Issue 2 2015

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2015 Vol.15 No 2

Muldoon Funeral Supplies 5 WHITE LOUGH ROAD, AUGHNACLOY, CO. TYRONE BT69 6ES

MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY CASKETS & COFFINS

All Sizes Outsize / Oversize In Stock

Tel: 028 8555 7833 / 086 8317361 / 07764 533907

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Ireland’s first Harley hearse ......................................10

Wilcox Jaguar fit for a king! .....................................27

Contents

Willowfield winners!................................................. 57

Editorial and Advertising contacts: Graham Brown | Ruth McQuillan Vikki Crangle | Paula Hanna Tel: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI Funeral Times is owned and published by: InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF email: sales@funeraltimes.com

Kieran Bros. open new Funeral Home................... 4 IAFD News.............................................................. 12 BIE News.................................................................20 SAIF News ..............................................................29 Odlings are returning to Ireland .......................... 31 DJ MacNeice celebrate 65 years in business........ 35 NAFD News . ..........................................................38 Dennis Daulton from Dodge remembers.............44 Passage to the past..................................................46 PEAI News...............................................................50 Mary Elizabeth Dillon talks technical hitches! . . 53 Give the gift of hope and save lives - BHF............ 56 New logo for Institute of Civil Funerals................60 Social media addresses logging out.......................63 Ryan McCallan's new funeral home unveiled......64 Wilcox deliver their 1000th Jaguar XJ Limo......66 Mattie Lennon talks 'last words'!..........................70 Dr Bill Webster - Here, there or where?............... 72 Academic achievement for Co. Armagh FD......... 76 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

Kieran Bros. new exterior

Proudly serving the people of Kingscourt and surrounding areas for over 60 years

T

he president of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (2014) Henry Black joined the Kieran Family, honoured guests, and a large cross section of the local community in marking the 60th anniversary of Kieran Bros. Undertakers, proud servants of the people of Kingscourt and surrounding areas, to perform the official opening of their new Funeral Home on Hall Street, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.

Kieran Bros. was formed in 1954 by brothers Tom and Tony Kieran who came from Magheracloone, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan to set up their business in Kingscourt. For seven decades Tony Kieran has been providing funeral directing services in the town of Kingscourt and surrounding areas.

Over these years Tony has observed much change in funeral service and has adapted the business to meet technological advances and the ever-changing needs of customers.

For example in 1954, before the invention of email and fax, all funeral notices for newspapers were given verbally to newspaper staff after waiting in a long queue (over the phone) to speak with one of their agents. Today funeral notices can be sent by email from mobile phones to all relevant newspapers, websites and radio stations

4 | FuneralTimes

simultaneously in a matter of seconds.

Funeral directors in the nineteen fifties were expected by their customers to organise a selection of stout, beer and cigarettes for visitors to a “wake house”. Fast forward to 2014 and the practice of serving alcohol at a “traditional” Irish Wake is almost unheard of and instead a funeral director is more likely to have to organise gluten-free sandwiches than Guinness.

Tony’s son Colm joined the business on a full time basis in 2011 having been involved in various aspects from an early age. Colm graduated as a civil engineer in 2003 and has worked across various types of service industries for over 15 years, providing project management services for companies

Entrance Lobby

From L-R: Fr. Gerry McCormack PP, Henry Black, IAFD Past President, Tony Kieran, Kieran Bros, Fr. Aidan O’Reilly and Colm Kieran, Kieran Bros of various sizes, local authorities, and multi-nationals. Colm has overseen the construction of the Kieran Bros. Funeral Home in Hall Street, Kingscourt as well as the rebranding of the company to Kieran Bros. Funeral Care.

In 2013 Colm achieved the FETAC Level 5 “Certificate in Funeral Practice” qualification. This course is designed & delivered by the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) to provide a combination of formal classroom & practical based training to meet the needs of Funeral Directors.

Kieran Bros. Funeral Care are members of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) and Colm Kieran was appointed to the board of directors of this association in the Spring of 2014. Colm is involved in both the education and public relations committees of the IAFD. The Funeral Home is a first in the area and, with the assistance and help of Padraic Shannon (Builder) and Niall Smith (Architect), has been finished to the highest standards. It is a place where the bereaved are welcome to hold religious or civil services, with their own celebrants, should

they wish. In designing the funeral home, careful thought and planning ensured that the building merged into the area whilst still offering an important community resource.

The funeral home is discretely furnished and includes a showroom, main funeral room,

Tony Kieran with the pin presented to him by Henry Black, IAFD Past President FuneralTimes | 5

Reposing Room kitchen, family room, privacy room, and is wheelchair accessible. Tastefully decorated throughout, Kieran Bros. Funeral Home combines it’s function with homely touches, creating a relaxed environment.

Visitors enter via the foyer and follow on to the main viewing area, providing a spacious gathering place for mourners where visitors will experience a blend of light, space and colour as it envelopes the whole setting peacefully to provide sanctuary during such difficult events. A state-of-the-art public address system is provided, which allows ipods to be docked and favourite CDs to be played, ensuring a personal final farewell.

Off-street parking is provided to the rear of the funeral home.

One of the key design features is the family room. It allows people to come and use it as they please, almost as a wake house, to

meet guests, or alternatively use it as their own private area. The public viewing can take place immediately prior to removal, depending on the family’s wishes. While Kieran Bros. can arrange caterers and provide light refreshments for mourners, the home also features a fully-equipped kitchen for those who wish to make use of it.

Kieran Bros. would like to acknowledge the support of all those who, through their assistance over the years, have been involved in the development of funeral services in Kingscourt and surrounding areas. A special word of thanks to Henry Black (IAFD President 2014) who performed the official opening, Fr. Gerry McCormack PP who performed the Blessing of the building assisted by Fr. Aidan O’Reilly and, finally, thanks to Funeral Times for assistance in publishing this feature.

Family Room

Colm Kieran with Henry Black

6 | FuneralTimes

Suits

Raincoat

Printed Umbrellas

Galoshes

Collapsible sign

Windproof

Canes

Printed Armbands

Headwear

Reserved Seating

Knitwear

Contact: 087 675 7532

Ladies Range NOW AVAILABLE Dressing the Funeral Directors of Ireland New Irish-owned business Expert quality of service offered Off-the-rail suits and/or bespoke tailoring Appropriate fabrics, colours and styles All records kept to enable ease of reordering and continuity of fabric and suit choice Comprehensive list of accessories Printing service Please visit our website for full service, products and accessories available www.thedirectorscut.ie

Bobby and Peadar Farrelly with new Insignia hearse supplied by Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

Hearse & Limousines Tel: 028/048 2582 2525 Fax: 028/048 2582 2299

For Sale Mondeo ZETEC Hearse • Top specification • Excellent condition • DUE IN SOON!

13 Garvaghy Road, Portglenone, County Antrim BT44 8EF

Email: fearghas@fearghasquinn.com or visit our website for more information ** Feel free to call us, with no obligation. Rest assured we will not pester you with phone calls or unsolicited visits **

www.fearghasquinn.com

tailor-made solutions to the funeral trade

Funeral Supplies Donegal Ltd. We manufacture and supply: Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ (fall over) Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ (elastic/tape, black/green/purple) eco friendly linings ǻ Ĵȱ ȱǭȱ Ǽ lid linings shrouds mountings

Funeral Supplies Donegal Ltd. Leghowney Donegal Town Co. Donegal Ireland Tel: +353(0)74 9723715 Fax: +353 (0)74 9723742 Mobile: +353 (0)87 2376169 www.funeralsupplies.ie FuneralTimes | 9 funeralsupplies@eircom.net

Ireland’s first Harley hearse Massey Bros. rev up the funeral sector with Ireland’s first HarleyDavidson hearse and pre-paid Harley-Davidson funeral plan.

M

otorbike fanatics are now able to get the ultimate send-off thanks to Massey Bros. Funeral Directors which has purchased Ireland’s first Harley-Davidson hearse. The customised Harley-Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide hearse made its debut at the Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show held at the RDS and was a roaring success!

The company, one of Ireland’s longest established funeral directors, also launched a new pre-paid Harley-Davidson funeral plan at the show, allowing bikers to create their own final ride.

Both the Harley-Davidson hearse and funeral plan have been introduced in response to unprecedented demand from the families of people whose passion was taking to the open road on the back of their motorbike.

“Over the years we have looked after many biker funerals and have always tried

10 | FuneralTimes

to customise them as much as possible.

Traditionally, a biker funeral would include a cavalcade of bikers following the hearse and, perhaps, flowers in the shape of their motorbike. We decided to go one step further and purchase a Harley-Davidson hearse so that we could provide a truly authentic offering,” said Peter Maguire of Massey Bros.

“We are finding that more and more people are taking out pre-paid plans which not only allows them to remove the financial burden of paying for their funeral from their loved ones, but is also enables them to create the funeral of their choice.

“To cater specifically for the needs of bikers, we have introduced a new HarleyDavidson funeral plan which is priced from just €10.50 per month. We can include anything and everything in the plan from a simple Harley-Davidson funeral, to a lavish affair including a trip for family members and close friends to scatter their ashes at a significant location for those who would like their remains to be cremated.”

BE SAFE BE NOTICED Hall Street, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan 042 9667309 : info@funeraldirectorsolutions.ie Funeral Cone c/w Sleeve

FUNERAL SIGNS BE SAFE BE SEEN Footpath Sign With Base

• • • • •

Funeral Cone 750mm Diamond 600mm Sign Square 600mm Sign Cone Mounted Funeral Sign Footpath double sided sign 800 x 400mm • Aluminium double Sided A Frame Sign

€20 each €75 each €75 each €50 each €125 each €150 each

(Prices exclude delivery and VAT)

800 x 400 Zintec Double Sided Sign Cone Mounted Sign

Text and images can be to customers design.

All signs have a high reflectice backing.

www.funeraldirectorsolutions.ie T: 042 9667309 FuneralTimes | 11

IAFD News

Dear Members The first regional meeting of the year took place in Tullamore on March 19th 2015 and it was well attended with a number of guest speakers attending: World Pay Merchant Services, Thompson Insurance, and Mr Tom Lawless, one of our members, who is a representative of the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Support Services Midlands.

Members Update I would like to bring to your attention the following: • We have been in contact with the Bank of Ireland regarding payments for funeral accounts and they have given us details of their procedures which can be accessed on the Members Area of the website.

• Advice on monies held by solicitors.

• Advice on monies held for pre-paid funerals.

• Also a change has been made to the layout of the website which now has details of supplier members.

I would like to congratulate Tom Lawless Funeral Director Tullamore on the opening of his new funeral home which I had the pleasure of attending.

I would like to welcome Celtic Coffins Tullamore as Associate Members.

As we continue to improve our communication with members I would appreciate if there are some members who have now gone to email or have mobile numbers could they please send this information to Ms Orla Nolan IAFD, Mespil Business Centre, Mespil House, Sussex Road, Dublin 4.

Our next Regional Meeting will be held in Strand Hotel Limerick on 21st May 2015 at 7.30pm. This meeting will be open to all Funeral Directors both members and non-members.

Yours sincerely

12 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News Funerals – the next 10 years - Delivered by Todd W. Van Beck -

T

odd W. Van Beck is one of the best known and most well regarded educators, writers and speakers in the funeral profession.

His book, “Winning Ways,” and the articles he frequently contributes to trade magazines illustrate Van Beck’s seemingly limitless ability to come up with simple yet innovative ways to improve a funeral home and his knack for explaining good business practices in a down-to-earth, step-by-step way.

Todd Van Beck brings wit and wisdom to every topic imaginable, captivating audiences with both creative thinking and practical ideas. The seminar will include: • A fun, fast-paced presentation • Applications and practices specific to the funeral and cemetery profession • Visuals and multi-media enhancement • Manuals and handouts to enhance retention • Videos and slides for participants to use back at home The IAFD are delighted to have Todd return to Ireland. Following his very successful seminar in Wexford, Todd is returning to help enhance IAFD Members’ businesses.

The seminar: Funerals - the next 10 Years, will cover a range of topics from funeral accounts, collections, social media impact on the funeral sector, developing your funeral business and community outreach programmes to name but a few ...

S av e t h e Dat e : Saturday 25th July 2015

9.30am registration commencing at 10am Lunch from 12.30 – 1.30pm. (concludes at 4.30pm)

Sunday 26th July 2015

Breakfast with Todd (Optional) an opportunity to meet with Todd to have a one to one discussion.

Venue location: Dublin Hotel to be confirmed Registration Fee: €75.00 (non – refundable) PLACES ARE LIMITED FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS Interested parties email:

joanne@cooneysfuneralhome.com for a registration form.

AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT DON’T DELAY! TO

Congratulations

Congratulations to Michaela Reilly on successfully completing the Certificate in Funeral Practice course FuneralTimes | 13

IAFD News Michael Crowley (President) Crowley Funeral Directors Bothar Saclay, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

Phone: 021 4874777 Email: info@crowleyfuneraldirectors.ie Henry Black (Immediate Past President) Henry Black Funeral Directors Springbank, Rushbrooke, Cobh Phone: 021 4811630 Mobile: 087 2544106 Gerard Clarke (First Vice President) Gerard Clarke & Sons Funeral Home Main Street, Balisodare, Sligo Ph: 071 9130700 Mobile: 087 2565310 Email: gerardclarkeandsons@eircom.net John Foley (Hon. Treasurer and second Vice President) Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph: 01 8555511 Mary Cunniffe (Hon. Secretary) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village, Dublin 6W Mobile: 085 8010742, Ph: 014 907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com Joanne Cooney (Education Committee - Chair) 4 Robert Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Ph: 051 421416 Mobile 087 8180676 Email: joanne@cooneysfuneralhome.com

Colman Finlay (Membership Officer) Tierney Street, Ardee, Co. Louth Ph: 041 6853603 Email: colman.finlay@finlaygrp.com Graham Gleasure (PRO) The Gleasure Funeral Home Matt Talbot Road, Tralee Ph: 066 7123079 fax: 066 7123193 Mobile: 086 2581443 Email: graham@gleasures.ie James Brown Funeral Services Northern Ireland Ltd. 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1HF Email: jb@james-brown.info Colm Kieran Kieran Bros. Funeral Directors Kingscourt, Co. Cavan Mobile: 087 6218740 , Ph: 042 9667309 Email: colmkiernan@gmail.com Dermot McCarthy McCarthy’s Funeral Home Gurrane, Banteer, Cork.

Ph: 029 56044 Email: dermot@mccarthy-auctioneer.com Mary O’Shea O’Shea’s Funeral Directors New Street, Killarney Ph: 064 6637123 Email: osheatim@eircom.net

www.iafd.ie 14 | FuneralTimes

H E N R Y PATO N + C o . L t d

­

­

CPL

CPL

FUNERAL SUPPLIES FUNERAL SUPPLIES

Tel: NI/ROI (028/048) 8167 1247 Mob: 0044 (0)7730 409000 el: NI/ROI (028/048) 8167 1247 Mob: 0044 (0)7730 40900 www.cplsupplies.com

www.cplsupplies.com

sales@cplsupplies.com

sales@cplsupplies.com

CPL

Stretcher Pads

Why buy another trolley?

RANGE OF Transform your existing trolley with these stretcher pads to make your mobile 1st Call Stretcher

Funeral Supplies

ATTACHMENTS

Concealment Frame Tilting Body Tray Attachment William McGuckin, Managing Director with recently appointed dis-

CPL’s Concealment Frame with CPL cover

CPL’s Concealment Frame on a Ferno stretcher

CPL’s Concealment Frame will fit any stretcher, including the 1st Call Stretcher (pictured on top). Fixed or collapsible available.

End of Extensionoptions frame used as a Trolley Tilting Embalming Top Life Drape can be provided.

NI: (028) 816 71247 sales@cplsupplies.com NI: (028) 816 71247

ROI: (048) 816 71247 www.cplsupplies.com ROI: (048) 816 71247

sales@cplsupplies.com www.cplsupplies.com William McGuckin Mobile: (0)7730 409000 (ROI prefix 0044)

BIE News

T

he year is moving on very quickly and as you read this it is hard to believe that our second quarterly meeting has taken place. We are looking forward to the Funeral Times trade show which takes place in the City West Hotel, Saggart, Co. Dublin on 29th and 30th September. The division will be taking a stand and will be seeking volunteers to man it. We are looking forward, as ever, to meeting all our members and colleagues in the funeral trade. We wish The Funeral Times team all the best with the show. The Division

and the Educational Committee are busy organizing an educational session later in the year. The venue and dates for this will be announced later. Our new national council rep Aidan Walsh attended the National Council meeting at the BIE headquarters in Anubis House in February. We look forward to Aidan reporting back at our next meeting.

Our web site is now up and running and you can log on at irishembalmers.ie

John Hawe

Reminder Dates For Your Diary • B.I.E. Conference 2015 ~ Edinburgh Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8NF ~ 24th -26th April 2015 • 3rd Quarterly Meeting ~ Tuesday 29th September 2015 (6pm approx) at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin (Joint Meeting with Irish Division Members co-Inciding with Funeral Times Trade Show) • AGM and 1st Quarterly Meeting 2016 ~ Wednesday 13th January 2016 7.30pm at James Brown & Sons, Newtownards Road, Belfast 20 | FuneralTimes

B.I.E. N. Ireland Division News T he Chairman and Members of the B.I.E. N. Ireland Division wish to congratulate Mr John Hawe M.B.I.E. on his recent election as Chairman of the Irish Division. We wish John well in his role and responsibilities for the ensuing year and for the continued success of the Irish Division.

We were glad to join with the Irish Division for our 2nd Quarterly Meeting and Education Day on Saturday 18th April 2015 at O'Neill's Funeral Home, Stewartstown Road, Belfast.

The forthcoming Funeral Times Trade

Show at Citywest Hotel, Dublin is also an event to look forward to on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th September 2015.

A conference room has been reserved for our 3rd Quarterly Meeting on Tuesday 29th September at 6pm approx. at the show in Citywest.

This will also be a Joint Meeting with the Irish Division. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr Graham Brown and all the Team at Funeral Times for their ongoing generosity and support for our Divisions.

Education day The BIE Northern Ireland Division held their 2nd Quarterly Meeting and Education Day on Saturday 18th April and welcomed members and officers from the Irish Division. The event was held in O’Neill’s Funeral Home, Stewartstown Road, Belfast and speakers included Ben Whitworth of The Dodge Company, Colin Clarke, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control, Southern Trust and Edel Livingstone, Organ Donation Team Member, Southern Trust.

The Education Day was well attended and thanks go to Laurence O’Neill for hosting the event.

Laurence O’Neill welcomed Ian McCarroll of McCalls of Lisburn who displayed their range of clothing for funeral directors

John Hawe, Chairman of BIE Irish Division chatted with William McGuckin on the CPL Funeral Supplies stand

The BIE Education Day held in O'Neill's Funeral Church was well attended with members from all over Ireland FuneralTimes | 21

Ben Whitworth of The Dodge Company, John Hawe, Chairman of BIE Irish Division, Susan Moran, Assistant Sec. BIE Irish Division, Colin Clarke, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control, Southern Trust, Edel Livingstone, Organ Donation Team Member, Southern Trust, Billy Doggart, Fellow Member of the BIE, Laurence O’Neill, Vice Chairman of the BIE Northern Ireland Division and Margaret Davis, Secretary BIE Northern Ireland Division

Funeral Directors Ian Milne, Co. Armagh and Ken Gilmore, Co. Down enjoyed the sunshine during lunch break at the BIE Education Day 22 | FuneralTimes

Andrew Shepherd shows Susan Moran some of his products on the Shepherd’s Mortuary and Funeral Supplies stand

List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2015/2016 National President: Graeme Easton Scottish Division Imm. Past President: Scott Grigsby R.A. Adams Ltd 117 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7QA Mobile: 01268 743102 National PRO & National General Secretary: Mrs Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01332 349035(BIE) Mobile: 07786 432014 karencaney@btopenworld.com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle MBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 michael@silsloe.wanadoo.co.uk Editor: Gwen Schofield MBIE 9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100 gwen.schofield@ntlworld.com Master Fellow: Ken Morgan FBIE “Evergreens”, 36 Coley Road, Little Haywood, Stafford ST18 0UW Home Tel: 01889 881223 Business Tel: 01902 878425 Mobile: 07970 831760 k.m.morgan@virgin.net Student Liaison Officer: Timothy Cain MBIE Hillcrest, 38 Main Street, Ashby de la Launde LN4 3JG Home Tel: 01526 321396 jackie@lymn.co.uk

Irish Division Chairperson and 1st National Council Representative: Mr John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co. Cork Home Tel: 00353 6389280 Mobile: 087 6390087 jmhawe@eircom.net

Northern Ireland Division Chairman Michael Og McKiernan MBIE 51 Agivey Road, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry BT51 5UU Mobile: 07515 746541 Michael-ogmckiernan@hotmail.co.uk

2nd National Council Representative and Past Chairperson: Mr Aidan Walsh MBIE Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Mobile: 00353 87 2847831

Vice Chairman Laurence O'Neill 98 Stewartstown Road Belfast BT11 9JP Tele: 028 90 620099 Email: oneill8210@hotmail.com

National Council Rep & Secretary: Ms Barbara Fowley MBIE Killakee, Rathfarnham Dublin 16 Mobile: 086 191 1022

Secretary Margaret Davis MBIE 4 Back Road, Cargycreevy, Lisburn BT27 6TL Mobile: 07841 100249 Margaretdavis4@me.com

Assistant Secretary: Susan Moran MBIE Alexandra Walk, Abbeylands, Clane, Ireland Mobile: 086 0619500

Treasurer Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Andrew@mcmullanfuneral.com

National Education Representative: Glyn Tallon Mortuary Specialist 14 Academy Street Navan Co Meath Tel:046 9029134 Mobile: 086 826 8876

1st National Council Representative Ellison Sloan MBIE Telephone: 02838 336175 poots@fsni.info

Treasurer: Mrs A O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co. Cork Telephone: 029 60142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com Vice Chairman: Mr Ger O’Sullivan MBIE Mobile: 086 021 5075

2nd National Council Representative Marshall Lindsay MBIE 4 Beechgrove, Kilrea, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT51 5RW Telephone: 028 29 540945 marshalllindsay4@gmail.com 1st National Educational Committee Representative Pat Harley MBIE 67 Creggan Road, Londonderry BT48 9DA Mobile: 077128 99137 Phschoolofembalming@hotmail.com

FuneralTimes | 23

Visit our NEW website with a new hidden shop Next Working Day Delivery Guaranteed

NEW PRODUCT

www.greencoffi ffinsireland.com i l d Traditional Shape:

Cardboard Pandanus

Buff Willow

White, Brown and Woodgrain

Round End Shape:

Pandanus

Buff Willow

Childrens Child

Extra Strong Timber Framed Coffins

Ashes Scatter Tubes

NEW PRODUCT

Waterhyacinth

Waterhyacinth half round

NEW PRODUCT

Wicker

Green Coffins Ireland Ltd., Cnoc Glas, Shannagh, Fanad, Co. Donegal 24 (0)86 | FuneralTimes t: +353 1722955 t: +353 (0) 74 9152712 • e: info@greencoffinsireland.com • w: www.greencoffinsireland.com

I

John O’Farrell & Sons Midleton take delivery of a new Hearse from Duffy Coachbodies

t was a nostalgic moment for Mr. Gerard Duffy of Duffy Coachbodies, Dundalk when he handed over the keys of a new Duffy / Mercedes E250 CDI 3 Door Hearse to the third generation of O’Farrell Funeral Directors in Midleton as Duffy Coachbodies previously supplied a Hearse to the late John O’Farrell.

Pictured are Martin O’Farrell Funeral Director, Gerard Duffy, John, Brian and Conor O’Farrell of John O’Farrell & Sons Funeral Directors, Midleton, Co. Cork

Delivery of New Fleet to JP Ward & Sons of Bray

JP Ward & Sons in Bray are a family run Funeral Directors and Chauffeur Drive Service currently in the hands of its third generation, providing services to both the public and to the trade.

Managing Director Philip Ward and General Manager Joe Redmond are pictured with Gerard Duffy of Duffy Coachbodies, Dundalk taking delivery of their new E Class Mercedes 5 Door Hearse and 2 Matching E Class Mercedes 6 Door Limousines. Ward's relationship with Duffy Coachbodies goes back over 30 years when the late JP Ward ordered his first Hearse from the late George Duffy. Thankfully this relationship has stood the test of time with Ward's having ordered many vehicles over the years. According to Philip Ward "We are delighted to add these new vehicles to our current fleet and have no doubt that their unrivalled build quality will provide us and our customers with many years of premium service."

FuneralTimes | 25

A world of difference Global repatriation at your service

Full repatriation services to and from Ireland Full repatriation services to and from all countries worldwide Discounted freight fares and tickets to all major airports in Ireland Collection and delivery services Legal documentation service for all Embassy and Consular regulations Dignified, professional and cost effective funeral services managed totally on your behalf – worldwide

There’s no substitute for experience

Call +(44) 208 684 2324 info@rowlandbrothersinternational.com

R ow land B rothers

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

www.rowlandbrothersinternational.com 26 | FuneralTimes

Jaguar fit for a king!

W

hen King Richard III was finally given his burial fit for a king on Sunday March 22nd of this year, media crews from across the country, not to mention the thousands of wellwishers and spectators lining the streets of Leicester, caught a glimpse of Wilcox’s suitably regal and gleaming fleet of one Jaguar Hearse and two Limousines, leading the procession.

The fleet had only recently been supplied to A.J. Adkinson and Son of Leicester when news was broken that captured the attention of major media outlets across the world, the reinterment of a Medieval Monarch, the last English King to die in battle, almost 530 years after meeting his end in the Battle of Bosworth.

Although opinion may be divided concerning the King’s true nature, with Shakespeare having depicted a somewhat bloodthirsty, hunchbacked monarch in his play ‘Richard III’ whilst others, including

the Richard III Society, champion a benevolent ruler, bereft of the capacity to commit such atrocities as are commonly linked to his name, the fact remains: the discovery of a monarch in a Leicester car park in 2012 captured the attention of a nation.

Thousands lined the streets as the day finally arrived, a patriotic cheer accompanying the procession headed by Wilcox’s striking Jaguar Hearse.

FuneralTimes | 27

jX`]%fi^%lb

Gifk\Zk`e^ k_\ @e[\g\e[\ek =le\iXc ;`i\Zkfi ]fi ), p\Xij Gifdfk`e^ Xe[ gifk\Zk`e^ pfli `e[\g\e[\ek `ek\i\jkj

<jkXYc`j_\[ `e (0/0# J8@= `j Zfdd`kk\[ kf gifdfk`e^ Xe[ gifk\Zk`e^ k_\ kiX[`k`fej# mXcl\j Xe[ ZXi\ f]]\i\[ Yp `e[\g\e[\ek ]le\iXc [`i\Zkfij% C`b\ pfl# n\ Xi\ gXjj`feXk\ XYflk `e[\g\e[\eZ\# k_Xk `j n_p n\ n\i\ ]fid\[ ), p\Xij X^f Xe[# Xck_fl^_ k_\ ]le\iXc gif]\jj`fe _Xj Z_Xe^\[ fm\i k_\ p\Xij# fli X`dj i\dX`e k_\ jXd\ Æ kf c`jk\e kf pfl# kf i\gi\j\ek pfl Xe[ kf Xjj`jk pfl%

8j X d\dY\i f] J8@=# n\ ZXe f]]\i pfl Zfjk jXm`e^j# kiX`e`e^# \[lZXk`fe# d\dY\i Y\e\Ôkj Xe[ giXZk`ZXc X[m`Z\ Xe[ `e]fidXk`fe k_Xk ZXe _\cg Xe[ ^ifn pfli Ylj`e\jj `e kf[XpËj Zfdg\k`k`m\ ]le\iXc gif]\jj`fe%

Kf c\Xie dfi\# m`j`k fli n\Yj`k\ Xk jX`]%fi^%lb fi ZXcc lj fe '/+, )*' -.. Xe[ c\k lj gifk\Zk Xe[ _\cg pfl%

SAIF news ... SAIF news ...

SAIF AGM proves a success T

he SAIF AGM and Banquet weekend March 20th to 22nd 2015 at the Beaumont House Hotel, Old Windsor, Berkshire, proved a huge success.

Reports that had been circulated beforehand were accepted, as were the rule changes advising members that the annual subscriptions must be received within 30 days of their being due; New member applicants must have been trading as, or have been employed as, a Funeral Director for at least 12 months before the date of the application and pro rata subscriptions

for new members was met favourably. The various reports were accepted having been sent to members beforehand.

A great deal of fun was had by all at the Banquet.

John Harris and Susan Edwards with Richard Edwards Past President of SAIF and Mrs Sarah Farrell LAFD president.

Enjoying the evening

National Funeral Exhibition June 12th – 14th

W

Dancing the night away

e hope to see many of you at the National Funeral Exhibition being held in June at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. During the course of the weekend, SAIF will have representation from Child Bereavement UK and Epilepsy Action (the National Presidents’ chosen charities) Preston’s College, IFD College and SAIFInsure, (who will be hosting the stand with SAIF during the weekend).

SAIF becomes dementia friendly L

ast year SAIF were delighted to announce becoming dementia friendly in conjunction with Training2Care UK Ltd and the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT).

The Dementia Tour is now available to SAIF members at a discounted fee. SAIF are pleased to advise that following this decision, the request from members to carry out VDT training and for additional information to aid their funeral home in becoming dementia friendly has been overwhelming. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get left out, contact SAIF Business Centre for more information.

Rhys Price, with Glenn Knight (VDT) and Cathy Scott participants in the Virtual Dementia Tour from the AGM weekend

SAIF Education Day Wednesday 4th November being held at: Leicester Tigers, Leicester LE2 7TR

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

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

Telephone +44 (0)1484 844289 Proprietor Clive J Pearson LMBIFD. DIP.FD. MBIE -ANCHESTER 2OAD -ARSDEN (UDDERSlELD 7EST 9ORKSHIRE 5+ ($ %9 30 | FuneralTimes

Odlings MCR announce return to Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland 2015

O

dlings MCR Limited are pleased to announce plans to exhibit once again at the Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland 2015 this September.

The company will be exhibiting their successful sandblasting system for the engraving of additional inscriptions onto headstones and memorials on-site in the cemetery and churchyard.

The core of this process is the popular Masonart software program, developed by Odlings MCR over the last twenty years.

Practical demonstrations will be carried out through the show. A range of stencil tapes and cutters will also be on display.

To complement the computerised side of the package the new cemetery blast pot will be on display, boasting features suggested and required by tradesmen through the years,

along with the petrol compressor, hose reel and extension hoses required for the job.

Odlings MCR will also be displaying and demonstrating their sandblast cabinets, the new dustless sandblaster, and their ever popular range of lifting elevators and stone carts.

Last but not least the recent addition to the product range will be the new C.N.C. engraving machine, capable of replicating photographic artwork onto polished granite, quickly and effectively.

During the previous exhibition, the two sales engineers were at times overrun with enquiries and the company is therefore increasing staff levels on the stand for the 2015 event.

Odlings MCR look forward to once again meeting customers old and new at the Funeral Times Trade Show Ireland 2015.

The Odlings Mobile Blasting System

Maxi Pot

Blast Shield

Blast Pot pressure controlled by manual gauge

No electrics required, pneumatically operated

Petrol driven portable compressor produces 24CFM air flow

Maxi Pot – Up to 50kg grit capacity, oversize pneumatic wheels and longer handle for easy manoeuvring

Heavy duty hose reel with mounting points for securing to any vehicle

Heavy duty blast shield & collection tray protects users from grit bounce back

Compressor

Hose Reel

FuneralTimes | 31

GERMAN ENGINEERING

Our approach to E-Class vehicles Unlike our competitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who may source the full chassis from overseas manufacturers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all our vehicles are sourced in the UK to UK specification. From this base we add a specifically engineered, proprietary chassis developed by our in-house engineering team and create your hearse or limousine in our 135,000 square foot Lancashire production facility.

Northern Ireland Sales Manager Tony Kerr: +44 7860 586850 www.coleman-milne.co.uk

PIC TURED

E-CLASS PANORAMIC ROOF

BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP The only coachbuilder to fully construct

Mercedes ceremonial vehicle bodies in the UK

Our limousines and hearses are built to order, meaning...

Sensitive to the classic British styling needs of our UK client base, our hearse is high enough to allow for flowers to go on the coffin.

The limousine has an option for an electric division that allows for plenty of space for the driver.

Republic of Ireland Agent Peadar Byrne: +353 85 1018385 www.byrnecoachbuilders.ie FuneralTimes | 33

Metal Handles

Lid Screws

Plastic Handles

Coffin Drapery

Mortuary Cot

Multi-Level Stretcher

Embalming Table

Foldable Stretcher

New range for DJ MacNeice as they celebrate 65 years Our company DJ MacNeice is introducing a new line of products. We are showcasing our new-style coffin mountings, grave markers, our luxurious range of coffin lining sets, and funeral accessories.

E

ach year our aim is to deliver the highest standard and quality of products, honesty and reliability of service, as well as sharing our passion, innovation and expertise in funeral care and service.

We are also excited that DJ MacNeice is celebrating its 65th Birthday this month. We would like to thank our customers for their business and continued support throughout each year. Established in April 1950, DJ MacNeice & Company has forged a reputation as a leading supplier and manufacturer in the funeral business in Ireland over the past sixty five years.

DJ MacNeice management and staff endeavour to provide a deep knowledge of the funeral and embalming trade and we dedicate ourselves to developing innovations that cater to the unique requirements within the funeral service sector. The company is a one-stop shop, offering a full range of quality products to funeral directors, coffin manufacturers and embalmers in Ireland and the UK. We are now providing our customers with a broader range, from coffin & casket drapery to metal and plastic fixtures and fittings to mortuary products.

Our company is introducing a range of individual styles of handles in metal that are available in gold, antique & bronze with differing intricate designs. We also have a range of plastic handles to cater for burials and cremations. DJ MacNeice also supplies a range of lid screws, breast plates, crucifix and soft drapery furnishings to mount and line your coffins & caskets.

Our new range of soft furnishings include satin-quilted filled pillows and pillow cases,

Side sheet quilted lid liners, and coffin drapery with gold and silver lace detail.

We are excited to announce that we have extended our mortuary range of products, introducing multi-level stretchers, foldable portable stretchers, and ambulance cot stretchers. Our Multi-Level stretcher has several features which include its special release levers that make it possible to raise or lower a cot without assuming the full weight of cot and body. It also includes straps and a pvc mattress which is waterproof.

Our foldable portable stretchers are designed to make it easier to manoeuvre in smaller, narrow spaces. It includes straps and also has a pvc coated mattress which is made of waterproof material. The foldable stretcher can be locked up when not in use and stored neatly away.

Our ambulance cot stretcher is fitted with an automatic locking system, securing both the front and rear legs simultaneously as the leg sections unfold and respectively as the cot is prepared for loading. The ambulance cot FuneralTimes | 35

stretcher is fitted with straps to secure the deceased and also comes with a mattress which is made of waterproof pvc material.

All stretchers and tables are available for viewing in our showroom.

We continue to source the best quality materials and update our extensive range. It is important to keep updating our product range, giving our customers more choices.

We also have our full range of products available online for your convenience; you can browse our products at www.djmacneice. com Our customer service team will advise you on all aspects of the funeral trade. Whether you’re looking for a qualified embalmer or a professional co-ordinator, we are equipped to meet your needs. We are now offering customers several options in reaching us and we have made placing orders and enquiries a lot easier for everyone. You may choose to call in or ring our friendly expert advisors in our DJ MacNeice office based in Glasnevin. We have a full range of products available on display. You

36 | FuneralTimes

can also contact our sales representatives in your area. In DJ MacNeice we always endeavour to keep traditions and yet make room for advancements.

Funerals have always played an important part in our everyday lives, offering families and communities the chance to celebrate the deceased and give him or her ‘a good send-off ’.

We make it our business to ensure that this tradition thrives.

DJ MACNEICE & CO LTD, 37 A Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Tel: (+353) 18828731 Email: sales@djmacneice.com (Above) 18 Inch Crucifix and (left) Solid Brass Breast plate

National Association of Funeral Directors Just another trade association?

Think again.

We are LISTENED TO The largest funeral sector trade association, representing almost 3,700 funeral homes 80% of UK funeral directors. Our size gives us a respected voice at the highest levels of Government.

We are INFLUENTIAL We campaign hard on issues that could affect the sector and are as focused on the needs of our 2,000 small, independent member firms as on those of our larger members.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re INDEPENDENT Independent of any single funding body or organisation, we work hard to balance the views and needs of all our members, irrespective of size.

We promote HIGH STANDARDS The NAFD Code of practice is client-facing and a guarantee of quality of service.

We are the VOICE of the profession We bring the funeral service industry together to speak with one voice in the media, to Government and to the general public, your clients.

The BEST benefits package in the industry, BY FAR Including ÂŁ5million professional indemnity cover for each member company; a suite of free business helplines and collective buying power, saving our members thousands of pounds every year.

We have an eye on THE FUTURE We keep members abreast of changes likely to affect their business, creating progressive partnerships which also open up opportunities for them.

We are the association for the funeral sector.

We care about our members, become one today.

If you would like to know more about how we can support your business or would like to join the NAFD, visit our website www.nafd.org.uk or call Su on

0121 711 1343 Ext 20 National Association of Funeral Directors The voice of the profession 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 1AA Tel: 0121 711 1343 email: info@nafd.org.uk

Visit our award winning website at

www.nafd.org

NAFD News NAFD wins top accolade at trade association awards The NAFD was among the line-up of winners at the Association Excellence Awards held on 27 February, as Funeral Director Monthly was awarded the top accolade in the Best Association Newsletter category.

The awards are held to celebrate the success of individuals and teams in striving towards excellence in serving members of professional and trade associations. According to the organiser, Global Conference Network, winners were chosen for showcasing “best practice in all areas of running a successful, responsible and sustainable association – focused on serving members’ needs and delivering value to members.”

Funeral Director Monthly is, according to the judges, “a well-considered members’ magazine with a good sense of purpose.

The inclusion of humour and fresh news stories, combined with more conventional informative content, has led to a very engaging newsletter on a potentially depressing subject.”

NAFD President Paul Cuthell, Chief

Executive Officer Alan Slater, Editorin-Chief Su Lewis and Funeral Director Monthly editor Deborah Smith, of Wordsmith Communication, accepted the award from sponsor Knp Litho and event host the Rt Hon Michael Portillo.

Said Alan Slater: “It is great to achieve recognition for the work we have done to reposition Funeral Director Monthly as the business publication for the funeral sector.

It is the only ABC audited publication within the profession and, as well as carrying updates about the NAFD’s media and Parliamentary lobbying campaigns, education and professional development programmes, business advice and news from members, we’ve worked hard to ensure that it covers a broad spectrum of sector news and isn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects.”

Independent funeral firms drawn to the NAFD

A

host of independent funeral firms have joined the NAFD in recent months, attracted by the Association’s tangible business benefits for independent firms. These include a dedicated small business support service, 24-hour PR hotline and £5m professional indemnity insurance, which saves businesses around £1,500 in premiums every year alone.

However it is not just the financial benefits 38 | FuneralTimes

and proactive support that are appealing to these new members, it is also the stature and reputation of the NAFD and the credibility that membership confers on their business.

New firms that have joined the NAFD include Gibson of Tayport, Peter Barnes Funerals Limited of Wisbech, Bournes Funeral Service of Sittingbourne, Bernard Kenney and Daughter of Buxton, Moksh

Funeral Care of Stanmore and Jason Threadgold Funeral Director of Scunthorpe amongst many others.

Kenneth Keegan, of Kenneth Keegan Independent Funeral Directors of Paisley, Renfrewshire in Scotland, said: "As the profession is currently not regulated, we feel membership of the Association gives us credibility as a company. By joining the NAFD it gives us an opportunity to access industry resources and offers peace of mind to our clients that we are a reputable funeral firm that works to the highest of standards.”

A host of new supplier members have signed up too. These include the likes of Wealden Coffins; Affinity Funeral Services of Solihull; business sale intermediary service Independent Mergers & Acquisitions (IM&A) and Tim Holloway Funeral Support Limited, a provider of chauffeurs, pall bearers and conductors to the funeral sector in southern England.

Also new to the NAFD fold is James and Williams Ltd, which specialises in making coffin handles and coffin fittings at its factory in Herefordshire. James and Williams Ltd views membership of the NAFD as “an endorsement of the firm’s professional standards and as a foundation to build upon the company’s reputation within the funeral trade.”

The NAFD also received a huge vote of confidence from the funeral profession after 98% of members renewed once more for 2015.

Said Alan Slater: “We are delighted that such a high proportion of members value the political and media campaigning work, business support and unrivalled benefits package that NAFD membership offers. As well as membership renewals we are also seeing a steady stream of new members too, all of which strengthens the NAFD in its role as the voice of the profession.”

Lord Bonomy leads a stellar line-up of speakers for NAFD Conference

T

his year’s NAFD Conference education sessions are not to be missed, with a broad range of topics including the issues faced by police divers in recovering bodies from water and the challenges associated with employee whistleblowing.

The 2015 NFE Conference is being held in Edinburgh in May and so it is perhaps appropriate that the keynote speaker is Lord Bonomy, Chairman of the Infant Cremation Commission.

Lord Bonomy joins the conference to provide attendees with an insight into the findings of the Commission’s report along with recommendations for improvement.

As well as chairing the Infant Cremation Commission, Lord Bonomy has been a Supreme Court Judge and served as a judge of the UN International Criminal Tribunal.

Other speakers across the weekend are George Fernie, the Senior Medical Reviewer of Healthcare Improvement Scotland who will talk about the recently enacted Death

Certification Act Scotland and the changes to death certification north of the border.

Professor Iain Campbell of the Department of Anatomy at Edinburgh University, will also join the conference to share how medical research has evolved using differing embalming processes and increasing use of fresh/frozen cadavers to support all technical aspects of teaching, research and education.

Jeff Adams, formerly the Officer in charge of Central Scotland Police Underwater Search Unit will present to conference on the challenges faced by underwater Police divers, including an insight into the recovery of the deceased in instances where decomposition has occurred.

Finally, the conference welcomes the return of Diarmuid Deeney, a highly regarded employment and civil litigation lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience in the field, including working in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and international Courts.

FuneralTimes | 39

The NAFD launches revised Funeral Service Awareness online training course T

he NAFD has launched a revised version of its popular online introduction to the funeral profession.

The 2015 Funeral Service Awareness course is accredited by One Awards and consists of a comprehensive student-led programme, delivered online, that is achievable within one day - or can be studied for over a longer period if required.

The revised course is professionally narrated throughout. There are more interactive elements to engage and involve the learner, with activities to complete, along with three new videos embedded within the package to enhance the learning taking place.

The revised design also takes into account different styles of learning. Some people prefer to learn visually, some through listening and some through more hands-on tasks, and the course also now provides the learner with direct access to a free-of-charge service for software download applicable to users who may require additional learning support.

Areas covered within the course include:

• Understanding aspects of the funeral service; • Funeral sector trends; • The role of the funeral service; • Introducing pre-paid funeral plans; • The impact of bereavement and grief; • Activities leading up to the day of the funeral; • Working with clients; • The role of the coroner and procurator Fiscal ... and much more.

40 | FuneralTimes

Learners still register with the NAFD and, following successful achievement, will receive a NAFD Certificate of Training.

However, in addition to this, the NAFD will now also register learners achieving “Outstanding” following assessment with One Awards.

The difference for the “Outstanding” learner is that, following successful achievement of the training, they will receive an additional Certificate of Training from One Awards confirming achievement of the NAFD Funeral Service Awareness online training programme - which consists of two units:• Understanding Aspects of the Funeral Service. Unit Level: One ... Training Credit Value 1 • Working in the Funeral Service. Unit Level: One ... Training Credit Value 2 The fee for the course is £125.00 for registration and access to the training.

Whilst completion and achievement of the training doesn’t provide guaranteed employment within the funeral service, it does provide a recognised Training Credit currency and so is a useful introduction for new starters to the funeral profession, those working alongside funeral directors who need to understand the profession and also those who would like to know more about funeral directing and whether it could be the right job for them.

The course is open to anyone.

For further information please visit www. nafdqualifications.org.uk, call 0121 711 1343 (ext 25) or email NAFD Education Development Manager, Angela Allen, on trainingadministration@nafd.org.uk.

I never visit the NFE because…

There are all sorts of reasons why funeral directors say they choose to not visit the National Funeral Exhibition, which is now one of the top three funeral exhibitions in the world.

H

owever the team which organises the three-day event is confident that they can persuade anyone why this year’s show is one not to be missed…

I’ve seen it all before Well you won’t have if you have never visited. There will be close on 200 exhibitors showing every conceivable funeral product and service. It’s impossible for every company to come to your offices and even browsing the internet or looking at adverts won’t tell you everything that you need to know.

It’s too far Stoneleigh is in the heart of England with a superb rail, air and vehicle network so, from wherever in the UK or abroad you are travelling, the exhibition is very accessible.

If it’s a long journey you can always stay overnight, giving you a lot more time to walk round the show and enjoy a great evening with friends and colleagues.

I haven’t got time We appreciate how busy you can be and that you need your relaxation, but you’re very likely to find some products or services at the exhibition that will help you save time and possibly money. It is only one, or possibly two, days of your time and, if you find something that is just right for your business, it will be time well spent.

I’m very happy with my current suppliers

We all like to work with people we trust and have a good working relationship with, but it’s always worth comparing quality and price once in a while. It’s reassuring to know that you’ve already made the right decisions, but you might just find that an alternative supplier has something that’s just that little bit better.

There’s never anything new

If you’ve never been to the show, or haven’t been for a few years, you’ll never know.

Many suppliers now plan their new launches to coincide with the exhibition and we have a special section devoted to companies introducing themselves to the industry for the very first time - brand new and with some very interesting ideas.

I need the weekend for my family

We all want the weekend to be special and, if you’ve got young children, you’ll want to spend it with them. That’s why we introduced the family day, with entertainment and activities for all ages. You get to see the show and they have a special day out.

If we’ve convinced you, visit our website where you can register online and find out lots more about the show and the exhibitors.

The exhibition runs from 12 – 14 June at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

FuneralTimes | 41

Full Range Of One Man Loaders

Embalming Fluids

Coffin Lifters

Embalming Trolleys

Coffin Trolleys

Funeral Wear

UNIT 2A, ROYAL CANAL BUSINESS PARK, ATHLONE ROAD, LONGFORD. TEL. 00353 (0) 43 3349702 FAX. 00353 (0) 43 3349703

E-MAIL : SALES@SHEPHERDS.IE WEBSITE . WWW.SHEPHERDS.IE

   

• • • • • • •

AC & Lithium Rechargeable Battery Operation.

Single LED Battery Indicator Wireless Mic or Lapel & Battery Pack Options 10 Hours Stand By Per 4 Hour Charge 16 Selectable Channels Automatically Syncs With Transmitter Plays iPod MP3 CD Player Via 3.5mm Line Input

We Don’t Have Any

By Dennis Daulton Dennis divides his time working in his Dodge sales territory in northeastern Massachusetts and being in the office manning the technical support line, along with helping out with customer service.

I

vividly recall that it was a warm summer Sunday evening, over 40 years ago, when my wife asked me to go to the milk store to buy milk for our infant son. Grocery stores closed for the day earlier during those years. What better place to buy milk than a milk store? I walked in, greeted the clerk, and searched in vain for milk.

In desperation I gave up and asked where they kept the milk. The clerk’s reply was, “We don’t have any.”

They didn’t have any? One must be tolerant and understanding under such circumstances.

Perhaps the delivery truck broke down, or they simply ran out of milk that day. We live in a seaside community and the population triples during the summer months. Thirsty babies abound. I did find milk at a store in the next town, but it was comical…a milk store without milk? I’ve thought about this incident many times since beginning my career at Dodge 30 years ago, especially when speaking with embalmers about products they did not have in their embalming room and needed at the time of their phone call. In the early 1980s the watts telephone line had just started to become popular for businesses, and Dodge soon noticed an increase of technical calls. I’ve been told that I was the first licensed embalmer to work full-time in the office since the company was founded in 1893, thus I became the first to field such calls. You should also feel free to contact your Dodge rep for assistance. Tom Buist, one of our Michigan reps, wrote about receiving such calls. It was printed in the 2011 summer edition of The Dodge magazine and titled, “Are You Ready?” It is worth re-reading. I recall one embalmer who called our office in desperation.

44 | FuneralTimes

He had first contacted another supplier, the one from whom he bought his chemicals. They instructed him to call Dodge saying, “They have embalmers on staff.” Our competitor, whom I would rather portray as a colleague in the funeral supply field, had the family and the profession in mind. It was not about competition. I was able to help the embalmer and was conscious not to make him feel as if he should have been using our products. His challenge was a matter of technique, not the products he was using. Too low a pressure, too high a flow, and not using intermittent drainage were the culprits.

I also suggested that he increase the ounces per gallon of formaldehyde and that he use an equal amount of co-injection. I added that I was brought up on the chemicals he was using and that they would do an acceptable job for him if he would make the suggested adjustments. Since being given a sales territory by the late Arnold “Jake” Dodge in 2002, I am in the office one week and covering my territory in northeastern Massachusetts the next. When in the office I enjoy the challenges of helping colleagues in need. Often the call is laced with anxiety and desperation. Other times the embalmer simply wants information on using a specific instrument, product, or chemical. How I wish I had this assistance available years ago when I was starting out and struggling. It is called the learning curve.

Often we learn from the caller, either by the research that is sometimes required, or from an experience or technique which they share with us. The first thing we do is calmly listen.

Then we ask some questions. Let’s assume the embalmer is having incomplete penetration

and some dehydration on the cheeks a day or so following the preparation. Common questions we might ask are: What embalming machine are they using? What is their rate of flow and pressure? What is the size of the cannula? What is the means of drainage and is intermittent drainage employed? Do they inject up the right side of the head if the carotid artery is utilized? Do they intermittently clamp the vein when injecting up to accomplish intermittent drainage? What chemicals are they using and how many ounces per gallon, etc.? Making some minor adjustments often successfully solves the problem. We applaud the caller for reaching out for help and trying to do a better job. If you have been an avid reader of The Dodge Magazine you will recall several articles published about tissue gas. There are specific chemicals required to meet this challenge.

Using Dis-Spray as a co-injection, using Basic Dryene for the cavity chemical, (and also using it to inject into the brain via the cribriform plate), and using Dodge Concentrate to sterilize the instruments are all not only necessary, but critical. More than a few times when I have asked the caller if these products were available the answer was, “We don’t have any.” Just like the milk store! Since the body is usually on the embalming table when the call is received, and the caller cannot wait for a delivery, my next question is if there is a colleague close by that he or she could borrow from. Some have responded that the nearest funeral home is several hours away. Others have said that they would never ask another funeral home for assistance of any sort. What a shame. This is no time for egos.

Do whatever it takes to meet and overcome the challenge at hand. Think about the family who called you believing that their loved one would receive only the best care possible. Recently I spoke with a funeral director in the Midwest.

He explained that there are two funeral homes in his town. When he goes hunting in the fall, his colleague covers both firms. And when his colleague goes away in the summer, he does the same. The town folk know that they might not be served by the funeral director they called, but this makes no difference to them because they are going to “their funeral home.” This is similar to a doctor’s office where you might not see your doctor, but the covering doctor. We accept this and so do the folks in the aforementioned

town. Both funeral homes are successful, as was explained to me, and both funeral directors get their deserved rest and needed vacations. The families are served and the dead end up where they need to be. Life moves on with or without us. These two professionals have no problem borrowing products. They each have a key to the other’s funeral home and can walk in and take whatever they need at any hour. No egos here.

Their focus is on what is good for the deceased, the family, and the profession. I thoroughly enjoyed the phone call and am thrilled that both individuals are such true professionals.

Fortunately for this town, both funeral directors have an undertaker’s heart and ultimately, their own families benefit, too, from adequate coverage. It would behoove all of us to take a complete inventory of what products we have available on our shelves, and to inquire if there is anything else we might need for those challenging times. It is not only chemicals we should be conscious of, but also other supplies and equipment. For example, many funeral directors do not carry zinc liners in stock for use when shipping a remains abroad. Also, do you now stock Unionall (Used to contain body fluids in extreme cases) available in sizes small to XXXL see page 110 in our catalogue, or would you rather pay “next day” delivery charges for UPS or Fastway.

“Next day” delivery service is not available everywhere. Do you have an Easyway Kit? You should. See page 46 in our catalogue and read “He Slit His Own Throat” in the July 2007 edition. At Dodge we provide you with the right products, and the right information, at the right time. Don’t put off taking inventory and ordering those necessary products.

After all, it is all about the deceased, and all about the family who believes you are the one capable of doing what is right for their loved one.

Otherwise they would have called someone else.

Taking care of the dead is a sacred trust.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us on the number listed below: Shepherds Mortuary & Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 3349702/00353 87 2486668 FuneralTimes | 45

Passage to the past Colin McAteer of Green Coffins Ireland Ltd sent Funeral Times the following article on a new-age example of a Neolithic-period long barrow burial chamber with a series of parallels to Newgrange, Co. Meath.

U

pon entry, stooping through a low stone archway, you find yourself in another world. Overhead stands a vast, protective canopy comprised of earth and chalk, creating a cool, calm, dark and quiet atmosphere, as befits a final resting place. The midday sun illuminates the central passageway, flanked by a series of beehive shaped chambers, awake with flickering candles.

Nearby the village of All Cannings, set in the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshere, there now exists a purpose-built reenactment of a traditional long barrow, constructed exclusively through the use of natural materials, adding to its authenticity and unique feel. The creation of Tim Daw who works as a steward of Stonehenge, the Long Barrow is a columbarium, a place for cremated remains within urns to rest, and was built in 2014. This style of burial was the pinnacle of Neolithic inhumation ritual within the British Isles, and the end result of a complex sequence of ritual inhumation developments between 4000 and 2400BC. In keeping with the sanctity held so dear by these prehistoric mourners, the long barrow at All Cannings is aligned to the sunrise of the winter solstice when the sun illuminates the internal stone passageway.

The chalk mound currently comprises of five chambers (or columbaria) arranged off the main passageway which starts at the local Sarsen stone entrance, with scope for two further chambers. Each chamber features niches measuring 600mm by 46 | FuneralTimes

600mm and 320mm tall, and are designed to hold anywhere up to six urns, depending upon size. Each niche may then be sealed with a memorial stone of choice if desired.

A refreshing feature of the long barrow is its universality; it is for anyone, for those of any religion or belief. The field in which it sits is currently undergoing restoration to its native chalk grassland and will be kept as natural as possible in order for patrons to enjoy its beauty and solitude.

A standard niche costs ÂŁ1200 with a modest ÂŁ100 interment fee, covering the unlocking and preparing of the columbarium as well as the archiving of details. For those who may not wish to, or be unable to, be present at the inurnment, it is possible to arrange for this to be carried out with dignity and sensitivity.

The long barrow will be holding open days on 9th May 2015 and 30th May 2015 from 10-12 am. In the meantime the grass and wildflower seeds are being given time to germinate and establish through the spring.

Through our own personal experience we received the inspiration to set up Treasured Keepsakes, to give people a wide variety of options upon a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing should they choose to keep a lock of hair, cremated remains, a piece of jewellery, a photograph or anything that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a small keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn.

Funeral directors we are currently working with have tailored our service to suit their needs. We have two options of how our service can work for you.

If you wish you can buy our products from us at a wholesale price and sell them directly to your clients.

Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly.

We would hope that by recommending our service we will enhance and add value to your business at no extra cost to you.

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

Ryan Duffy and Dominic Maguire collect a new e-class Hearse from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

Hearse & Limousines Tel: 028/048 2582 2525 Fax: 028/048 2582 2299

For Sale Insignia 3 door hearse • Half leather • Alloys • Double deck etc.

• Excellent condition 13 Garvaghy Road, Portglenone, County Antrim BT44 8EF

Email: fearghas@fearghasquinn.com or visit our website for more information ** Feel free to call us, with no obligation. Rest assured we will not pester you with phone calls or unsolicited visits **

www.fearghasquinn.com

Infinity Memorial Bags UK

Infi nit y

Infinity Memorial Bags UK

Memorialbags.co.uk

Available from June/July 2015

From £4.50 each

Minimum Quantity 100

From £2.75 each

From £2.95 each

4 sizes in 4 colours £POA

From £2.95 each

Minimum Order 20 £4 each Can be engraved

Minimum Quantity 200

ALL PRICES NEGOTIABL E ON LARGER Any Quantity Supplied, Small Orders Welcome ORDERS Please Contact: Rory Young Mob: 07593 183067 Email: info@memorialbags.co.uk £POA

www.memorialbags.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

PEAI

Embalming facts you should know

FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT EMBALMING Ancient embalming methods varied with each culture. Descriptions of methods used in Europe for almost 1200 years, commencing around 500AD, have been preserved in the writings of contemporary physicians.

Famous Russian surgeon and scientist N. I. Pirogov, was embalmed after his death in 1881 using the technique he developed himself.

The body of Pirogov rests untouched and unchanging. It is said that only dust has to be brushed off of it.

The Guanches, aborigines of Canary Island, and ancient Ethiopian tribes, preserved their dead by removing the viscera and filling the cavity with salt and vegetable powder.

Lord Nelson was preserved for two months in brandy and spirits of wine mixed with camphor and myrrh after which time the body was found to be in excellent condition and completely plastic.

Low fire roasting of embalmed bodies was used

by Jivaro tribes of Ecuador and Peru.

‘NICE TO KNOW’ ABOUT MODERN EMBALMING

In Tibet some bodies are still embalmed using the ancient formula of putting the body in a large box and packing it with salt for about three months, following which it goes into a mummified state.

Dr. Thomas Holmes – commonly known as the “father of modern embalming” developed a fluid free of poisons by the outbreak of the American civil war.

The Greeks and Assyrians, as well as some Nigerian tribes, made use of honey for embalming. Alexander the Great was embalmed with honey and wax.

The Persians used wax and the Jews used spices and aloes. Many ancient methods also included the use of hot water and hot oil.

SOME OF THE FAMOUS EXAMPLES The botched embalming of Pius XII by a charlatan doctor led to his body turning black and his nose falling off while lying in state, and the body disintegrated in the coffin. The Swiss Guards stationed around Pius XII’s body were forced to change shifts every ten to fifteen minutes since the body’s odour caused some guards to pass out.

When Charles XII’s sarcophagus was opened in 1917, his features were still recognizable, almost 200 years after his death.

50 | FuneralTimes

Arsenic-based solutions were the first generally accepted embalming fluid.

Modern embalming techniques are the result of the accumulation of many centuries of research, trial and error, and invention. The principles underlying present day embalming conventions usually focus on cavity and arterial embalming.

Some special procedures have also been developed for traumatic cause of death.

The practice of embalming has evolved into both an art and science. Technological advancements together with knowledge gathered through experience by dedicated embalmers are continuously igniting curiosity and inticing revolutionary trials in view of improving and hopefully perfecting the practice.

The Professional Embalmers’ Association of Ireland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the practice of embalming.

To know more about us visit our website: www.professionalembalmers.ie.

DATE: Saturday, 9th May 2015 Time: 2:00 pm Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel Ennis Road, Limerick

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

www.professionalembalmers.ie

Find us on Facebook

Would you like to receive up to...

growth* on your Funeral Plan payouts in 2015?

Partnering with Golden Leaves could make this a reality and you don’t even need to be an exclusive seller! As is commonplace with our Freedom Partnerships, there are no uncomfortable commercial handcuffs to bear either!

How refreshing is that!

To find out more about how you could soon be receiving up to 9%* on your funeral plan payouts this year, call your Golden Leaves Regional Sales Manager now or our head office on 0800 85 44 48 for further details.

FPA FUNERAL PLANNING AUTHORITY REGISTERED

Escape to a real partnership

Call Free 0800 85 44 48

www.goldenleaves.com

e-mail: info@goldenleaves.com

*9% maturity returns illustrated are based upon a combination of contractual return and agreement to the new “Freedom Partnerships” 12 month sales/maturity bonus programme.

No exclusivity is required for eligibility to the partnership but sales entry requirements and conditions do apply. Full details are available upon request.

Civil funerals – technical hitches!

There is nothing unusual about using the latest technology as part of a civil funeral service. Mary Elizabeth Dillon of Civil Funerals Ireland has plenty of experience using technology to enhance and personalise a service and give a family a great deal of scope in how they say goodbye to their loved one.

M

ost commonly, people want to put on a slide show usually with music to show photos of the deceased, capturing memorable moments in their life, with family and friend alike, and this should not be a problem.

However on one occasion Mary Elizabeth asked the family in question to contact the crematorium to make sure all the equipment to be used was compatible. Her advice was not taken and on the day it was discovered that a vital lead had been left at home and it was not possible for the slide show to go ahead. It was disappointing for all involved but could have been avoided.

There is nothing unusual about reading a poem at a civil funeral and usually the celebrant is given some notice or has suggested the poem herself and knows what is about to happen. But not always. Recently Mary Elizabeth Dillon received instructions from a family that the deceased’s brother was going to read a poem at the service. No

problem so far. When the family arrived she asked about the poem, to be told Joe was not going to read and could she do it?

Mary Elizabeth takes up the tale; “I said no problem could I see a copy of it, to which I was handed a mobile phone which has the poem on the screen in very small writing, it was also a very long poem which required a considerable amount of swiping. I am a technophobe and use an old Nokia button phone so this request was beyond my comfort zone. But I started the service and in the middle took a deep breath and swiped my way through a long, complicated poem, I had never heard of. I got to the end with a huge feeling of relief. Afterwards I spoke to the deceased’s widow who complimented me on my breathless delivery and the air of urgency I had imparted. I accepted the compliments and smiled as I headed for home thinking how in the civil funeral world you have to be ready for everything.

Civil Funerals Ireland Simple, unique, personal funeral services

• An alternative to the traditional • Celebrating Life • Reflecting the wishes and beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones • Provides an opportunity to pay a fitting tribute • Any suitable venue can be used

Mary Elizabeth Dillon is available between 9am - 11pm 7 days a week Tel ROI: 053 938 9089 / Mobile: 087 957 4476 Email: info@civilfuneralsireland.com

Funerals conducted throughout Ireland

Group of Companies

Cemetery Safety Products and Services

Memorial Safety Management

G

Crematorium Products & Services

C Accredited Industry Approved Training

The largest supplier in the U.K. For everything cemetery.

We have the most comprehensive range of grave shoring DYDLODEOH :H DOVR KDYH D ZLGH UDQJH RI DUWLรฐFLDO JUDVV WLPEHU SURGXFWV WUDFNZD\V ZDONZD\V FRYHUV DQG VR much more.

Professional memorial services for your cemetery safety.

1DWLRQZLGH DYDLODELOLW\ ZLWK TXDOLรฐHG DQG H[SHULHQFHG VWDฯ WR LQVSHFW UHSDLU DQG UHLQVWDWH PHPRULDOV %UDPP registered.

The complete crematoria supply company. Large stock OHYHOV Hฯ FLHQW DQG VSHHG\ GHOLYHU\ VXSHUE FXVWRPHU VXSSRUW QHWZRUN SURGXFWV LQFOXGH SRO\ XUQV EUDVV XUQV SODTXHV YDVHV ZRRGHQ SURGXFWV DQG PXFK PRUH

3URIHVVLRQDO RQ VLWH WUDLQLQJ IRU PDQDJHU RSHUDWLYHV FDVXDO VWDฯ 'HOLYHUHG E\ IXOO\ TXDOLรฐHG DQG LQGXVWU\ H[SHULHQFHG VWDฯ 7DLORU PDGH DQG GHVLJQHG WXLWLRQ WR meet your needs.

Let us help you...

If you would like more information on any of the Teleshore Group Products 54 | FuneralTimes & Services contact us:

Tel: 01495 212 232 Fax: 01495 211 109 Email: info@teleshore.com Email: sales@teleshore.com

Web: www.teleshoregroup.com

T

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

eleshore Group have in January 2015 celebrated 20 years in supplying a comprehensive range of goods and services to the bereavement services industry all over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The original company striving to supply more forms of grave shoring and safety products than anyone else worldwide and the on-going commitment to invest in equipment and people in order to provide the best products, services, value and customer support has seen the Group grow steadily.

Teleshore itself is working on new products in shoring, coffin lowering and handling, soil containment, ground protection, artificial grass, and equipment to aid in the provision of the safest and best burial presentation.

Gemini has increased its range of crematorium products â&#x20AC;&#x201C; working with our existing customers we have developed new small coffin cremation trays and a range of ancillary products including discharging trolleys and tools. Our range of stock-backed commemorative and decorative urns have been much appreciated by Crematoria and funeral directors alike as have our

developing range of eco-friendly cremated remains boxes and containers.

Memsafe as BRAMM registered memorial masons carry out inspection and testing of memorials from lawn stones through to mausoleums, and also have the facility to carry out repair works and act in an advisory and consultancy basis to burial authorities.

Cemetery Training Services provide the highest quality on-site training in all industrial functions in burial grounds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; courses tailored to specific needs along with competence assessment and development plans to allow new and experienced staff to grow and develop.

Teleshore Contract Services has grown out of the existing group skill and knowledge bases to provide specialist cemetery services especially in areas like exhumation where we are seeing not only change, but often a loss in burial authority skill base.

Our new and developing web site is starting to show the width of the range of assistance we can provide on www.teleshore.com and we are always delighted to hear from you on 0044 1495 212232.

FuneralTimes | 55

Give the gift of hope today and help save lives tomorrow A

s long as heart and circulatory disease continues to claim local lives the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland will continue our research to find better ways of preventing, treating, and beating it. As funeral directors you can play a vital role in helping us to fight against heart disease but it’s only possible with your support and donations from local people. By encouraging people to donate to BHF Northern Ireland today you’ll be helping to save lives tomorrow.

There are currently 225,000 people living with heart and circulatory disease in Northern Ireland and coronary heart disease is currently the single biggest killer.

Every donation helps makes a difference to local lives. A donation of £20 will help fund vital lab work, £180 could help to fund a full day’s care by a BHF Heart Nurse and a donation of £1,000 could support the professional development of a BHF Nurse for a year.

BHF Northern Ireland has invested £2.8 million locally at Queens University Belfast in order to fund pioneering research.

They support over 110 local healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland through their BHF Alliance and these healthcare professionals provide support to thousands of local families living with heart disease every year.

A Gift of Hope fund can be set up before or after a funeral as a permanent tribute to honour a loved one. It can be incredibly comforting and inspiring for people to watch the fund grow as the years go by. When a fund page is created it can be personalised with a photo and text, as well as a diary, visitors’ book and photo album to share memories.

It’s simple to support the vital work of BHF Northern Ireland – by encouraging people to make a donation in memory of a loved one you will be supporting our vital 56 | FuneralTimes

work in the fight against heart disease as well as promoting a positive way of commemorating a life. With the continued support of funeral directors, BHF Northern Ireland will be able to continue their life saving work long into the future.

BHF Northern Ireland will be in attendance at The Funeral Times trade show in Citywest Hotel in Dublin on 29-30 September 2015. We welcome you to come to our stand so we can tell you all about our local work and how you can help us in the fight for every heartbeat.

BHF Northern Ireland is very grateful to the continuing efforts of funeral directors who collect and distribute in memory donations in support of their work.

If funeral directors require further information and support, BHF Northern Ireland has bereavement literature, donation envelopes and other information for families that you may find useful. For more information on how you can support the work of BHF Northern Ireland please visit https://www.bhf.org. uk/get-involved/donate/ give-in-memory or contact Gary Wilson on 028 6863 3113 or email wilsong@ bhf.org.uk.

Willowfield show thanks on Valentines Day S

tephen Love, director of Willowfield Private Funeral Home, extends his thanks to all who took part in the Willowfield Valentine’s Day competition on Facebook, and congratulates winners Sharon and Ian Morgan.

A well deserved congratulations to Sharon Morgan and her husband Ian from East Belfast who won the Willowfield Private Funeral Home Valentine’s competition on Facebook. The prize was a romantic 3-course meal for two in a local restaurant which the two lucky winners enjoyed on Valentine’s night. The prize included the winners being chauffer-driven to and from the restaurant in a black Mercedes Benz and a bottle of wine. Well done Sharon and Ian.

Sharon and Ian Morgan accept their prize from Stephen Love at Willowfield Private Funeral Home

FuneralTimes | 57

We are looking to acquire funeral businesses in Ireland Dignity would like to talk to you if you are thinking of selling your business.

Why choose Dignity?

1. We are funeral people - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all we do. We are obsessive about the standard of service we offer families we and 99% of our clients say that we met or exceeded their expectations.

2. You will deal directly with a main board director who has complete authority to agree all terms.

In other words you will be dealing principal to principal. The result is a quick and simple transaction.

3. We respect Irish funeral culture and traditions and since 2008 operate from a number of locations, including Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.

4. We have a proven track record of investing in what were previously independent businesses and securing the future of employees and former owners, many of whom stay with us in a consultancy or management role. The result is that local families continue to receive the highest standard of service for generations to come.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dignity has honoured every promise made to us when they bought Kirkwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.â&#x20AC;?

DAVID RICE

Area Manager and former manager of Kirkwood Funeral Directors, Belfast & Newtownards Please call Andrew Davies, Operations Director or Mike McCollum, Chief Executive. Between us we have over 50 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral experience and will be delighted to deal with you in the strictest OÂ&#x2018;Â?oYbÂ?Ob Ă&#x2030;Â&#x20AC;½}Â&#x2018;Ă&#x201A;½ 8Â?Ă&#x2039; Â&#x2018;FÂ&#x2021;Â&#x20AC;u8½Â&#x20AC;Â&#x2018;Â?¢

Contact Mike McCollum, Chief Executive or Andrew Davies Operations Director: Dignity plc, 4 King Edwards Court 3QVO -L_IZL[ ;Y]IZM ;]\\WV +WTLĂ&#x2026;MTL * )8 Email: mike.mccollum@dignityuk.co.uk | andrew.davies@dignityuk.co.uk <MTMXPWVM" | www.dignityfunerals.co.uk

New Private Ambulance for John Clark One of Lanarkshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading funeral directors, a family run business started in 2001, John Clark Funeral Service has recently taken delivery of a removal vehicle from Coleman Milne.

Based on a Galaxy Titanium with a fixed deck, the vehicle is an addition to their existing Coleman Milne funeral vehicles. Their fleet includes two hearses and three limousines, all Mercedes, and two removal ambulances, all built by Coleman Milne.

John Clark taking delivery of the vehicle from Tony Kerr, Coleman Milneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Area Sales Manager

Coleman Milne upgrade

Sue received the limousine and Alan the hearse, hence the registrations!

Alan & Sue Puxley, the new owners of Will Case and Partners with offices in Salisbury, Amesbury and Ludgershall, have taken delivery of a replacement hearse and limousine from Peter Potter, courtesy of Coleman Milne.

Methuselah

FuneralTimes | 59

Civil Funerals logo debate A

s part of our 10th anniversary celebrations last year it was decided by the Council that the Institute of Civil Funerals logo should undergo a revamp in order to acknowledge our passing from the first into the second decade of our existence.

Members were asked for their input, along with a survey of funeral directors, and other individuals who use our services.

There were various suggestions made from changing the logo in its entirety to changing the colours, type face etc. After much deliberation, it was decided that our current logo was easily recognised within the trade, and the logo ‘swoosh’ is now recognised by funeral arrangers and the public, however we felt that the addition of a tag line brought it up to date, and that ‘setting the national standard’ was fully justified. The golden theme (gold badge, gold rose, gold standard) of our tenth anniversary year was very successful and the rose has been commented upon very favourably by many. So if it ain't broke don’t fix it!

The number of funeral directors and funeral arrangers who insist that the celebrants they use are IoCF members is on the increase. They can be assured of a very high professional standard from

L-R: Christine Ogden, Chairman IoCF, Padraic Cawley, IoCF Ireland, and Barbara Pearce, IoCf Administrator at a recent meeting in the IoCF head office Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire fully trained and competent celebrants at all times. So our new tag line ‘setting the national standard’, will also reflect on the funeral directors' business, and ensure that his client is represented in a professional and sensitive manner.

Madeleine joins the institute Madeleine Doherty MICF with Padraic Cawley

Madeleine Doherty MICF, being presented with her gold name badge by Padraic Cawley IoCF Ireland, on joining the Institute of Civil Funerals.

Madeleine recognised the benefits of being a member of a professional regulatory body, which will enhance and help progress her professional development within the civil funeral industry.

On behalf of all members of the IoCF, may I take this opportunity to wish Madeleine every success in her civil funeral celebrancy.

Padraic Cawley Head of IoCF Ireland

60 | FuneralTimes

CIVIL FUNERAL CEREMONIES Padraic Cawley MICF Civil Funeral Celebrant

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

Padraic Cawley, MICF Civil Funeral Celebrant

087 267 6050 View my Profile on Linkedin

padraic@padraiccawley.ie www.padraiccawley.ie

Hearse & Limousines Tel: 028/048 2582 2525 Fax: 028/048 2582 2299

13 Garvaghy Road, Portglenone, County Antrim BT44 8EF

Email: fearghas@fearghasquinn.com or visit our website for more information ** Feel free to call us, with no obligation. Rest assured we will not pester you with phone calls or unsolicited visits **

www.fearghasquinn.com

GLASS MEMORIAL JEWELLERY Would you like to offer these to your clients and earn €€€?

No hassle - we take care of everything.

100% Customer Satisfaction.

EMAIL US TODAY FOR MORE INFO!

“They look great thank u so much.”

“This jewellery is beautiful and such an amazing idea.

Thank you so much for that gift.”

“Thank u so much they are gorgeous. Thanks again”

Farewell Celtic Ashes www.celtic-ashes.com

mary@celtic-ashes.com

Logging out

With social media having such a huge impact on our lives, complications can arise concerning a persons online presence after death. Jennifer Muldowney discusses.

S

ocial media is everywhere these days. It has such a huge impact in our lives that it seems almost inevitable to stay with us in death. We can create memorial pages for loved ones, document their lives via video and photo and now, as of February 12th, Facebook have followed Google and brought forward a new feature – Legacy Pages.

Previously, if a person passed away without disclosing their password to another, there was no way to make any changes. The issue in this lies in the trivial daily automated reminders to ‘friends’ of birthdays, friend suggestions, invites to like pages and games etc. which we typically give not a second thought to. Such randomly occurring reminders of a loved one can seriously alter an individuals grieving process. The only way previously available to deactivate the account was to know the password or show a death certificate, practically fighting with Facebook to close the account in the process.

Now, however, while you are still

alive, you may name someone else you know on Facebook to be your legacy contact. That person can make changes to memorialize your account.

This includes: • Writing a new post/status to show at the top of the memorialized timeline – maybe some information about a memorial or service.

• Respond to new friend requests from family and friends who were not yet connected on Facebook .

• Updating the profile picture and cover photo (sometimes this is needed where the updated photo is a bit more appropriate).

So how can you use this new ‘Legacy’ Setting’?

Open your Facebook SETTINGS tab, choose SECURITY and then LEGACY CONTACT at the bottom of the page. After choosing your legacy contact, you’ll have the option to send a message to that person, making them aware.

New Funeral Home in Carrickmore L

ate last year we featured an article about Ryan McCallan of Carrickmore, Co.Tyrone and his attendance at Fountain National Academy, Missouri, at a series of advanced training seminars in Embalming Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, Waxing, and Airbrush Cosmetics. At the time, Ryan, a member of the British Institute of Embalmers, had recently unveiled his new fully functioning Embalming Studio and Funeral Home in his home town.

The business having expanded significantly, Ryan trades as McCallan Professional Services, Embalming and Funeral Services.

From age 16 Ryan has helped out in one form or another with FMC Funeral Directors (a long standing business founded by his father and uncle in Carrickmore) moving into a parttime-time role in 2003, within the last 3 years has progressively moved into a full time role.

It struck Ryan at the time that the family run business was continually having to employ embalming services from far afield and took it upon himself to enrol in, and complete, a series of professionally certified embalming qualifications under the guidance of Glynn Talon of Talon Mortuary Specialists, Navan, Co. Meath. Following this came the construction of Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Embalming Suite and Funeral Home, with most of the equipment supplied by CPL Supplies Ltd, in Castlederg, Co.Tyrone.

Whilst Ryan still works as a partner with FMC Funeral Directors he dedicates himself to ensuring the high standard of embalming and strides to further educate himself in his field.

The opening of McCallan Professional Services aimed to satisfy what Ryan identifies as an existing need in the hinterland between Omagh and Dungannon for funerary services.

McCallan Professional Services premises Over recent months the business has gone from strength to strength, servicing the needs of families from Carrickmore, Pomeroy, Kildress, Beragh, and farther afield. Along with routine praise for the professional, compassionate job carried out by Ryan and his team, one accolade has been most notable for Ryan; a growing number of people have highlighted their appreciation for the significant reduction of stress and emotional upheaval thanks to dealing with a business able to offer both embalming and funeral services under one roof but also having this service so close to the local community.

mccallan professional service Embalming Practice

Funeral Director

Prop: Ryan McCallan The Mall, The Milestone Centre, Carrickmore, Co.Tyrone, N.Ireland BT79 9AL. Mobile: 07990 690929 Email: ryanmccallan@hotmail.co.uk Member of the British Institute of Embalmers

Ryan is pictured in the new embalming room 64 | FuneralTimes

Reg.No.NI/4531

Tallon Mortuary Specialists 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 both Distance Learning and attended courses leading to membership of the British Institute of Embalmers 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.

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

Glyn Tallon - 14 Academy Street, Navan, Co. Meath Mobile: 086 826 8876 Web: www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com / Email: info@tallonmortuaryspecialists.com

Wreath Manufacture & Wholesale At Tom Sharkey & Sons Ltd.

Barrack Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

All wreaths are created by fully qualified florists, reflecting contemporary design in floral arrangements All at very competitive prices Special requests catered for at shortest notice

n FFre Free ree rre ee ne nexxt next xt dday ayy ddelivery eliv eli el liv iver iver eryy onn oorders rder rd der erss over over €100 €10 1000

We have an extensive stock ready for delivery or collection including: • Circles of Life • Posies • Sprays • Hearts • Crosses • Cushions • Pillows • Gates of Heaven • Footballs and Jerseys • Posies with Candles • Lettering Wreaths Discounts apply on scale of your orders

nC Call alllll or al or eemail mailill nnow ma ow to to receive recei re ece ceiv ive iiv vee our ouur ne new ew brochure broc bbr roch ochhure oc uree

Telephone: +00353 (0)94 986 0658 or email: sales@allseasonsflorists.ie

Wilcox hits milestone in production with Jaguar Wilcox Limousines is celebrating the landmark delivery of its 1000th Jaguar Aluminium XJ Limousine, which makes the model one of the bestselling British funeral vehicles of all time.

The third generation family business has held hand beaten panels that have been crafted an exclusive partnership with Jaguar since with the utmost expertise. During this 1992, during which time it has transformed period Wilcox has built over 2,000 Jaguar hundreds of Jaguar’s flagship XJ models, funeral cars in total when taking hearses converting them into stylish luxury funeral and hearsettes into account. cars that fully reflect the car maker’s Wilcox Limousines and Eagle Specialist prestigious brand. The 1000th car milestone Vehicles manufacture the vehicles from sees the XJ model become the most successful aluminium, whilst the construction utilises ever funeral car for Wilcox Limousines. technology that’s usually reserved for the Paul Wilcox, CEO at Wilcox Limousines, aircraft industry. Using aluminium means said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and that Jaguar vehicles will remain rust free something we’re enormously proud of. forever, as the metal doesn’t rust.

Our relationship with Jaguar has been an Paul concluded, “It’s incredible to think extremely good one over the years and we’ve that over the years we’ve produced a taken great pride in producing limousines thousand of them. It’s a great achievement, that truly reflect the high quality of the but the high quality standard of the vehicles Jaguar brand.” means it’s clear to see why they have become He continued, “The new design of the most popular choice. We look forward to our Jaguar XJ Aluminium Hearse and manufacturing the next thousand!”

Limousine was the biggest facelift of a For further information please visit www.

Jaguar model for over 45 years. We’ve limousines.co.uk or email: enquiries@ gradually improved on the limousine design wilcoxlims.co.uk as Jaguar has introduced new XJ models periodically over the years since we started working with them way back in 1969. Our latest design though is definitely our best yet.”

Jaguar Cars and Wilcox Limousines have worked in partnership since 1969, and exclusively since 1992; still to this day, Wilcox are the only authorised Jaguar Cars Coachbuilder in the world. The firm boasts a highly skilled workforce that Paul Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox Limousines with Matthew Boast, produces all vehicles using Manager of P Boast 66 | FuneralTimes

Box Bros Ltd. take delivery of a further Wilcox hearse B

ox Bros Ltd. was established in Blackpool in 1915, and have been purchasing vehicles from Wilcox Limousines since the 1950’s.

Stephen’s Father, Trevor, joined the company in 1947. Stephen is the fourth generation of family and joined in 1984. They continue the reputation of running one of the premier funeral businesses in the Blackpool area.

In addition to being Funeral Director’s, Box Bros Ltd. are Carriage Masters covering areas within, and far and beyond, Blackpool.

The hearse comes with a high specification which includes a fuel efficient 2.0 Diesel engine, leather interior, climate control, heated seats, alloy wheels and radio/cd.

“My father Bill Wilcox and Trevor were firm friends” said Paul Wilcox, “It’s an honour that we have continued this unique relationship that spans over 60 years and

Stephen Box taking delivery of a further Vauxhall Insignia ‘Traditional’ Hearse from Wilcox & Co (Limousines) Ltd. over 200 vehicles. We would like to thank Trevor, Stephen and all the team at Box Bros for their continued loyalty and support.”

Wilcox & Co (Limousines) Ltd would like to thank Trevor and Stephen and wish them well with their new vehicle.

Suppliers to the funeral trade since 1890

• Coffins • Handles • Drapery • Linings • Mortuary Supplies

• Embalming Fluid • Cremfilm • Wreaths • Grave Ornements • Gave Plaques

One stop shop for funeral supplies!

Tel: 021 4975214 Fax: 021 4975215 Contact: Jim O’Reilly or Sean O’Donovan at: Unit C2, Grange Industrial Estate, Ballycurreen, Kinsale Road, Cork FuneralTimes | 67

Wilcox warmly welcome you!

If you have ever wondered exactly how a brand new £60,000 saloon vehicle is turned into a limousine or hearse, Wilcox & Co Limousines are holding a series of open days at their Wigan site.

Join them in their state of the art factory to gain a unique insight into the various processes it takes to adapt these vehicles using multi million pound machinery and a highly skilled team that includes adapting and extending the electronics, braking systems and the precise paintwork.

Any funeral director is welcome for the open days, however associations are also welcome to book a private tour for their group which can include the use of the modern meeting room with lunch provided.

“People can view the cars being cut in half and built again as a new hearse or limousine – until you see and understand the process it’s hard to comprehend just how much work goes into producing each vehicle” describes Paul Wilcox, MD of Wilcox Limousines, adding, “We’re incredibly proud that each of our vehicles is hand crafted to order, just seeing the craftsmanship that goes into the build is incredible.”

There will be the new Jaguar Hearse and Limousines on site, plus the much anticipated new Volvo Traditional Hearse, available for viewings and test drives.

Open Days will be held on the following dates, please pre-book using the following details: Tuesday 28th April 2pm Monday 18th May 12pm Thursday 25th June 4pm Wednesday 29th July 10am Tea, Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Contact Cathy at: enquiries@wilcoxlims. co.uk or call (01753) 480600

Vehicles under construction, similar to those that will be on display on the open dates 68 | FuneralTimes

Flexible software designed to work for every funeral director E

ulogica was originally developed in the 1990s, for funeral directors in Norway.

A concept of continuous maintenance and support led to widespread acceptance of the system across the country and the majority of all funerals in Norway are administered through the Eulogica system. Eulogica was established in the UK in 2003, with the software being launched in 2005. In 2008 the business expanded into Sweden. 2012 saw the expansion into Ireland and the Netherlands.

The system covers all aspects of the funeral, from the first call to handling the invoices and accounts. When a new funeral is being organised, the information is entered into the database – details of the deceased person, the client, the next of kin, etc. The different parts of the funeral are then entered as details are arranged – coffin choices, vehicles, minister details, etc. With the data in the system a wide variety of letters, forms and reports can be printed out without having to enter any details a second time.

One of the core ideas behind the Eulogica software is that every funeral is unique and every funeral director is unique. We have found that all funeral directors do things in their own way, be it the letters that are sent out or the services included in the funeral. The software is designed to be as flexible as possible so that any eventuality can be catered for. The software can be configured in many ways, such as letters, reports, menus, lists, product categories and of course the many various components of a funeral.

The most important thing that comes out of using a system like Eulogica is that the time saved by letting the software do the work can be spent where it is most important – with the families that the business serves. Ongoing support and maintenance means that this work can continue unhindered and with the peace of mind that if something does go wrong, help is just a quick phone call away.

Eulogica’s Nick Stokes with George Mullins from Naas The Eulogica team will be showcasing their products and services at the NFE 2015. They will be more than happy to demonstrate the software and answer any questions.

FuneralTimes | 69

“Good, a woman who can fart…“ (Final exclamations)

By Mattie Lennon

N

one but the most astute and farhe said, “ A dying man can’t do anything seeing undertaker is typically present easy.” And surprisingly enough Winston to share first-hand potentially famous (or Churchill finished up with, “I’m bored with even infamous) last words. And because it all…”. George Kelly, Pulitzer Prizeof the grief of the mourners, the final winning playwright and uncle of Grace utterance of the deceased is seldom Kelly, expected the utmost elegance shared with the funeral director. Last from his relatives. On his deathbed he words can vary from the amusing to the told his niece, “My dear, before you philosophical. kiss me goodbye, fix your hair. It’s a Examples range from Seattle Slew’s “You mess.” Restaurateur Fred Harvey’s final get on with your life. I’ve got to Go”, to instruction to his sons was, “Don’t cut the Erskine Childers’s instruction to the firing ham too thin.” squad, “Come closer boys, it will be easier Lorenz Hart went out with a question, for you.” And when James W. Rodgey was “What have I lived for?” and Lady Astor facing the firing squad he was asked if finished with a good question also, ”Am I he had any last request. He had. He said, dying or is this my birthday?” Historians “Bring me a bullet-proof vest.” The much are not sure of the final question of quoted, George Bernard Shaw finished Edward the Seventh. Was it “How is the with, “Sister, you’re trying to keep me Empire?” or “What is on at the Empire”? alive as an old curiosity but I’m done, I’m When Disraeli was on his death-bed he finished, I’m going to die.” too had a question. When John Barrymore said, he was told that Queen “Die, I should say Victoria wanted to see not, dear fellow. No him he asked, “What for?

Barrymore would allow She’ll only want me to such a conventional take a message to Albert.” thing to happen to him.”

Of course last words can Of course not everyone be cut short. Such was feels ready to go. the case with General Madame Pompadour felt John Sedwick when he the need to apply more said, “They couldn’t hit an rouge and said, “Wait a elephant at this dist . . . “ second.” Harry Houdini P. J. Barnum’s last gave up at Halloween in enquiry, “How were the 1926 with the words, “I’m circus receipts in Madison tired of fighting. I guess Square Garden?” reminded this thing is going to get me of the old quarryme.” owner in Ballyknockan When Benjamin Franklin who was almost on his was told to move, on his last breath when his son When James W. Rodgey was facing deathbed, so that he told him, “Da, the quarry the firing squad, he asked for a could breathe more easily bullet-proof vest is not payin’.” He said 70 | FuneralTimes

of a French what any aristocrat. committed Before entrepreneur expiring she would say, said, “Good. A “Get me woman who boots an’ I’ll can fart is not make it pay.” dead.”

Karl Marx John Arthur didn’t see any Spenkelink, need for last before being words but executed he expired in Florida after saying said, “Capital the following, punishment “Go on, get means that out. Last those without words are the capital for fools who get the haven’t said Karl Marx didn’t see any need for last words saying “Go on, get punishment.” enough.” And out. Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.”

If I get the how about chance, before I reach the back door of the following from Lewis Carroll, “Take Tony Clarke’s hearse, perhaps I should away those pillows, I shall need them no repeat the last words of Leonardo da more.” In 1728 aristocratic Comtesse de Vinci, “I have offended God and mankind Vercellis broke wind on her deathbed. Her because my work did not reach the final comment was more like the language quality it should have.” of a Kylebeg or Lacken native than that P.S. After my article in the last issue regarding the possibility of humans living to a thousand, I was contacted by a few undertakers fearing redundancy.

Don’t worry too much. No matter how long a person lives you’ll get them eventually. Remember the words of Algernon Charles Swinburne, in The Garden of Proserpine:

“From too much love of living From hope and fear set free, We thank with brief thanksgiving Whatever gods may be That no life lives for ever; That dead men rise up never; That even the weariest river Winds somewhere safe to sea.”

You can take further solace from the words of the late Peter Skrabanek and the late James McCormick of Trinity College, Dublin. Between them they came up with the following; Death is the inevitable consequence of conception.

It is our morbid preoccupation with its avoidance that diminishes the quality of life.

FuneralTimes | 71

Dr Bill Webster

Here, there … or where?

I

had an interesting question posed at a recent support group. I was asked: “I read somewhere about the need for ‘acceptance’ and ‘moving on’ after my loss. But then someone gave me an article that talked about not having to ‘let go’ because we continue to have a relationship with the deceased. I really think that is wonderful, because it means my mother is still with me, and I talk to her every day.

Don’t you think that is a better way to think of our loved ones?”

A counsellor might wisely answer, “How’s that working for you?”

But the question does raise a serious issue.

Without a doubt the traditional models of grief forwarded by people like Kubler-Ross, Worden and Rando among others suggest stages, tasks or processes, all of which share a clearly “linear” structure. Even when conceded that people “oscillate” between stages or tasks, the clear implication was that grief should flow nicely through its “stages” and eventually come to an endpoint.

In addition, all the theories describe a final phase that brings a sense of closure, detachment from the image of the person, acceptance, and the opportunity to move on to a new life.

It was probably only a matter of time before someone like my friend quoted above stood up and shouted, “I don’t need to accept that she is gone and reinvest my energy in a new life to be considered healthy and welladjusted!”

Well, do we or don’t we? To let go or to hang on, that is the current question. The phrase “continuing bonds” was first used

72 | FuneralTimes

in 1996 in the book, Continuing Bonds: Another View of Grief, (edited by Klass, Silverman and Nickman.) It challenged the popular models of grief requiring the bereaved to “detach” from the deceased. The book suggested that perhaps these models, ending in a detachment from the person we lost, were denying the reality of how many people grieve.

So here is a potted version of the Theory of Continuing Bonds. Under this model, grief isn’t about working through the traditional linear process that ends with ‘acceptance’, where you have ‘moved on’ to a ‘new life’.

Rather, when a loved one dies, one slowly finds ways to adjust and redefine the relationship with that person, allowing for a continued bond that will endure, albeit in different ways and to varying degrees, throughout your life.

It suggests that continuing ties to loved ones in this way is not only normal and healthy, but an important aspect of the grief experience. Thus, rather than assuming detachment as a normal grief outcome, continuing bonds considers natural human attachment as the norm even after a death.

You are probably thinking one of two things: YES! Of course we maintain bonds forever. Or, alternately, NO! Doesn’t ‘continuing bonds’ mean we are trapped in our grief forever, keeping us from ‘finding closure’ and ‘moving on’?

Most hypotheses offer great ideas, models and concepts, but usually there is an “on the other hand.” I remember taking an undergrad course in history which examined

the theological heresies of the early Church.

Heresy is traditionally defined as any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs. I came to LOVE the “heretics.” They are the ones who challenge convention, helping us to gain new perspectives and understand things in a different light … even if they don’t always get it absolutely correct. Fortunately today, those who challenge orthodoxy are rarely burned at the stake … at least not physically!

But in that university course, heresy was informatively interpreted as “an overemphasis of one aspect of truth to the neglect of the whole truth.” I think we can apply that definition here.

There are merits in the “continuing bonds theory” that co-exist with dangers. We do have an ongoing relationship with the deceased even though obviously it changes.

Children regularly find ways to maintain relationships with those who have died, be it through dreams, inspiration they find from

the deceased, or by viewing themselves as the legacy of a parent who died. Or think of the continuing bonds between widows and their deceased spouses, and normalizing and integrating this ongoing relationship with the deceased … even when a widowed person remarries. I can speak personally to this one.

While the continuing bonds theory fundamentally changed our traditional concept of grief, I suspect this has always been intuitive to grievers. Finding ways to continue relationships after death is understood as meaningful and the concept has been incorporated into many earlier theories. It proves to be just another example of how ideas change and we always find both truth and question in everything.

When we think about this in practical terms as we serve grieving people, there are helpful and healthy ways to continue bonds with a loved one.

• Talking to a loved one who died is

FuneralTimes | 73

something many grievers do, and it can bring a lot of comfort during the moments you miss them most.

• Keeping photos around keeps us connected with our loved one and often helps us remember the ways that person continues to influence our lives.

• Incorporate your loved one into events and special days. How can you acknowledge a deceased parent on your wedding day?

Can you leave an empty chair at holiday meals to honor them? You will certainly be thinking of them on these big days and special events, so why not find a way to involve them in the event.

• Imagine what advice they would give you when making tough decisions. Visualize a conversation with them, what they would have said, and the advice they might have given to help us make big life choices a little easier.

• Live your life in a way you know they would be proud of. We often struggle knowing our loved one won’t be there for accomplishments and milestones.

Taking time to recognize that your loved one would be proud of you for a specific accomplishment can be comforting and remind us how we continue to be connected to them.

• Plan for the anniversary. Though it may feel like everyone else has moved on, you should not feel embarrassed or selfconscious about planning something in memory of your loved one each year on the anniversary of their death, or another special day. Be it a small, personal ritual or a large event, find something that works for you.

• Keep something that belonged to your loved one. You can’t keep everything (even though sometimes it is very hard to part with items!) but keeping a few especially meaningful items can be extremely powerful. It could be something they owned or gave you. The idea that keeping belongings can caused increased sadness has not been my personal experience, although admittedly it may not be the same for everyone.

• Experience your loved one’s presence. It is common to feel the presence of that 74 | FuneralTimes

special person, though not everyone does. OK, it may just be a “feeling”, but acknowledging it can help ease the sadness that accompanies grief.

These are normal and helpful ways in which we continue the bonds with our loved ones. The roles people play in our lives reflect the relationship between people.

Death does not necessarily change that.

What did the mourner lose, and on what is the continuing connection being built?

What will be missing?

But while I can understand the value of continuing bonds in positive relationships, what happens when the relationship was not a good one, even dysfunctional, neglectful or abusive. People often live with serious emotional problems derived from negative consequences of a relationship which even after death anchored the bereaved person’s current life inappropriately in the past. In such situations the importance of “detachment” from the deceased rather than continuing bonds becomes a vital component in helping them move on and find a new life. So there is no one easy answer to the issue.

More and more we must appreciate that there is continuity between the past and the present. Without a sense of the past and an understanding of its place in people’s lives, it is difficult to move ahead in the present and into the future.

People rarely just “get over it,” nor do they ever really find “closure.” The phrase “continuing bonds” is one contribution to a new language that reflects a new understanding of this process. A continuing bond does not mean, however, that people live in the past. The very nature of the daily lives of mourners is changed by the death.

The deceased is both present and absent.

One cannot ignore this fact and the tension this creates in the bereavement process.

Nathasha Wagner, the daughter of actress Natalie Wood who drowned when her daughter was just a teenager, said “I had to learn to have a relationship with someone who wasn’t there anymore.”

No argument from me there.

Follow Dr Bill’s daily inspirational Twitter message @drbillwebster

Massey Bros. launch Ireland’s first funeral plan allowing for bequests An industry-first, the product aims to enable people whose investments have been decimated by the downturn to cover the cost of their funeral and still provide for loved ones in their will.

M

onday 9th February 2015 saw the launch of an innovative new insurance-based funeral plan from Massey Bros. Funeral Directors which also allows policy holders to include a legacy for a loved one as part of the sum assured.

The plan is the latest collaboration conceived through the efforts of both Massey Bros. Funeral Directors and Insurances & Financial Services Ltd. and has been created to assist the large number of people in Ireland who have saved diligently over the years for their funeral only to see the value of their investments decimated by the economic downturn.

Massey Bros. believe that this solution will appeal most to people who are aged 50-plus; “We are seeing increasing numbers of people take care of their own funeral arrangements well in advance of their passing, mainly to remove the burden from their loved ones,” said Peter Maguire of Massey Bros.

“We are aware of many people who have had their hopes of being able to leave their children or other loved ones a sum of money on their passing dashed by the economic downturn, perhaps because they had invested their savings in shares or property. Having seen the peace of mind a pre-paid funeral plan can bring to people concerned about being able to meet future funeral expenses, we set about exploring the possibility of developing a plan that would also allow for an additional sum of money which could be used as a bequest.

“Parents in particular take great comfort in knowing that their children will not be left with a financial burden on their passing. It must be extremely distressing to suddenly be in a position whereby their best efforts have been eroded away and being faced with the reality of not being able to rebuild their nest-

egg through savings alone.

“Having already developed an insurancebased international repatriation plan with Insurances & Financial Services Ltd. for people who have made Ireland their home but who, on their passing, would like to have their remains returned to the place of their birth, we felt we had the perfect basis for a domestic product, particularly as the international plan already allows for the provision of an additional sum of money to pay for loved ones to travel with the remains.

“While every person’s requirements and circumstances are looked at individually, the average non-smoker who is 60 at their next birthday could take out a policy valued at €10,000 (index linked) which would more than cover their funeral costs for as little as €22.50 per month. Increase that to €50,000 to allow for a bequest and the premium would likely be in the region of €103.00 per month. This is subject to proposal and acceptance. So it very often makes sense to take out life cover, rather than saving, as we never know when we will pass away and often is it far sooner than expected, leaving little time for savings to build.”

Gerard Downey of Insurances & Financial Services Ltd believes that this product, which was over a year in the planning, FuneralTimes | 75

possesses the right level of flexibility to meet a wide range of personal and financial needs; “We are pleased to be able to partner with Massey Bros. to create yet another unique and bespoke insurance-based plan which will meet the needs of people who are concerned about being able to meet their funeral costs and look after their families beyond their own lifetime”.

The Massey Bros. funeral plan is available to people who, at the time of application, are aged up to 80 years at their next birthday and is subject to terms and conditions. It requires payment of a monthly premium, to be determined by the insurer based on individual circumstances. The cover provided is on a Whole of Life basis where the premium and benefit are guaranteed for the whole of the insured’s life. A legal

agreement ensuring that Massey Bros. carry out the wishes of the policy holder i.e. arrange the funeral of their choice is also signed which includes a commitment from Massey Bros. to return any surplus from the amount paid by the insurance company to the estate of the deceased. The legacy portion of the insured sum is covered by a separate legal agreement assigning the amount directly to the estate of the deceased or a named individual. The Insurance Broker, Insurances & Financial Services Ltd. and any insurance company/product provider chosen are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Terms of Business from the Broker and the Terms and Conditions of the policy will be issued with every quotation requested in advance of commencement of any Life Assurance Plan/Funeral Plan.

Academic Achievement for County Armagh Funeral Director

C

o Armagh funeral director Ian Milne has turned his private work as a mediator into academic success Ian, from Portadown, has just completed a Master’s Degree in Work-based Learning and Mediation at Queen’s University.

Ian is best known for providing funeral services to the people of Portadown, Lurgan and surrounding areas for many years as owner of Milne Funeral Services Ltd. However, his interest in the area of mediation began when he became involved in efforts to bring about a resolution to the Drumcree dispute.

His work around that issue, and in similar difficult situations since, saw Ian recently included as one of the ‘Quiet Peacemakers,’ a collection of paintings and an accompanying book by local artist Susan Hughes which feature some of the individuals who have worked in the background to facilitate peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

However, Ian was keen to develop his skills

76 | FuneralTimes

in a more formal way. He said: “I set out on this particular journey for two reasons. Firstly, I was interested in discovering much more about the research and theories behind the practice of mediation and, secondly, I wanted to set myself the goal of trying to achieve an academic qualification."

Ian had to manage his studies around the pressing demands of his business, which was often difficult. He said: “I can't pretend that it was easy because there were times when I could quite happily have walked away from all the studying and the assignments! But I’m glad that I stuck at it and the feeling on graduation day, knowing that it was all over and that the result had been achieved, was worth every second of the time spent.”

Ian hopes that others will follow suit, commenting “If I can do it, anyone can and it’s never too late". Congratulations to Ian on his achievement.

Elizabeth and Keith Snell accepting the keys from Eddy Marsden of Coleman Milne

Coleman Milne help bring image up-to-date

F

amily owned and run funeral directors Elizabeth Snell and Family have undergone a process of updating and modernising their business image as younger family members have joined the company.

The company offices in Westbury and Trowbridge have been adorned with new signage and redecorated inside and out.

Earlier this year the decision was made to update the vehicles.

All involved were delighted to take delivery of a modern pre-owned hearse and limousine supplied by Coleman Milne.

The keys were ceremoniously handed over to business owners Elizabeth and Keith Snell by Eddy Marsden from Coleman Milne.

Elizabeth Snell says, “it was time for the overall image to be brought up to date and the new cars will ensure that the families we are serving can travel in safety and comfort wherever we are travelling to.”

The business was founded 18 years ago in Southwick in 1996 where still exists the chapel of rest and mortuary. Since then, the business has steadily expanded, with premises opened in Trowbridge in 2003 and Westbury in 2009.

Elizabeth and Keith Snell together with son-in-law Marcus Read are all qualified funeral directors, having obtained the Diploma in Funeral Directing, and are all members of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.

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

Mobile: 07815 866652 Tel: 01267 236787 (24hrs) email: info@mljfs.co.uk www.matthewljonesfuneralservices.co.uk FuneralTimes | 77

WD Carriages offer a professional service, hiring horse drawn carriages for all occasions

T: 028 7136 1052 / M: 07891 347356 / M: 07706 016359 E: wdcarriages@hotmail.co.uk

y Mc Dermott r r e G Wreath Manufacturer

Circular Road, Roscommon T Tel: 090 6629737 Tel: 090 66257633 M Mob: 086 2544126 Mob: 086 8205215 78 | FuneralTimes

Classifieds...

Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com PATRICK RYAN & DAUGHTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS

for sale 2006 Mercedes E220 Hearse

SPECIALISING IN REPATRIATION TO ALL PARTS OF IRELAND

TEL: 0208 567 1664 FAX: 0208 566 4795 6 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA Email: patrick.ryan@virgin.net Website: PATRICK-RYAN.CO.UK COVERING LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES

DAVID McKEON HEARSE HIRE Sunnagh Beg, Cloone, Co. Leitrim

24 HR SERVICE Long or short term hire Nationwide CONTACT ROI Mobile: 087-8045115 / 087-2981956 / 071-9636000

• Duffy built from new • Auto, 2006 petrol, 4 door • Bearer seats with cover • Double deck • 43,000 miles Price £34,000 / €46,500 For further information call Dublin T:087 6094533 / from NI: 00353 87 6094533

for sale 2003 Mercedes Hearse

• Byrne Built • Great hearse in immaculate condition • Garaged 24/7 while not in use • Very well maintained • Any inspection welcome.

Price €15,000 ono

For further information call Paul on T:086 1589560 FuneralTimes | 79

Classifieds...

Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com Frank Keogh & Sons

CUNNINGHAM MEMORIALS

Funeral Repatriation Services

Formerly of Ormeau Road, Belfast

Woodbrook, Bray Co.Wicklow

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

Renovations and Additional Inscriptions.

A Specialty in any Cemetery.

Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed

Telephone:

ROI - 086 8440208 NI - 00353 86 8440208

Tel/Fax: 028 9070 4404

CONTACT: PAUL MOLLOY MOB: 087 2590843

2004 Mondeo Executive Hearse 2.0 Petrol Automatic • 43,000 miles • Byrne Built • Excellent Condition Features include: Leather seats, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Alloys Wheels, Metallic Paint, Front Fog Lamps, Exterior Chrome Pack - £Price on Application

Fort Motors Ltd., Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: 01 400 00 44 or Email: info@tallaghtford.ie 80 | FuneralTimes

Classifieds...

Classifieds... email your advert to: sales@funeraltimes.com 2003 Mercedes limousine E240

for sale 2010 Ford Mondeo

• Titanium X • Silver Hearsett • 96,000 Miles • Fully Automatic • Immaculate condition Price €10,300 euro

2009 Chrysler Grand Voyager • Built by Duffy Coachbodies • 67,000 miles • NCT’d taxed • Well maintained • Always garaged PRICE ON APPLICATION

Tel: (00353) 87 2366203

• Metallic silver • Immaculate Condition, With stop and go bearers seat • Coffin Rollers on one side • 94,000 miles Price €13,300 euro

Contact: 086 8268876

jb1

Pair of Mercedes Limousines (6 door) • Mercedes Hearse Available Experienced Drivers • Provincewide service available For enquiries please conact: James on Mob: 077 3428 3181/Tel: 028 3884 9151 Web: www.jamesbartonfuneralservices.co.uk • Email: jamesbarton75@gmail.com FuneralTimes | 81

82 | FuneralTimes

FuneralTimes | 1

Meet The New Traditional Volvo Hearse

Why Pay More Than You Need To?

√ Dependable √ Reliable √ Value For Money √ Swedish Durability √ Large Double Deck

enquiries@wilcoxlims.co.uk www.limousines.co.uk +44 (0) 1753 480 600