Issue 5 2014

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2014 Vol.14 No 5

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INTRODUCING

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Peadar appointed Coleman Milne agent....................8

Open for business.......10

It's logical George.......53

Contents

On the home stretch............................................4

Peadar appointed Coleman Milne agent...... 8

The Three Wise Men..................................................31

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

Open Day at Heffernan's, Trim........................10 IAFD News......................................................... 14 Spotlight on Ebola............................................ 24 BIE News........................................................... 28 Joint Dinner and Social Evening...................... 31 Setting the standards.........................................35 McKervey's open in Irvinestown..................... 39 PEAI News......................................................... 40 Mattie Lennon's notes on the songs of death............................................ 46 SAIF News......................................................... 55 Dr Bill Webster.................................................. 57 NAFD News........................................................65 Death rate up in 2013........................................73 Recyling from the dead.....................................78 How to mark the Christmas season

by Jennifer Muldowney..................................... 81 Classifieds.......................................................... 84

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

On the home stretch Oliver Brady, famous and flamboyant horse trainer: A loyal son of Ballybay and Monaghan and truly a legend.

S

t Patricks Church in Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, was full to capacity for Oliver Brady’s funeral mass on Thursday September 18th. The very popular horse trainer and businessman died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning September 16th aged 75, he had been battling cancer for over 20 years.

Tributes flowed in from all corners of the racing world, many highlighting the extraordinary charity work he and his soulmate Rita Shah had performed, both here in Ireland and in Kenya.

4 | FuneralTimes

Padraig Ward of Wards Funeral Home, serving Co. Monaghan, knew this would be a large funeral and one which required some special features. It was going to be necessary to have horses to mark the passing of one of Irish racings’ most colourful characters.

One of a large family of ten from Ballybay, Oliver Brady was raised in a terraced house, went to school with cardboard in-soles in his shoes and “had a funeral truly fit for a king”. His funeral cortege made its way through his native Ballybay, led by two

2014 reg Mercedes hearse’s carrying the numerous floral tributes that came from the four corners of the world, followed appropriately by a horse drawn carriage led by four immaculately presented black friesian stallions, carrying his dome lid casket bearing his beloved Monaghan colours and his racing silks.

Oliver established his racing stables in the late 1980s around the same time he went into business with Rita Shah. The name of their award winning recycling and plastic business, Shabra was also given to their racing stables. Some of their more famous horses included Gazalani, Balapour and Ebadiyan.

The trainer’s parade ring celebrations after a winner were unmatched and encouraged by the crowds who

lapped up the entertainment, he would let everyone know of his Monaghan roots, by stripping down to his Monaghan Jersey and quoting “Ballybay for tay, Monaghan for Brandy but Castleblayney beats them all for atin sugary candy, UP MONAGHAN” His Shabra Foundation raised over €550,000 for good causes and in 2009 he was named Monaghan Person of the year.

Rita Shah delivered an emotional eulogy at the funeral ceremony, describing Oliver as “like an older brother” and “truly a legend”, she said “the children in Kenya who have been educated in a school built by the Shabra Foundation have not stopped crying since they heard the sad news”.

Oliver was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery “May he rest in peace”

Acknowledgement by Rita Shah and the Shah and Brady Families

Many thanks to Wards Funeral Directors for carrying out all funeral arrangements and in particular Padraig who truly conducted the arrangements in such a caring manner, with the highest professionalism, dignity and attention to detail.

Rita Shah, The Shah & Brady Families, and all Shabra Staff.

FuneralTimes | 5

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Peadar appointed Coleman Milne agent Coleman Milne are proud to announce the appointment of Byrne Coachbuilders Ireland as their agent in the Republic of Ireland.

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his exciting development means customers in Ireland will now be able to purchase Coleman Milne vehicle solutions through this new alliance in addition to the existing facility offered by the Coleman Milne Northern Ireland Sales department.

Established over 40 years, Byrne Coachbuilders brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the Coleman Milne proposition. The company is led by Peadar Byrne who, with his intimate knowledge of the funeral trade in Ireland, has been building hearses to specific customer specifications since 1972. With a commitment to quality vehicle design built by craftsmen using the highest standards of materials and up-to-the-minute technologies, Byrne Coachbuilders aligns itself with Coleman Milne’s brand values perfectly.

Keen to build on the solid foundations of this strategic partnership, Byrne Coachbuilders are positioned ready and able to offer sales and after-sales support for Coleman Milne funeral vehicles to their customers throughout Ireland.

Coleman Milne Managing Director Geoff Hudson stated, “We are extremely happy to welcome our friends at Byrne Coachbuilders into the extended Coleman Milne family.

Their reputation and position in the market is a strong indication of the high standards of both their products and their customer service, and we feel we have found a very able partner in Peadar and his company.

Having Byrnes working alongside our existing Northern Ireland salesforce, we feel

8 | FuneralTimes

reassured that the heritage of the Coleman Milne brand is in extremely safe hands with Byrne Coachbuilders. We look forward to a long and prosperous association delivering trusted Coleman Milne vehicle solutions to the funeral industry in Ireland.”

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Funeral Home open day at Heffernans, Trim Mary Elizabeth Dillon attended the Open Day at Heffernans in Trim, County Meath and reports for Funeral Times on a successful event

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e drove three times round the one way system and asked four people for directions before we finally found our way to Heffernans funeral home. But the journey was well worthwhile, the warmth of the welcome from Aidan, his son-in-law Niall Mulligan and his staff more than made up for the complications of the one way system.

The funeral open day was the first I had attended and I must admit to a little apprehension as to how it would all run and who would be there. But I had nothing to worry about. Aidan and Niall had put together an impressive number of people from all aspects of the funeral trade including, Lisa from Treasured Keepsakes, Mairead from Interflora Trim, Pauline Kelly from The Memory Box, Bespoke candles from Veronica Martin, as well as Kate Maguire and Aisling McGroarty, Bereavement Counsellors and of course myself Mary Elizabeth Dillon from Civil Funerals Ireland. A wicker coffin was woven in front of our eyes in the courtyard and attracted a lot of attention.

Aidan had done an excellent job in promoting the open day and this paid off as

Vorliza bespoke candles 10 | FuneralTimes

Aidan and Dora Heffernan welcomed visitors to their funeral home people came through the door from 10am onwards with a peak of footfall between 12 and 1pm. What struck me about the people who came to the day was their genuineness and real interest in what they saw before them. The questions people asked were intelligent, genuine and warm and showed a total thoughtfulness on the part of the visitors in relation to their funeral plans.

People spent time at each of the tables with the exhibitors and there was no sense of hurry or urgency, the exhibitors were able to spend time with each person and showcased themselves and their goods and services in a

Liza Webster, Treasured Keepsakes

Martin Boyle of Green Coffins Ireland very professional manner.

I found that a lot of people had some inkling about a Civil Funeral but didn’t know the details. They were very impressed to find that a persons religious beliefs could be incorporated into a service along with all the music poems, speakers etc. What was really impressive on the day was how well all the different exhibitors worked together, the immediate care from the Undertaker, the florist and the civil celebrant, through to the aftercare from Treasured Keepsakes and the Memory Box and the long term care from the Bereavement Counsellors. The funeral industry can be rightly proud as to what a complete service it offers and the level of care provided to its clients.

All too soon the morning had passed and it was time to pack up and face the one way system again. It has been an excellent day, with many good connections made and also some new friends. A heartfelt thanks go out to Aidan Heffernan and all his staff who cared for all the exhibitors and visitors so well and provided for our every need.

Particular thanks go to John who kept the tea flowing without stop! We look forward to next year, which I am sure will be a larger and even more diverse event.

Mary Elizabeth Dillon and Mary Dillon (Snr), Civil Funeral, Ireland

Bereavement Counsellors attended the Day

A Memory Box can be popular with families FuneralTimes | 11

: : :

IAFD News

Dear Colleagues

I

trust you are all well and that you have enjoyed the extended summer. It is hard to believe that as I write, I am nearing the end of my presidency. I have received many phone calls from members during the year and have had the great pleasure of travelling throughout Ireland opening members’ funeral homes.

As I approach the end of my term, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you the membership for your outstanding support shown to me during my presidency.

During 2014 we held Regional Meetings in Clonmel, Dublin, Galway and an Open Meeting in Killarney. I would like to thank the membership for the warm welcome the Board and I received and for their very active participation during the meetings.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all our guest speakers.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the Education Programme which continues to be a real benefit to those who participated. This year witnessed another group of candidates completing the Programme successfully. I wish to take this opportunity to record my congratulations to the candidates for achieving such excellent results.

Finally, thank you once more for your support. I wish you all well and in particular, Michael Crowley in his presidential year. I promise to assist and support him in every way I can.

Kind regards

14 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News Why join the IAFD??

For just a little more than €1 a day you get: • •

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Professional Indemnity Insurance Membership of professional organisation recognised by the general public Unique all island network of funeral directors Representation of members with Government, Local Authorities and Media (IAFD is recognised as first point of contact) Code of Practice Funeral Directors led organisation for promoting and developing standards of funeral service Full access to IAFD Education Programme and wide range of courses Excellence Programme Board of Funeral professionals available to assist Members Complaints Procedure Dispute Resolution and Mediation Legal Advisory Service Links to other trade Associations

Irish Association of Funeral Directors

Annual Dinner Dance

The President and Board of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors invite you to our Annual Dinner Dance to be held on the evening of the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 22nd November 2014 at 7.30 (sharp) at the Silversprings Moran Hotel Cork.

To reserve a place or table, please contact:

Orla Nolan on ROI: 0818 935 000 / NI: 0800 912 1500 Irish Association of Funeral Directors, Mespil Business Centre, Mespil House, Sussex Road, Dublin 4.

Tickets are priced at €75 and will include a four course dinner menu, followed by a live band.

FuneralTimes | 15

IAFD News

Certificate in Funeral Practice Award Ceremony Congratulations to all of the successful candidates who received their Certificates.

Two candidates received a special award in recognition of outstanding performance.

They both received 100% in all eight modules, not an easy feat by no means.

Congratulations again to John Michael Smith, (FSNI Belfast) and Stephen Murphy, (Staffords, Dublin).

Missing from the photographs are Stephen Murphy, Dublin, Bryan O’Connor, Cork and Peter Maguire, Dublin.

John Kennedy, Dublin

Paula Townley-Crosbie, Drogheda

Colm Kieran, Cavan

Stuart Collier, Bray

Andrew Maguire, Dublin

16 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News

John Michael Smith, Belfast

Ann Crowley, Cork

Donal Tierney, Tipperary

Dermot Toolan, Dublin

Finlay Tierney Street Ardee Tommy Dermody, Kilkenny Co. Louth

Sean Cooke, Kildare FuneralTimes | 17

IAFD News

Back Row: (L-R) Stephen Shields (Tutor), John Michael Smith, Andrew Maguire, Anthony McCarthy, Dermot Toolan, From Row: (L-R), Paula Townley-Crosbie, Donal Tierney, Colm Kieran, John Kennedy

John Michael Smith receiving his special award in recognition of outstanding performance

Kieran Shovlin, Donegal Anthony McCarthy, Cork

Finlay Tierney Street Ardee Sandra Willis Co. Louth 18 | FuneralTimes

Back Row: (l-R) Tommy Dermody, Kieran Shovlin, Stephen Shields (Tutor), Sean Cooke, Front Row: (L-R) Ann Crowley, Sandra Willis

IAFD News

Thank you to Mr Tim O’Shea for his kind hospitality shown to the Board on our recent visit to Killarney. Back Row (L-R) Michael Crowley, James Brown, Dermot McCarthy, Michael O’Shea, Front Row (L-R) Mary O’Shea, President Henry Black, Tim O’Shea

Guest Speakers: Terence Casey (Kerry SE Coroner), President Henry Black & Philip O’Sullivan (IAFD Solicitor). Missing from photograph: Mr. Peter Daly, HSE Chief Emergency Management Officer

Open Meeting in Killarney: Some of our audience listening attentively FuneralTimes | 19

IAFD News Henry Black (President) Henry Black Funeral Directors Springbank, Rushbrooke, Cobh Phone: 021 4811630 Mobile: 087 2544106 Michael Crowley (Vice President) Crowley Funeral Directors Bothar Saclay, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

Phone: 021 4874777 Email: info@crowleyfuneraldirectors.ie Gerard Clarke (Hon. Secretary) Gerard Clarke & Sons Funeral Home Main Street, Balisodare, Sligo Ph: 071 9130700 Mobile: 087 2565310 Email: gerardclarkeandsons@eircom.net John Foley (Hon. Treasurer) Jennings Funeral Directors 81 Amien Street Dublin 1 Ph: 01 8555511 Joanne Cooney (Immediate Past President & Education Committee - Chair) 4 Robert Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

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

James Brown Funeral Services Northern Ireland Ltd. 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1HF Email: jb@james-brown.info Mary Cunniffe Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village, Dublin 6W Mobile: 085 8010742, Ph: 014 907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com 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

Colman Finlay (Membership Officer) Tierney Street, Ardee, Co. Louth Ph: 041 6853603 Email: colman.finlay@finlaygrp.com Graham Gleasure (acting PRO) The Gleasure Funeral Home Matt Talbot Road, Tralee Ph; 066 7123079 fax; 066 7123193 Mobile: 086 2581443 Email: graham@gleasures.ie 20 | FuneralTimes

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FuneralTimes | 23

Spotlight on Ebola

By Kim Collison MSA, M.T. (ASCP)

Kim is the manager of the Immunochemistry and Advanced Technology Laboratories for the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with a master’s degree in health care administration.

2014 began with the threat of the influenza pandemic. Soon after, MERS-CoV was stealing the headlines, and now Ebola is in the spotlight. Today, the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history continues to spread across West Africa.

F

irst discovered in 1976, Ebola has caused sporadic outbreaks in several African countries but this is the first outbreak in West Africa. The current outbreak has infected over 3,000 people and resulted in over 1,600 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the actual number of infections and deaths may be much higher as many people may have died outside of health care centres and may not have been included in the official count.

An outbreak with a death rate of 40% to 60% definitely commands attention.

Although health authorities have stated that the Ebola virus does not pose a significant risk to the United States, they do admit the possibility exists for a traveller to bring the disease into the U.S. As a precaution, hospitals, clinics, emergency medical services, and funeral homes are educating staff on proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and reminding them to adhere to standard precautions and proper hand hygiene. Adherence to standard precautions, hand hygiene and the use of proper PPE should be the standard operating procedure in these settings every day. A deadly disease outbreak should not be necessary for healthcare workers and embalmers to recognize the need to follow these guidelines.

The risk of encountering infectious agents 24 | FuneralTimes

is present in every removal and embalming.

Headlines stating that the Ebola outbreak could top 20,000 cases certainly grab the attention. For many in healthcare, the headlines also serve as a wake-up call and a reminder of the importance of standard precautions. According to WHO, over 240 healthcare workers have been infected and more than 120 of those have died. Most of the healthcare workers contracted the deadly virus while not wearing the appropriate PPE. Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90%.

The typical signs and symptoms include sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.

These symptoms are often followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. The incubation period is 2 to 21 days, and people become contagious once they begin to show symptoms.

Ebola is spread through direct contact, through broken skin or mucous membranes, with blood and body fluids including urine, faeces, vomit, saliva, and semen of a person who is sick. It is also spread by indirect contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water.

Currently there is no specific antiviral treatment for Ebola nor is there a vaccine available to prevent possible infection.

Current treatment is supportive and symptomatic care only.

Due to the extreme fluid loss in these patients, it is important to maintain electrolyte and fluid balance while maintaining oxygen levels and blood pressure. Both the World Health Organization and the CDC have issued infection prevention and control recommendations for hospitals and health care settings. Standard, contact, and droplet precautions are recommended for management of hospitalized patients with known or suspected Ebola viral disease. The CDC recognizes that those handling dead bodies may require different PPE than what is used in the hospital setting.

Scientists have recently mapped the genetic code of the outbreak causing strain of Ebola and have traced the origin to a funeral in Guinea. The Ebola outbreak exploded after that funeral in May. These findings have led the CDC and WHO to publish guidelines for safe handling of human remains of Ebola patients. Both organizations state that handling human remains should be kept to a minimum.

In patients who die of Ebola virus infection, the virus can be detected throughout the body. Ebola virus can be transmitted in postmortem settings by laceration and

puncture with contaminated instruments, through direct handling of human remains without appropriate PPE, and through splashes of blood or other body fluids to unprotected mucosa which occur during postmortem care. PPE including impermeable long sleeve gown, surgical cap, mask, eye protection, shoe covers, and double gloves, must be worn when collecting remains. WHO recommends plugging the natural orifices, and the CDC recommends leaving any intravenous lines or endotracheal tubes in place. Both organizations state that the body should be placed in double body bags. The surface of each body bag should be wiped with an EPA registered disinfectant or bleach solution.

The remains should not be embalmed.

The same PPE required for the removal is also required when handling the bagged remains. The remains should either be cremated or placed inside a casket and buried promptly. In addition to the deadly Ebola outbreak which has now spread to a remote part of the Congo in Central Africa, WHO is currently monitoring many other infectious disease outbreaks around the globe. Ethiopia is currently battling a growing Hepatitis E outbreak. H5N1 continues to cause severe illness and death in Southeast Asia while China continues to see H7N9 flu cases over a year after the first cases surfaced. MERSCoV, although no longer in the headlines, FuneralTimes | 25

is still causing disease in the Middle East and parts of Europe. Australia has seen over 21,000 cases of flu in 2014 while many have been sickened in Finland with the Norovirus.

Whooping cough is making a comeback in California causing almost 7,000 cases this year.

The mosquito-borne virus called Chikungunya has spread rapidly throughout the Caribbean, South America and North America infecting more than 570,000 people in just 8 months. Dengue, another mosquito-borne illness, has caused hundreds of thousands of cases in Brazil, Mexico, and the southern United States. The ease of air travel can bring any of these diseases to hometowns across America and should illustrate the need for consistent adherence to standard precautions.

CDC director Tom Frieden stated, “Ebola doesn’t spread by mysterious means, we know how it spreads, so we have the means to stop it from spreading, but it requires tremendous attention to every detail.” According to recent reports by the WHO, the Ebola outbreak could eventually exceed 20,000 cases. The panic caused WORKS CITED: World Health Organization. Ebola virus disease: fact sheet. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization: 2014. Available at http://www. who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidance for Safe Handling of Human Remains of Ebola Patients in U.S. Hospitals and Mortuaries. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/guidance-safehandlinghuman-remains.html.

It’s Not Just Ebola. Thousands of outbreaks are threatening communities across the globe. Available at http://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/ blog/2014/08/its-not-just-ebola-thousandsofoutbreaks. WHO: Ebola Has Killed 120 Health Care Workers in Africa. Available at http://www. advisory.com.

REFERENCES: One funeral, then Ebola outbreak spread like wildfire. Available at http://www. cbsnews.com/news/onefuneral- then-ebola-outbreak spread-like-wildfire/ Accessed 8/29/2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidance for Safe Handling of Human Remains of Ebola Patients in U.S. Hospitals and Mortuaries. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/guidancesafe-handlinghuman-remains.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for 26 | FuneralTimes

by such a serious outbreak can result in misinformation.

The CDC and WHO provide up-todate guidance in these situations. Both organizations would be involved in any suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States. Every disease outbreak serves as a reminder that knowledge is key. Knowledge of how a specific disease is transmitted and adherence to standard precautions provide a solid foundation of safety to those in funeral service.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us: Shepherds Mortuary & Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 33 49702/00353 87 2486668

Hospitalized Patients with Known or Suspected Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in U.S. Hospitals.

Available at http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ hcp/interiminfection- prevention-and-controlrecommendations-forhospitalized-patients. UN: Ebola Cases Could Reach 20,000. Available at http://www.dddmag.com/news/2014/08/ un-ebolacases- could-reach 20000? location.

Accessed 8/28/2014 It’s not just Ebola. Thousands of outbreaks are threatening communities across the globe. Available at http://www.advisory.com/ daily-briefing/blog/2014/08/its-not-just-ebolathousands-of-outbreaks. Accessed 8/15/2014.

Keeping Ebola in Check: Advice from the CDC. Medscape. Aug. 08, 2014. WHO: Ebola has killed 120 health care workers in Africa. Available at http://www.advisory.com/ Accessed 8/28/2014.

World Health Organization. Ebola viral disease: fact sheet. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization 2014. Available at http://www.who. int/mediacentre/ factsheets/fs103/en. Accessed 8/6/2014. World Health Organization. Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Care of Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Filovirus Haemorrhagic Fever in Health-Care Settings, with Focus on Ebola. Geneva, Switzerland; World Health Organization; August 2014. Available at http://www. who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/ Accessed 8/25/2014.

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FuneralTimes | 27

BIE News O

n Saturday 8th November 2014 our educational session got under way at Hawe’s Funeral Home in Charleville, Co. Cork.

The attendance was excellent with members from all parts of the country, including members from the Northern Ireland division.

Our guest speaker on the day was Anna de Siún National Development Coordinator Residential Care Hospice, Friendly Hospitals within the Irish Hospice Foundation.

Anna addressed the meeting and gave a PowerPoint presentation on the transfer of a deceased person from their place of death based on international best practice guidelines and titled The Principles for Good Practice in Residential Care Centres through consultation with the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD), the Irish Division of the British Institute of Embalmers, Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), the HSE and HIQA. This was very interesting and informative for all present and indeed the question and answer session outlined the need for more work to be done on this document.

Concerns were raised and presented with

Glyn Tallon & Nora Murphy of Tallon Mortuary Specialists the understanding that our views will be addressed and we will keep members up to date on this matter.

Following this presentation we heard from Adrian Byrne from Dublin Institute of Technology. As part of his final exams, Adrian will submit a thesis based on an environmental health topic. His chosen area is funeral directing which includes research on embalming and our members have been asked to complete a questionnaire on the subject. All members were urged to support Adrian in this area and complete their

Anna De Siún addressing the meeting

Aidan addressing the meeting

28 | FuneralTimes

Adrian Byrne speaking about his thesis questionnaires. I wish Adrian every success in his studies.

Our Educational day continued with Glyn Tallon from Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming. A range of topics were covered and questions and answers were dealt with. To say the least it was an excellent experience for all in attendance, most informative and a great opportunity for members to learn about the most modern techniques and products available - a great learning experience which will benefit the members as part of their continuing professional development programme.

Also in attendance on the day was Michael Crowley BIE member, representing the Irish Association of Funeral Directors who addressed the meeting on a number of issues. Michael was thanked for his presence and input and we wish him every success during his incoming presidency of the IAFD. Presentation of Certificate was made to Nora Murphy and we wish Nora continued

Nora Murphy MBIE recieves her certificate from Aidan Walsh MBIE

John Hawe MBIE Glyn Tallon MBIE & Aidan Walsh MBIE

Guests in attendance

The new website www.irishembalmers.ie. launched at the meeting FuneralTimes | 29

success in her career here in Ireland. Our appreciation and gratitude to William McGuckin (CPL), to Andrew Shepherd and Eugene Fitzgerald from Shepherds Mortuary Supplies and Glyn Tallon from Tallon Mortuary Specialists.

To John and Mary Hawe, who gave the use of their funeral home to our division and provided refreshments and exceeded all expectations as our hosts, our greatest appreciation for their enormous effort.

The Irish Division of the BIE launched their new website at the meeting - Irishembalmers.

Glyn Tallon MBIE Nora Murphy MBIE & Aidan Walsh MBIE ie. You can follow us on twitter@embalmers Ireland, website updates available. With contacts, affiliations and gallery keeping our members up to date on events and providing information to the general public. Our thanks to Ger O’Sullivan for his input and support with the development of the website.

I would take the opportunity to thank all those who travelled long distances to attend the meeting and educational session. I am sure all in attendance enjoyed the day, which was an excellent experience and would not have been possible without the support of the members who attended.

Aidan Walsh

Irish Division calendar of Events: Notice of our AGM and first quarterly meeting on the 18th January 2014Â at 2.00pm in the Osprey Hotel Naas, Co. Kildare.

On behalf of the Irish Division we take this opportunity to thank all for their support and help throughout the year.

We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and the very best for 2015 30 | FuneralTimes

Joint dinner and social evening The British Institute of Embalmers, The National Association of Funeral Directors and The British Institute of Funeral Directors held a Joint Dinner and Social Evening at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim on Friday 17th October.

Master of Ceremonies Marshall Lindsay (Past National President of the B.I.E.) welcomed special guests Paul Cuthell, National President of the N.A.F.D., David Gresty, 1st Vice President of the N.A.F.D., William Garvin, Northern Ireland President of the N.A.F.D., Hans Clyde, Northern Ireland Chairman of the B.I.E., Alan Wray, Northern Ireland Chairman of The British Institute of Funeral Directors and Graeme Easton National President of the B.I.E. Guest speaker was Dr. John Kerr, retired GP from Garvagh who entertained the

Mary Dillon and Mary Elizabeth Dillon of Civil Funerals Ireland

Enjoying their evening at the Joint Dinner Stephen, Amanda and Mona Murdock, William and Alison Millar and Neil Baxter of Perfect Choice

Hans Clyde and Graeme Easton

Senior statesmen - Billy Doggart, Hans Clyde and Victor Malcomson

Ryan Stevenson, Kim White, Valerie Stevenson, Alan McBratney, Darwin Stevenson, Syd Lyle (Dignity), Gillian Lyle, Barry McBratney and Mary McBratney FuneralTimes | 31

audience with reminiscences from his years as a country GP. The evening raised funds for Foyle Search and Rescue who carry out important work saving lives and recovering bodies from one of the most dangerous rivers in Europe.

Entertainment for the evening was supplied by Gary and Rea. The Organising Committee of The B.I.E. N.A.F.D and B.I.F.D. wish to take this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the members and sponsors for their generosity and support on this occasion. The Committee are pleased to announce that the sum of ÂŁ970.00 and 100 Euro was donated to Foyle Search and Rescue.

Adrian Boyd and Stephen Twells represented Foyle Search & Rescue

Jack Leighton, Christopher Wade, Steven Shields, Charlie Poots, Sharon Sloan, Ellison Sloan, Sally Holmes, Hugh Wade and Kenny Humphrey

Mr Paul Cuthell, National President of NAFD, Sarah Cuthell, Claire Gresty and David Gresty, Vice President of the BIFD

Mr Paul Cuthell, National President of NAFD, William Garvin, NI President of NAFD, Mark Woollard, National President of SAIF, David Gresty, Vice President of the BIFD, Graeme Easton, National President of the BIE and Hans Clyde, NI Chairman of the BIE 32 | FuneralTimes

Mark Woollard, National President of SAIF, Mr Paul Cuthell, National President of NAFD, Mr Alan Wray BIFD, William Garvin, NI President of NAFD, David Gresty, Vice President of the BIFD, Graeme Easton, National President of the BIE and Hans Clyde, NI Chairman of the BIE

Fountain recognises Ryan B

IE member Ryan McCallan of McCallan Professional Services, Carrickmore, Co.Tyrone has recently attended advanced training seminars at Fountain National Academy in Springfield, Missouri.

Ryan completed 40 hours of specialised embalming and reconstructive training at the academy including seminars on Embalming Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, Waxing and Airbrush Cosmetics.

Ryan has recently opened a new fully functional embalming studio and funeral home in his home town of Carrickmore, Co.Tyrone. This service is carried out to the highest possible standard by Ryan and his team, who are professionally trained embalmers, at the specially equipped preparation room. He is also a member of the British Institute of Embalmers.

Vernie R. Fountain is an internationally

Jamie Reed, Ryan McCallan and Vernie R. Fountain recognised trainer and commented that ‘Ryan’s participation in the seminars is an expression of untiring devotion and dedication to the highest standards of embalming and post mortem reconstructive surgery care’.

On behalf of the Northern Division we would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the year, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

FuneralTimes | 33

List of BIE Officers and appointed representatives for 2013/2014 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 National Council Rep & Secretary: Ms Barbara Fowley MBIE Killakee, Rathfarnham Dublin 16 Mobile: 086 191 1022 Chairperson: Aidan Walsh Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Mobile: 00353 87 2847831 Vice Chairperson and 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 National Education Representative: Glyn Tallon Mortuary Specialist 14 Academy Street Navan Co Meath Tel:046 9029134 Mobile: 086 826 8876 Treasurer: Mrs A O’Reilly MBIE Church Street, Newmarket, Co. Cork Telephone: 029 60142 annaoreilly4@hotmail.com Past Chairman: Mr Ger O’Sullivan MBIE Mobile: 086 021 5075

34 | FuneralTimes

Northern Ireland Division Chairman A.H. (Hans) Clyde MBIE Woodbank Lodge, 38 Mettican Road, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT51 5HS Telephone: 028 29 558231 clyde001@btinternet.com Vice Chairman Michael Og McKiernan MBIE 51 Agivey Road, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry BT51 5UU Mobile: 07515 746541 Michael-ogmckiernan@hotmail.co.uk Secretary Margaret Davis MBIE 4 Back Road, Cargycreevy, Lisburn BT27 6TL Mobile: 07841 100249 Margaretdavis4@me.com Treasurer Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Andrew@mcmullanfuneral.com 1st National Council Representative Ellison Sloan MBIE Telephone: 02838 336175 poots@fsni.info 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

Setting a very civil standard A

nother year has nearly slipped by, and again the Institute of Civil Funeral’s (IoCF) annual conference and AGM was held in the beautiful surroundings of Hillscourt Conference Centre just outside Birmingham.

This year’s conference was attended by forty delegates from all over the UK and Ireland.

As our conference clashed with half term, attendance was down on last year. But hopefully next year’s conference (already booked for Nov 6th 2015) will attract the high numbers which we had last year.

Our Conference was opened by our Chairperson Christine Ogden, and in her overview of the year just gone, it was noted that the IoCF’s market share had increased year on year. This is due in no small part to the hard work being put in by celebrants in giving their clients a professional, sensitive, and courteous service at all times.

It was noted that a high number of Funeral Directors are now insisting that the civil celebrants they use are registered with the IoCF, who are now the market leader, and were trained with Civil Ceremonies Ltd. (CCL) who are our preferred training partner.

All IoCF celebrants are consistently assessed on the quality of their work. As part of their annual membership, celebrants are required to submit a number of their funeral scripts, so as to ensure that the content and presentation is of the highest standard, and is consistent with membership guidelines. Each celebrant, must, as part of their membership renewal, nominate a crematorium, where a service is monitored for quality of delivery. This assessment also includes areas such as audibility, clarity, dress code, and punctuality.

Bereaved families also can have their say on the quality of service that a celebrant has given. With prior agreement, the IoCF send out feedback forms where a family can, if they wish, return with any comments or suggestions about the celebrant, or the ceremony that was delivered. If a problem arises at this point, which thankfully, are

Chairperson of the Institute of Civil Funerals (IoCF) Christine Ogden presenting Padraic Cawley with his certificate in recognition of promoting the IoCF few and far between, a member of council will strive to rectify any issues with a family.

These feedback forms are crucial to the IoCF in our quest for improving our professional development, and delivering the highest quality service to bereaved families when they are at their most vulnerable.

The IoCF was established in 2004 with three main aims. To uphold quality and high standards in every funeral service delivered by its members. To provide support, and professional development for those members. To promote civil funeral ceremonies throughout the funeral profession and with the public. Last July we celebrated 10 years in existence, and this milestone was marked with a weekend of celebrations. Here’s to the next decade, and to further growth and awareness of what a civil ceremony has to offer.

As this is the last issue of Funeral Times for 2014, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas, and every success for 2015.

Padraic Cawley MICF Head of IoCF Ireland

FuneralTimes | 35

37A Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin11

Tel: (+353) 01-8828731

www.djmacneice.com 36 | FuneralTimes

email: sales@djmacneice.com

A one stop shop I

t has been another successful year of supplying our customers with a full range of funeral supplies. Here at DJ Mac Neice we continue a long tradition of supplying high quality, competitively priced funeral and mortuary products to funeral directors and embalmers all over the country.

Originally based in Dublin city centre, the business moved to its current premises in Glasnevin in 2002. Here we serve as a one stop shop for all your funeral and mortuary needs. The door is always open should you wish to pay us a visit, as many customers do.

Here you can browse our extensive range of products which include coffin mountings and linings, funeral accessories such as grave markers, traffic cones and condolence books all the way to cardboard coffins.

We offer a customising service for condolence books and umbrellas. Just provide your business details and we can print them on condolence books and umbrellas in gold or silver. This is a great way to get your business name out there.

Our full range of PCS registered embalming chemicals; the only PCS registered embalming chemicals in the country, are displayed in our show room.

This is a must see for any embalmer! As well as embalming chemicals we supply a full range of embalming products such as instruments, personal protective equipment and mortuary airbrush make-up kits.

Our fully trained sales team will be on hand

should you have any questions regarding any products. We are constantly updating our product range to bring you the latest innovations in the industry. If there is something we don’t stock that you want we are more than happy to source it for you.

If you can’t personally call we have many other ways for you to place an order with us. We are always contactable by phone so you can call in an order anytime. This comes with the benefit of next day delivery so you can be confident you will have the products you need, when you need them. Alternatively, our extensive range of products is available to view on our newly launched website. You can place your quote request through our website and a friendly member of our sales team will contact you.

We can also arrange for our representative on the road to call to your business with samples of our products. They will be on hand to show you all that DJ Mac Neice has to offer.

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

DJ Mac Neice & Co. Ltd, 37a Barrow Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. 01-8828731 sales@djmacneice.com www.djmacneice.com FuneralTimes | 37

Online and in print Brook York keep adding to their range of corporate clothing for the funeral trade

T

he current Brook York catalogue carries even more ‘must have’ items for the funeral trade.

The Brook York brand has been trusted by funeral industry professionals for over 30 years. The firm has built a great reputation by supplying elegant yet practical clothing to the profession while maintaining a high quality, personal service and unique designs.

Brook York supply a full range of business and casual clothing for ladies and gentlemen, but have chiefly made their name for the supply of quality specialist clothing to the funeral trade. The firm carries leading names like Barker and Loake shoes, suits by

38 | FuneralTimes

Magee and Label and the Performance range of suits for industry professionals.

Brook York carry overcoats, raincoats, morning wear, hats, ladies and gents accessories, blouses, fully washable suits and a ladies corporate range and weft range.

While the catalogue remains an important point of contact for the firms many customers, more and more funeral directors are choosing their work wear from popular web site www.brookyork.com. “Busy funeral directors can browse at a time which suits them”, said Julie, “And the site allows them to select from hundreds of products from work to casual wear. We are constantly widening our range and can cater for dinner suits, dress shoes, dinner shirts, casual jackets and trousers, blazers and knitwear”.

Call: 0845 257 4305 to speak to Lin or Julie or order online at www.brookyork.com

McKervey's open for business W

ell known funeral director Claude Mc Kervey has opened a shop in his local village of Irvinestown in county Fermanagh.

Irvinestown is quite remote from the larger towns Enniskillen and Omagh. Claude has been aware of demand from local people for items such as candles, cards, memorial stones, christening gifts, holy communion/ confirmation gifts and now also stocking an extensive range of beautiful religious giftware.

"We have been supplying items to our customers for years but I did not have the space to carry or display a good selection. I have been looking for suitable premises for some time and when a well sited shop came available I decided to take the plunge". Although the shop has only been open for a few months Claude has been delighted with the reaction. He feels that having a shop open in the village has brought families in to meet with him and his staff and is sure that the complementary business will help in promoting his work as a funeral director throughout the local area.

The premises in Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh

A selection of memorial stones

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

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www.fearghasquinn.com FuneralTimes | 39

Please contact Martina for special room rates and other details.

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40 | FuneralTimes

email: info@professionalembalmers.ie

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What is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness that attacks the immune system and causes extreme fluid loss in its victims. Ebola causes a disruption in the blood clotting system leading to internal and external bleeding. Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, and are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and bleeding. Most fatalities are caused by severe dehydration or low blood pressure related to fluid loss.

How is it transmitted?

Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluids from an infected person who is displaying symptoms or by handling a victim’s corpse. Unlike the common flu and the measles, Ebola is relatively difficult to contract.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control published a report in early October that projected that as many as 1.4 million people could become infected with Ebola by January 2015. The report assumes that for every person who has reported his or her infection, 1.5 have not; the report also projects that the number of people infected will double every twenty days, but notes that if at least 70 percent of them are kept in Ebola treatment units that reduce disease transmission, the infection rate will eventually slow.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its publication on the Guidance for Safe Handling of Human Remains of Ebola Patients in U. S. Hospitals and Mortuaries.

These recommendations give guidance on the safe handling of human remains that may contain Ebola virus and are for use by personnel who perform postmortem care in U.S. hospitals and mortuaries.

In patients who die of Ebola virus infection, virus can be detected throughout the body. Ebola virus can be transmitted in postmortem care settings by laceration and puncture with contaminated instruments used during postmortem care, through direct handling of human remains without appropriate personal protective equipment, and through splashes of blood or other body fluids (e.g. urine, saliva, faeces) to unprotected mucosa

(e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth) which occur during postmortem care.

• Only personnel trained in handling infected human remains, and wearing PPE, should touch, or move, any Ebola-infected remains.

• Handling of human remains should be kept to a minimum.

• Autopsies on patients who die of Ebola should be avoided. If an autopsy is necessary, the state health department and CDC should be consulted regarding additional precautions.

Definitions for Terms Used in this Guidance Cremation: The act of reducing human remains to ash by intense heat.

Hermetically sealed casket: A casket that is airtight and secured against the escape of microorganisms.

A casket will be considered hermetically sealed if accompanied by valid documentation that it has been hermetically sealed AND, on visual inspection, the seal appears not to have been broken.

Leakproof bag: A body bag that is punctureresistant and sealed in a manner so as to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, transport, or shipping.

Personal protective equipment for postmortem care personnel • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Prior to contact with body, postmortem care personnel must wear PPE. • Putting on, wearing, removing, and disposing of protective equipment: PPE should be in place BEFORE contact with the body, worn during the process of collection and placement in body bags, and should be removed immediately after and discarded appropriately. Use caution when removing PPE as to avoid contaminating the wearer. Hand hygiene (washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub) should be performed immediately following the removal of PPE. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water.

Postmortem preparation • Preparation of the body: At the site of death, the body should be wrapped in a plastic shroud.

FuneralTimes | 41

Wrapping of the body should be done in a way that prevents contamination of the outside of the shroud. Change your gown or gloves if they become heavily contaminated with blood or body fluids. Leave any intravenous lines or endotracheal tubes that may be present in place. Avoid washing or cleaning the body. After wrapping, the body should be immediately placed in a leak-proof plastic bag not less than 150 μm thick and zippered closed. The bagged body should then be placed in another leakproof plastic bag not less than 150 μm thick and zippered closed before being transported to the morgue.

• Surface decontamination: Prior to transport to the morgue, perform surface decontamination of the corpse-containing body bags by removing visible soil on outer bag surfaces with EPAregistered disinfectants which can kill a wide range of viruses. Follow the product’s label instructions. When the visible soil has been removed, reapply the disinfectant to the entire bag surface and allow to air dry. Following the removal of the body, the patient room should be cleaned and disinfected. Reusable equipment should be cleaned and disinfected according to standard procedures. For more information on environmental infection control, please refer to “Interim Guidance for Environmental Infection Control in Hospitals for Ebola Virus” (http:// www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/environmentalinfection-control-in-hospitals.html).

• Individuals driving or riding in a vehicle carrying human remains: PPE is not required for individuals driving or riding in a vehicle carrying human remains, provided that drivers or riders will not be handling the remains of a suspected or confirmed case of Ebola, and the remains are safely contained and the body bag is disinfected as described above.

Mortuary Care • Do not perform embalming. The risks of occupational exposure to Ebola virus while embalming outweighs its advantages; therefore, bodies infected with Ebola virus should not be embalmed.

• Do not open the body bags.

• Do not remove remains from the body bags.

Bagged bodies should be placed directly into a hermetically sealed casket.

• Mortuary care personnel should wear PPE listed above (surgical scrub suit, surgical cap, impervious gown with full sleeve coverage, eye 42 | FuneralTimes

protection (e.g., face shield, goggles), facemask, shoe covers, and double surgical gloves) when handling the bagged remains.

• In the event of leakage of fluids from the body bag, thoroughly clean and decontaminate areas of the environment with EPA-registered disinfectants which can kill a broad range of viruses in accordance with label instructions.

Reusable equipment should be cleaned and disinfected according to standard procedures.

For more information on environmental infection control, please refer to “Interim Guidance for Environmental Infection Control in Hospitals for Ebola Virus” (http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ ebola/hcp/environmental-infection-control-inhospitals.html).

Disposition of Remains • Remains should be cremated or buried promptly in a hermetically sealed casket.

• Once the bagged body is placed in the sealed casket, no additional cleaning is needed unless leakage has occurred.

• No PPE is needed when handling the cremated remains or the hermetically sealed closed casket.

Transportation of human remains • Transportation of remains that contain Ebola virus should be minimized to the extent possible.

• All transportation, including local transport, for example, for mortuary care or burial, should be coordinated with relevant local and state authorities in advance.

• Interstate transport should be coordinated with CDC by calling the Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100. The mode of transportation (i.e., airline or ground transport), must be considered carefully, taking into account distance and the most expeditious route.

• Although Ebola virus is a Category A infectious substance regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR, 49 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 171-180), DOT has issued guidance that human remains contaminated with a category A infectious substance are excepted from the HMR. • Transportation of remains that contain Ebola virus outside the United States would need to comply with the regulations of the country of destination, and should be coordinated in advance with relevant authorities.

References: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/ guidance-safe-handling-human-remains-ebolapatients-us-hospitals-mortuaries.html

FuneralTimes | 43

Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th September 2015

Citywest Hotel & Conference Centre Saggart, Co. Dublin

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Songs of death

By Mattie Lennon

S

ongwriter Sean McCarthy famous for his sad songs once asked Ewan McCall, “Why is there no humour in any of your songs?” McCall, probably because he was talking to a Kerryman, answered with a question; “Why does somebody have to die in all your songs?”

Sean McCarthy wrote 164 songs and most of them were tragic songs. Fagin’s Wake is an exception; Daughter dear, daughter dear there’s a waking in Kildare, So the lodger, the lodger is sure to be there.

You know he’s tall and handsome and you know he’s tall and straight; Keep your legs together coming home from the wake.

Mother dearest mother what an awful thing to say, I’ll keep away from Fagin until my wedding day.

He can kiss me and caress me he can love me for my sake; And I’ll keep me legs together coming home from the wake.

Mary reached the waking house, 'twas young and gay she felt, Fagin sat down by the fire and he drank to the dead man’s health, O gra Mo Croi 'twas sad to see the poor man on the bed; A main auld creighter when alive he’s a fine man now he’s dead.

At four o clock next morning they came down the old boreen, She kept admiring Fagin the best she’d ever seen.

Temptation proved too much for her, 46 | FuneralTimes

Sean McCarthy

she let him have his way; As Fagin says the best friends get parted every day.

Nine months had been and gone since Fagin rang the bell, The anxious weeks feel like months for feel of any swell.

Young and foolish though they were of them I’ll not retell; There was no cause to fret you see cause Mary took the pill.

One of McCarthy’s lighter compositions but from dying rebels to coffins being carried down bog roads to famine deaths we, the Irish, could be accused of being obsessed with death.

But we are not the only people to have a fund of poems and songs about the last goodbye. As one commentator put it; "It’s inevitable, and a subject that musicians always come back to, no matter how often they drift to places other than mortality. Whether it’s about the artist’s own eventual demise, or their experience with the passing of someone close (or distant), it’s a theme that spans across all genres and eras

of popular music (let alone unpopular music).”

Peasant-poets wrote and Seanos singers sang of death but so did artists worldwide.

Bob Dylan had Going, Going, Gone, we had Dancing With Mr. D from The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen gave us The Last Carnival. Metallica’s Fade to Black and Keep Me in Your Heart from Warren Zevon were both “death songs.” In My Time of Dying and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald from Led zeppelin and Gordon Lightfoot respectively weren’t exactly about living. The Show Must go On, Tears in Heaven and (Don’t Fear) The Reaper were in similar vein and Queen, Eric Clapton or Blue Oyster Cult weren’t exactly Irish rustics.

Then there’s Sokan’s Death-Song; If they ask for me, say; ‘he had some business in another world.’

Strangely enough there is no record of The Undertakers Blues Band ever recording a song about death but in some Native American tribes individuals composed death songs as expressions of their confrontation with death.

Sometimes a death song would be composed spontaneously at the very moment of death and chanted with the last breath of the dying person. I’m not, however, all that impressed with the Sioux battle-cry, “It’s a good day to die.”

Why has no funeral director(s) ever come up with an idea for a songfest featuring compositions about death?

Especially since there is such a fund of source-material on tombstones, such as this inscription on Anna Hopewell’s grave in Nosburg Falls, Vermont: Here lies the body of our Anna Done to death by a banana.

It wasn’t the fruit that laid her low, But the skin of the thing that made her go.

FuneralTimes | 47

Kieran Mullen, Cootehill, Co Cavan with his hearse from Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

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48 | FuneralTimes

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

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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 year’s funeral experience and will be delighted to deal with you in the strictest confidence without any obligation.

Contact Mike McCollum, Chief Executive or Andrew Davies Operations Director: Dignity plc, 4 King Edwards Court King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AP Email: mike.mccollum@dignityuk.co.uk | andrew.davies@dignityuk.co.uk Telephone: 0121 354 1557 | www.dignityfunerals.co.uk

George finds his solution G

eorge Mullins of Naas, Co. Kildare, has started implementing a Eulogica system. “I was looking for software to help standardise the way we perform admin tasks. In an ideal world, I want any member of staff to be able to produce consistent, well-worded letters at the click of a button, rather than relying on me to individually type each letter one by one,” George tells Eulogica’s Client Support Manager, Nick Stokes.

“Having trialled a number of systems, Eulogica was hands-down the best,” continues George. “It’s a great allround package, combining an intuitive, user-friendly front end with a powerful and flexible database system. It was also good to be able to use Eulogica’s excellent support service even when I was only trialling the software. It was very important to me to know that I was choosing not only the best system, but it has the support in place to back that up.”

Eulogica’s Nick Stokes adds, “George made great use of his Eulogica trial, entering lots of data, such as churches and products, which we are carrying forward to his final system. We’re also in the process of importing his funeral archive, which was previously stored in an excel file, so that his full funeral history is available within one system, at the touch of a button.”

George concludes, “Although it’s early days in the Eulogica installation, almost immediately the system reproduced most of what we were already doing, and day by day I can see increases in efficiency and consistency.”

If you would like to know more about the Eulogica concept, or would be interested in a demonstration or free trial, please contact us via enquiries@ eulogica.com or call us on 01 431 9760.

Nick Stokes, Eulogica with George Mullins of Naas, Co. Kildare

FuneralTimes | 53

saif.org.uk

Supporting the Independent Funeral Director for 25 years Promoting and protecting your independent interests

Established in 1989, SAIF is committed to promoting and protecting the traditions, values and care offered by independent funeral directors.

Like you, we are passionate about independence, that is why we were formed 25 years ago and, although the funeral profession has changed over the years, our aims remain the same – to listen to you, to represent you and to assist you.

As a member of SAIF, we can offer you cost savings, training, education, member benefits and practical advice and information that can help and grow your business in today’s competitive funeral profession.

To learn more, visit our website at saif.org.uk or call us on 0845 230 677 and let us protect and help you.

SAIF news ... SAIF news ...

SAIF Becomes Dementia Friendly T

his month we are delighted to announce SAIF Dementia Friendly initiative. In conjunction with Training2Care UK Ltd the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) will be available to SAIF members at a discounted fee.

As funeral directors we are central to our communities at their most difficult times, giving compassion and understanding when families need it most and providing a competent and professional service which must remain at the heart of our members’ core values. But the fact remains that we must educate ourselves into the journey that families have been through to provide a relevant level of understanding.

Research shows: • Today Dementia is the 8th biggest killer in the UK and the only disease without a cure. Within 5 years this will increase to the 4th biggest killer in the UK and within only 10 years Dementia is expected to be the biggest killer in the UK and the only one without a cure.

• There are 820,000 people diagnosed with

Dementia in the UK today! There are a further 44% living with the disease but un-diagnosed.

• It was reported in the press on 30th October 2014, that Dementia is the leading cause of death for women in England and Wales.

• 1 in 3 people will develop this disease.

With all of this in mind SAIF needs to help you stay ahead of the disease and commit to becoming a Dementia friendly organisation and the first Association for funeral directors to show this commitment.

With the Government highlighting the need to invest more funds into research and care for sufferers of this debilitating illness, SAIF are pleased to be involved with such a worthy cause.

Details will be highlighted in the November issue of SAIFInsight, alternatively please contact SAIF Business Centre on 0845 230 6777 or email info@ saif.org.uk

Organ Donation Response A few months ago SAIF launched its support of the NHS Organ Donation (Blood and Transplant) and are very pleased with the response. If you would like leaflets for display in your arranging office please contact SAIF Business Centre, the only charge will be postage. Perhaps you could encourage staff or visitors to read through and consider whether they could participate?

SAIF wish to extend warm and seasonal greetings to all readers, wishing you good health and continued success in your respective businesses for 2015.

FuneralTimes | 55

SAIF 25th Anniversary L

ast month SAIF celebrated its 25th Anniversary in true style and the success of the event was way beyond our expectations. ‘Renfield the Butler’ entertained almost 200 guests with his many guises and gimmicks.

It was certainly a night of celebration and grateful thanks go to SAIFInsure who sponsored the event.

For those of you who missed the celebrations, the next SAIF event will be the AGM and Banquet weekend being held on March 21st 2015 at the Beaumont House Hotel, Old Windsor, Berkshire. More details are on the SAIF website www.saif.org.uk, SAIFInsight or please contact the Business Centre to reserve your place.

Founding member Clive Leverton and his wife Jean at the end of an amazing night

Mark Woollard SAIF National President cutting the anniversary cake 56 | FuneralTimes

Renfield the Butler, with Alun Tucker, Executive Chairman and Linda Jones SAIF Administration Manager

Dr Bill Webster The Difference between Victims and Survivors

F

rightening situations happen to everyone at some point. Events are considered traumatic when they are overwhelming and cause distress. People react to such circumstances in many different ways: in the aftermath, they might feel nervous, easily startled, have difficulty concentrating, feel irritable, have problems sleeping well, or obsessively replay the details of the situation in their minds. These thoughts or experiences are considered normal reactions.

However, when a person feels stressed or frightened even when they are no longer in danger, they may be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder that often comes as a result of exposure to traumatic events involving death or the threat of death, serious injury, violence, crimes, natural disasters, accidents, war or conflict, or other threats to life and safety.

When in danger, it is natural to feel afraid.

This fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help prepare to defend against the threat or to avoid it. This “fight-orflight” reaction is a healthy response meant to protect a person from harm, or prepare them for danger. These reactions usually decrease over time and the people involved can go back to their daily lives. But in PTSD, this reaction is changed or damaged, lasts much longer and can seriously disrupt a person’s life.

PTSD causes intrusive symptoms such as re-experiencing the traumatic event.

Many suffering from the disorder have vivid nightmares, flashbacks, or thoughts of the event that seem to come from nowhere.

They often avoid things that remind them of

the event - for example, someone hurt in a car crash might avoid driving or going out.

Many feel very nervous or ‘on edge’ all the time. They may often feel like something terrible is about to happen, even when they are safe.

Trauma happens, and it is hurtful. And it is an increasingly serious concern in today’s world. But that said, it is important to remember that not everyone who lives through a dangerous or horrible event gets PTSD. In fact, most will not get the disorder.

What is it that allows some people to stay composed in the face of disaster, while others seem to fall apart? People who are able to “Keep Calm” have what psychologists call resilience, which is defined as “the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens.” It can also mean “the ability of something to return to its original form after it has been pulled, stretched, or bent out of shape” (which is of course exactly what traumatic experiences do to us.)

Resilient people are able to utilize or adapt their skills and strengths to cope and recover from problems and challenges. Those who lack this resilience may instead become overwhelmed by such experiences. They may dwell on problems and use unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their challenges.

Generally, these individuals are slower to recover from setbacks and may experience more psychological distress as a result.

There are always two ways of looking at everything, and with challenges and obstacles, people will react with either a “Victim Mentality” or a “Survivor Mentality”.

A victim is someone who “feels powerless” FuneralTimes | 57

in any situation, and is therefore unable to take appropriate action to resolve situations adversely affecting their well-being. While research has described trauma as “an affliction of the powerless” victim mentality is a learned behaviour originating from repeated experiences where core needs were not adequately met. The victim mentality is maintained by unconscious negative self-images which have formed the building blocks of your personality.

Everyone constructs a personality based on their perceived identity. A self-image is always formed by an interaction with authority. Self-images are put together by the mind as memories of repeated interactions with those authority figures: parents, older siblings, grandparents, teachers, peers, bosses, etc. These experiences become core beliefs that, once accepted, subconsciously function as instructions on how to behave in every situation.

As a simple example, a teacher who

58 | FuneralTimes

told a child that “you’re stupid, you’ll never amount to anything,” may have inadvertently helped form a self-image in that child which became a negative core belief that created a negative self-image. Out of that interaction with an authority figure may have emerged a victim mentality.

Behaviour is determined unconsciously by survival instincts. The victim mentality creates a focus on feeling comfortable, taking the easy way out, striving for safety by avoiding conflicts and confrontations, and most of all avoiding responsibility by blaming and complaining. This attitude comes from within us not outside of us. As long as someone perceives themselves as powerless, worthless, or weak; and when this makes them feel insecure, doubtful and hesitant, meeting life’s challenges will always be difficult.

The first step in transforming the victim mentality overcoming trauma is transforming your identity from “victim” to “survivor”. Sometimes that means

transforming the negative beliefs that came from authority figures who influenced us.

A survivor is someone who conquers and overcomes defeat. Those with a survivor mentality will have resilience factors present before the trauma while others will emerge or rise to the fore during and after a traumatic event. They include: • Feeling good about one’s own actions in the face of danger and adversity • Being able to act and respond effectively despite feeling fear • Seeking out support from other people, such as friends and family for help and support through the situation • Finding a support group or someone to talk to after a traumatic event Obstacles, of course, are developmentally necessary: in young people and adults alike, difficulties and hurdles teach strategy, patience, critical thinking, resilience and resourcefulness. Persistence and resilience come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems. When we tackle obstacles, we find hidden reserves of courage and resilience we did not know we had. And it is only when we are faced with challenges that we realize these resources were always there within us, and we only need to tap into them to move on.

Sadly, many people prefer to remain as victims because working toward healing and living a proactive life seems so difficult, and their lack of self-esteem and confidence makes the idea of a favorable or successful outcome difficult. Yet being a survivor is no more difficult than remaining a victim. Both present challenges. The difference is that only one choice has the promise of a more favourable and positive outcome.

People living in victim mode tend to internalize unfortunate events and disappointments that are commonplace for everybody. To them, it seems that everyone else has it easier. Victims hold on to the illusion that they are constantly under attack from the universe, but this actually comes from the way they choose to digest the things life throws them. Sadly they fail to realize that with just a slight shift of thinking, everything can change.

Resilience does not eliminate stress or erase

life’s difficulties. Instead, it gives people the strength to tackle problems head on, overcome adversity and move on with their lives. In the wake of traumatic events, many individuals demonstrate the behaviors that typify resilience. Even in the face of events that seem utterly unimaginable, people are often able to marshal the strength to not just survive, but to prosper.

Some individuals come by these abilities naturally, with personality traits that help them remain unflappable in the face of challenge. However, these behaviors are not simply an inborn trait found in a select few individuals. According to many experts, resilience is actually quite common and people are very capable of learning the skills that it takes to become more resilient.

How to Move From Victim to Survivor Mentality 1. Being a survivor is a conscious decision It is not something that just happens.

2. Make the decision to no longer feel that “the world is out to get you” when you experience disappointments.

3. Instead of being miserable when things don’t go the way you wanted, ask yourself what you can do now in spite of the circumstances.

4. Don’t give up. Keep working toward your desired outcome no matter how many difficulties you face. This principle applies to all life’s challenges as well as the long road to recovery after being subjected to trauma.

5. Being a survivor is a state of mind.

A survivor keeps going in the face of adversity, finding the ability to “live beyond” the challenges of the situation.

6. Although it might feel like an uphill battle, as you move consciously from victim to survivor you will begin to see small improvements, and over time, it will change the entire quality of your life for the better.

The Survivor’s Creed: “I may not be all I ought to be; I know I’m not all I want to be; but I’ve come a long way from what I used to be; and I won’t give up on becoming all I know I can be.”

May that be true of us all.

FuneralTimes | 59

Michael Perry, Ballymoate, Co Sligo with his hearse supplied by Fearghas Quinn Hearse and Limousines

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60 | FuneralTimes

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Horse drawn hearse When Co. Fermanagh funeral director S.R. Elliott & Sons were asked by a family to provide a horse drawn carriage for their funeral service, they contacted Derry based WD Carriages.

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he firm is a family run business catering to every funeral need.

WD are based in Derry/Londonderry but when S.R. Elliott contacted them they found that distance was no object. “We are available to travel north or south of Ireland.

Our experienced team will deliver a highly personal, professional, confidential, caring and dignified service. For our funerals we provide a horse drawn hearse, drawn by a pair of our beautiful, gentle black ‘Friesians’.

They are always presented respectfully with black or white plumes draped in black and purple using remarkable black leather harnesses.”

The family of the deceased were very pleased with the presentation and service offered and many people commented on how suitable the horse drawn hearse was for a family who had a long standing interest in horses.

WD Carriages are prepared to offer their services to funeral directors throughout Ireland and will be pleased to provide further information or a quote.

Contact WD Carriages on T: 028 7136 1052 / 07891 347356 / 07706 016359 or email: wdcarriages@hotmail.co.uk Vincent Doherty, Mark Whylie, Roy Crawford and Brian Jackson

62 | FuneralTimes

Liza & Edward from Treasured Keepsakes would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2014 and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015.

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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 FuneralTimes | 63

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.

We’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 The NAFD logo acts like a ‘kite mark’ of quality I

n October, the NAFD’s revised Code of Practice and new Code of Professional Standards came into effect.

The NAFD has always sought to uphold the highest standards in the sector and this is a responsibility the Association takes seriously as it marks an NAFD member as being the best choice of funeral firm, operating in a more customer-focused way than much of the competition out there.

The Association makes this promise of NAFD members, to bereaved families. In turn it is one of the most powerful and important commitments that members choose to uphold when the NAFD logo is applied to their window or printed on their letterhead.

The NAFD is working to achieve the position where any funeral business in the UK regards membership of the NAFD as essential in order to be taken seriously within the sector and in their community, because it indicates that they uphold the highest of standards and families can place their trust – and, indeed, their loved one – in their hands.

Said Alan Slater, Chief Executive of the NAFD: “These new Codes are not about telling members how to manage their business. They are not about telling them what colour to paint the walls of the chapel of rest or whether to have a plain or patterned carpet. That is not their purpose. They are there to ensure that major issues, things that no good business should be happy to live with, get sorted. Things about the fabric of the premises such as major

Alan Slater, Chief Executive of the NAFD trip hazards or rising damp. Things such as keeping a proper paper trail of donations or a register of stored ashes. All things that are sensible good business measures and a mark of a well-run funeral firm.

“We want all funeral firms to achieve compliance and, indeed, exceed these standards, so we will do everything we can to support you. The NAFD’s Standards & Quality Manager is a business advisor, not the ‘inspection police’. Their role is to ensure that the NAFD logo continues to stand as a mark of quality in the sector and that our members are recognised by bereaved families for upholding the highest standards.

FuneralTimes | 65

NAFD praised in House of Commons during London Burial Space debate On 5 September, Conservative MP for Hendon, Dr Matthew Offord, led an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on the topic of burial space in London.

T

he debate examined cremation preference by religious tradition, economic immigration to London and the effect of situations like heatwaves or communicable diseases on mortuaries. He suggested that each factor brought its own challenge to burial provision for the capital, as well as the country more widely.

He concluded by asking the Minister to clarify which Government organisation had responsibility for making provision for new cemeteries and burial places, and explain what actions needed to be taken to address the situation.

Justice Minister Simon Hughes MP responded on behalf of the Government and, in his response, he said he was committed to working with interested parties.

Significantly, he recognised the work of the NAFD and thanked the Association for its help and advice on this matter: “The most important factor is to be clear, with up-to-date information, as to why some councils, but not others, are finding themselves without sufficient burial space.

As my Hon Friend knows, and was kind enough to indicate, I have already taken a number of steps since I took up this post to make sure that is the case. I have met and heard the views of those interested and involved professionally in this area, including representatives of the National Association of Funeral Directors and some constituency funeral directors, particularly F. A. Albin and Sons, who are very experienced and very clear about some of the things that need to be done. I thank the Association and Albins for their help and advice.

“In June, I met the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Funerals and Bereavement,

66 | FuneralTimes

Dr Matthew Offord, Conservative MP for Hendon who wanted to make sure that everything possible was being done to enable the prompt burial of those whose religion requires it - a matter of significant concern to Jewish, Muslim and some Christian communities as well as some other communities and people. I am working with the Chief Coroner, His Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC, who arranged a bereavement event in the summer and has provided guidance to Coroners on dealing with outof-hours requests to facilitate timely burials.”

The Chief Executive of the NAFD Alan Slater said: “I am delighted that the NAFD has been thanked by the Minister in the House of Commons. We will continue to ensure that the NAFD remains at the heart of these policy discussions and works with the Minister and civil servants at his Department on this important area of policy.”

The NAFD and Citation launch Small Business Compliance Service The National Association of Funeral Directors and Citation have announced the launch of the NAFD Small Business Service to support smaller independent funeral firms across the UK.

P

eter Sherlock, Head of Partnerships at Citation, explained the reason for the new offering.

“Smaller businesses face the same day to day health and safety and employment law issues and penalties for non-compliance as their larger peers and, as such, can find it harder to address them due to lack of time, resources or personnel. We have spoken to Alan and the team at NAFD a number of times over the last twelve months about how we can support the smaller members, as well as listening to member feedback at events such as Conference, and think this new service will be very helpful to them.

“Essentially, the new service will be ideal for smaller NAFD members who fall below the 5 employee bracket. It will enable them to access a whole host of support systems, documentation and tools to demonstrate good practice and compliance. For only £15+vat

per week, the service provides 24/7 support through provision of advice lines, legal updates, document and factsheet libraries, HSE posters and signage, COSHH and Risk Assessment software, online employee training and much more. The service elements we are going to provide are exactly the same as those provided to our larger clients, but at a more cost effective rate.”

NAFD Chief Executive Officer, Alan Slater, adds: “For NAFD members whose business falls into this size bracket and it is time to review your existing health and safety, HR or employment law provisions, it is worth contacting us or Citation to discuss how this new NAFD service can help you. There is no large deposit needed as payments are on a simple monthly direct debit, and agreements start from as little as twelve months, allowing you to budget and plan your business operations accordingly.”

FuneralTimes | 67

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Tallon Mortuary Specialists School of Embalming Qualify for membership of an internationally recognised embalming qualification (BIE) at your own pace

Launching our two day Waxing and Cosmetic Course Call for dates and further information

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’ offer 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 FuneralTimes | 69

Mercedes Limousine accompanies the Motorcycle Hearse of Funeral Motorcycles

F

uneral Motorcycles is a new venture for Alec Butcher who has been in the Funeral profession for over 25 years.

They passionately believe that funerals should be very professional yet very personal, and should reflect the life of the deceased. This means that they aim to be of service to those who may never have been on a motorbike, but to whom something a little different may be appropriate, as well as to avid motorcyclists. The Coleman Milne Mercedes Limousine completes their fleet and helps the company offer a complete service.

Their website is at www. funeralmotorcycles.co.uk, should you need any more information.

Alec Butcher (left) and his son Christopher Butcher (right)

Coleman Milne Fleet for Alan Jones Funeral Directors

Graham Clow of Coleman Milne delivering the vehicles to Mr Alan Jones accompanied by family and staff

A

lan Jones Funeral Directors have 45 years of experience in arranging funerals in the Wigan area. As experienced funeral directors they provide a dedicated and professional service at all times. They operate four funeral homes in Ashton in Makerfield, Hindley,

70 | FuneralTimes

Haydock and Golborne and have built up an exceptional reputation around the region.

The Fleet of Coleman Milne Ceremonial Vehicles will help them in continuing to deliver a professional, caring and compassionate service.

Coleman Milne’s delivery of Ceremonial Vehicles to Healy Brothers

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om & Sean Healy of Healy Brothers Funeral Directors, Belfast, recently acquired their late father’s funeral business namely Dominick Healy & Sons Ltd. They have many years of experience within the funeral industry and believe that personal service and product quality are the cornerstone of their business.

This is why they have chosen Coleman Milne Mercedes vehicle’s once again.

Tom Healy and Philip White of Dominick Healy & Sons Ltd. are shown taking delivery of their new Mercedes Hearse and Limousine from our former sales consultant John Haggerty. This area is now Tom Healy (left) and Philip White (right) of Dominick covered by Mr Tony Kerr.

Healy & Sons Ltd. with John Haggerty

Coleman Milne Deliver Fleet to S. Sim & Son Funeral Directors S

. Sim and Son Funeral Directors are an independently owned, family company, who were founded in 2003 by local undertaker Steven Sim. Collectively their staff have over 50 years’ experience working within the funeral industry. The new Coleman Milne Ceremonial vehicles will help the company offer their clients the support, choice, value and dignity they deserve.

Mr Sim taking delivery of the fleet from Tony Kerr, Coleman Milne’s new Area Sales Manager for Scotland FuneralTimes | 71

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

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On the day your company name can be displayed in the side glass of the vehicle.

A professional, uniformed chauffeur/ bearer will also be provided.

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Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th September 2015 Call: 028/048 3835 5060 or email sales@funeraltimes.com 72 | FuneralTimes

Death rate rises in 2013 The 2013 death rates have been published for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and reveal that there has been a significant increase from the lows recorded in 2010 in the south and 2011 in the north.

S

tatistics are recorded and published by www.cso.ie in the Republic of Ireland and by www.nisra.gov.uk in Northern Ireland.

A great deal of information is available on both sites, breaking the numbers down by geographic area and by cause of death among other factors.

The first half of 2014 is showing a marked decrease in the death rate both north and south.

Republic of Ireland There were 7,044 deaths registered in quarter 4 of 2013, 3,641 males and 3,403 females. The quarter 4 2013 total is 1.1% higher than in the corresponding quarter of 2012 and 10.0% higher than in quarter 4 2008, when 6,964 and 6,401 deaths were registered respectively.

The 7,044 deaths represent an annual death rate of 6.1 per 1,000 of the population, the same rate as in quarter 4 of 2012. This rate is 0.7 per 1,000 population lower than in 2004.

Age at death There were 56 infant deaths registered in quarter 4 2013 giving an infant mortality rate of 3.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. and 44 neonatal deaths, a neonatal mortality rate of 2.7 deaths per 1,000 live births.

There were 5,470 deaths of persons aged 65 and over registered in quarter 4 2013.

This represents an annual death rate of 38.5 per 1,000 population aged 65 and over and represents a 1.1 per 1,000 population decrease when compared with the corresponding quarter of 2012.

Republic of Ireland deaths

2004 28,151

2005 27,441

2006 27,479

2007 28,050

2008 28,192

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

28,898 27,565 28,995 28,848 30,018

Northern Ireland Key Findings: • Last year, there were 14,968 deaths registered in Northern Ireland, the highest since 1999 and up 5.4% on the record low in 2011.

• The number of deaths in the older population continues to rise. Last year more than one in three deaths were people aged 85 or more, twice as many as in 1983.

This difference is a consequence of the improvements in mortality we have seen over the last fifty years with more people surviving into old age.

• As the population survives into older age, deaths due to cancer or dementia are on the increase. Last year 4,200 people died from cancer – the highest number on record – and 1,400 people died from the various forms of dementia.

• Heart disease deaths continue to fall. Last year, 1,900 people died from ischaemic heart disease compared to 4,800 people thirty years ago.

• There were 110 stillbirths and 112 infant deaths (deaths of children aged under one) in 2013.

• There were 303 suicide deaths registered in 2013, the second highest number on record - only the 313 suicides registered in 2010 exceeds this.

In 2013 there were 14,968 deaths registered in Northern Ireland – an increase 212 deaths on 2012. This equates to a crude death rate of 8.2 deaths per 1,000 population.

FuneralTimes | 73

The number of deaths in Northern Ireland has fallen significantly over the last century from a high of 20,000 deaths per annum during the 1920s, down to the lowest figure on record of 14,204 deaths in 2011. Last year however, there was a 5.4% increase on the record low of 2011 which may be due to a number of factors, in particular the Northern Ireland population is continuing

to grow and is getting older. In addition, there was a slightly higher rate of influenza in the early part of 2013, which coincides to the period of higher mortality last year.

Lastly, the time taken to register a death with the Coroner was shorter last year than in previous years, this administrative affect will act to increase the number of deaths registered.

Deaths in Northern Ireland by Month of Registration, 2006-2014P

Month of Registration Year Registration

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013P 2014P January 1,367 1,551 1,579 1,677 1,445 1,538 1,433 1,535 1,523 February 1,180 1,333 1,252 1,248 1,242 1,176 1,267 1,310 1,192 March 1,475 1,304 1,314 1,252 1,427 1,305 1,316 1,370 1,294 April 1,179 1,270 1,318 1,160 1,165 1,096 1,281 1,448 1,219 May 1,238 1,214 1,115 1,075 1,012 1,223 1,329 1,239 1,095 June 1,202 1,128 1,166 1,207 1,163 1,164 1,110 1,045 1,042 July 1,148 1,132 1,195 1,112 1,057 985 1,132 1,224 1,146 August 1,145 1,144 1,021 975 1,111 1,203 1,167 1,079 September 1,134 977 1,203 1,148 1,111 1,076 1,050 1,159 October 1,230 1,277 1,196 1,155 1,150 1,128 1,259 1,217 November 1,187 1,205 1,129 1,158 1,288 1,134 1,235 1,185 December 1,047 1,114 1,419 1,246 1,286 1,176 1,177 1,157 Total 14,532 14,649 14,907 14,413 14,457 14,204 14,756 14,968 P = Provisional Data

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What does your

Order of Service say about you?

For the average client, an average Order of Service is fine.

They won't notice the average layout, the average typography, the average printing or the average presentation.

But many funeral directors are taking the opportunity to offer a superior service - a service which some families are pleased to purchase.

The Order of Service is a chance to create a lasting memorial of the funeral service.

Something for families to treasure which will remind them in future years of the hymns and readings, of the celebrant and the funeral director who was so helpful and who went the extra mile to help.

A superior Order of Service will not cost significantly more than producing a basic product in your own office. While there is a cost for design and delivery, our professional printing machine is significantly cheaper per copy than the typical office ink jet. Dozens of funeral directors all over Ireland find our service economical enough to keep using us over the years.

They appreciate how important it is to have a quality Order of Service handed out to every person who attends the church. A quality product that positively enhances the brand - and wouldn't you prefer people to remember that your service is better than average?

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Recycling from the dead Almost two tonnes of metal recovered from the ashes of cremated bodies in Northern Ireland has been shipped to the Netherlands for recycling.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that metal from Roselawn Crematorium has been collected and recycled over the last four years by Orthometals, a Dutch company which passes on net proceeds to charity.

While the paper stresses that there is no suggestion of illegal or untoward conduct by Belfast City Council, there could be an issue as families have not been made aware of the practice. The Belfast Telegraph quotes Dr Heather Conway, an expert on body disposal law from Queens University, “Because of the symbolic and emotional attachment that we that their loved ones’ remains may be subject to have to our loved ones’ remains, this has the this process”. potential to be hugely upsetting for people.

The vast majority of metal collected comes Industry practice guidelines state that people from metal hips and from parts of the coffin Padraics Advert Juneand 2014_Layout 06/06/2014 Page 1 silver and palladium from dental shouldCivil be informed there are 1clear ethical 11:42plus gold, issues if bereaved relatives are not made aware fillings.

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087 267 6050 View my Profile on Linkedin 78 | FuneralTimes

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New aluminium Jaguar fleet for Turners funeral service Turners Family Funeral Service was formed around 30 years ago by Ernie and Janet Turner. In 2001 Clive and Lesley Kirk purchased the business. It has been serving Conisbrough, Doncaster and the surrounding areas since that time. The business in now in its second generation with their daughter, Leanne also on board.

A professional independent family business they are members of BIFD, NAFD and BIE. The new fleet comes with a high specification which includes satellite navigation, rear air suspension, leather interior, fuel efficient 3.0 diesel engines, 8 speed automatic transmission, stop/start technology, Jaguar smart key system and Bluetooth® hands free phone system.

Clive and Lesley were delighted with the

(L-R) Paul Kaczmarczyk, Ian Bird, Clive Kirk and Joe Collins taking delivery of their new Jaguar fleet vehicles which are to update their existing Jaguar fleet.

Wilcox and Co (Limousines) Ltd. would like to thank Clive and Lesley for their custom and wish them every success with their new fleet.

Delivery to M G Evans & Sons Ltd.

D

avid and Nigel Evans of M G Evans & Sons Ltd., was so satisfied with the service provided by Wilcox Limousines for his current Jaguar fleet, that he had no hesitation in choosing new Jaguars for his additional fleet.

The XJ has won numerous awards in the “Luxury Car Sector” since its debut in 2010 and has recently won the What Car “Best Luxury used car” award. The XJ hearse and limousine continues to lead the way.

M G Evans & Sons Ltd. is a traditional

family independent funeral business and has been trading since 1969. It is already on its third generation with David’s daughter Carly and Nigel’s sons Matthew, George and Luke all involved in the business. They trade from premises in Atherstone, Nuneaton and Tamworth.

Wilcox Limousines would like to wish David, Nigel and the team every success with the new fleet and thank them for their continued business.

‘Wilcox’ Jaguar Fleet For Wood Funeral Directors W

ood Funeral Directors was established in 1994. The independent, family business offers their services to Ballingry, Cardenden, Dalgety Bay and the surrounding areas. They are members of both NAFD and SAIF. Tracey also has a Memorial business ‘Fife Memorials Ltd’.

Tracey’s husband Ivan (Snr) plays a vital role within the business, including building the Dalgety Bay premise (in 2008) and just this summer garages for their new fleet. Their son, Ivan (Jnr) is a qualified stonemason and works on the Memorial side.

Tracey and Ivan recently decided to purchase their own vehicles and opted for aluminium Jaguars. The vehicles have a high specification including air suspension,

Tracey Wood, owner of Wood Funeral Directors

leather interior and smooth quiet engines.

Tracey said she wanted to offer her clients the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

We would like to thank Tracey and Ivan for coming to ’Wilcox’ for their hearse and limousine and wish them every success with their new vehicles.

Pearson Repatriation Service (UK) A small independent family run company offering a fast and reliable service 24 hours a day.

As part of our service to you, we can: • Repatriate the deceased from the UK • Provide a coffin and interior • Provide embalming services

Telephone +44 (0)1484 844289 Proprietor Clive J Pearson LMBIFD. DIP.FD. MBIE Manchester Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK, HD7 6EY 80 | FuneralTimes

Christmas cheer?

Christmas is a difficult time for the bereaved, but Jennifer Muldowney give us some ideas how funeral directors can help their clients over the holiday period.

C

hristmas is an amazing time of year. For some. Unfortunately not everyone has a joyful, warm, festive season surrounded by food and family. As a funeral director you know this only too well. When you look at marketing your business for key annual holidays, and you should, try to put yourself in your customer’s shoes. What appeals about each of these holidays? When you have suffered a loss or are ill or depressed what would help you get through the holiday?

You might not be able to answer these questions for all of your customers but if you think outside the box you will definitely be able to engage your customers in a conversation you may have otherwise been ignoring. How well do you know your customers? Do you know of a couple who live locally and one half of this couple passed away during the year? Is there a family around who can help out? If not maybe you can check in on them.

The first thing you want to establish is your market – most funeral homes want to build their ‘preplan’ customer numbers so that is what I will focus on here.

Ways to connect with your community during the festive season: • Put a large Christmas remembrance tree inside or outside your building and decorate it. Ask customers to put their loved one’s name on a decorative piece of card or decoration and add it to the tree.

You could put up posters in your local shops, church, post office etc. Maybe you contact these customers via direct mail, email or phone. Regardless this is a good habit to get into, staying in touch with your customers is good customer service.

Just don’t become telesales, harassing or bothersome.

• Hold a remembrance service on Christmas Eve – light candles, have balloons, Chinese lanterns – again invite your past customers to come and celebrate their loved one’s lives with you.

• Choose a charity to get involved with, and get customers involved too. Mental health is a massive issue in Ireland at the moment and the festive season is always a very

difficult time and you have access to a large number of people who may be grieving. Get together with the charity and see how you can help.

• Send real festive greeting cards. This is a small gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Some of your customers might not get any cards at all. Just keep it light and thoughtful and non funeral related.

• Depending on your location you could provide entertainment. Hire your regular service singers and musicians to play in or outside your building.

• With all of these suggestions you want to always make sure you have key preplan personnel available, approachable and actively chatting to customers about ‘peripheral’ topics – ie DO NOT sell at these people – this is not a SELLING activity. You want to open your arms, your office, your home to show people how real, unscary, caring and efficient you are.

FuneralTimes | 81

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