Funeral Service Times August 2012

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uneral

The independent voice of the funeral profession

Established 2006

ISSN 2046-7273

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ervice times AUGUST 2012

www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk

Clothing special Traditional styles and modern touches

City secrets

Little-known London memorials Safe conduct

A selection of stretchers and trolleys designed to improve the efficiency of removal and transferral processes

Over and out

Outgoing FIAT-IFTA president Gus Nichols discusses the recent International Convention

This month

august

2012

C o n te n t s

Dispatches

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Comment

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The power of presentation

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Finishing touches

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The latest news from the profession In his final column for Funeral Service Times, outgoing FIAT-IFTA president Gus Nichols reports back from a successful International Convention, and welcomes his successor to the role

With autumn approaching, Louise Hoffman takes a look at some of the clothing ranges available to funeral directors who are planning a spruce-up Whilst accessories such as top hats and ties have long been a part of the funeral director’s attire, Callum Gildart discovers that they are also now used to add a splash of colour to an otherwise monochrome uniform

Bereavement 23 As he considers the grief journey, Rev George Callander reminds us that no two bereaved people will process the reality of loss in the same way

Safe conduct

A selection of stretchers and trolleys to improve removal and transferral efficiency

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Products 31 New products and services from the trade

City secrets

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More than a directory

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Customers come first

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Singing from the soul

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A future free from pain

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Colours of hope

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Jeane Trend-Hill, author and cemetery history enthusiast, shares the stories of four particularly interesting, yet little-known memorial sites in London

Ashley Bullock of Arrangingafuneral.co.uk tells Louise Hoffman about the site’s design, development and functions Steve Soult, founder of Steve Soult Ltd, tells Louise Hoffman about the service standards and manufacturing values that have formed the solid foundations of his company

Contributing to the funeral service of a loved one led established singer Irene Grant-Jones to offer her services to other bereaved families, as she explains

Arthritis Research UK seeks to take away the pain of arthritis for the 10 million people in the UK who are affected by this debilitating condition World Cancer Research Fund explains how you can support its work in funding scientific research and raising awareness of cancer, with the aim of reducing risk

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Editor’s letter

ast month I made a trip down to Buckinghamshire for the London Funeral Exhibition, held at Chiltern Woodland Burial Park.

The weather was not so kind, and unfortunately the majority of my Saturday visit was spent sheltering in the Woodland Hall, the Gathering Hall, and obliging exhibition tents, or trotting between them with an umbrella held aloft.

Despite the precipitation, more than 650 visitors attended the event, with many families enjoying entertainment such as puppet shows and bear hunts, opening their minds to the realities of life’s end; whilst other visitors browsed the stands as part of their funeral preparations.

The exhibitors also refused to allow their spirits to be dampened – if anything the rain only served to strengthen the sense of community between them. During my visit I was able to view the three new coffin designs from Greenfield Creations, which were presented to Chiltern Woodland Burial Park for display; the magical wood carvings of Emlyn Budd; the brand new Natural Death Handbook, produced by the Natural Death Centre Charity (which I will cover in more detail in a future issue of the magazine); and the photographic tributes of Rachel Wallace, from Farewell Photography.

It was, as always, wonderful to meet with representatives of the sector, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Mervyn Pilley, Mary Tomes of Colourful Coffins, Richard Putt of Levertons Funeral Directors, and the burial park team.

I also took the opportunity to sign up to Dying Matters – a coalition which aims to change public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards death, dying and bereavement. Considering these goals, where better to make this pledge than at the London Funeral Exhibition?

Let’s hope events such as these continue to help the public feel more comfortable with end-oflife planning and open discussion.

Best wishes for the month ahead.

Obituaries 44 A tribute to some of those who have died recently

Your story

Stephen Collop of Kettley’s Funeral Service, Leeds

Louise Hoffman 50

For the latest news updates, follow us on Twitter @FST_Magazine louise@funeralservicetimes.co.uk

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Dispatches

Funeral Service The independent voice of the funeral profession

times

Established 2006

Funeral Service Times is published monthly by:

Mulberry Publications Ltd, Wellington House, Butt Road, Colchester CO3 3DA Tel: 01206 767 797 Fax: 01206 767 532 www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk Editor Louise Hoffman louise@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Editorial Assistant Callum Gildart callum@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Reporter Emily Northcott emily@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Design/Deputy Production Editor Lewis Bowes copy@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Kelly Smith kelly@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Deputy Group Advertisement Manager Julie-Ann Kwok julie@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Advertising Sales Adam Bennett adam@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Accounts Maureen Scrivener accounts@funeralservicetimes.co.uk Customer Services 01206 767 797 customers@mulberrypublications.co.uk Contributing writers: Gus Nichols, Jeane Trend-Hill & Rev George Callander Cover image: William Purves Funeral Directors

ISSN 2046-7273 The editor and publishers do not guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or accept responsibility for any statement that they express in this publication.

The opinion of the contributors may not necessarily be the opinion of the publishers.

Articles are considered for publication on the basis that they are the author’s original work.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the permission of the publishers.

Eco-initiative likely to cause delays at welsh crematoria Bereaved families are facing delays in cremation arrangements because of the installation of pollution-reducing filters.

Filters, which can cut mercury emissions from tooth fillings by up to 99 per cent, are being installed in Gwent, Margam and Bangor crematoria, but as a result funeral directors are warning of delays of up to a month.

With strict rules now imposed for crematoria, to limit mercury pollution through the implementation of special equipment by 2012, Gwent has said it will hold only half of its usual 15 services a day until March as it aims to meet the government target of 50 per cent mercury reduction.

Gwent Crematorium in Croesyceiliog is the only crematorium in the Torfaen, Newport, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire area and carries out an average of 2,750 cremations a year.

Cremations at Gwent are now held daily until 1pm, at which point building work commences.

Michael Ryan, a funeral director from Newport, said: “In fairness to Gwent Crematorium, we’ve known about this for six to eight months and I’ve put in place plans to try to ensure a family doesn’t have to wait very long for a cremation.

“For example, Thornhill Crematorium has been very supportive and will do the backup if they can. There’s also Glyntaff Crematorium in Pontypridd which we could use.

“It’s a distressing time and it may cause further distress, but so far families have been understanding.”

New filters are also currently being installed at Bangor Crematorium and similar work will soon begin at Margam Crematorium in Neath Port Talbot, which holds an average of 1,300 cremations a year.

Exhibition helps to reduce the ‘death taboo’ More than 650 people braved the rain to attend this year’s London Funeral Exhibition at Chiltern Woodland Burial Park on 7 and 8 July.

Products and services from an array of funeral providers and suppliers were on display within the 72-acre woodland setting, while industry experts were on hand to speak to visitors throughout the event.

Planning ahead seemed to be a recurring theme at the exhibition, with visitors being afforded the opportunity to start thinking about plans for when a loved one dies and add to the ‘Things to do before I die’ board – a project by urban artist Candy Chang that seeks to encourage people to talk more about what they want to achieve during their lifetime.

There were plenty of family-based activities at the event, including horse and carriage rides; a bear hunt in the woods; a puppet show; and storytelling workshops. A raffle, treasure hunt and sales of cakes, made by local families, resulted in £230 being raised for the Acts of Hope charity, which aims to bring education and basic healthcare to children from impoverished homes in the slums of India.

GreenAcres Woodland Burials’ (which Chiltern Woodland Burial Park is a part of ) parent company, the Bibby Line Group, agreed to match the amount raised over the weekend, which made the grand total £460.

Dispatches

DoH updates guidance for flu pandemic related deaths The Department of Health (DoH) has issued updated guidance for management of flu pandemic related deaths.

‘Pandemic Influenza: Guidance on the Management of Death Certification and Cremation Certification in a Pandemic’ has been updated with the intention of assisting cremation and burial authorities in managing their responsibility for the disposal of remains.

Key features of the update include point III from page eight of the guidebook, which states that legislative amendments will be made to the Cremation Regulations 2008 to introduce a streamlined version of form Cremation 4 and to suspend the requirement for form Cremation 5.

In the event of death from influenza during a pandemic, burial can still be used as a method of disposal under authorisation by the coroner’s burial order or the registrar’s disposal certificate. The DoH feels that no changes to these requirements are needed for the purposes of facilitating burial in the context of an influenza pandemic.

For more information or to view the whole guidebook, visit: www.dh.gov.uk/ health/files/2012/06/2012-06-21dh-template-guidance-on-management-of-deathcertification.pdf

Golden Charter welcomes new chairman Funeral pre-planning company Golden Charter has named solicitor Magnus Swanson as its chairman.

Swanson, a former New York attorney and ex-chief executive of the MacLay, Murray and Spens law firm, takes over from Tony Lochery, who leaves the business having overseen five years of significant growth.

“He is hugely experienced and is ideally suited to ensure that Golden Charter continues to meet commercial challenges while focusing on delivering increased value to our owners, the independent funeral directors,” managing director of Golden Charter Ronnie Wayte said of the new chairman.

Swanson is director at a number of commercial organisations and is involved with several government and charity-run social responsibility projects.

Mayor opens the new MBCOL centre The Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire’s (MBCOL) new resource centre has been officially opened by Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby (pictured with MBCOL chair Suleman Nagdi MBE DL).

Established in 1994, MBCOL was the first organisation of its kind in Europe that worked with the local authority to create the provision for out-of-hours funerals. It is involved in many aspects of the bereavement process and works with other groups that are both faith and non-faith based.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “MBCOL is unique in the work that it carries out, and this fantastic resource centre will hopefully allow MBCOL to carry out its outstanding work for many years to come.

“I’m particularly proud of the partnership that the City Council has had with MBCOL for almost 20 years and I wish MBCOL the greatest of success in their future endeavours.”

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And briefly Funeral directors support gala day Staff from Henry Paul Funeral Directors recently took part in the Ickenham Festival Gala Day and raised £168.99 for the Hillingdon branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care. The biennial festival consists of a number of events including a scarecrow competition. Henry Paul’s scarecrow, styled like a certain sub-aquatic, sponge-based cartoon character, was displayed in the funeral directors’ window before it was paraded through the streets of Ickenham.

Following the procession, staff members were assisted by local Marie Curie Cancer Care volunteers in manning a book stall. It wasn’t the books that proved to be the stall’s attraction however, but rather the homemade stocks where volunteers received a barrage of wet sponges from eager passers-by – including Mayor Councillor Michael Markham.

MAB’s memorial photo competition back for third year The Memorial Awareness Board (MAB) has launched the third annual ‘Dead Art? Then and Now’ photographic competition. MAB, an organisation that works to promote and raise awareness of memorialisation issues in the United Kingdom, is encouraging photographers of all levels to submit their images of memorials both ‘then’ and ‘now’ for a chance to win £1,000.

Photographs must represent the photographer’s perception of historical (then) and modern (now) headstones. The public will vote to decide who they want to win from a selection of 10 shortlisted entries.

Campaign director of MAB Mike Dewar said: “There certainly is no shortage of unusual and interesting memorials throughout UK burial grounds and this competition focuses on capturing and showcasing their unsung beauty.” Deadline for entries is 16 August, and terms and conditions can be obtained at www.memorialawarenessboard.wordpress.com Packer & Slade celebrates 20 years in Cirencester Packer & Slade Funeral Service in Cirencester is celebrating 20 years as part of Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare. Having acquired the business from the late Albert Slade, the society invested in the premises and extended the chapel of rest to provide a reception area, office, kitchen, arranging room and two chapels of rest. Packer & Slade branch manager Hayley Bewick said: “We’re proud to have become an integral part of the community and an institution in the town.

Generations of local families have come to us and I hope that even more will entrust their loved ones to us over the next 20 years.”

‘Plaque’ to its former glory A plaque dedicated to the historic opening of the Manchester to Leeds railway line by George Stephenson in 1841 has been restored, thanks to Kilpatricks Funeral Service of Littleborough. The restored plaque was unveiled by Northern Rail’s Stephen Green, the Friends of Littleborough Station and Littleborough Historical Society. Manager of Kilpatricks Funeral Service Iain Woodhead said: “The commemorative plaque was very badly weathered and was difficult to read – after all, it’s been there since 1951. We successfully applied to Northern Rail for permission to have it re-gilded and I think it looks brand new now. It’s part of Littleborough’s history and I’m proud we have been able to preserve it.”

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Dispatches

And briefly Guisborough funeral director achieves qualification Guisborough funeral director Carlo Capaldi has achieved a professional qualification recognising his work in caring for the bereaved. Capaldi, who works at the Co-operative Funeralcare on Park Lane, earned his BTEC Diploma in Funeral Directing after two years of studying. BTEC Diplomas in Funeral Directing comprehensively cover all aspects of the role, such as communicating with clients, directing a funeral and funeral law. One-time Italian wine and food importer Capaldi said: “I’m the first in my family to enter the funeral profession and I get a lot of job satisfaction from it; a simple hand shake or a thank you from the families means a lot to me. I know I have helped them and done all I can for them during one of the worst times of their lives and I’ve given their loved one the final unique send-off they deserve.”

Quarryhill Primary wins Wm Gilchrist Invitational The first Wm Gilchrist Invitational seven-a-side football tournament has been won by Quarryhill Primary School. Aberdeen-based funeral directors Wm Gilchrist announced the tournament in June as a way of giving something back to the community.

Quarryhill won the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Mile End in a tightly contested final. In victory, Quarryhill also won £200 for their school, with runners-up Mile End receiving £100 for theirs. Each child from the 10 participating schools received a medal for their efforts. Manager of Wm Gilchrist Mac Dow said: “The enthusiasm and team spirit were fantastic. Congratulations to Quarryhill Primary who played some excellent football and have set the standard for next year.”

Mayor officially opens Morley funeral home Councillor Andy Dalton, the Mayor of Morley, near Leeds, recently performed the official opening of the Co-operative Funeralcare incorporating Asquiths Funeral Service. Dalton said: “I wish to commend the funeral home for establishing a first class chapel of rest right in the centre of the town. I know that they will provide a listening ear, sympathetic support and a quality service to Morleians experiencing bereavement.” Rev Robb Sutherland and Rev Deacon Peter Crinnion led the blessing of the funeral home, and Peter Askins, former owner of Asquiths Funeral Service; Phil Barr, president of the Yorkshire Area Federation of the NAFD; Brian Taylor, national president of CFSMA (Co-operative Funeral Service Managers Association); and Roger Tyrell, chair of the Leeds & Wakefield Area members committee of the Co-operative Group, were also present.

British artist teams up with Paa Joe As part of Collaboration Culture, a new seven-part BBC World News series, British artist Bob and Roberta Smith has joined forces with coffin sculptor Paa Joe to create a piece of art that unites their cultures and love of raw materials and alternative style. Bob and Roberta Smith, real name Patrick Brill, is famed for his authority- and orthodoxy-challenging hand-painted signs, while Paa Joe is a renowned Ghanaian coffin sculptor whose flamboyant coffin creations have been exhibited all over the world, and have also appeared in the pages of Funeral Service Times. In the episode, Bob and Roberta Smith and Paa Joe meet in Ghana’s capital city Accra and go on a journey to find inspiration for their collaborative masterpiece.

GreenAcres chosen to represent the UK at awards GreenAcres Woodland Burials will represent the cemetery sector and the UK at this year’s European Business Awards.

The company, formerly known as Woodland Burial Parks, has been chosen as a national finalist in the ‘Customer Focus’ category of the 2012/13 awards.

Nicky Whichelow, group marketing and sales manager at GreenAcres, said: “We’re delighted to be selected to represent the UK. “We’ve been operating for more than 10 years in the cemetery sector and it’s an honour to be recognised as one of the leading organisations in our country and our field.”

GreenAcres is a five-time winner in the Cemetery of the Year Awards and holds Green Apple, Green Flag, Green Hero and Investors in People accreditation.

FDs host bereavement training Nine members of staff from a Darlington care home have been awarded certificates for completing a course in bereavement training with Saint and Forster Funeral Directors.

The course, run in conjunction with the Society of Bereavement Practitioners, was held at the North Park Care Home on Darlington’s I’Anson Street.

Saint and Forster’s co-owner and director Keith Munt and the Society of Bereavement Practitioners’ president and FST columnist Rev George Callander led the course, which featured lectures, role-play scenarios and the dos and don’ts of interaction with the recently bereaved.

Keith said: “It is extremely important to know what to say and what not to say to people who find themselves in the distressing situation of dealing with the death of a loved one. An inappropriate word or approach, however well-meant, can be very upsetting.

“The course we offer gives advice on how to reach out to and support people who have been bereaved. It is delivered through workshops in which delegates can explore different ways of approaching a variety of situations they might encounter in the course of their work.”

Image: (L-R) Rev George Callander; Sue Raby, manageress of the North Park Care Home; and Keith Munt.

Team Dignity rides for charity Staff members from Dignity Caring Funeral Services recently raised £1,090 for charity by taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride.

The seven members of staff set off for the 56-mile journey from Clapham Common to Brighton at 6.45am.

Martin Tullett, funeral service arranger at James Crook in Willesden, was the first of the team to finish, recording a time of seven hours. “The last 11 miles were a breeze and cycling into Brighton with crowds all around cheering us on actually brought tears to my eyes,” he said. “Our friends, colleagues and supporters have given £1,090 split between Walking for the Wounded, South West Herts Samaritans and British Heart Foundation.”

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Dispatches

Funeral directors complete 25 years of service with CPJ Field & Co Chris Stringer, principal funeral director at CPJ Field & Co’s Sussex Coast offices, and Sid Toop, funeral director at Constable and Toop, have completed 25 years of committed service.

Chris Stringer (pictured top) started working for the Field family 25 years ago, as part of the Great Southern Group. In 1995, he moved with the family to CPJ Field & Co, setting up Christopher Stringer Funeral Service on the High Street in Rottingdean. He has been a funeral director in Rottingdean for 30 years, working with branches including Christopher Stringer, Attree & Kent, Cooper & Son and SE Skinner & Sons.

Sid Toop (pictured bottom) started working with the Field family business in 1974, and in 1995 he established Toop Brothers Funeral Directors in Grove Park and Lewisham. In 2002, the business combined with J Constable in Honor Oak and Penge to create Constable & Toop Funeral Directors. There are now three branches in Bromley, Belvedere and Forest Hill.

Colin Field, chairman of CPJ Field & Co (pictured on the right in both photos), said: “We would like to congratulate both Chris and Sid on this significant long-standing service achievement. They are both valued members of the CPJ Field & Co team and show unwavering passion and commitment to the business.”

Funeral worker takes his work to his wedding Mark Rae, of Mark F H Rae Funerals in St Annes, Lancashire, received a guard of honour with a twist at his recent wedding to Helen Burrows.

As the newlyweds left the ceremony at the parish church of Saint Cuthbert they were met by a coffin-lid-lined guard of honour. Mark described it as “a guard of honour with a difference.”

Provisional deaths in Northern Ireland by month of registration, 2012

Dates for your diary...

Source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

14 – 16 September

National Association of Memorial Masons’ Dinner Dance Bannatyne Spa Hotel Hastings www.namm.org.uk

Mar-12 1,316

www.iccm-uk.com

26 – 28 October BIFD AGM Harrogate

www.bifd.org.uk

16 – 18 November IoCF AGM and Conference Venue: TBA www.iocf.org.uk

May-12 1,330

Monthly provisional figures on deaths registered by area of usual residence, 2012 Source: ONS

1 – 3 October

Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management ICCM Learning Convention and Exhibition Forest Pines Hotel North Lincolnshire

Apr-12 1,281

England and Wales

Mar-12

Apr-12

May-12

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

44,152

41,685

44,011

ENGLAND AND WALES

44,073

41,596

43,920

ENGLAND North East North West Yorkshire and the Humber East Midlands West Midlands East London South East South West

41,306 2,189 5,909 4,282 3,698 4,417 4,817 4,301 6,990 4,703

38,928 2,234 5,719 4,089 3,527 4,204 4,470 3,908 6,402 4,375

41,091 2,288 6,167 4,259 3,661 4,565 4,645 4,107 6,718 4,681

WALES

2,767

2,668

2,829

Non-residents of England & Wales

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Comment

Over and out In his final column for Funeral Service Times, outgoing FIAT-IFTA president Gus Nichols reports back from a successful International Convention, and welcomes his successor to the role

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Image: (L-R) IAFD president Séamas Griffin; Gus Nichols; immediate past president IAFD Graham Gleasure; state pathologist Marie Cassidy

y final article for Funeral Service Times will focus on the 12th FIAT-IFTA International Convention, which I hosted in Dublin from 21 to 24 June 2012.

Preparation for this event began more than two years ago. When I was elected as a vice president of FIAT-IFTA in 2006, I knew that Ireland would be required to host this event at the end of my term of office. I also knew that delegates would expect nothing less than a Convention of the highest possible standard. For a small organisation like the IAFD (Irish Association of Funeral Directors), this was going to be challenge from the start.

In 1979, Ireland hosted a FIAT-IFTA Conference. This was arranged by Alan Fanagan, Rom Massey and John Kirwan, and I was very fortunate that Alan could lend his expertise to the process from the start. The first step was to appoint a conference professional – a person able to realise the vision of this multi-faceted event. Niav Miller and her company Conference Organisers were the essential element we needed to ensure the Convention would be a success.

The first and most obvious task was to find the right dates. We knew that Dublin was hosting the 50th Eucharistic Congress from 10 to 17 June. An expected 30,000 visitors to the city meant that every hotel bed was booked out for the duration. Likewise, I was concerned that the London Olympics would deter visitors to Ireland as airline charges were set to be hugely inflated during the period.

Once the dates were decided, it was a question of venues. The FIAT-IFTA Convention template is quite complicated, as there is a justifiable expectation that international visitors will be able to take part in technical visits and ‘see and experience’ the funeral culture of

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Comment

the host country. I was also determined to make Belfast part of the Convention – the IAFD is an all-Ireland organisation and I felt it was essential that our visitors should be able to visit the city. In this respect, I must pay tribute to Mr James Brown of Funeral Services Northern Ireland. James and I have worked together for a long time on the board of the Association, and for this event his help, expertise and contacts enabled us to bring delegates to the Titanic Exhibition, City Hall and James Brown and Sons Funeral Directors in Belfast.

However, due to terrible weather on the day, our much anticipated visit to Friars’ Bush – the historic burial ground of the city – had to be cancelled.

For FIAT-IFTA, the Convention was a good news story, and I was delighted to be able to welcome eight new countries to the board Through Niav Miller’s help, we secured first class accommodation around the city, in particular the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, which served as the main event headquarters.

We used this hotel for the 2nd International Repatriation Meeting, during the Convention. We had five excellent presentations on the key issues facing funeral service in an international context, including a very positive address from Mr David Brennan of IATA (International Air Transport Association). I am pleased to say that this meeting has lead to an open channel of communication for FIATIFTA, direct to the airline authorities.

For FIAT-IFTA itself, the Convention was a good news story. I was delighted to be able to welcome eight new countries to the board, namely Australia, Brazil, Malaysia, Turkey, Hungary, Austria, Russia and the UAE. Saturday 23 June was the signature day of the Convention. Having the two years to prepare meant that I had time to secure the services of four fantastic speakers at our conference in Dublin Castle. In the morning the state pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, gave a stunning presentation on her medico-legal work; and Tony Ennis presented a brand new concept for final disposition called EcoLegacy (you will be hearing much about this in the near future). In the afternoon, George Kelder gave an inch-perfect address on the current status of licensing and regulation, and the lessons which could be learnt from our North American cousins. And finally, Mr Thomas Lynch, author, poet and funeral director, gave us the privilege of his wisdom in an address that will live long in the memory of those who heard it.

We closed the event with a banquet in the Round Room of the Mansion House – a location in the middle of the city that suited the guests as it was walking distance from all of the hotels. Speeches, presentations, music and dance sealed a memorable evening.

None of this would have been possible without very significant sponsorship from some key organisations in our sector. I take this opportunity to thank Tanexpo/Tanexport from Italy; Facultatieve & Hygeco International; EcoLegacy; the IAFD, FSNI, and our own company in Dublin, Fanagans.

I extend my very best wishes to the new president of FIAT-IFTA, Mr Claus-Dieter Wulf from Germany. He will have a fascinating and busy two years ahead of him.

Finally, I thank Funeral Service Times for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to the magazine – a task I have enjoyed enormously.

Three cheers to you all!

Gus Nichols

For more information about FIAT-IFTA, please visit www.thanos.org

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Clothing special

The power of presentation Your appearance can significantly influence clients’ first impressions, as well as adding to the dignity of a funeral service.

Louise Hoffman takes a look at some of the clothing options currently available

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ever judge a book by its cover,” we are commanded by parents, teachers and other authoritative figures when we are children.

Sound advice this may be, but however hard we try, appearance will always inform our impressions of others to some degree. Never more so is this the case than when we are dealing with service providers – especially when the situation involves handing over our hard earned money.

For the funeral profession, there is the added dimension of honour and dignity, which can only be achieved through conduct and presentation.

Appropriate, well-fitting and properly presented attire, therefore, is crucial.

“A smart appearance is definitely an essential element of providing a good funeral service,” affirms Melanie Hunnaball of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group. “The sight of mismatched pallbearers in shabby suits does no good for the image of any funeral service, and detracts from the overall experience. If the funeral director and his or her team on the funeral present themselves well groomed and smartly turned out, it shows their respect for the job, and gives confidence to the family.”

So, with autumn on the horizon, which clothing options are available to funeral directors who are

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Graham McGrath Ltd

planning a spruce-up for themselves or their team?

“As we draw closer to autumn and winter we need to think about the clothing that is required – we need to remain immaculate in our appearance but still need to be protected from the elements,” says David McGrath, director of Graham McGrath Ltd, based in Peebles in the Scottish Borders.

The company’s whipcord raincoat is a smart, functional coat, which will hold out a good amount of rain. It is a polyester wool mixture with a Teflon finish and is available in black or navy, with sizes ranging from 36 to 50 regular, or 40 to 48 long.

Meanwhile, for that little bit more luxury, how about the Croyden overcoat? “Made from a wool and cashmere mix with polyamide, this single-breasted overcoat has a luxurious feel to it and will keep you warm on those cold winter days,” says the company. The Croyden overcoat (pictured left) has a centre vent and is satin lined with hand stitched edges. It is available in charcoal, navy and black, and sizes 36 to 54 regular.

Lyn Oakes Traditional Clothing Limited is also looking to the forthcoming season, with a core range of raincoats and overcoats to keep funeral directors dry and warm, as well as an exclusive range of charcoal whipcord raincoats, which will be launched in September, available from stock.

“At Lyn Oakes we pride ourselves on the quality, style and workmanship of all garments that we supply,” says the company. “Our friendly sales team offers an unrivalled level of customer service, and we are able to visit you at your own premises to provide a full service, from showcasing our products, to selecting and designing the garments best suited to your needs, to completing a full measuring service. On completion of the garments we can also personally deliver and conduct a full fitting service to ensure that perfect fit.

“With over 30 years of experience within the funeral industry we at Lyn Oakes know how important functionality and style are in helping you to do the best job you possibly can. We

Lyn Oakes Traditional Clothing Limited

Lyn Oakes Traditional Clothing Limited

Clothing special

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Clothing special

Allens Funeral Wear

therefore are constantly evolving and developing new garments to help you stand out from the crowd. Why not link these garments in with our bespoke service to make sure that you really do set yourselves apart from the crowd!”

Director of Clothing Discount Store Derek Ettinger has over 20 years’ experience in supplying formal funeral wear, specialising in outsized menswear at competitive prices, and has been well-placed to observe changing clothing trends. “Two-button, singlebreasted jackets are still the most popular, and in my opinion look the smartest for funeral directors. Black and white still remain the main colours of funeral clothing today, but there is room to add colour with ties,” he explains.

The traditional monochromatic design with a hint of colour blends the past with a little of the future, and allows funeral directors to personalise their uniforms.

Allens Funeral Wear has supplied funeral attire to West Midlands funeral directors and local authority crematorium staff since 1961, and now offers the same personal service nationally. “We take great pride in offering high quality funeral wear at the most competitive prices – if you see a competitor supplying the same item for less, then we will beat that price by 10 per cent!” says the company.

Supplying most leading manufacturers’ funeral wear means that the company can normally match existing funeral wear. Its product range includes black suits, black jackets, striped trousers, tailcoats, frockcoats, Edwardian coats, raincoats, overcoats, top hats, black ties and cravats, as well as a full range of shoes and accessories.

Whether you are looking for purely traditional attire, or to add some modern touches (see page 20 for accessory ideas), companies such as these are ensuring that there is something for everyone. “It doesn’t matter what style of funeral attire funeral directors choose – and there are so many different options nowadays – what matters is how they wear it!” Melanie Hunnaball concludes.

Supplier listing Allens Funeral Wear: 01384 377 534 (Peter) or www.samenswear.co.uk Clothing Discount Store: 0208 527 4249 or www.clothingdiscountstore.co.uk Graham McGrath Ltd: 01721 724 665 (David) or www.grahammcgraths.co.uk Lyn Oakes Limited: 01299 827 360 or www.lynoakes.co.uk

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Clothing special

Finishing touches Whilst accessories such as top hats and ties have long been a part of the funeral director’s attire, Callum Gildart discovers that they are also now used to add a splash of colour to an otherwise monochrome uniform

F

Graham McGrath Ltd

uneral practices are in transition. The increasing popularity of cremations, eco-burials, and altogether more personalised experiences has simultaneously seen funeral directors adapting their traditional methods and embracing modernity and diversity.

The funeral director’s attire is something that has remained fairly consistent, in line with traditional style, however we have in recent times begun to see some changes creep in.

Dress code is of course extremely important to funeral directing as it can allow a company to convey compassion and professionalism, with adherence to the values and principles of the profession.

Tailcoats, frockcoats, Edwardian jackets, and striped trousers or plain skirts are all key in achieving proper presentation, but where does expressing individuality fit in? For those looking to distinguish themselves in a manner that’s both tasteful and respectful, introducing subtle changes through accessories can make a big difference.

The wearing of black will always be associated with funerals, but with ceremonies now being seen as a time for celebrating a person’s life rather than mourning their loss, many clients are requesting bolder, brighter colours to be present at services.

Having a range of coloured accessories to hand is something to bear in mind as a potential offering to the bereaved when discussing funeral plans, to give the funeral a bespoke feel and add an extra dimension to your service offering. If, for example, the colour orange had a special relevance in the deceased’s life, it could easily be introduced by way of an orange tie, cravat, tie-tack or an added flash of colour to a hat.

Independent funeral directors may not necessarily see the need to create a brand identity, but in the present day it is also becoming increasingly important to set your business apart from others in the area.

Completely turning against traditional funeral wear may be taking things a bit far, but some subtle accessorising will add a special and recognisable touch. It could be a patterned or coloured lapel lining; a branded inner-jacket lining; or a coloured button hole flower – whatever you choose, having a distinct feature that doesn’t detract from a professional look but solidifies both the look and brand, is the perfect way to make use of accessories.

Graham McGrath Ltd is a family owned and run gentlemen’s outfitters and funeral clothing supplier in Peebles, Scotland. Director David McGrath has previously stated that subtle changes

Clothing special

“Matching ties, cravats, neck tabs and handkerchiefs enable you to give your company a distinct image so that you will be recognised and remembered” Lyn Oakes Traditional Clothing Ltd recognises that accessorising doesn’t just have to be used for tailoring individual funeral services, but can also create a distinct brand identity. “Matching ties, cravats, neck tabs and handkerchiefs enable you to give your company a distinct image so that you will be recognised and remembered,” it says.

Lyn Oakes’ accessory range is extensive and incorporates top hats, silk-lined leather gloves, bespoke cravats and chrome or pearl topped canes. Basic, non-funeral-specific accessories are also available, such as shirts and belts – useful for further colour options.

Taking into account the forthcoming season, Lyn Oakes adds: “To protect yourself from the British weather we have a range of umbrellas, fur-lined gloves for extra warmth, and rubber-bottomed oxford shoes to keep you from slipping in icy weather.”

Just as no two people are alike, neither are independent funeral directors, so why, therefore, should they not differentiate themselves? A touch of individualism does not mean unprofessionalism, nor does it mean disrespect; on the contrary, it can show a determination to provide a unique service, and a huge pride in ones presentation and company.

And, with competition increasing, accessorising clothes can be an invaluable asset in boosting brand identity and setting a company apart from others.

Patey Hats (London) Ltd

in design, such as those afforded by accessorising, can help funeral directors to stand apart from their competitors.

Of the accessories offered by the company, McGrath has noted that there is a growing trend for top hats: “Top hats are becoming more and more popular,” he states.

“Although not the most comfortable garment to wear, it does always look good.”

Graham McGrath Ltd’s hats are available in all sizes.

Another company catering to the increasing popularity of top hats is Patey Hats (London) Ltd. The last traditional top hat maker in the country, Patey offers top hats made to suit head shape or just to size. The company is also able to undertake the repair and refurbishment of silk top hats and can restore and reshape them to fit the wearer’s head.

Lyn Oakes Traditional Clothing Ltd

Supplier listing Graham McGrath Ltd: 01721 724 665 or www.grahammcgraths.co.uk Lyn Oakes Limited: 01299 827 360 or www.lynoakes.co.uk Patey Hats (London) Ltd: 01285 841 250 or www.pateyhats.com

21

bereavement

Navigating the grief journey With the London 2012 games now in full swing, the words of one particular Olympic hopeful inspire Rev George Callander to consider our individual experiences of grief

A

s I sat writing this month’s column on a July afternoon, I stared out of the window and was surprised to notice that I could not see the garden for the curtain of rain. The sheer volume of water descending upon Chapel House roof sounded like gravel being poured from a great height. It was deafening.

Turning on the TV, I was greeted by the grinning faces of some meedja personality or other, reminding me that ‘the Olympics: London 2012’ is but a few short days away (yawn). Unable to cope with the excitement, and resisting the temptation to take up a new (or indeed, any) sport, I made myself a coffee and,

surrounded by a mound of sleeping cats, settled down to read a magazine.

The first article I came to was an interview with Tom Daley, the young British high-diver destined for great things at the 2012 Olympics. Tom, only 18, not only spoke openly about his hopes for his future as a great sportsman but also about his grief following the death of his father, Rob, aged only 40.

Tom spoke with great warmth about the dad he clearly deeply loved and respected, and whom he even more deeply mourns and misses. Tom revealed that he threw himself into perfecting his technique and

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24

Bereavement

improving his craft as a way of coming to terms with the death of his dad, whilst trying to be the best he can be; not only for himself, but also in his dad’s memory – the dad who did so much to nurture, guide and encourage Tom in his flourishing career.

In every bereavement there is one person who has died, but as many griefs for that person as there are people who mourn What struck me was not only Tom’s eloquent description of his grief, but also the fact that he was, at the time of his dad’s death, only 16 years old, and in the midst of GCSE exams, competing at national and international level, and simply growing up. He is quoted saying: “I know other people lose a dad, but I love him so much.”

A wonderful thing to hear a young man say about his dad.

This reminded me of something I say to delegates at every training course or seminar I lead: “In every bereavement there is one person who has died, but as many griefs for that person as there are people who mourn.” No two bereaved people will process the reality of loss in the same way. Just as family and social dynamics are complex, so are the dynamics of grief.

Tom mourns the dad he loves, but the other members of his family will be making their own grief journey. His younger brothers will process their loss in their own way; and their mum will grieve for the loss of her husband, friend and father of her children. They each grieve for the cutting-short of the journey through life they were making as a family; encountering those ‘bridge moments’, both happy and sad.

I have written before about bereavement following the death of a young person. It throws up more questions than can be adequately answered. All of those occasions where we share our success or failure

or problems with our loved one have now been taken from us, and we all at once find ourselves in a great void which seems impossible to fill.

It is important that family members feel able to support each other through such an horrendous time in their lives, while acknowledging the family is a unit, comprising a diversity of individuals each with their own preconceptions about death, loss and dying, with their own approaches to grief and moving through their loss. In addition to supporting each other, family members can also learn from each other, gaining strength from each other’s input.

Tom Daley and his brothers Will and Ben are clearly part of a loving and supportive family who have done much to help them process their loss in their own way and at their own pace. But not all families are able to provide that healing, supportive environment for each other, and professional support then becomes even more crucial. In addition to local support agencies there are numerous national charities and organisations devoted to working with bereaved children/young adults, including the splendid Winston’s Wish.

The family is a unit, comprising a diversity of individuals each with their own preconceptions about death, loss and dying We each face our grief in our own way: Tom Daley dedicates his hard work and desire to be the best in his sport, to his dad Rob’s memory. Tom also gains great comfort and peace from the thought that his dad is all around him. Surely this can only encourage him to great things? He does not explicitly say so, but I’m sure this is a cathartic experience for the young diver as he prepares to participate in the biggest event (to date) in his career. Catharsis is a wonderful thing: an important milestone on the road to post-bereavement healing.

Well, back at Chapel House the rain is easing now.

Perhaps I ought to get the bike out of its stable in the garage and give that other great Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy, a run for his money? No, Flog It! will be on shortly, so another coffee and a handful of Jaffa Cakes is in order – the consumption of which would certainly earn me a gold medal for Team GB. As I chomp my way to the winners’ podium, all that remains is for me to wish good luck to all 2012 Olympians, Paralympians, and those many, many armchair athletes around the globe going for gold!

The Rev George Callander FRSA is senior minister of the liberal Christian UK Open Free Church, president of the Society of Bereavement Practitioners, and a bereavement specialist practitioner, speaker and trainer. Please visit www.gscallander.com or www.socbp.org for more information.

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Showcase

Safe conduct A selection of stretchers and trolleys to improve removal and transferral efficiency At Auden, manufacturing has always been at the heart of the company’s ethos. “Decades of experience allows us to design, develop and manufacture some of the most innovative, labour saving and hardworking funeral equipment in the industry,” the company says.

One of the many new products and innovations that it develops yearon-year is the ‘Roll in Roll out’ trolley system; a typical example of how products can be created with a particular problem in mind. “The ‘Roll in Roll out’ trolley allows the safer removal of the deceased using an upright trolley system that will work even in the smallest of spaces. It also provides the operator with better flexibility, allowing the use of small elevators, which are more common in modern care homes today.

Information: 01924 402 080, info@audenfs.com or www.audenfs.com

“For more than 50 years, the Ferno name has been synonymous with providing dignity, innovation and value in this most sensitive of industries. We remain entirely committed to helping you provide the best possible care for the deceased, leaving their loved ones with a strong conviction that their needs have been met in an appropriately respectful and efficient manner,” says Ferno. The company works to ensure that all of its products are reliable and easy to use.

Information: 01274 851 999 or www.ferno.co.uk

Having often been asked for a scissor-lift trolley that could be operated at a safe minimum working height, Morquip Ltd resolved to fulfil its customers’ requests. The result is a trolley that can operate at 240 millimetres, which means that funeral directors can make the most of awkward spaces within their premises. “Combined with our easy to install and maintain refrigeration system, a standard height room can now hold a three body vertical refrigeration system rather than the normal two,” the company adds. The trolley allows an improvement in capacity, whilst meeting increasing bariatric needs (180 to 310 kilograms, aluminium 255 kilograms), and is stable and easy to move – manual or battery operated. Morquip also offers a range of finance options for those looking to purchase new equipment. “Our quick and easy process allows you to protect your capital to fund a new project or maximise business opportunities,” it says.

Information: 01384 410 801

Showcase

Omega reports that its stretcher wheel bier, which has been designed by the company itself, is becoming increasingly more popular due to its range of capabilities. The original use was for a first call stretcher that does not arch, in order to keep the deceased’s head level and reduce the chance of post mortem discolouration in the head. The bier supports the full stretcher and sits inside the frame, which then reduces the chance of the stretcher moving or sliding off the bier. It can also be used for viewing purposes and is designed so that wheelchair users can view their loved ones from a lower height.

The stretcher wheel bier is all constructed from 304 stainless steel with swivel castors.

Information: 01507 440 200

William Jordan & Son is a family-owned funeral home that has been serving the profession since 1907, and the company’s managing director, Tracy Jordan, says she is absolutely thrilled with the recent delivery of her new Diplomatic Multilift from Newcastle manufacturer RWL Products.

“The lift works as a second assistant. It is very versatile – we use it across all of our operations, both on and off premises, including the mortuary, preparation and loading,” she explains. “It’s extremely good value for money – once you’ve purchased one, you will never be without one!”

Equally impressed with RWL’s service and support, Tracy adds: “RWL Products is a very responsive company. When I need help, the team are always there, and if I have a few ideas about how to use the lift, they always take my suggestions on board.”

Information: 01670 505 516, sales@rwlproducts.co.uk or www.rwlproducts.co.uk

29

Products

Black Country Metal Works

Black Country Metal Works is a metalworking company with a wide range of memorial products. Specialising in flower vases, the company also has a large selection of other products including memorial benches, engravable plaques, grave markers, candle lanterns, grave surrounds, lawn spikes and a range of pet memorial items. Contact Black Country Metal Works to request a full brochure.

Information: 0800 688 8529 or sales@blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk

FuneralDirectorWebsites.co.uk

The Martins of Crawley in Sussex and Joe Dawson of Buckie in Scotland both now have professionally built websites that can be found on the first page of Google searches thanks to FuneralDirectorWebsites.co.uk.

Founder of the service, SAIF member Gerry King, explains: “We have many years of experience within the funeral profession, giving every client a personal service wherever they are based. Our emphasis is on providing affordable ongoing support and results.”

Information: 0191 420 2778, gerry@funeraldirectorwebsites.co.uk or www.funeraldirectorwebsites.co.uk

IMandA

Pete O’Neill and the Independent Mergers and Acquisitions Ltd (IMandA) team have developed a unique new process to assist and represent the seller through the whole business sale process. “IMandA understands that each business is as unique as those who built, managed and grew it, and uses this knowledge to focus on a business’s special features and qualities,” they say. IMandA will review, prepare, present, negotiate, finalise and facilitate the transfer of ownership, with the objective of putting the seller in control and achieving the best offers, terms and conditions.

Information: 0141 942 7434, pete@imanda.co.uk or www.imanda.co.uk

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32

Cemeteries

City secrets Jeane Trend-Hill, author and cemetery history

enthusiast, shares the stories of four particularly interesting, yet little-known memorial sites in London

Cemeteries

therefore be commemorated. When his idea was not followed up, he decided to create a memorial himself in the form of a 50-foot-long open gallery situated in the public gardens on the site of the former churchyard of St Botolph, Aldersgate.

On the southern boundary was the Post Office and many postmen spent their breaks there, hence the name it is now known by. Along the walls of the gallery Watts placed inscribed tablets of Doulton tile, each describing the acts of bravery that resulted in the loss of the hero or heroine’s life, and celebrating people who would perhaps otherwise have been forgotten.

Marigold Churchill, Kensal Green Cemetery

I

n the autumn of 1908 Winston Churchill, then a rising Liberal politician, married Clementine Hozier, granddaughter of the 10th Earl of Airlie. Their marriage was to prove a long and happy one, with their first child, Diana, born in 1909, and their second child and only son, Randolph, born in 1911. He was exceptionally handsome and his father had great ambitions for him.

After that came Sarah in 1914, and Marigold in 1918. However in 1921, shortly after the deaths of both Clementine’s brother and Winston’s mother, Marigold contracted septicemia whilst on a seaside holiday with the children’s governess. She is buried in this simple grave in a quiet corner of Kensal Green Cemetery, London (pictured above).

The first time I found the grave of Marigold it was by accident. I was taking a photograph of something else and in trying to capture it all in the viewfinder I stumbled backwards. I felt like there was someone behind me and turned around quickly. There she was! I read the inscription, and re-read it, took a couple of photos, and afterwards had a word with someone in the know who confirmed that this was indeed Churchill’s daughter.

I have since wondered why Marigold was not buried with the rest of the Churchills; it seems so sad that she’s there alone. Maybe they assumed other family members would also be buried in the plot – after all, the cemetery has many royal and notable people interred there – but over the years other arrangements were decided upon, with Marigold remaining at Kensal Green?

Postman’s Park

P

ostman’s Park is a small green space tucked away to the north of St Paul’s Cathedral. Under the sheltered area is a wall commemorating ordinary people who lost their lives while trying to save others.

In 1887 painter G F Watts (1817-1904), wrote to The Times proposing a project to mark Queen Victoria’s Jubilee of that year, based on his belief that stories of heroism were uplifting and should

Some of the inscriptions include: • Henry James Bristow aged eight – at Walthamstow on December 30 1890 – saved his little sister’s life by tearing off her flaming clothes but caught fire himself and died of burns and shock.

• Mary Rogers, stewardess of the Stella, Mar 30 1899. Self sacrificed by giving up her life belt and voluntarily going down with the sinking ship.

• William Drake, lost his life in averting a serious accident to a lady in Hyde Park April 2 1869 whose horses were unmanageable through the breaking of the carriage pole.

• John Clinton aged 10 who was drowned near London Bridge in trying to save a companion younger than himself. July 16 1894.

• Joseph Andrew Ford aged 30, Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Saved six persons from a fire in Gray’s Inn Road but in his last heroic act he was scorched to death. Oct 7 1871.

• Thomas Griffin, fitter’s labourer April 12 1899. In a boiler explosion at a Battersea sugar refinery was fatally scalded in returning to search for his mate.

William French, St Pancras and Islington Cemetery

T

his is a memorial for William French who lost his life on 13 July 1896 as he tried to save a dog from drowning in the Highgate Ponds, north London. The dog survived, but alas Mr French did not. The monument was erected in St Pancras and Islington Cemetery in commemoration of his brave deed and was paid for by public subscription.

Weeping bottles and tear jars, City of London Cemetery

S

mall tear-shaped bottles were common in the first few centuries AD, placed as a tribute at the base of a tomb. Sometimes professional mourners were hired to supplement the bereaved family’s tears and extra compensation was paid to those who cried the most and were loudest! Tear bottles (as depicted in the memorial opposite) reappeared in the 19th century and are strongly associated with Queen Victoria. Some women used tear jars in the customary way, crying into them after the death of a loved one, whilst others used them to cry into after their loved one left for the Civil War. Tear bottles, also known as tear vials, tear catchers or lachrymatories, are very collectable items nowadays.

Jeane Trend-Hill is an author, photographer and artist who spends much of her time photographing cemetery monuments, researching some of their more obscure occupants and writing about places of eternal rest. She advises on grave symbolism and is involved with monument restoration and preservation to help future generations enjoy an important part of our history and heritage. Jeane has published a series of books: Silent Cities, about cemetery monuments, as well as The Lost Language of Cemeteries about grave symbolism. For further information please visit askjeane.homestead.com

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Interview

More than a directory Ashley Bullock, marketing director for Arrangingafuneral.co.uk, tells Louise Hoffman about the site’s design, development and functions What led you to establish Arrangingafuneral.co.uk? And what is its overall mission?

After 10 years working with local authorities, bereavement experts and charities, we noticed a need to combine all of the expertise, information and support that is out there and provide the bereaved with a one-stop online resource where they can access everything they need on one, easy-touse website. Through this, we aim to make the process of arranging a funeral and coping with the loss of a loved one a little easier.

How have you approached the design, layout and functionality of the site, to make it as usable as possible for visitors?

We have an in-house web development team who have spent over 12 months developing the site, and continue to do so, on a daily basis, based on feedback from our audience.

We wanted to break away from the sombre aspect of bereavement without losing our compassion for the bereaved, and we felt the pink and grey combined with our logo was branding that worked well and would be remembered.

Throughout the website our visitors can find our quick search facility at the top of the page, meaning that no matter which page they are viewing they can search for a funeral director or other bereavement service in their area with just one click.

The homepage features three prominent calls to action: visitors can, within one click, search through our library of articles and find free expert advice; they can use our national search facility and find a funeral director, memorial mason, probate specialist or other bereavement service in their area; and they can search through our list of useful organisations, charities and support groups to find further advice and support.

Which aspects of funeral planning does it cover?

Arrangingafuneral.co.uk provides advice, with specific articles on topics such as paying

for a funeral in advance and choosing a funeral plan (lots more on these topics coming very soon). In our Funeral Advice section, visitors can find articles covering a wide range of topics such as ‘What to do when someone dies’; ‘How to register a death’; ‘Repatriation for a funeral overseas’; ‘Paying for a funeral’; and many more.

What sets your site apart from other online directories?

Arrangingafuneral.co.uk is much more than an online directory of bereavement services. Yes, we have a national directory of services where our audience can find funeral directors, memorial masons, will and probate specialists, florists and other bereavement and funeral services in their local area, but this is only one of the features that enhances our online bereavement service.

Visitors to Arangingafuneral.co.uk can ‘ask the expert’, and have their specific funeral or bereavement questions answered by our local and national linked bereavement experts.

They can also use our ‘stop unwanted mail’ service – by simply filling in our free online form our linked partner the Deceased Preference Service will stop unwanted mail to the deceased person. Our alignment with our linked partners also helps us to provide constant up-to-date advice and information for our bereaved audience.

Where other funeral sites provide advice in specific areas, Arrangingafuneral.co.uk provides a complete comprehensive service, helping the bereaved through every step of the bereavement journey.

Another aspect that sets us apart is our marketing of the website. In addition to online promotion, we also market the site through hospitals, register offices, hospices and other key bereavement services. In total, we market the website to the value of £250,000 per annum in key locations, ensuring that we drive traffic to the website.

What has the feedback been like so far?

Prior to our full launch we spent months

speaking with charities, the NHS, local authorities, register offices, funeral directors and other bereavement experts, gathering feedback about our website features, layout and usability. We have also created feedback forms throughout the website, allowing our users to share their thoughts on how it has helped them and how it can be improved.

All in all we have had great feedback about the site, especially in its infant stages.

Constructive criticism, which we welcome greatly, helps our web team to consistently improve the site.

Do you have any plans in the pipeline for developing the site in the short term?

Absolutely – we are constantly working on new features and improvements to the website. Right now we have a national SEO (search engine optimisation) campaign underway, which will see us featured at the top of search engines for local specific searches, and we have two fantastic partnerships almost complete, which is very exciting for the development of the website.

Much more to come!

Image: David Swaine, office manager, and Glenda Dluski-Miziura, partmer relations

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36

Interview

Customers come first Steve Soult, founder of Steve Soult Ltd, tells Louise Hoffman about the service standards and manufacturing values that have formed the solid foundations of his company What is the story behind Steve Soult Ltd? I established Steve Soult Ltd in 2002, having spent 20 years making coffins at a large nationwide coffin manufacturer where I climbed the ladder from ‘chief tea lad’ to general manager. By working through the different levels of the coffin making process I had gained extensive experience in how to get things right ‘occasionally’. The whole system seemed to be flawed – make coffins as cheaply as possible; buy cheap materials; pay minimum wages; and do this week in, week out.

Frustrated funeral directors seemed to be the norm as very few coffin manufacturers were listening to their own customers. I wanted to create a company with a primary goal of satisfying funeral directors’ needs.

What have been your primary business values from day one?

Quite simply, to offer the very best in customer service. Over the years, funeral directors have been let down badly by a lot of the coffin guys, which has resulted in coffins being viewed as pure ‘commodities’. The industry has changed considerably in the last 10 years, with the internet making the public more aware of what is available.

Since the coffin is the main focal point of a funeral, we consider it our duty to keep up to date with trends and constantly communicate with our funeral director partners to ensure that our service is constantly evolving to support them.

Can you describe the product ranges that you are currently able to offer to the bereaved, by way of the funeral director?

Our range of products is one of the most extensive available to the traditional and modern funeral director. We cater for all requirements of bereaved families, from low cost options to the premium handcrafted products. Our ranges cover all traditional choices such as veneered, painted, environmentally friendly and solid wood coffins.

In which ways have you demonstrated your ability to keep up with changing trends?

By keeping in frequent contact with our funeral director partners we have found that we can keep one step ahead of trends; an idea from a funeral director can become a new product in a matter of days.

A good example is our Italian-style Last Supper coffin, launched in 2011 and handmade by us in solid wood and available in three

Interview

Steve Soult (left)

partners’ feedback has highlighted that quality standards have been inconsistent.

What does the coffin manufacturing process entail?

We have two separate production facilities. Our main unit has been designed by me to ensure that products can be made quickly and efficiently. As everything is made to order and we do not hold any stock, this manufacturing process has proven to be both successful and dynamic. The machinery we use is a combination of traditional woodworking machines and state-of-the-art computer controlled machines. Our team members undergo extensive training that never really ends – each stage of manufacture is monitored, making accountability and a sense of pride part of our culture.

Our second unit is based on a traditional workshop concept – the pace is slower and the team here are all time served joiners and machinists. It is within this facility that we produce the premium range products, such as our Signature range of handcrafted solid wood coffins and our Italian-style Last Supper coffins. This unit is also home to our innovative design team who are currently working on our next industry first!

“We firmly believe that we can enhance and support all funeral directors by meeting the needs required in these modern times without losing traditional values”

finishes: high gloss mahogany, satin oak and satin white. We developed this in reaction to funeral directors’ reports of quality problems and a lack of colour options, combined with the ‘take it or leave it’ attitude of some other manufacturers.

In 2011 at the NFE we also launched an industry first – our Artiste range of personalised coffins. This idea has gone down extremely well with client families and has given our funeral director partners an instant advantage over their competitors by offering something so unique.

We are proving that this style of coffin is fast becoming the coffin of choice for families wishing to express their farewells in a most individual manner.

Are there any new product offerings on the horizon?

For 2012 we have just launched a range of European-style coffins in solid wood, available in four finishes: high gloss mahogany, high gloss black, satin white and satin oak. These coffins have contrasting intricate gold inlay detail and are also handmade by us here in the UK. Previously, similar style coffins have only been available by importing, obviously travelling great distances, and again our

What makes your service stand out from the crowd?

We offer a completely bespoke service to all of our funeral director partners and support their individual requirements. Our high standard of customer service is combined with many other unique benefits, including a free leather presenter with professionally-taken photographs; 24-hour phone coverage (you don’t work nine to five, so neither do we!); seven-day turnaround on stock orders; fast delivery of specials (including same day if required); small, unobtrusive, tracked delivery vehicles; uniformed, polite and friendly drivers; FIRA weight testing of all coffins; a fast ordering system (we keep all of your previous specifications along with your own names for each design); and a fitting service if required.

Our flexible and innovative manufacturing methods mean we can deliver highly customised coffins on very short lead times. We firmly believe that we can enhance and support all funeral directors by meeting the needs required in these modern times without losing traditional values.

Looking to the future, what are your goals and hopes for the next two or three years?

Our goals quite simply are to maintain our recognised position as an innovative partner to funeral directors and to push the boundaries of customer service even further.

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38

Interview

Singing from the soul Image by Keith Malone

Contributing to the funeral service of a loved one led established singer Irene Grant-Jones to offer her services to other bereaved families, as she explains As a new name to Funeral Service Times, let’s start with an introduction. Can you tell us about yourself and your background in music?

It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to say hello to everyone and introduce my unique combination of services. As an independent celebrant, soprano soloist and poet I create meaningful, melodious and memorable occasions celebrating and honouring a loved one’s life.

My creative roots lay in North Wales, and I won the Llangollen International Eisteddfod as a young singer. I then went on to study voice and piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London, which prepared me for opera, oratorio, radio, TV and singing teaching; the latter enabling me to help many adults and children to discover and reach their vocal potential.

What led you to begin singing at funerals?

I unexpectedly lost my father when I was 19, and without hesitation decided to sing at his funeral service; it seemed to me to be the very least I could do to honour a man I loved so dearly and who had supported and nurtured my desire to sing from as far back as I could remember. Singing Jesus Lover of my Soul to a large gathering and in the midst of intense emotion and heartache was an experience that transported my communication skills on to a new level where the depth of my soul was enlivened

and engaged. However bleak those times were, I remembered well my father’s love of Welsh songs and, indeed, his beautiful tenor voice that stirred a passion in my life that has always been my trusted companion.

How do you seek to enhance a funeral service through your voice?

I take a personal and compassionate interest in families as they prepare for the funeral or memorial service, helping them to select the most appropriate and effective music for this important occasion. As a soloist with a large vocal range I enable family and friends to focus on a part of the service where they can relax in the flow of beautiful words and music that creates a meaningful experience.

During a service there is always an opportunity to include a relevant solo song. By offering a huge repertoire of songs ranging in style from religious, modern and classical, to folk and hymns, I can help families to choose the perfect solo. I also lead the general singing of hymns.

You mentioned that you also provide a celebrancy service.

Can you tell us about this?

Drawing together the information gathered from meeting family members I create a unique, sensitive and fitting tribute entwined with opportunities for family and friends to contribute during the service.

A BA degree from De Montfort University in English Cultural Studies incorporated

a poetry module that first ignited my love of writing poetry. Following on from this, May 2007 was a pivotal experience in my life, after the death of my mother, and it was then that I penned the first of 350 poems, some already published. My poems cover the depths of bereavement and despair, through to more humorous topics.

Singing, reading poetry and speaking at my mother’s funeral once again drew on my inner creative strengths and reserves, confirming in my heart that it is an absolute privilege and honour to share these skills at such sensitive times in people’s lives. As a celebrant I can identify with the great depth of sadness that at the time feels endless, yet I am available to share in a precious day and to reflect and celebrate life and affirm the message of hope for the future.

Geographically speaking, where are you able to offer your services?

I am based in Bedford near the towns of Milton Keynes, Northampton, Cambridge and Luton. However, I will travel any distance to add that special element to a service, whether it is to be conducted in a church, a crematorium or indeed any other venue.

Scan this QR code with your smartphone for further information!

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Charity spotlight

A future free from pain With arthritis affecting one in six people in the UK, research into treatment and cure is of huge importance. Arthritis Research UK discusses its work in this field, and the role of in memoriam donations

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here’s a common misconception that arthritis is just a few aches and pains, and a natural consequence of growing old, however the truth is very different. Arthritis is an extremely painful and debilitating condition, affecting 10 million people in the UK – that’s one in six of us – and it is a major cause of physical disability. It’s indiscriminate when it comes to age – 15,000 children in the UK have arthritis, some as young as six months old.

• Arthritis Research UK enables people to keep active, doing the things they love.

• We are the biggest funder of research into the cause, treatment and cure of all forms of arthritis in the UK. • Our work takes the pain away from people with arthritis.

A gift in memory to Arthritis Research UK can be a positive way to pay tribute to a loved one and could make a huge difference to the lives of future generations. We receive no government funding, and so we depend on kind gifts like these to support our vital work.

As a charity we are deeply grateful when someone chooses to make a donation to Arthritis Research UK in memory of a loved one. We appreciate that these gifts are given at a very difficult time and that you, as a conduit, are instrumental in this process. If you are

arranging a funeral for a client who has been affected by arthritis, you may choose to suggest that they: • make a donation in memory of a loved one via our website www.arthritisresearchuk.org or by calling 0300 790 0444; • ask for donations in lieu of flowers at the funeral – we can send out some collection envelopes ahead of the funeral; • organise an event or take part in one of our many regional and national events in memory of a loved one, such as a walk, run, bike ride or coffee morning; • consider starting an online tribute fund on behalf of Arthritis Research UK. Creating a fundraising page in memory of someone is a powerful way for friends and family to honour them by donating to a cause that they cared deeply about.

To request some in memory leaflets/postcards to display or donation envelopes, please call or email us using the details below. We welcome any of your clients who may wish to make a donation or who have any questions about giving in memory to contact us.

For more information please contact our in memory team on 0300 790 0444 or email them at inmemory@arthritisresearchuk.org. For more information on Arthritis Research UK and our life changing work, please visit our website www.arthritisresearchuk.org

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Charity spotlight

Colours of hope World Cancer Research Fund’s current supporter appeal

is just one aspect of its work in raising awareness of and preventing cancer. Here the charity explains how you can lend your support

C

olours of Hope is a supporter appeal from the UK’s leading cancer prevention charity, World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK).

The charity has a two-fold mission – funding scientific research, and raising awareness about reducing cancer risk. Colours of Hope provides the crucial financial backing for both of these aspects of WCRF UK’s work.

Named after the multicoloured ribbon that signifies 10 different forms of cancer, as well as childhood cancers and general cancer awareness, the Colours of Hope pin badge enables people to show support for cancer prevention all year round.

At the heart of WCRF UK’s work is the message that scientists estimate about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented by taking three steps: being more physically active, adopting a healthier diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

WCRF UK has taken the lead in spreading this message. Indeed, before the charity was established the notion that diet could influence cancer risk was considered controversial, due mainly to the lack of research on diet and cancer.

But today, thanks to the growing body of scientific evidence, all mainstream scientists accept that what we eat and how physically active we are affects our cancer risk.

This growth in scientific understanding is partly as a result of the ground-breaking 1997 report Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective.

Known as the Expert Report, it distilled all of the evidence on the subject and proved beyond doubt that our lifestyle choices have a big impact on cancer risk. In turn, it was a catalyst for further research in this field, so within five years a new report was needed and the second Expert Report was produced in 2007.

This publication – the most comprehensive study on the links between lifestyle and cancer – included an analysis of more than 7,000 individual studies. A panel of 21 world-renowned scientists

then made conclusions that led to 10 Recommendations for Cancer Prevention for people to use in their daily lives.

In 2009, Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention was published, providing advice and guidance for key groups such as governments and employers on what can be done to influence people’s choices and reduce their risk of cancer.

Today, the charity is compiling the Continuous Update Programme, which takes the findings of the 2007 report and updates them as new scientific research is published. This will ensure that the advice on prevention will always be based on contemporary data.

This ongoing process will also provide a single resource on cancer prevention that can be used by scientists in the future.

Furthermore, the network provides research grants, a fellowship scheme and the WCRF Academy – all advancing scientific understanding of the links between physical activity, diet, body weight and cancer risk.

Another key arm of the charity’s work is the education team, which is busy spreading the message about cancer prevention through a range of popular publications and by visiting workplaces, schools, community centres and conferences.

A quarterly newsletter for health professionals, Informed, reports the latest news of lifestyle, diet and cancer while WCRF UK also produces Newsletter for supporters.

Great Grub Club is a magazine-based club for children that focuses on introducing them to healthy lifestyle options that could reduce their risk of cancer and other chronic diseases later in life.

To request display leaflets please contact our freephone number on 0800 970 1461 quoting Funeral Service Times, and if you want to find out more information about the options and support we offer please call 0207 343 4205 or visit our website at www.wcrf-uk.org/coloursofhope

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Obituaries

Rest in peace 26 June – Nora Ephron (aged 71) Nora Ephron was an American writer most-noted for her ‘rom-com’ screenplays, such as You’ve Got Mail. After working briefly as an intern for President Kennedy, Ephron became a journalist for the New York Post. Her Hollywood breakthrough came after the novelisation of the breakdown of her marriage to ‘Watergate’ journalist Carl Bernstein became the basis for the film Heartburn. After the success of When Harry Met Sally, Ephron turned her hand to directing and scored a major hit with Sleepless in Seattle, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Three-time Academy Award-nominated Ephron died of pneumonia.

4 July – Eric Sykes (aged 89) Eric Sykes CBE was a comedian who first came to prominence as a Goon Show collaborator before becoming a television star in his own right. Sykes was born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, and served in the RAF, taking part in the D-Day Landings, before turning his hand to comedy. During the 60s, Sykes had success starring in several television series with the celebrated comedic actress Hattie Jacques – someone he would work with until her death in 1980. A master of taking a single comic idea to its extremes, Sykes’ film The Plank, about two builders who need a floorboard, co-starring Tommy Cooper, is seen as his most enduring work. He passed away after a short illness.

8 July – Ernest Borgnine (aged 95) Ermes Effron Borgnino, better known by his stage name Ernest Borgnine, was an Academy Award-winning actor. His big break in film came in 1953 when he played the menacing Sergeant ‘Fatso’ Judson in From Here to Eternity. An unconventional lead actor, Borgnine won his Oscar for his portrayal of the titular character of Marty in 1955. He played the lead in the popular television series McHale’s Navy between 1962 and 1966, and his ensuing screen appearances included The Flight of the Phoenix, The Poseidon Adventure, The Simpsons and, most recently, an Emmy Award-nominated appearance in ER. The Screen Actors Guild ‘Life Achievement’-awarded actor succumbed to renal failure.

15 July – Celeste Holm (aged 95) Academy Award winner Celeste Holm, who passed away as a result of a heart attack, was an American stage, film and television actress. Holm was the original Ado Annie in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s debut musical Oklahoma! in 1943. She made the transition from stage to screen three years later, appearing in Three Little Girls in Blue. Just one year on from her silver screen bow, Holm picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance as Anne Dettrey in Gentlemen’s Agreement. She continued to act up to her late 80s, including notable performances in All About Eve in 1950 and alongside Frank Sinatra in High Society in 1956, and received many personal accolades.

16 July – Jon Lord (aged 71) Jonathan Douglas Lord DM once declared that his group, Deep Purple, were “as valid as anything by Beethoven.” Lord was pontificating from an educated position; as a classically trained musician he was as influenced by Ludwig van, Bach and Elgar as he was by Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy McGriff and Jimmy Smith. After moving from Leicester to London to pursue an acting career in 1959, Lord supplemented his living as a session musician before forming Deep Purple. The group, whose sound was a fusion of psychedelic rock with prototype metal and classical music, went on to become one of the biggest of all-time.

16 July – Bob Babbitt (aged 74) Born Robert Kreinar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bob Babbitt was an American bass guitarist best known for his work as a member of Motown’s studio band the Funk Brothers. Some of Babbitt’s most memorable Motown performances included Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder, War by Edwin Starr and Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. After leaving Motown, Babbit performed with a variety of artists including Gladys Knight and the Pips, Barry Manilow and Phil Collins. He passed away due to complications from brain cancer.

20 July – Sir Alastair Burnet (aged 84) James William Alexander Burnet was a British journalist and broadcaster best known for his time as a news presenter at ITN. He first joined ITN in 1963 and anchored its coverage of three general elections and the moon landing. He returned in 1976, after a spell editing publications such as The Economist and The Daily Express and a brief stint at the BBC’s Panorama, and anchored three more general elections and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, before retiring in 1991. Burnet, who passed away after a series of strokes, was knighted in the 1984 New Year honours.

Image: David Shankbone

A tribute to some well-known individuals who have sadly passed away during the last month

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50

YOUR STORY

your story Stephen Collop of

Kettley’s Funeral Service, Leeds What was it that drew you to a career in the funeral profession?

I started out as a joiner in a funeral firm, but I did have an interest in the funeral side as my father was chief mortician at St James’s Hospital. After finishing my apprenticeship I then went to work for another funeral firm nearer to home and my young family. It was only a matter of time before I was introduced into the funeral side, helping out when needed by carrying out odd jobs here and there.

I was then asked to undertake a funeral director’s training course, and after completing and passing my exam I worked full time in the funeral business.

The opportunity arose in 1998 to purchase my own chapel of rest in Yeadon, then I later bought another chapel of rest in Otley in 2005, where my daughter-in-law Suzanne works. She has also passed her Diploma in Funeral Directing and is currently training to be an embalmer with the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE).

Are you passionate about a particular area of the profession?

I am known locally in our community due to previously owning a furniture shop, so I take great pride in providing our service and carrying out my duties to the best of my abilities. I am available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I do enjoy meeting families and assisting them through this sad and difficult time, offering advice and guidance every step of the way.

You were recently named Regional Funeral Planner of the Year for North West England.

What do you think set you above the rest?

I think just doing what we do everyday – when members of the public attend a funeral that has been well conducted they often ask where we are based and more and more people are enquiring about pre-paid funeral plans. We also advertise our funeral plans in local papers and attend church fairs to promote the plans. Assuring people that their money is safe, we take time out to visit them in their own homes and go through all aspects of their funeral choice, with no obligation to purchase.

Being an independent, people will only deal with myself or Suzanne, and this carries on through to the actual funeral.

Is the profession any different to when you first qualified?

More and more women are now entering the profession – years ago

when I first started they answered the phones and ran the offices, whereas now my daughter-in-law Suzanne for example runs the office; does the on call, removals and all funeral arrangements; and conducts the funeral, preparation of the deceased in our care and all of the administration work!

When I first qualified I worked for a large firm with many people who all had different jobs, whereas running my own business I am able to ensure that the bereaved family will only ever deal with myself or Suzanne. Whoever is called out at the time of death will then see the whole process through, collecting the deceased; arranging the funeral with the family; conducting the funeral on the day; and liaising with the family before, during and after the funeral offering support, guidance and advice at any time.

“We will carry on and encourage our next generation to continue the work I have started in providing this service to our local community” How big a role does modern technology, such as the internet, play in the dayto-day running of the business?

When I first started over 30 years ago, we did not have mobile phones and the internet like we do now, and so most families would come to the office. Today most of our families are visited at their own home.

Nowadays mobile phones often function like mini computers, and we can email families no matter where they are in the world.

This avoids delays when dealing with families who are not in the UK. However I must admit I tend to leave that side of things to my daughter-in-law who has used this modern technology from day one.

What is the biggest challenge you face as funeral directors?

Trying to maintain the efficient running of our own independent family business and maintaining our standards in an ever-changing world, where more and more larger firms are opening up chapels in the local area. But we will carry on and encourage our next generation to continue the work I have started in providing this service to our local community and beyond.

If you would like to appear on this page, please send an introductory email to Callum Gildart at callum@funeralservicetimes.co.uk