mobile: 00353 860619500 moransfuneralservices@gmail.com
1st NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Laurence O’Neill MBIE 98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast BT11 9JP Tel: 028 9062 0099 Email: oneill8210@hotmail.com
National Council Rep Mr.John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co.Cork Mobile: 00353 876390087 jmhawe@eircom.net
2ND NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Mr Ellison Sloan M B I E Tel: 02838336175 Email: poots@fsni.info
2nd National Council Rep and Educational Rep Pamela Murphy MBIE 14 Parknasillogue Court, Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow Mobile:00353 857415421 Treasurer Mrs Anna O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co.Cork Tel:02960142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com
TREASURER Mr Andrew McMullan M B I E 22 High Street, Ballymoney Co Antrim BT53 6AQ Email: andrew@mcmullanfunerals.com SECRETARY Liz Douglas M B I E 3 Rathlin Crest, Ballymena BT43 5JA Tel: 07483 178508 Email: izzydouglas31@gmail.com 1St EDUCATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Mr Stephen Shields M B I E James Brown & Sons 300 Newtownards Road Belfast TEL: 02890451021 Email: jamesbrownandsons@fsni.info STUDENT LIAISON OFFICER Mr Charlie Poots M B I E FuneralTimes | 23
New from Fearghas R. Gibneydelivery of Gibneys of Oldcastle Funeral Directors, collectsQuinn his new hearse from Fearghas
James, O’Connor’s Funeral Home, Kenmare, Co. Kerry with his new delivery of a Quinn Quinn of Hearse and Limousines. E-Class Hearse
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NFE
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to grow, improve or start your business The National Association of Funeral Directors are pleased to once again bring you the National Funeral Exhibition; WKH ([KLELWLRQ LV EXLOW VSHFLȴFDOO\ IRU WKH )XQHUDO ΖQGXVWU\ with targeted seminars to engage and educate attendees from all over the globe. The National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) is a respected global platform for the funeral profession and the largest trade show for the sector in the United Kingdom; showcasing the latest, innovative products, inspiring thought leadership and business networking opportunities to 4,000+ funeral sector professionals.
$ )$0Ζ/< 6+2: Ȃ )25 )$0Ζ/< %86Ζ1(66(6 5HFRJQLVLQJ WKDW IDPLO\ EXVLQHVVHV QHHG WR EH ȾH[LEOH DURXQG the needs of their clients, when choosing to visit NFE 2019, this year activities for children will be provide across all three days of the show, instead of just on the Sunday. Hosted by the brilliant Creation Station, the activities will be suitable for girls and boys aged 2 – 11 years old and will include a variety of fun crafts, colouring and mask making - giving parents a chance to explore the show whilst their youngsters are having fun.
('8&$7Ζ21 Ζ1129$7Ζ21 $1' (66(17Ζ$/ 83'$7(6 Ȃ 7+( 6(0Ζ1$5 352*5$00( $ GHGLFDWHG VHPLQDU WKHDWUH LQ WKH PLGGOH RI WKH VKRZ ȾRRU SURYLGHV YLVLWRUV ZLWK DQ HDV\ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR ȴQG RXW PRUH about a topic, product or organisation that could be important or useful to the future of their business during their visit to NFE 2019. The seminar theatre will host the opening of the show, with an address by NAFD President David Barrington (who succeeds current President Abi Pattenden in May). Each day, there will be an essential business update from the NAFD covering important topics such as the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the funeral sector, followed by a programme of seminars from organisations including Funeral Zone, Funeral Partners, The Funeral Celebrants Council, Beyond, Cloudberry Funeral Management Software and Death Matters.
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NAFD News The final touches are put in place for NFE 2019 W
ith just two months to go, exhibition space is sold out at NFE 2019. However, new exhibitors continue to come forward, so the show team is working hard to create some additional opportunities for innovative businesses within the floorplan to make NFE 2019 the best exhibition to date. Registration for the show, which will be held at Stoneleigh Park from 7-9 June 2019, is open and a steady stream of visitors are signing up, giving them a fast-track entry on the day of their visit. Meanwhile the show team is finalising entertainment for children attending with their parents, which will take place over the course of the entire show, and the traditional wellearned reception for exhibitors due to take place from 4:30pm on Friday 7 June and international guests reception due to take place from 4:30pm on Saturday 8 June. NFE 2019 will see the largestever complement of international exhibitors to showcase their products and 26 | FuneralTimes
services to the UK funeral sector. You’ll find exhibitors from China, The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, the United States and India at the show in June. International exhibitors include Tihami Impex (India), Funeral Products (The Netherlands), Orthometals (The Netherlands), Henan Songshan Produce Co. (China), Pludra (Germany), GTP Durasek (Croatia), Cremation Products (Republic of Ireland), Fenicetek (Italy), ASAP (Norway), Les Empreinte (France), Dnr – Europe (The Netherlands), Groupe Delfosse (France), Zorgna (The Netherlands), Sigmund Produkt Design GMBH (Germany) and Limbo Disseny (Spain). A dedicated seminar theatre in the middle of the show floor will deliver a high level educational seminar programme packed full of essential updates, educational presentations and engaging speakers. Each day there will be an essential
business update from the NAFD covering important topics such as the Competition & Markets Authority’s investigation into the funeral sector, followed by a programme of seminars from organisations including Funeral Zone, Funeral Partners, The Funeral Celebrants Council, Beyond, and Cloudberry Funeral Management Software.
Visitor registration for NFE 2019 is now open at: www.nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk Attending the show is free, so why not plan ahead and skip the queues on the day? It will only take a few minutes to enter your details, and you will also have the opportunity to register in advance for the education too.
You will receive an information pack nearer to the date of the exhibition containing e-passes that can be scanned when you arrive at the exhibition. If you have a smart phone, you won’t even need to print off the e-passes.
Join the NAFD at the show and enjoy five months free! Any business that applies for NAFD membership during the show, will pay nothing until January 2020 – offering up to five months’ free membership, so why not try before you buy? All you need to do is visit the NAFD stand at NFE 2019 and get your application underway. Further information about membership can be found at www.nafd.org.uk/why-join-the-nafd/uk-funeralfirm-membership. FuneralTimes | 27
New National Medical Examiner to address NAFD Conference
T
he new National Medical Examiner for England and Wales, Dr Alan Fletcher, a consultant in Emergency Medicine, will be one of the keynote speakers at NAFD Conference in Guildford in May. The new death certification processes and appointment of medical examiners will have a fundamental impact on how NAFD members work and so NAFD members will benefit from this early audience with Dr Fletcher, who will discuss his role
Dr Alan Fletcher
in overseeing the introduction of the medical examiner system, part of the long awaited reforms to death certification in England and Wales. Join us in Guildford, in May, to hear from Dr Alan Fletcher and ask questions about how the roll out will work. He will be speaking during the education sessions on Saturday 11 May. NAFD members should visit the NAFD Conference website (nafdconference.co.uk) to book their place.
NAFD welcomes news of Competition and Markets Authority full market investigation
I
n March, the NAFD has welcomed news that the Competition and Markets Authority intends to hold a full market investigation into the effectiveness of competition in the funerals sector. Jon Levett, Chief Executive of the NAFD said: “The NAFD has backed this proposal from the outset, having raised concerns that the initial six month market study only enabled the CMA to scratch the surface of the sector, leading it to overlook important evidence and drawing conclusions that were neither accurate nor reflective of the funerals sector as a whole. “However, we are disappointed that the sale and marketing of funeral plans has been omitted from the scope of the investigation, despite ample evidence as to how much this affects the experience of bereaved people. We are concerned that this will create a regulatory blind
28 | FuneralTimes
spot and will significantly restrict the CMA’s ability to gain a full understanding of the funeral services market and consumer risks within it. “Nevertheless, the market investigation represents an important opportunity to identify best practice, create a consistent minimum set of industry standards, support healthy competition and improve the way funeral directors communicate the range and value of their services. We also hope the investigation will bring us closer to identifying the right kind of regulatory structure and a suitable social support mechanism to protect the full range of funeral service consumers going forward. The NAFD looks forward to working in support of the CMA and playing our part in ensuring it is a rigorous, comprehensive and fairlyconducted process.”
Representing the needs of almost 4,000 funeral homes, the National Association of Funeral Directors is the “Voice of the Funeral Profession”, supporting members and assuring the public of high standards for more than 100 years. The NAFD is influential • Consulted by Government on legislative issues • First call for the media on funeral / bereavement issues • Established cross party groups in all four UK Parliaments / Assemblies • Universally endorsed professional qualifications
The NAFD is inclusive • We are financially independent of any other organisation • We campaign on issues affecting all members equally • Members range from small independent firms to groups and Co-operatives • We are totally democratic with one member, one vote - irrespective of the number of funeral homes
The NAFD is supportive • Best benefits package within the sector, saving up to £5,000 a year on essential business costs • Free helplines for financial, legal and employment law, HR, public relations and repatriation issues • Free £5m professional indemnity insurance per UK funeral home member - unique within the sector • Free insurance against tribunal claims, H&S and tax prosecutions
The NAFD is trusted • NAFD members are trusted by consumers to deliver our Funeral Promise: • A funeral that is a fitting farewell, at a price they are comfortable with • Treating bereaved families with respect and acting with integrity • Fulfilling any special wishes and requests • The right to independent redress if the need should arise
Your business will be Stronger by Association with the NAFD. Apply to join today and start taking advantage of the benefits of membership. Call: Su Lewis on 0121 711 1343 ext. 20. Visit: www.nafd.org.uk/whyjointhenafd
The NAFD confirms cross-sector support for statutory regulation Members of the NAFD across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, have given their backing to tighter regulation of the funeral profession that will help demonstrate the high quality and standards of care offered to bereaved families and root out bad practice within the sector. Almost 90% of firms told the NAFD they wanted to see tougher standards for inspections – with more than three quarters also wanting to see requirements placed on funeral directors to prove their fitness to practise, on a regular basis. Two thirds said they want to see regulation having some kind of statutory footing and it is notable that some of the smallest funeral firms (arranging less than 500 funerals a year) are equally as supportive of tougher standards as larger firms. NAFD Chief Executive Jon Levett said: “In spite of the many safeguards the NAFD has put in place to ensure the independence of its complaints, disciplinary and quality assurance procedures, there remains a perception that self-regulation alone no longer provides the level of robustness that is required to safeguard the needs of bereaved families. The poor
practice of some of the small number of funeral directors, who are not inspected nor held to account by either the NAFD or fellow trade body SAIF, sullies the reputation of the profession as a whole. Regulation with statutory force would either pull those funeral directors into compliance with minimum standards, or force them out of business.” The NAFD has supported Governmentled regulation in Scotland from the outset, working closely with the Scottish Government and the Inspector of Funeral Directors, Natalie McKail, as the details of a regulatory system is developed there. Adds Jon: “Proportionality and targeting are key. In terms of how we assess any proposed form of regulation, the concept of ‘right touch’ regulation advocated by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), which oversees the health and social care professional regulators, may provide a useful blueprint. It stipulates that any regulatory system should meet certain key tests of proportionality, consistency, targeting, transparency, accountability and agility.”
NAFD appoints new Education team
K
aren Burton has joined the NAFD training programmes. I hope to be as Education Administrator able to bring some of my experience and Karen Vanstone as Education of training and development in Manager, following the departure of the construction industry into the Angela Allen – who has left, after more Association and my aim is to build than a decade with the Association, on the foundations that Angela Allen Karen Vanstone has successfully laid in education to establish her own consultancy business. over the past 10 years, by bringing Karen Vanstone joins the NAFD from a fresh, updated feel to what we do the construction industry, and has a utilising the technology that is available background in both HR and training. She to us and exploring and developing new says: “Having worked alongside professional opportunities.” member associations in the past, I saw Karen Burton has joined the NAFD from this as an exciting opportunity to work a large land-based college (Warwickshire on the other side of the fence and fully College), where she managed the land-based immerse myself in the operational side of curriculum for further education, higher professional membership and associated education and apprenticeships. 30 | FuneralTimes
R. Gibneydelivery of Gibneys of Oldcastle Funeral Directors, collectsQuinn his new hearse from Fearghas New from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines.
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FuneralTimes | 31
Through our own personal experience we received the inspiration to set up Treasured Keepsakes, to give people a wide variety of options upon a loved one’s passing should they choose to keep a lock of hair, cremated remains, a piece of jewellery, a photograph or anything that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a small keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn. Funeral directors we are currently working with have tailored our service to suit their needs. We have two options of how our service can work for you. If you wish you can buy our products from us at a wholesale price and sell them directly to your clients. Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly. We would hope that by recommending our service we will enhance and add value to your business at no extra cost to you.
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Back to nature, back to life Have you ever thought about what could happen with your loved ones ashes when they die? Imagine creating new life through nature... Imagine creating a tree...
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reasured Keepsakes are delighted to introduce the Bios Urn. Bios Urn is much more than an urn - it’s a catalyst for life. Built with a special capsule that meets the needs of any type of tree, it’s the perfect medium to allow for the proper growth of a tree or plant when planted with the remains of your loved one. The Bios Urn contains a seed and the growth medium for a tree. Simply fill the urn with your loved ones ashes and place the seed on top. The prepared soil mix allows a perfect water flow while the expansion disc increases in size to mix the ashes. The lower cone of the Bios Urn holds the ashes during the decomposition period of the urn, and aids the development of the tree. The Bios Urn is 100% biodegradable. It is made using a custom moulding system which is produced without the use of glues or chemical additives. The degradation of the product is respectful to the environment because of its organic components. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Liza on T: 01 825 4579 From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 or email: info@ treasuredkeepsakes.ie
FuneralTimes | 33
Dr Bill Webster When the Grief Counsellor grieves I
n July of last year, my life and my world were changed in an instant when my son Steve died. He tripped while carrying something down a concrete stairway and hit his head, suffering a traumatic brain injury. In spite of surgery and a brave fight for life, not to mention all the hopes and prayers of people around the world, he finally succumbed to his injury three weeks later. Steve was only 42 and he leaves his wife and 4 year old daughter, his brother and more friends than any of us could have imagined. Worst of all, in the words of a song his cousin sent me, “... and it seemed he stopped his singing in the middle of his song.” To say that I am devastated by this tragic turn of events would be the understatement of the century. I have been a grief counsellor for over 30 years. I have helped people through the process, written books and produced resources on grief that many have said were helpful to them. But this is different. This was MY son. This is personal. I am in a situation I never wanted to be in, writing words I had hoped and prayed I would never have to say or express. To even begin to comprehend that my son Steve has died is simply beyond words. And it hurts … a lot! But this article is not about ME! You and I in our various responsibilities in the funeral industry hear stories like this every single day. And while I might want, in the words of W.H. Auden to “Stop all the clocks” and have the universe acknowledge this tragedy, the world does not revolve around me, and life will go on. MY life, and the life of those who loved Steve and were closest to him may take a lot longer to acknowledge that reality, but it is the truth.
34 | FuneralTimes
What I thought might be of interest was how “Dr Bill the Grief Counsellor” and “Bill the Grieving Father” interacted with one another from seemingly different planets during the entire process. I offer three insights: 1. There is a big difference between “Understanding Grief ” and “Experiencing” it. We are all aware of the theories of grief, cognitively seeking to explain, rationalize and understand the process. I, along with many others, have tried to make some small contribution to this body of knowledge and practical strategy. Last summer, I learned that in the actual moment, none of these theories mean “squat”. I have studied grief academically and therapeutically for over 30 years, but in those days by my son’s bedside and after his death, it was of little help that I “understood” it. I was experiencing it. And nothing cognitive was of any comfort. Grief is not a thing of the “head”, it is a thing of the “heart”. I have been through experiences like this before of course in the death of my wife 35 years ago, my parents and so on. But this was different. Maybe it was because this was my child, which is a uniquely difficult loss. Maybe it was because of my own age or the seeming injustice that Steve wasn’t going to get to live his life. All I knew for sure was that my worst nightmare had become a reality and I couldn’t get my head around it. 2. There are No Words Forty two years ago, it was one of the happiest moments of my life when I saw Steve take his first breath. I cannot express how painful it was when I watched him take
his last breath. In those difficult weeks, I felt no words would ever bring any meaning to this senseless and seemingly pointless turn of events. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying! And I understand that good people want to do and say something … anything … that might help. I have done it many times myself, as have each of you. But from inside the experience, I found little comfort in most of the words, even though I knew people offered them with the best of intentions. Perhaps the most meaningful words that were said and that resonated with me were these:
“No-one has the perfect words to make your sadness go away, but may you feel comfort in knowing how many people wish they did.” In my next article, I will share a third and important insight I gained about the expectation that those of us in the profession who deal with “death” and “grief ” on a daily basis must somehow be “used to it” and thus able to draw on our “experience” to help us cope. As George Gershwin’s song put it, “It ain’t necessarily so.”
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Golden Charter - trust us to help you S
ince its formation in 1989, Golden Charter has helped many Independents transfer customer funds for future funerals to the independently managed Golden Charter Trust. The Trust’s net assets now total over £1 billion and includes a euro bank account to efficiently manage transactions of Irish plan sales and maturities. It makes sense, in these times of increased regulatory scrutiny, to hold cash received from customers separately and to provide them with reassurance that the arrangements are overseen by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA). It was not previously unusual for Independents to take payment from families to cover future funeral costs. However, due to changing culture around holding money, most funeral directors sought to transfer the funds into a secure trust. While there is nothing illegal in funeral directors operating their own trusts, there are strict requirements for doing so, including annual auditing, actuarial reporting and the need to employ independent investment managers. These obligations can be costly and holding funds in the trust of an established pre-paid funeral plan provider offers economies of scale inaccessible to Independents. Graeme McAusland, FPA Chief Executive, explained: “When funeral directors ask about setting up their own planning
companies and trusts, I always ask what the volume of plan sales will be. “To run a trust that meets the basic rules involves several fixed costs and if seeking FPA registration these costs increase. Tens of plans a month would unlikely support the fixed costs without negatively impacting the value of the trust’s assets disproportionately. Where regulatory requirements in the market are only likely to increase the issue of meeting fixed costs will become even more challenging. “So, while we wouldn’t say don’t set up a trust, we would say ensure you really understand the financial implications and your prospective customers.” How would you select your professional advisers and how would you profile your expected mortality rate? At present, in the UK, the Treasury is debating whether additional regulatory safeguards will be needed in the future. How onerous might these be? If you are considering your options for funds already held, contact Konrad Wilkinson, Area Business Manager, on (+44) 07715 038 663, who will be happy to talk through your options.
FuneralTimes | 39
Creative Binding head to Stoneleigh D
amian and the team at Creative Binding Ltd. are pleased to confirm their attendance at the National Funeral Exhibition at Stoneleigh 2019. The opportunity to join this years line-up which includes more new faces than ever, as well as catching up with old friends, proved too good to miss! The team at Creative Binding Ltd. are passionate about good design every bit as much as our many loyal customers which is why they have been devoted to helping the industry since 2007. Creative Binding are proud to offer expertise and experience to ensure quality design, print and binding solutions. Established in 2007 by Damian Flynn, Creative Binding Solutions Ltd. have forged a hard-earned reputation for
quality workmanship that is respected throughout the industry. The team services all requirements from our manufacturing premises, situated in Dublin. Creative Binding Ltd aim to provide an affordable solution across the funeral industry. With a dedicated approach to constantly expanding and refining the product range, it is rare to speak to Damian and not discover an interesting, innovative new product in the works! "We have been relished the opportunities afforded to us over the years to form relationships with funeral directors across Ireland, offering condolence books, mass cards, branded umbrellas and much, much more."
Jamie Doyle from Doyles Funeral Home, The Old Rectory, Rosbercon, New Ross, Co. Wexford with his new Hybrid Mondeo from Pierce Coachbuilders
40 | FuneralTimes
Unit 9, Canal Walk, Parkwest Industrial Estate, Dublin 12, D12 A4W6, Tel: 00353 1 625 1924 E: damian.creativebinder@gmail.com
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Children first W
hether children are present at a funeral or not is a matter to be decided by the deceased’s family. Some people feel it is wholly inappropriate while others feel that children should be present and say their own goodbyes. There is no right or wrong answer to this and each family must make its own decision about what is right for their children. Further, having children involved in the funeral service itself brings another whole dimension to the debate. Much depends of the circumstances surrounding the death itself and more importantly the character and personality of the children themselves. Mary Elizabeth Dillon of Civil Funerals Ireland has had many a situation in which she has had to deal with this difficulty. She comments, I have seen many children who wish to participate but on the day are so overcome by seeing the coffin and being confronted by the death in a way which they hadn’t been in the previous few days that they are totally unable to take part. As a civil celebrant Mary Elizabeth anticipates this and is able to alter the service as it is happening if a young person just is too overcome to speak. She comments that it is nerve wracking for the celebrant but that is what she is there for, to manifest the wishes of the family involved. Moreover, when planning a service she takes into account
the ages of the children. On one particular occasion she was given instructions that all 18 of the grandchildren were to take part. While this was a tall order Mary Elizabeth rose to the occasion. She divided the children into two groups, the secondary school age children into a group of four, each of which read a verse of a poem which she selected. The second group were the primary school age who each came up and placed a single flower on the coffin while some music was played. While being very simple it was equally effective, got everybody involved, satisfied all the adults, and was very much in keeping with the theme of the civil funeral service. Mary Elizabeth also sounds a word of caution when it comes to childrens participation. She feels it is wrong to push children into doing something that they are uncomfortable with and if that is done it may provide a long and possibly painful memory for them. Children will need to be encouraged and that is fine but stepping over the line can cause pain and resentment. While it is lovely to see young people being involved and they often have an insight to offer which no adult will have, they also need to be cared for and their views respected when it comes to their participation.
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Join the association that’s leading the way. Representing and promoting the interests of 850 independent funeral directors. SAIF is at the forefront of tackling the big industry issues that matter to you. As the united voice of independent funeral directors we have led the way in setting the highest standards of professionalism and conduct within the industry. By joining SAIF you too can demonstrate that you uphold this same commitment. For over 25 years SAIF has been promoting and protecting the interests and values of independent funeral directors. Supporting our members is at the heart of everything we do, listening, responding and engaging to secure your independent future.
Join SAIF now: visit saif.org.uk or call us on 0345 230 6777 or 01279 726 777
SAIF NEWS ... SAIF NEWS ... SAIF Annual General Meeting and Banquet Weekend 29th - 31st March 2019
T
he SAIF 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Banquet weekend at the Five Lakes Hotel, Colchester started with the Friday Associates and Past Presidents and Officers Lunch where some 75 guests were welcomed by President Alun Tucker and his partner Cathy Scott. The afternoon speakers were Clarke Carlise along with his wife, Carrie, who spoke about his illness, with her experiences. It was very emotional and inspirational. More information about Clarke, dual diagnosis, and his Centre for Dual Diagnosis can be found at http://ccdd.org.uk/#home. Thereafter, we had a presentation from Angela Kidd, who introduced herself as the new DWP Social Fund Policy Lead and provided further insight into funeral expense payments. Friday evening was ‘dinner at your own leisure’ where those who were staying could catch up with colleagues, friends or utilise the facilities of Five Lakes. There was also
Jim Auld, Incoming President, receiving his medal
Clarke and Carrie Carlisle with President Alun Tucker a drinks reception for the SAIF Executive Committee and SAIF Charter Executive Committee. Saturday was the working side of the weekend with over 150 members attending the Annual General Meeting. It began with an introduction from the Chief Executive, Terry Tennens with National President, Alun Tucker welcoming the guests. Incoming President Jim Auld then offered a minute’s silence in memory of all those who had passed during the year. National President, Alun Tucker gave an overview of his charity Great Ormond Street Hospital with approx. £135k raised so far for Team Eva and thanked SAIF members for their contribution. There was also the mention of the new Scottish Cremation Form Regulations. Terry Tennens, Chief Executive provided further information regarding the CMA statement that was emailed to members on 28th March. He also made a statement about the ‘freedom charter’ emails that had recently FuneralTimes | 47
Mark Binnersley introduced the new SAIF microsite - Funeraladvice.org
Richard Edwards receiving his Fellow’s medal
been circulated regarding the SAIFCharter constitution review and expressly made it clear that the SAIF Executive Committee disassociated from these emails which were not authorised by the SAIF Business Centre or the use of the logo and accompanying documents. The Accounts for the year end 31st December 2018 were proposed and seconded and formally adopted. As the predominance of the reports were included in the AGM booklet that was sent out to members with the Notice and Election Form there were no additional presentations for the following: • Quality Assurance • IFD College • Standards • SAIFSupport / SAIF Care • SAIFInsure • Membership
There was a brief video from Ross Hickton regarding Next Gen, with the meeting of the NextGen group scheduled for the afternoon. Mark Woollard and Richard Edwards both stood down from their roles as SAIF National Executive Committee Members, with Jo Parker becoming the 2nd Vice President. Elected to the National Executive Committee was David Gresty, Liam Roberts and Paul Sillett, which was verified by the SAIF Treasurer, John Helps. Jim Auld, Incoming President gave his welcoming speech advising that his chosen charity during his year in office will be Breast Cancer Care UK. The meeting came to an end with all the Fellows accompanying Jeremy West on the stage whilst he presented Richard Edwards a ‘Fellow’s medal for his 25 years dedication to the independent funeral profession. The meeting formally closed at 10.35. Following the AGM there was the SAIF Charter Forum & their EGM. The afternoon was then kept free to those wishing to explore the surrounding
Mark Binnersley introduced the new SAIF microsite ‘Funeraladvice.org’ which is designed as a portal for the public and provides key information and signposting on the different areas of arranging a funeral for the consumer. Paul Allcock provided some additional information to his Government Report, reminding members that from the 1st April there will be new Medical Examiners, but this was being launched in hospitals in England and Wales on a sporadic basis, with some hospitals not deploying medical examiners until a later phase, therefore, members need to be aware of what protocols are applied in there region. 48 | FuneralTimes
Showtime!
areas of Colchester & Maldon or to utilise Five Lake Hotel facilities. The SAIF NextGen meeting provided a brief introduction from Ross Hickton, Daniel Ginder and Sarah Brodie, with pre-planned questions covering areas such as • How the business was handed over • Challenges faced from other family members and staff • How the change in management effected the business both positively and negatively • How we have moved the business forward
which depicted ‘The Greatest Showman’ which started off with songs from the film followed by a selection of performers from juggling to magic. After the dinner was a ‘four piece’ band where the night was danced away, finally ending with the customary bacon and egg rolls - ‘Supper Time’. Sunday morning saw the installation of officers, with master of ceremonies Mark Woollard following on from last year who, together with the edited slide show, his wit and amusing one liners, had the audience in streams of laughter from start to finish. The formalities of the morning commenced with Alun Tucker thanking the Officers and Executives and the staff at SAIF Business Centre for their guidance and help during his year in office. Gratitude was expressed to the officers present from kindred associations for their presence.
Evening entertainment
Saturday evening was arranged by Alun Tucker and Cathy and was kept a ‘secret’ until the actual night. The theme was ‘Showtime’ and commenced with songs from Les Miserables (in a flash mob style) from 42 members of the Performers College in Corringham. Following this was, in Alun’s words, ‘a party’ not a banquet
Performers College in Corringham opened the banquet
SAIF installation of officers Thanks also went to the stewards, Brian Stock and Mark Woollard, for their help over the weekend and grateful thanks were extended to everyone for the donations and support towards his chosen charity Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Presidential chain was then presented to Jim Auld who gave a short speech before officially bestowing Mark Porteous as 1st
Vice President, who then in turn passed the 2nd Vice President chain to Jo Parker. Following Jim Auld’s speech advising that his Banquet weekend will be at The Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow next year during the weekend of 13th – 15st March and his chosen charity is Breast Cancer Care UK, the formalities of the morning were closed.
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A focus on User experiences of Obit In this issue, we spoke with Griffins Funeral Directors, Limerick, a family business which has been serving the people of Limerick since 1860.
I
n November 2015, Griffins agreed with Lytesoft to be design partner and launch customer for Obit. They began using Version 1.0 exactly 3 years ago in April 2016. All staff at Griffins, under the watchful eye of John-Mark and his brother David, use the full range of Obit functions. According to John-Mark, Obit has become the “Go-To” system for all, whether in the office or out and about using their phones or tablets. Obit provides a “uniform platform” such that John-Mark “doesn’t have to worry anymore about how an invoice or letter will look, he can trust that the structure in Obit will produce a reliable result”. David and John-Mark have built an “extensive range of Funeral and Document
52 | FuneralTimes
Templates”, they have “combined Header and Footer into a single Header to make the production of electronic documents easier”, something they see an increasing demand for from their clients. According to John-Mark, “creating a funeral now takes less than ten minutes” and they are convinced Obit has “more than made the expected savings”. John-Mark and David have been prolific contributors to the customer-support area, making many suggestions for improvements, most of which were implemented, as well as spotting and reporting the occasional bug. With 3 years history on Obit now, they are finding the reporting and export tools very useful in helping them plan for the future.
Notice of General Meeting of the Professional Embalmers’ Association of Ireland. Location Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co.Westmeath Date: Saturday 25th May 2019 Time: 10:30am Registration Meeting begins at 11am
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THE BROMPTON COCKTAIL AND KEENING By Mattie Lennon
Respected journalist Brenda Power told me about a friend of hers who took an unusual step. He’s a slightly well-known psychologist, who appears on TV and radio from time to time, but he bought a grave in Mount Jerome cemetery about 20 years ago and he was lucky to get a nice location in the shade of a tree and he goes there frequently to contemplate his mortality from time to time! It’s Interesting but I have no plans
to adopt the practice myself. Wouldn’t I look the right sight in Baltyboys? Speaking of which, thanks to Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs correspondent with The Irish Times, I now have a new word. Eschatology is defined as, “the part of theology concerned with death, judgement and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.” It comes from the Greek Eskhatos for, last, furthest, most remote.
We all collect and enjoy, “famous last words.” I saw the following on social media; It was by a man who was wondering what the most used Irish phrase is, “I’ve asked my wife about this. She’s Hungarian, living in Ireland for fifteen years. In her opinion it’s ‘I’m grand’, which she has heard nowhere else. This is intended to convey that all is ok but was probably the last words of several people.”
They weep, and place him on the bed of state, A melancholy choir attend around, With plaintive sighs and music’s solemn sound: Alternatively they sing, alternate flow The obedient tears, melodious in their woe. (The Iliad of Homer) Daughters of Dun Lascaigh; A Light on the History of Cahir Women, is a 300 page hardback published by Cahir Women’s History Group. The group, formed in 2017, believed that, ”The valuable recording of history was laudable and competently done; but it did seem, from the group’s perspective, that women had been neglected in that historical narrative”. The twenty contributors to this fantastic publication set out to rectify that. And they have succeeded. In it, Mary Caulfield gives a comprehensive account 54 | FuneralTimes
of how women, “... dealt with the more intimate side of death and dying, especially when it came to laying out the corpse.” She goes from a description of how the women of Troy washed the body of Hector to a detailed account of how, in Ireland, it was the women who prepared the body and tied the marbh fhaisc (the death knot) - a piece of cloth binding the jaw to keep the mouth closed. Keening of the dead, as a practice, largely died out in Ireland more than half a century ago. But the author points out that Irish Travellers have been known to perform a version of keening up to the present day. When describing a keening scene in a production of The Shaughraun in New Inn, she says, “The depiction of wailing women around a corpse had a very powerful effect on those present, highlighting how the keen awakens a deep emotion within the human psyche.” Daughters of Dun Lascaigh was Tipperariana Book of the Year 2018 and is available. Details from jocasey09@gmail.com
The Brompton Cocktail Credit for the idea for an oral mixture of morphine and cocaine to help patients in agony with advanced disease is to surgeon Herbert Snow who came up with the idea in 1896. The Brompton Cocktail is named after the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, where it was invented in the late 1920s for patients with cancer. It is unlikely to be used in the 21st century but I dug up an old “prescription” for it in Listowel, County Kerry. With a straight face I handed it in to a branch of Lloyds Pharmacy. You can imagine the reception I got.
I have just learned that, if gifting flowers to Russians, you have to avoid giving even numbers of flowers, as this is customary only at funerals. Not being a member of the flower-giving community the custom doesn’t affect me.
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On the right track By Jennifer Muldowney
T
he ICCFA 2019 took place in Charlotte, North Carolina with a Nascar theme. A pretty bland, clean and efficient city, but lacking character for me. Each year when I attend these events I am very focussed on what’s new, what’s gonna change, what’s different, and most years I have found seriously interesting stuff to report on. This year, I found the convention, like the city, efficient but lacking. I did have to dig a little deeper to find something new and different to tell you about and what I did find definitely peaked my interest and will for you too I know, especially because rumour (and the Meath Chronicle!) has it that one of them is coming to Ireland....soon so watch this space! Resomation, also known as Water Cremation and, depending on who you are talking to, Aquamation, Bio-cremation, Hydro Cremation, Alkaline Hydrolysis etc etc is the process of body disposition with water instead of flames. I personally am not a fan of flushing granny down the loo but I wanted to know more and maybe you do too. Check out resomation.com if you want more than I give you here. First things first - resomation and aquamation and others are NOT the same. Not the same companies nor the exact same process which I find extremely confusing and therefore can only imagine how Joe Public feels. I spoke with the creator of RESOMATION, Sandy, a Scotsman - nice to hear one of ‘our’ accents on this side of Atlantic. Legally, Sandy told me that water cremation is approved in 15 US states. In the UK, plans to introduce water cremation are progressing and he told me that he had ‘done’ two bodies just this week in the UK. Irish Mortician, Elizabeth
Oakes, plans to offer water cremation as an alternative to flame cremation and burial in Ireland. More on that at another point. I was impressed by Sandy. I was impressed by the output of the process, it truly is less about flushing Granny down the loo and more about less interference with the body and more about saving the environment from mercury emissions and, with water cremation, no airborne emissions are produced and the solid leftover mercurycontaining amalgam is collected and safely recycled. I also did love the powdery finish to the remains and, weirdly, we all know that people are vain and particular about this, even in death. A beautiful white powder is better than black, rough grainy remains... no? Another innovation I discovered was Funeralocity - the Expedia of the funeral world! We have TheKnot.com for weddings, Hotels.com for accommodation, Expedia. com for travel, and much much more - it’s about time a comparison site came to the funeral industry! That’s the good news... for the consumer. The bad news is, its only US based. I know funeral directors will probably want to fight something like this but I think its important and honestly, it’s coming whether anyone wants it to or not. Check out funeralocity.com for more info. While I was there I ran into a lovely woman called Allison Gilbert. An author who wrote a book about how to celebrate our loved ones and keep a connection with them after they’re gone. I wanted to dedicate a full article to her and some of her tips so I will share that next issue! FuneralTimes | 57
H E N R Y PATO N + C o . L t d
58 | FuneralTimes
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A Look at the Emaciated Body By Rory McKeown
W
e are experiencing longer wait times to embalm bodies these days. Whether it’s due to a delay in release from a medical institution or a delay in meeting with the family to have all the necessary authorizations signed, these delays aren’t making our jobs as embalmers any easier. Many changes occur as the body lies unembalmed. Even in best cases, such as after refrigeration, dehydration is one of the challenges we can likely expect. When we have a particularly emaciated individual, the additional dehydration normally occurring can be a challenge to overcome. The dictionary describes emaciation as the state of being abnormally thin or weak due to lack of nutrition or disease. The key here is that we’re not encountering just a thin individual that we will be embalming, but an abnormal loss of flesh will be evident. This may be from a prolonged illness or there may be some other cause for the loss of muscle tissue and moisture. Embalming the emaciated case can be a challenge, depending on the difficulties one encounters. In the best case, we have a picture of the person, and some insight as to the expectations of the family. There may have been a loss of forty or fifty pounds or more. A picture is a good guide to restoring a natural appearance to the deceased that will leave the family with a peaceful memory picture of their loved one. After carefully removing the body from any shrouding, it should be cleaned and disinfected. There are times when the individual is so thin that the heels, buttocks,
Rory has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 30 years. Since 2013, Rory has served as a sales representative with The Dodge Company, covering Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Rory spent much of his funeral directing and embalming career in the Chicago area.
and the shoulders may be the only parts of the body on the table. Looking at the features we may see severely sunken eyes with flattened eyeballs. Sunken cheeks are common, as is dehydration of the lips. The eyes are often open with dehydration evident in the inner canthus and the lids beginning to dehydrate. The temples are sometimes sunk into the skull and the orbits of the eyes appear to protrude due to the loss of muscle mass and the sunken eyes. The skin is often flaky. As we begin to set the features, all these areas will be addressed. After disinfecting the eyes, an eye cap coated with Kalip Stay Cream will help keep the shape of the eye and also help prevent further dehydration. When setting the mouth, there is an opportunity to fill many of the facial features with Inr-Seel. When choosing a mouth closure, pick one that can be adjusted, if needed, at a later time. As the tissue plumps and becomes rehydrated, we may want to loosen our closure to keep the lips looking natural. A mandibular suture gives the most flexibility in securing the mandible if readjustment is needed, and the mentalis muscle in the lower jaw may be insufficient to hold a muscular suture due to lack of mass. A suture with both lead ends exiting the left nostril provides ease of access if future adjustment is required. Using InrSeel to fill the mouth helps not only fill the features to a point that the individual begins to look more natural, but it also gives us the opportunity to reshape a mouth closure or expression without needing to reopen the mouth completely if there is a complaint FuneralTimes | 61
from a family member and changes need to be made later. A heavy compound injector makes the operation easier, but a spatula can be used, too. Fill both cheeks with a good amount of Inr-Seel. A large amount is necessary because it will be moved and manipulated into areas of the face to help bulk from within. We now have a cushion behind the cheeks and lips to move and adjust if needed. This bit of backing can help make forming and manipulating the lips easier, as well as help begin to distinguish some of the natural facial lines. Using cotton as a filler behind the lips and cheeks will work, as long as it has a liberal coating of an emollient to prevent the cotton from acting like a wick and draining moisture from the cheeks and lips. Cotton doesn’t offer the embalmer the ability to make changes without removing or adding some. Cotton can also be a challenge if any needs to be removed and we wind up with the “tissue box effect,” and we lose control of how much change we want to bring about. Properly setting the facial features and filling the features with Inr-Seel at this pre-embalming point is the first step to making the changes that will bring about a successful embalming and restoration. Check to be sure the nose is straight and doesn’t have a pinched look, as can sometimes happen when a person loses facial mass. Cotton or Inr-Seel can be placed in the nostrils to help fill the nose, 62 | FuneralTimes
pre-embalming. There may be challenges with the arterial injection, as dehydration brings about changes which we will need to overcome. Darkening of the skin is common as blood gravitates downward. The blood will be significantly thickened due to lack of moisture. Fingertips may turn blue from blood and are often desiccated to the point of being hard, giving the “raisin” appearance. The skin may be flaky or peeling. If a body has been in refrigeration for any length of time, dehydration can be worsened by the cool air flowing over the body and pulling moisture away. Whenever possible a liberal spraying of Restorative on the face and hands or an application of Kalon Massage Cream can help prevent extreme dry skin, lips, and eyes. If this can be done prior to refrigeration it is a great help in retaining moisture in the face. If the lips or eyes are severely dehydrated, a Restorative pack can help bring back the moisture and eliminate the dry discolouration. Aside from its coinjection benefits, Restorative typically rehydrates the cells and helps prevent shrinkage of the tissue and will help restore a natural colour and fullness. A fifteen or so minute topical application can produce unexpectedly positive results. On an emaciated case, restricted cervical injection is preferred. Treating the case as two separate embalming procedures gives us the opportunity to treat a face differently than we do the lower extremities and torso.
There may be soft tissue, or compromised areas, in the lower extremities that we need to address with a stronger solution with a higher index. We want to treat the head with a mixture of chemicals that will disinfect, preserve, and fill, while maintaining the moisture content needed. Parts, or all, of the lower extremities and torso may need a stronger solution. Both carotid arteries should be raised and ligated along with the adjoining jugular veins. When clamping off the left carotid artery, I like to use the small spring actuated artery holders, or as they’re called in surgery, “mosquitos.” They’re small enough not to be in the way but strong enough to hold back any pressure build up during the arterial injection. Assuming there are no special considerations, such as restorative work, to be addressed, use a chemical mixture of 16-32 oz. Rectifiant, 16-32 oz. Proflow, 24 oz. of an arterial, 16 oz. Restorative, and warm water to make one gallon. Many embalmers like to use a milder arterial like Plasdopake on emaciated cases. As long as enough chemical is used to achieve the preservation we want, there is no issue with a lower index humectant chemical. With Plasdopake being an 18 index embalming chemical, only about fourteen ounces are needed in a gallon to produce a 2.0 index embalming solution, which would normally be a good starting point. The amounts of co-injection and embalming fluid are guidelines, and each embalmer should adjust the solution to meet the demands of the particular case. An injection pressure of 30-80lbs and pulsing at between 8-10 oz. /minute can be used to begin the arterial injection, going downward. I prefer to restrict my drainage normally, and inject one to two quarts, until I can see some distension of the veins. On an emaciated case, I try to inject an even greater volume before opening my drainage to create pressure behind my arterial solution to help saturate the cells if possible. Many embalmers are leery of using a waterless or mostly waterless solution, but I like to use a greater amount of coinjection chemical like Proflow on extreme emaciation cases so we can be sure that the cells are being treated and prepared at the
molecular level, plus it acts as a vehicle for our preservative and humectant to infiltrate the cells to ensure cell saturation. Since the blood is likely to be sludgy, we want to use every tool and chemical at our disposal to help overcome the coagulated blood and get deep into the capillary level. Injecting a volume of a gallon at a time gives the embalmer opportunity to check the results as they go along through the embalming process, determining if the mixture concentration is sufficient or needs to be adjusted according to the demands of the particular case. Use of intermittent drainage allows the embalmer to saturate the deep tissue with chemical and also add volume to the tissue. Today, I look at treating emaciated cases as a three part process. The filling and setting of the features is step one, the arterial injection of the face is step two, and the arterial injection of the lower extremities and torso is step three. As we consider our chemical mixture for the face and head, we will want a strong enough solution to achieve our primary goal, which is always preservation. When we’ve determined our concentration, we need to add enough humectant chemical to achieve the bulking and filling. Use the same chemical combination of 16 oz. Rectifiant, 16 oz. Metaflow or Proflow, 8-10 oz. of an arterial, and 16 oz. of Restorative, but only add enough water to make half a gallon. When injecting the face and head, the decision to use either a “Y” injector or inject each side of the face separately, will be up to the embalmer’s personal preference. As mentioned previously, we want to add enough humectant chemical to achieve the increase in volume to help make the physical change to the point that we are beginning to see the “healthy” person’s features begin to emerge. That is to say, the person’s likeness before the illness or dramatic changes began to affect the individual. The importance of getting a photograph of the person cannot be overstated. Many of the distinguishing facial features can be diminished by the ravages of emaciation, and we want to give the family that desirable memory picture of their loved one. A picture will be our FuneralTimes | 63
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best guide through the embalming and restoration process. An injection rate of 20 pounds of pressure and 6-10 oz. /minute on pulsation should be sufficient. We want the chemical to fully infiltrate the deep tissue as well as reach the surface capillary level. When we begin injection of the left side of the face, clamp off the right carotid artery and jugular vein to restrict drainage from the face and to help infiltrate the deep tissue, as well as saturate the tissue at the capillary level. The use of Restorative will ensure elasticity in the tissue, which will be needed when we move on to the hypodermic feature building after embalming. As the face begins to fill with our arterial solution, we can see the eyes fill from behind, and the lips begin to fill. Hopefully, volume is being added to the temple area and cheeks. I don’t generally do any hypodermic treatment to the eyes, even if they are severely sunken, until my arterial injection of the face is complete. Often the eyes will raise enough that no, or a minimal amount, of tissue building needs to be done to the eyeball. If, during feature building, you feel that the eye still needs to come up a bit, only a small amount of filler should be required. Once the left side of the face is injected, move to the right side, with the opposing artery and vein being clamped off as before to increase vascular pressure to the right side. When injecting upward, a slight distension of the veins in the forehead is often the first good sign of fluid distribution. Now move on to the next step in the process of restoration, which is the hypodermic feature building. I prefer a 20 cc syringe as I feel I have a little better control with it. I like to start with the temporal area and take away any sharp edges, especially the harsh bony ridges around the eyes and temples. Normally the temples are the easiest to fill, as we can easily see the increase in volume as we begin to inject our
Feature Builder. I enter this area through the edge of the eyebrow to hide my entry point. This is a good entry point as it gives a wide range of area to access with the needle. Additionally, the entry point is superior to the area where the Feature Builder is being distributed which will help reduce any possible leakage. If Feature Builder Firming is being used, these entry points shouldn’t be a point of concern for leakage, as it will seal itself at the injection point. Entry through the nose gives the embalmer access to a wide range of area across the face. By using the nares as a hidden injection point, cheeks can be reached easily, as well as the area under the orbit of the eye all the way back toward the zygomatic arch. Injecting downward we can control our injection to help maintain facial features. Manually direct the distribution of the Feature Builder using the edge of an aneurysm hook or a fingertip to block the chemical from reaching areas we want to maintain. Nasolabial folds and smaller sulci along the lips can be given special attention to recreate those natural markings that make us recognizable to our friends. Access to the neck area can be achieved by injecting from a point under the mandible that can be hidden from sight. We’ve spent a lot of time working on the emaciated features, but we should also give attention to the neck area. From under the chin we can reach all the way back to the rear of the mandible and fill as necessary. We want to bring the neck up to a natural dimension, relative to the face. Ears can sometimes lose so much volume that they look almost shriveled. An earlobe can be plumped using an insulin syringe, and even the outer ear can be injected. The nose can also be injected with a fine syringe. We want to be sure the nose is straight and filled to bring up any obviously emaciated areas. The bridge can be injected with an insulin syringe as well as the sides of the nares to give them a natural flare. The forehead is often overlooked during
we need to refer to our photo to be sure we maintain the feature characteristics
FuneralTimes | 65
the feature building process. As with the other facial features, pay attention to the profile view as well as the frontal view. Small amounts of Feature Builder can be injected with a 20 ga. x 3” needle from injection points hidden by the eyebrows to reach much of the forehead. The hairline is also a good place to hide the entry point when building the forehead. There may be more area exposed on a person with a receding hairline, than on a person with a full head of hair, so a bit more time may be needed to achieve even distribution to the entire area needing filling. Not all the eminences of the forehead are the same, so we should check our photo as we go along. Each step of the way during our feature building process we need to refer to our photo to be sure we maintain the feature characteristics and any wrinkles and folds that appear prominent on that individual. Hands are half of what we see in the casket, so some time should be given to be sure we have filled any sunken areas. When injecting the body, the need to bulk the tissue may not be as important as it is in the face, except for the hands. Hypodermic tissue filling of the hands can make a big difference in the eyes of the family and friends. If the fingertips are blue and cyanotic, they may clear if massaged gently during the arterial injection. Soaking the fingertips in warm water may also aid in clearing them. We need to have fully embalmed hands, and we can later do our feature building. Often a hypodermic injection of Feature Builder Regular can help bleach discoloured fingertips even after a number of hours have passed. Injecting Basic Dryene or Dryene II under the fingertips into the nail bed will also bleach them quite well. The addition of a drop of Icterine dye to the syringe will tint the tissue. If hardened fingertips are softened enough to inject, I use 50/50 Restorative and whatever arterial chemical I have on hand, normally Regal 30 or Metasyn, and plump the fingertips. If additional preservation is desired, Feature Builder Firming would fulfil that need. When filling shrunken fingertips, I think a good guideline would be to fill them enough that fingerprints could be readily taken. 66 | FuneralTimes
For tissue building the hands I like to use a 6” needle and a 20cc syringe. This length allows access to the fingertips and the rest of the finger through one injection point between each finger, and a bit more control with the smaller syringe. I use the same injection point between each first knuckle to go up into the back of the hand to fill any sunken areas between the tendons. You can give a softer look to any bony knuckles or protruding tendons. The area between the thumb and index finger often shows noticeable loss of mass. Again, a little bit of attention can make a big difference here. If we’ve been able to achieve success in plumping and embalming our fingertips, cleaning, trimming, and polishing are the final steps. When dressing and casketing are being performed, give attention to the abdominal area. Padding should be used when needed to make sure there isn’t a dramatic difference between the thoracic and the abdominal areas. The stomach may seem quite thin compared to the chest, especially with the body lying in the casket. By breaking down the process of embalming and restoring the emaciated case by these steps, each building on the prior step, we can produce good results on an otherwise difficult case. This has just been a basic overview, but if you crave more information, see Jack Adams’ six-part series titled “Restoring Emaciated Remains,” beginning in March, 1998 in the Dodge Magazine. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 3349702/00353 87 2486668
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Resomation – Natural Water Cremation By David Gresty - British Institute of Funeral Directors Back in September, I attended a Meeting of the Manchester Area NAFD and the Educational Session was provided by Sandy Sullivan, the founder and director of Resomation-Natural Water Cremation. I had heard of the Company and concept but did not know much more than that, so I was very interested to learn more. In fact, I was so interested by what I then heard, I wanted to share the presentation with our members.
A
ll biological remains, whether human or animal, must be disposed of in some way or another. It is the natural order of life. In the wild, animal carcasses are reduced to the bare bones through decomposition and with the help of insects, other animals, the sun and the rain. In the human world, this is achieved through the same but much slower process, in a wooden box six feet under or more quickly through Flame Cremation; some cultures use the same techniques but with differing approaches to get the final result. Sandy, an expert biochemist, formed Resomation Ltd 10 years ago when he proposed the use of Alkaline Hydrolysis to dispose of the human body as an alternative method to Flame Cremation or burial. He felt, that with his expertise, he could create a new method, the first in 142 years, of returning human remains back to nature and the great cycle of life, giving families a greater choice to the two existing methods and a new greener option. So, is Resomation the greatest invention since the Cremator and will it be the greenest innovation to the Funeral Profession?
WHAT IS RESOMATION? Resomation uses a process called Alkaline Hydrolysis. It carries out the cycle of natural 70 | FuneralTimes
decomposition, but in a much faster, efficient and cleaner way. The deceased, contained in a woollen or similar type of natural container, is placed on a tray and is weighed to calculate the amount of fluid required for the process. The tray is then carefully placed in the Resomation Chamber, where water is added and then Potassium Hydoxide (KOH) liquid to achieve an alkaline concentration of around 5% and heated to a temperature of 150C under pressure to avoid boiling. Over a three to four hour period, all the organic material is reduced back to a water like substance, which is sterile, DNA free and can be sent with normal liquid waste to the water recycling plant. The procedure uses 1500 litres of water per cycle which is less than half a person’s daily usage based on a study taking into consideration everything we use in our daily life. Once the process is complete, the tray is removed from the chamber and the remains are clean, pure white, sterile bones, along with any medical implants, pacemakers, dental amalgam and any other nonhydrolysable material. The bones are then placed in the Cremulator and the final pure white remains (substantially more than Flame Cremation) returned to the family. Potassium Hydroxide is used in everyday
The two units shown were in the Leed’s factory prior to shipping
products such as batteries, fertilizers, soaps, food thickeners, medicines, industrial processes, hairspray, to neutralise acids amongst many other uses. It is not therefore an unusual, nasty product that has been created for the process of Resomation, but an everyday chemical. WHY IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FLAME CREMATION NEEDED? Different cultures have been using fire to dispose of human remains for thousands of years. However, for most nations Cremation as we know it began in 1876 when Dr. Julius LeMoyne built the first Crematory in Washington, Pennsylvania and a few years later followed into Europe. Within this 142 year period of Flame Cremation, the world has seen an exponential population growth from around 1 billion in 1876 to 7.5 billion in 2018. This is why we hear so much about the term
Carbon Footprint and the impact the people of today have on the planet’s resources and environment. It is because there are so many more of us, we are dramatically impacting on the resources and the environment. Flame Cremation uses a lot of gas in the process and also creates a lot of pollution, even with the mercury abatement system and filtration processes. Flame Cremation has increased in the UK, Europe and other continents, in fact in Japan it is almost 100%. However, in the United States Flame Cremation has exploded as their culture has changed from the expensive funeral/burial to the cheaper Flame Cremation. Burial in earth or at sea also has its issues. The rise in population has put a huge demand on the land available for cemeteries. Even though there are guidelines as to cemetery regulation, such as location to the water table, the process of burial does mean that human waste, chemical, metal residues, FuneralTimes | 71
implant waste are in some way having an impact on the natural environment. One study showed that Resomation has six times lower carbon footprint and is 17 times less harmful to the environment than Flame Cremation. The same study (TNO 2014) estimated that the environmental impact per person with burial was £57.81, Flame Cremation was £47.14 and Resomation was £2.70. Resomation is an Evolution in terms of changing to meet modern demands, as Flame Cremation was an evolution to burial in the 1800s not only to reduce the use of land but also in a period that a more hygienic method of disposal was required. It is also a Revolution in that it has a paradigm shifting impact on existing methods and there is a natural resistance to change and accept new ideas. An increase in choice for the bereaved is a positive step with growing populations, cultures, lifestyles and ideals.
Angeles, a Resomation Chamber has been installed in the school of anatomy. After much scandal in the US with a number of private crematoria and body parts not being correctly labelled and put back together correctly, a new head of the anatomical department decided to take control of the process of disposing of medical science human remains with ethical and environmental concerns in mind. And installed a Resomation system in house. He is able to ensure all body parts are completely and correctly placed together, that the body is disposed of properly and all the Cremulated Remains returned to their family as requested. Resomation is not yet available in the UK, but there are no legal reasons why it cannot be offered as an end of life option as long as it is operated within current relevant regulations. Scotland has already altered its primary legislation to allow them to
WHAT IS THE VIEW OF THE BEREAVED? We all know people can have a fear of being buried or burnt alive and possibly this new process could be seen as a fear of drowning. However, research has shown that the public and recently bereaved see this process as a gentler and more sympathetic way of reducing the body back to nature. Some people are very uncomfortable with the process of fire. From an environmental point of view, the process is seen as a greener alternative to Flame Cremation and also burial. TESTING AND CREDENTIALS OF RESOMATION Over the past six years, Resomation has already been introduced in the USA and Canada. This only began after a lot of testing, investigating and justification of the research and studies. Water Cremation is proving a popular choice for people overseas and is legally approved in an increasing number of US States, currently 18, and three Canadian provinces. At present, there are an estimated 6000 families in the US who have chosen Water Cremation as an end of life option. At the University of California, Los 72 | FuneralTimes
The Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA, where one of the units shown overleaf is now installed and running
regulate alternative methods of disposition such as Resomation. In England and Wales regulatory approvals are currently being explored, so that it can be offered to the public within a modern appropriate regulatory framework. WHAT SERVICE DO THE BEREAVED FAMILY EXPECT TO RECEIVE The service can be a traditional religious funeral in church or at a chapel where the Water Cremation is to take place. A nonreligious service can take place at a chosen venue or the location of the Water Cremator. The only difference is that at the end of the service when the body is committed from view, the body is taken and carefully placed in the water chamber instead of a Flame Cremator. Families still get the same remains returned as with Flame Cremation except they receive more in quantity and the remains are pure white. In America families often have a viewing area where they can watch the process take place. The body can be dressed in clothing for viewing but before the Water Cremation, the deceased is redressed in a natural wool or silk gown and placed in a container such as wool. Alternatively, the body can be dressed in the woollen gown and placed in a wool coffin for viewing. The family can therefore have the same expectations as a traditional style funeral or they can embrace the new greener process with more vigour. It is up to them, but the only real change is the process which follows. CONCLUSION At the end of the talk questions were asked and the following points were raised and answered: • Embalming of the deceased is permitted but requires a 10% increase in process time and KOH fluid. This happens automatically after letting the system know that the body is embalmed. • Resomation is close to starting in Switzeralnd and Holland and legislative change is underway in Spain and Belgium also. It has not started in the UK as yet because of the normal anxiety of being
the first Borough, Council, Company or Organisation to start a new service. Resomation has come close by one council but the water board were worried that people they supply with water waste, as fertiliser, may not be happy knowing that this new process has taken place before water treatment. However, it must be noted that the liquid produced is of no harm especially when compared to human waste, embalming waste, medical waste and other hazardous chemicals that go through the water system. This has been proven, certified, accepted and is not the issue for the take up of the new service. The liquid from water cremation contains no DNA and is sterile. • The Company is looking into various types of shrouds or coffins that could be used in the process to make the funeral as professional, respectful and meaningful to the family as possible and give further options. • As with all services offered to the public, the price will be determined by the Funeral Profession itself. As with Flame Cremation this will vary between service providers. However, it is anticipated that the price will be the same or less to those currently set for Flame Cremation, but considerably more environmentally considerate. The equipment used, and cost of resources required for the process are considerably cheaper that Flame Cremation. The talk and reception of the delegates were very positive. When you seriously consider the process of decomposition in a grave and the decomposed matter going into the groundwater, or the use of Flame Cremation whereby a lot of tissue either goes up the flue or is collected in the filtration system, the workings of Resomation is possibly a more efficient, safer and sympathetic method of disposal than any other in the modern world.
FuneralTimes | 73
Woodall Nicholson Group aquire new assets W
oodall Nicholson Group, based in Westhoughton, Bolton UK, have exclusively acquired the intellectual property, trademarks and strategic assets of the former Binz GmbH & Co. KG and BINZ Holding B.V. Binz funeral vehicles were a market leader in creating, building and selling hearses and limousines in mainland Europe. Woodall Nicholson are delighted to add this capability to its existing business, Coleman Milne, a market leader within the same sector for UK and Ireland. The deal will witness the growth of the Woodall Nicholson funeral car business, with the expansion of its ceremonial vehicles business across Europe and the Middle East, offering the complete range of vehicles under both the Binz and Coleman Milne names, on Mercedes, Ford and Tesla platforms. Woodall Nicholson Chief Executive Officer, Frank Barrett commented; “We are very proud to add the Binz range of vehicles to our portfolio. The acquisition presents significant growth opportunities for the Group, making Woodall Nicholson a truly international player in the design, manufacture and supply of ceremonial vehicles through our Coleman Milne and Binz brands and products. We will continue to maintain our focus on technology, quality, delivery and customer satisfaction and we are ready to immediately support the customers of the former Binz business”. Representatives from Woodall Nicholson Group will be in contact with key customers and suppliers in due course to provide them with further information, key contacts and clarity in areas of product support, product availability and technical assistance. This deal will complement the substantial growth already achieved and underpin the future growth aspirations of the 74 | FuneralTimes
Woodall Nicholson Group which has gone from strength to strength since Woodall Nicholson was acquired by its current investors in July 2013. The Woodall Nicholson Group: Based in the North West of England, UK. Projected turnover in 2019 more than c.£80 million with around 400 employees The Five “Market-Focused” design and manufacturing divisions of the group will now include: • Coleman Milne - UK’s Market leader in ceremonial vehicles to the funeral sector • Binz - European and Middle East supplier of ceremonial vehicles • Mellor - Market Leader in innovative, efficient, accessible and sustainable small Bus and electric bus solutions. • Treka Bus - Specialists in the design, development and manufacture of wheelchair accessible minibuses • CM Specialist Vehicle Division - A market leading vehicle conversion specialist and manufacturer in the blue light emergency services sector Woodall Nicholson is a privately owned by a group of like-minded shareholders who share a passion for providing best in class technological vehicle solutions for its expanding customer base. For further information and press enquiries please contact: Rachael Buckley on rachael.buckley@woodall-nicholson. co.uk or T:01942 815600
Contemporary Mk 11 fleet for Scottish Funeral Group
Terry Buchan and Lorna Montgomery of Fosters with their Mk11 fleet and Coleman Milne’s Tony Kerr
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ince opening their Rutherglen funeral home in 2005, Fosters Funeral Directors have become the fastest growing family funeral directors in the UK. They are planning to have a total of 35 funeral homes open this year across the country, including their recently-opened state of the art facility in Glasgow. The award-winning business prides itself on providing quality and professional services with a personal touch to families as they say their final farewell. Fosters Funeral Directors also recognise that society holds a changed attitude towards funerals; their wide range of service offerings means they are able to cater for traditional faith funerals, direct cremations and everything in between. The professionally trained team are proud to offer a wide range of low-cost fully
guaranteed pre-paid funeral plans, catering for all needs. Despite offering among the lowest prices in Scotland, Fosters have built themselves an outstanding reputation for providing the best in care and attention to detail since their inception. They have everything a family might need, including a fleet of ceremonial vehicles which currently includes classic Mercedes E-Class hearses and limousines as well as their latest additions delivered at the beginning of 2019. Selected from Coleman Milne’s Approved Used selection, the Mk 11 Cardinal and Dorchester collection continues to be an industry favourite today. The vehicles have retained their fresh look and don’t look out of place on today’s roads.
The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland
Funeral Times is delivered FREE of charge to all Funeral Directors and Principals of associated businesses throughout Ireland, North and South. If you know of anyone who should receive a copy but currently does not, please let us know. The more Funeral Directors on our mailing list, the bigger your audience! Please send details to: Funeral Times, Inhouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF or simply email details to: sales@funeraltimes.com FuneralTimes | 75
New Fleet of Metallic Grey Jaguars for H. Porter and Sons Funeral Directors
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Porter & Sons Funeral Directors have been customers of Wilcox Limousines for many years and we are delighted to have provided a brand new, full fleet from them for the first time. Lucy Porter took delivery of her first fleet since being at the helm of the business. Lucy said, "The Jaguar limousines are spacious inside, enabling our client’s easy access and good leg room. The new hearse, with its intricate details and beautiful up lighting, will enhance the image of the coffin on a person’s final journey." H. Porter & Sons have switched from their trademark ‘two-tone’ grey and black cars to a dark grey all over colour to reflect changing expectations of the funeral trade and the move away from everything needing to be black.
Lucy added, “We look forward to many years of service from these beautiful vehicles. They will enable us to offer families the very highest quality of funeral transport and will work beautifully with our vintage Rolls Royce hearse too.” Wilcox Limousines would like to thank Lucy for her continued business and wish her and her team success with her new fleet of Jaguars.
Here you can see Lucy Porter receiving a fleet of new XJ Hearse and three limousines
New luxury ‘Wilcox’ limousine for Central Filling Station, Turriff
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ordon offers a Carriage Master service to the Funeral Directors of Turriff and surrounding areas. His latest purchase replaces his previous shape Jaguar limousine. The vehicle comes with a high specification 76 | FuneralTimes
Gordon Scott standing alongside his Jaguar XJ Limousine purchased from Wilcox Limousines Ltd. including satellite navigation, luxury leather, Bluetooth, heated seats, air suspension and alloy wheels. Wilcox Limousines Ltd would like to thank Gordon for his continued custom and wish him every success with his latest purchase.
Atrial Fibrillation:
We all need to know about it
Well-known local health charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS), has called on the public to educate themselves on the most common form of irregular heart rhythm – Atrial Fibrillation as well as the hugely increased risk of stroke associated with it, multiplying the risk by up to 5 times. “AF is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. It is important that the public both understand the symptoms and, if they are diagnosed, they ensure that they are on appropriate treatment,” commented Fidelma Carter, Public Health Director for NICHS. Polling carried out by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke revealed that 70% of people did not know what atrial fibrillation was. Polling over 1000 people revealed only around 30 were aware that AF increases the risk of stroke so dramatically. This is something we are working to change.” With over 37,000 people already diagnosed, the charity estimates there may be potentially as many as 50,000 people with the condition in Northern Ireland. The prevalence of AF roughly doubles with each advancing decade of age. As the number of people aged 65 and over in Northern Ireland is expected to increase by 25% by 2026, the incidence of AF is, therefore, likely to increase markedly with a proportionate impact on stroke risk. It is important that those who are experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, tiredness and being less able to exercise, breathlessness, feeling faint or lightheaded or experiencing chest pain
should make an appointment to see their GP. Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke recently introduced a test for Atrial Fibrillation as part of its health checks. “We carry out thousands of health checks every year – both for companies and with the general public. To date these tests have focused on blood pressure and cholesterol but we are delighted to be the first charity in Northern Ireland to offer a test for atrial fibrillation. For more information please contact: T: 028 9032 0184 / E: mail@nichs.org.uk or visit 21 Dublin Road, Belfast BT2 7HB
FuneralTimes | 77
Tallon Mortuary Specialists Professional, Confidential and Caring Services
School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification (BIE) at your own pace • The ‘Tallon Mortuary Specialists 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 leading to membership of the British Institute of Embalmers For further information and to discuss how this course might work for you please contact us:
Glyn Tallon - 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: 086 826 8876 / Fax: 046 903 6001 Web: www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com Email: info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com
GerryWreath McDermott Manufacturer Circular Road, Roscommon
Mob: 086 2544126 or Mob: 086 8205215 78 | FuneralTimes
New delivery from Fearghas Quinn
R. Gibney of Oldcastle Funeral Directors, collects his new hearse from Fearghas Paul Carey of of Gibneys Carey Undertakers, Ballindine, Co. Mayo received a new Insignia hearse from Quinn Hearse and Limousines. Quinn’s
Classifieds... Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com FOR SALE
FOR SALE
2009 E-CLASS MERCEDES HEARSE
2001 E CLASS MERCEDES HEARSE
• Quinn Built • 49,000 miles • NCT Price €22,950 Contact: Bill at Fitz-Geralds Funeral Home, Macroom, Cork T: 087 2854788
• NCT until Feb 2020 • Taxed until Oct 2019 • 108,000 miles • Petrol Price on Application
Contact Padraig on Tel. 086 3388300 FuneralTimes | 79
Classifieds... Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com
FOR SALE 2008 MERCEDES HEARSE
• Quinn Built • 37K Miles • N.C.T.’d to April 2020 • P.M.O.
PRICE: €23,000
For more information please contact T:086 2593327
Belfast Funeral Director Business
FOR SALE 2003 VAUXHALL OMEGA CD
• • • •
Automatic • 2198cc 3 door • Petrol engine 49,000 miles MOT expires November 2019 £4,950 ono
John Smith Funeral Directors 91A High Street, Portaferry, Co. Down Tel: 028 4272 8379 / 07802 451892
Frank Keogh & Sons Funeral Repatriation Services
requires a
Fully Qualified Embalmer With at least 1 year’s experience in the industry.
(Re-advertisement) Please send details and C.V. to: PO Box 0119 c/o Funeral Times, 1 Annagh Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF or email: sales@funeraltimes.com 80 | FuneralTimes
Woodbrook, Bray Co.Wicklow Telephone:
ROI - 086 8440208 NI - 00353 86 8440208
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FOR SALE
MERCEDES E200
2009 FORD GALAXY GHIA HEARSETTE
• In mint condition • New tyres • Soft close rear door
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• 55,000 miles • NCT 2021 • Available immediately PRICE: €7,000
Call Michael on 00353 86 1700068 email michaelclarkefd@eircom.net
For further information please contact Donal on T: 086 2557818
Matthew L. Jones
FOR SALE FIRST RESPONSE HEARSE
FUNERAL REPATRIATION SERVICE • South Wales based • 24 Hour removal & repatriation service • Long & short distance throughout UK & Ireland • Inclusive of airports & ferry ports • B.I.E qualified embalming service • Also Hearse & Limousine hire available
Mobile: 07815 866 652 Tel: 01267 236 787 (24hrs) email: info@funeralservices.wales www.funeralservices.wales
• With or without decking • Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE Diesel • 211,000 miles • Good Condition • Service History
Price €3,400
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FOR SALE
FOR SALE 2014 FORD MONDEO REMOVAL CAR
• • • •
Titanium Model Full leather Sat Nav Complete with brand new deck Price on Application
MATCHING 2000 DAIMLER HEARSE & 1997 DAIMLER LIMOUSINE • Both in regular use in black • Motd & PSV’d • A steal at the price for both (but might split) • NUMBER PLATES NOT INCLUDED ALSO AVAILABLE • 1991 & 1999 Mercedes Limousines E260 & E300D • 1987 Mercedes Hearse E200 ONLY £1,500!
Contact: Ward Funeral Services Ltd, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan for more details TEL. 042/9741075 or 086 2726521
For more information please contact Ronnie T:07836 343 204
PATRICK RYAN
2007 DUFFY HEARSE
FOR SALE
& DAUGHTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS SPECIALISING IN REPATRIATION TO ALL PARTS OF IRELAND
TEL: 020 8567 1664 FAX: 020 8566 4795 6 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA Email: office@pryanfunerals.com Website: PATRICK-RYAN.CO.UK COVERING LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES 82 | FuneralTimes
• • • •
Mercedes E Class 5 Door Petrol Excellent Condition 110,000 Miles PRICE €22,000 Contact: Paul T: +353 (0)87 9171 683
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FOR SALE 2011 FORD MONDEO HEARSETTE
• 65,000 miles Price €7,500
For further information please contact: Richard on Tel. 087 2847932
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TRADE SHOW IRELAND
Coming Autumn
2020
CUNNINGHAM MEMORIALS Formerly of of Ormeau Ormeau Road, Road, Belfast Belfast Formerly
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The Royalty of Funeral Vehicles
The Exclusive New XF Jaguar Hearse & Limousine Priced from £114,950 inc VAT
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The New XF Range, why settle for anything else?
Petrol, Diesel & All Wheel Drive Based on Jaguar XF 5 doors UK’s Jaguar Authorised Convertor British Built Long Wheel Base Rear Doors Carbon Fibre/Aluminium Technology The largest in its class Orders now being taken, call 01753 for a free, no obligation quote. Finance & Part exchanges available.
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