Ask The Experts

Q: My dad sadly passed away from Covid. I’d like to give him a great send off and also do something to commemorate his life. What are some ideas?

A: First of all, please accept our family’s deepest condolences for the loss of dear Dad. Losing a loved one is so very hard, especially in these uncertain times, so our thoughts are with you and your family. We are still allowing families to do as much as they possibly can within the current guidelines to create a beautiful send off for their loved one. The Government allow up to 30 mourners to attend a loved one’s funeral, so there are sadly some hard decisions to be made perhaps regarding who can attend. But in these unprecedented times, crematorium and cemetery chapels have tried their best to accommodate: many of them now offer web streaming to allow people to pay their respects live from home, they also offer memorial services in the future when families and friends can all be together again. We know it’s not quite the same but live Zoom Funerals, Memorials and Wakes have become quite popular also. From a personalisation aspect, we offer a number of options such as creating memory boxes, handcasts, finger print and ashes jewellery, locks of hair and dried floral arrangements. We believe that there is no right or wrong way to say goodbye to someone you love, there is only your way and I’m sure Dad would be so proud of everything that you are doing in his memory, love never dies. Gary Valentine-Fuller, Valentine & Turner

Q: Has Covid-19 changed people’s approach to Wills and other services?

A: The biggest increase since the pandemic began has been registering Lasting Powers of Attorney. Many people didn’t know that these need to be in place to act on behalf of a loved one if they fell ill. Anthony Rockcliffe, Southeast Legacies

Q: What important winter checks should I be making to my vehicle?

A: Every year, a quarter of weather-related vehicle accidents occur during bad weather, including snow, sleet or ice. It is imperative that you understand the key areas to keep an eye on. Even if you feel as though your car is running perfectly fine, it is always a good idea to get a Winter Check before you go into the colder months, as there can be problem areas that you may not be aware of. Winter Checks concentrate on six main areas, these are: Tyres, Battery, Coolant & Antifreeze Top-up, Windscreen Wipers, Lights and Oil Level. Liz Luesley, Prestige Cars Kent Service (A winter health check at Prestige Cars Kent Service costs £29.99)

Q: How does

Invisalign actually work?

A: Invisalign uses a series of almost invisible clear ‘aligners’, each of which are worn on the teeth for a period of onetwo weeks. Photographs and digital scans are sent to Invisalign, where they produce a computer model (the “Clincheck”) of the proposed treatment based on your anticipated final outcome and the detailed instructions your dentist sends to them. The aligners are made from thermoplastic material uniquely developed from your treatment plan, created on an individual basis. You’d receive a new custom-made aligner every one-two weeks. As you progress through each aligner, you’ll start to notice your teeth gradually changing position towards your desired outcome. The treatment is not particularly painful or uncomfortable, but there may be a slightly adjustment period when switching to a new aligner. Each aligner can be quite tight at the start, but it gradually becomes a little looser with time as the teeth are moved into position. Dr Mac, The DenCare Clinic & Travel Vaccinations, Locksbottom

My name is Michelle, and I am passionate about what I do.

I work locally as a Celebrant, in and around Orpington. Having been an Orpington resident for most of my life, I feel it is important to work closely with the community that I live in, and as a result of that, I have also co-founded The Bereavement Café in Orpington.

So, my role as a Celebrant is to work with families who have lost a loved one and help them create a unique and fitting ceremony, to help them say goodbye. But I have also introduced something called, “Remember Me” and that is to help people document their wishes before they die. This is a really simple way of instructing your loved ones with what you want, when that time comes. We can discuss everything from music choices, your life story, colours, themes, and have it all recorded safely, so that when the time comes your family members aren’t left scratching their heads trying to work out what you would have wanted.

If you have any questions about anything please do not hesitate to contact me at michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES

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