July 2015

FD
M
FUNERAL DIRECTOR MONTHLY
VOLUME 98 | ISSUE 07 | JULY 2015
NATIONAL
FUNERAL
EXHIBITION
REVIEW
LEFT ON
THE SHELF
FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND
CREMATED REMAINS
DEPRIVATION OF
LIBERTY SAFEGUARDS
ASSESSMENTS
REPORT ON HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE
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CEO
VIEWPOINT
The subject of funeral poverty seems to
be gaining increasing interest from an
ever widening range of commentators
on the sector. Voices from within the
media, charities, Parliamentarians and,
indeed, the profession itself have all
waxed lyrical recently about the inability
of many families to provide even the most
basic of funerals for their loved ones.
However, no -one is better placed to
comment on this issue than the funeral
director who, sadly, on a regular basis
has to deal directly with the tragedy of
a grieving family who find themselves
without sufficient funds to pay for the
funeral and have to either rely on the
charity of the community or, even worse,
the mercy of the Local Authority as the
provider as a last resort.
We all recognise that there is a real
problem in some quarters of society,
but what does 'funeral poverty' actually
mean? Like the phrase 'green funeral',
it is open to a multitude of definitions.
Simply put, does it mean “I can't afford
to pay for a respectful disposal of the
body”, or does it mean “I can't afford the
funeral I would really like”?
Before more column inches are written
on this highly emotive subject, a
clarification of what it really means is
necessary so a least the commentators
can comment on the same issue. I,
therefore, welcome the news that York
University, encouraged by Marie Curie
Cancer Care, will this month hold two
workshops in an attempt to establish a
definitive definition of ‘funeral poverty’.
Needless to say, the NAFD will be
participating in both events and will not
only contribute to the debate but will
also ensure that a balanced discussion
takes place into the real causes of the
problem.
It is far too easy for sector commentators
to lay the blame at the door of the
funeral home. Such claims are both ill
informed and grossly unfair. Although we
recognise that funeral firms’ overheads
have increased considerably in recent
times, the Association would expect
those same commentators to compare
the percentage increase in the costs of
disbursements to those costs under the
control of the funeral firm. They will then
quickly discover that, during the last few
years, the profession has demonstrated
considerable constraint whereas those
parties who provide the services outside
our control have viewed the bereaved
as potential ‘cash cows’. As equally
scandalous has been the dwindling
support of the poor from the Government.
The “significant contribution” that
successive Secretaries of State refer to
has become less significant with every
passing year. To my mind, no increase in
real terms for 18 years and a continued
refusal to index link the payments
have been the principal reasons why
an increasing number of families are
struggling to meet funeral costs. Now
that the Chancellor has confirmed that
£12 billion is to be cut from the welfare
budget, don't expect an increase to
Social Fund funeral payments any time
in the foreseeable future.
Let us hope that the York University
workshops produce a clear definition
of ‘funeral poverty’. Once we have
agreed the words we will then at least
have a chance to agree the action that
addresses the problem!
Myself and the ladies at National
Office on the NAFD stand at the 2015
National Funeral Exhibition
Back L-R: Su Lewis and Gail Jordan.
Front L-R: Angela Allen, Joan Philbin,
Afton Jordan and Gill Anderson
ALAN SLATER MBE
NAFD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
On a somewhat lighter note, my
thanks are extended to everyone who
participated in making the 2015 National
Funeral Exhibition (NFE) such a huge
success. Whether you were an exhibitor
or a visitor, your support was greatly
appreciated. Every NFE seems better
than the last, and this year’s exhibition
was no exception. Over the three days,
attendance was ahead of the 2013 show
and the Association received a record
number of applications for membership.
NFE is now established as one of
largest funeral shows in the world and,
therefore, it will come as no surprise
that planning for NFE 2017 has already
begun.
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FD
M
CONTENTS
FEATURES
06 President’s Perspective
12 Barry Albin-Dyer
A tribute by Dr Brian Parsons
26 Left on the Shelf
Funeral Directors and
cremated remains
32 National Funeral Exhibition 2015
54 Deprivation of Liberty
Safeguards Assessments
Report on House of Commons debate
09 Perfect Choice
News and Views from Perfect Choice
Funeral Plans
14 Welcome to new Members
16 In the News
22 Dispatches
42 NAFD Golfing Society Update
44 Members’ News
MEMBER BENEFITS
30 NAFD Fast Track Debt
Recovery Service
Bankruptcy Changes
52 Supply & Demand
Catch up with the news from NAFD
supplier member firms
66 Letters
REGULARS
70 NAFD Diary
03 CEO Viewpoint
72 Fleet News
SUBSCRIPTION:
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w: www.funeraldirectormonthly.org.uk
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The Funeral Director Monthly ©
is the Association’s Monthly magazine. Published
by the National Association of Funeral Directors 618
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All articles in this magazine are copyright of the
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The Association reserves the right to reject, suspend
or alter an advertisement at any time and at its own
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The Association’s liability for breach of Contract or
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5

Under Alan’s leadership this
Association has been widely
recognised locally, nationally
and internationally as the
“Voice of the Profession”
PRESIDENT'S
Doesn’t time just fly. It only seems
like last weekend when we were at
Conference in Edinburgh! As you sit
down to read this, some of you will be
in the throws of finalising preparations
for a summer break, ready for a flight
off to far off lands or just a series of
short weekend breaks around the
country. In doing this you may sit down
at your PC or tablet and trawl through
sites to book flights, plan your route
etc, etc. Well, over the last month I
have been doing something similar to
plan my travel to events all over the
country.
The first of these events took me
to sunny Devon. It was a glorious
morning when I left home at 5:00am
for the first flight of the day to
Manchester and then to Exeter.
Waiting for me there was lovely lady,
Lynn Parker, who duly welcomed me
and, indeed, was to chaperone me for
the remainder of the day. We set off
At Maunders Funeral Service, Paignton
L-R: Pete Dearing, myself and Philip Hutchings
on our journey to Maunders Funeral
Service in Paignton. On arrival I was
introduced to Pete Dearing (Regional
Development Director (South)) of
Funeral Partners and Philip Hutchings
(Branch Manager), who gave me a tour
of the premises and introduced me to
the remainder of the staff. Following
the dedication of the service chapel
we exited to the front of the building
where we released ceremonial white
doves and were then treated to a light
buffet. During the visit I was introduced
to a lovely man, Norman McNamara
“Norms”, who suffers from Lewy Body
Dementia who, along with his wife
Elaine, established one of the first
dementia-friendly communities and
was the inspiration for Purple Angel
Charity whose mission it is to share
knowledge, inspire and empower those
living with dementia in their lives. It
was amazing to hear from “Norms”
how the charity had grown and how
he lived each day with his illness. I can
truly say I was inspired, not only by
Myself and the Mayor of Torquay,
Gordon Oliver, releasing the doves
“Norms” but by all the dedicated staff
at Maunders who support this charity.
I would like to take this opportunity
to thank them most sincerely for the
hospitality shown to me.
The next event, of course, was the
National Funeral Exhibition 2015 at
Stoneleigh Park on 12 – 14 June.
Since its inception, this is the first time
I have had the opportunity to attend on
all three days and I can truly say I am
flabbergasted at the immense amount
of time, organisation and effort it takes
for over two hundred exhibitors -
comprising all our regulars exhibitors
and many who were exhibiting for the
first time from all over the UK and
Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, the
Netherlands, Spain, China, India,
Singapore and the USA - who set
up the stands for us all to peruse. I
don’t intend to give you blow-by-blow
account of the weekend as there is a
report further in this magazine, but I
will highlight a few scenarios.
6

Myself with members of the NAFD Northern Ireland Area
Federation at the National Funeral Exhibition
PERSPECTIVE
Shortly after I opened the show at
9:30am, a large contingent of clergy
from the Church of England - who had
organised a two-day conference nearby
to coincide with the show - arrived.
The Church of England also had a
stand adjacent to the NAFD stand, and
many of the clergy stopped for a chat
and a coffee. It was interesting to hear
all their positive comments about the
show, many memorised by the huge
variety of products on display and all
the different facets that are involved
in our profession. I can certainly say
all the clergy I spoke to not only left
the show more enlightened about our
profession but left holding us all in
higher regard for what we do every day.
I must commend all the team at
National Office for the hard work they
displayed over the three days. For us
as an Association I believe it was the
most successful show we had in terms
of membership recruitment. Also,
sincerest thanks to David Hyde and his
team at Leisure Expo for organising
what can be termed “the best show
yet”. It would remiss of me not to thank
our Chief Executive Officer, Alan Slater
MBE, whose foresight and wisdom it
was to create the concept of the show
we witness every two years. I could not
believe his energy levels over the three
days; the health app on my phone said
I averaged four miles each day walking
around the stands and meeting the
exhibitors. Alan must have trebled
that distance as he tirelessly worked
the stands, setting foundations for the
next show in 2017. I also would like to
take this opportunity to thank all the
exhibitors for making the show what
it was. I met so many old friends and
made new ones, some from as far
off as Australia. It was great to see
the members of the NAFD Northern
Ireland Area Federation there, and for
all of you who were able to support and
visit the show, many thanks.
That leads me quite nicely on to my
themes for my Presidential year. I
believe that, not only our Association
but our profession as a whole, is built
on support, trust and collaboration.
As I said in my inaugural
speech at Conference
in May, I would have
the unique experience
to serve alongside two
Chief Executive Officers.
I hope and pray over the
days and months that lie
ahead that I can provide
a level of support for
Alan as he embarks on
a new chapter in his
life. I, like many of you,
have only the known the
NAFD with Alan Slater
MBE at the helm, a man
who has transformed
how this Association
operates. Under
Alan’s leadership this Association
has been widely recognised locally,
nationally and internationally as the
“Voice of the Profession”, and we
have to be extremely grateful for the
contribution he has given not only
to us as members, but the wider
funeral profession as a whole. On the
Friday evening of the National Funeral
Exhibition, the Vice-President of FIAT-
IFTA gave a glowing tribute to Alan
“ For us as an
Association I believe
it was the most
successful show
we had in terms
of membership
recruitment.
”
and the contribution he has made to
the industry as a whole. Alan has, by
collaboration with everyone inside and
outside the sector, developed the trust
that is so much expected and required
in our profession. I will endeavour to
provide that same trust and support
for Alan’s successor when he takes
office in September.
It was with great sadness that I learned
of the death of Barry Albin-Dyer. To
many, Barry was seen as the author of
Don’t drop the Coffin and
the subsequent television
series. But Barry was
like all funeral directors;
he cared passionately
about the bereaved and
went beyond the call
of duty to give families
what they wanted ... and
more. Alison and I shared
Barry’s company at a
FIAT-IFTA event in Dublin
a few years ago, and found
him to be most courteous
and charismatic. We
certainly will remember
him fondly. By the time
you read this article, Alan
and I will have attended
Barry’s funeral, and we all extend our
sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to his
family at this time.
To conclude, for those of you who are
embarking on your summer breaks,
I hope you have a well-earned rest,
recharge your batteries and, above all,
have journeying mercies. Take care
and have a good break.
William
7

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8

NEWS AND VIEWS
FROM PERFECT CHOICE
FUNERAL PLANS
YORKSHIRE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WEEKEND (YESW) 2015
The Alzheimer’s
Society was the
charity of choice
for the weekend
and YESW raised
£1,000 for the
cause.
As an annual event that Perfect Choice
has been fortunate to support for a
number of years, Chris Clark and Neil
Baxter were more than happy to head
for the east coast to attend YESW at
the Palm Court Hotel in Scarborough.
As always, the attendees came
from across the UK, with Scotland,
Norfolk, Cornwall, Gloucester
and Doncaster being represented
along with many other areas.
Along with the formal and informal
social gatherings over the weekend,
the organising committee had three
superb presentations lined up. Dr Brian
Parsons delivered a session highlighting
the impact of the First World War on
the funeral industry. There was also a
session by Mark Vesey of the Maritime
Heritage Centre in Scarborough.
Maintaining the First World War link,
he talked about the impact the German
Navy had on Scarborough when its
ships bombarded the town causing
considerable damage and loss of
life. Finally, the Alzheimer’s Society
was represented by Dr Trevor Jarvis
who, as a sufferer himself, was able
to give a different perspective on the
condition. The Alzheimer’s Society was
the charity of choice for the weekend
and YESW raised £1,000 for the cause.
OFFICE OPENING IN AMESBURY
Bob Perry from the Perfect Choice
team attended the opening of Will Case
& Partners’ new office in Amesbury
earlier in the year. Having been in the
town for many years, the firm has
now moved to a more central location.
The business, which has offices in
Salisbury, Amesbury and Ludgershall,
is run by husband and wife team Alan
and Sue Puxley. The opening was well
attended by local dignitaries, business
owners, friends and family members.
9

As always, the
day was superbly
organised by
David Solly
L-R Michael Peace of A H Cheater and
Bob Perry of Perfect Choice.
View of the Celtic Manor Golf Course.
NAFD GOLFING SOCIETY DAY
In April, Bob Perry and Neil Baxter of
the Perfect Choice team were able
to join the NAFD Golfing Society and,
along with twenty-five other members,
took on the challenge of the Roman
Road Course at the Celtic Manor Golf
Resort in Newport, South Wales. As
always, the day was superbly organised
by David Solly and the course was
presented in excellent, although
at times challenging, condition.
Both Bob and Neil were fortunate
enough to win prizes, though in Neil’s
case it was more down to the play
of two new members to the Society
rather than his own prowess, with
Roger Hughes and Michael Peace
playing well enough to secure a team
prize. Michael, in fact, won the overall
individual prize and will find it difficult to
avoid the drive North to Oulton Hall on
the outskirts of Leeds for the autumn
meeting in order to defend the trophy.
Anyone wishing to join the
Society at the next or, indeed,
any event should contact David
Solly at david@solly8614.fsnet.co.uk.
FUNERAL FIRM OPEN DAYS INCREASING IN POPULARITY
Open days are
an excellent way
to connect with
local families and
service providers
With more and more funeral firms
opening their doors to the general
public, Perfect Choice has developed an
open day press release template which
can be adapted and issued to local
publications to raise awareness of the
event and ultimately increase footfall.
Open days are an excellent way to
connect with local families and service
providers. Some of the recent events
have included displays on keepsakes
and memorial options, bereavement
counselling services, personalised
funerals, floral tributes, pre-payment
plans and stone masonry options
as well as colouring and guessing
competitions for children. Many
open day attendees are surprised to
see the range of options available
and the level of personalisation that
can be incorporated into a funeral,
whether it’s pre-need or at-need.
For help or support on planning or
hosting an open day please contact the
Perfect Choice team on 0800 633 5626.
SUPPORT WITH LOCALISED MARKETING
Perfect Choice can provide you with
a variety of display material if you
are attending an event where you are
speaking to an audience or promoting
your business. The range of promotional
materials has recently been refreshed
and these can be reserved on a
first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or advice on
any of the above, please contact the
Perfect Choice Team on 0800 633 5626
or email perfectchoice@nafds.co.uk
10

11

TRIBUTE
BY DR BRIAN PARSONS
The passing of Barry Albin-Dyer robs the funeral industry of one
of its most well-known and colourful ambassadors.
“His philosophy
was based around
the saying ‘The
answer is yes,
now what’s the
question?’ ”
Following the publication of his
autobiography Don’t Drop the Coffin,
a TV series of the same title opened
up his south London funeral business
to an international audience. Then,
in 2009, the firm was entrusted with
the arrangements for the Big Brother
celebrity Jade Goody whose funeral
attracted media attention on an epic
scale. As a charismatic individual, Barry
embraced the exposure but behind this
penchant for publicity was an astute
business mind and a committed family
man.
Born to George and Mary Dyer in 1951,
Barry grew up above the premises of FA
Albin in Bermondsey where his father
worked in partnership with Freddie
Albin. Soon involved in behind-thescenes
tasks such as polishing the
hearse, he progressed to directing
funerals before purchasing the
business in 1986 whilst also adopting
the Albin identity. He established a
network of branch offices, opened a
supply company and an international
repatriation division, founded a preneed
funeral plan and created a garden
for depositing cremated remains. The
firm also held the Ministry of Defence
contract for the transportation to the
UK of those who had died whilst serving
in the Armed Forces throughout the
world. However, his south London
roots ensured his continuing loyalty
to the area - he helped save the
Southwark News, supported the local
football club and organised a very
popular annual remembrance service.
He also established The Albin-Dyer
Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Foundation
for helping local causes, raised funds
for the Evelina Children’s Hospital and
was a Patron of Child Bereavement UK.
Barry was President of the international
organisation, FIAT-IFTA, between 2004
and 2006, the first British funeral
director to have this honour.
Barry was a gifted communicator and
ran regular bereavement training days
for hospitals, care homes, medical
students and many other organisations.
Barry also wrote a number of books
and regularly contributed blogs to
the firm’s website. His mixture of
charm and tenacity helped to smooth
many anxious situations and remove
obstacles. Clients were always given
the highest standard of service. His
philosophy was based around the
saying ‘The answer is yes, now what’s
the question?’
Almost two years ago Barry was
diagnosed with brain cancer. He
endured much treatment but sadly
death came on 6 June 2015 after a
short illness. He was surrounded by
his partner Jackie, his two sons Simon
and Jon, their wives, Michelle and
Jane respectively, and other family
members. May he rest in peace.
12

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14

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15
UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY

IN THE NEWS
A CELEBRATION OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS
“No one thinks
nurses or bin
men should work
for nothing: why
should funeral
directors?”
A rather wonderful piece by the
journalist Cressida Cowell appeared
in The Spectator in June, entitled Why
I love undertakers”. As this a sector
somewhat used to being on the more
acerbic side of the writer’s keyboard,
we initially approached the article with
some trepidation fearing, perhaps, a
level of sarcasm in the writer’s choice
of title. But, in actual fact, the article
was one of the most refreshingly frank,
positive and realistic assessments of
the role that a funeral director plays in
the life of a bereaved family in recent
memory. As a result, it’s also quite
moving.
For example, Ms Cowell highlights both
the symbolic and practical importance
of the removal of the body.
“First and foremost, they take a corpse
off your hands. If, like me, you have
seen your fair share of dead people, you
will know how welcome is the arrival of
the undertaker…funeral directors give
to the living something of inestimable
value. The removal of the dead allows
us to love and thereby mourn them.
“Planning the funeral permits us the
comforting sense that we are doing
one last thing for the deceased, and
an undertaker will help you every
step of the way. They do all the tricky
stuff like dressing the body and
obtaining the death certificate and
burial or cremation papers, so you can
concentrate on the nice things, like
flowers and hymns.”
This first act of support by the funeral
profession is rarely touched upon, let
alone praised for its value in helping
families to grieve.
The writer also has a strong view on
the often thorny issue of the cost of a
funeral and even whether it’s okay for
funeral directors to profit from their
work: “No one thinks nurses or bin
men should work for nothing: why
should funeral directors?”
If you haven’t seen it yet, then visit The
Spectator website (www.spectator.
co.uk) and search for the article title
(above) or look for the links on the
NAFD’s own website and social media
channels. It’s well worth a read.
BARRY ALBIN-DYER
Another piece in the national media celebrating the wonderful contribution made
by funeral directors to those who are bereaved came in the form of a tribute, in
The Independent on Sunday, to Barry Albin Dyer who passed away recently.
Entitled “Farewell to the country’s favourite undertaker’ the piece was a touching
look back at Barry’s life and work and his role at the centre of the community
in Bermondsey. Affectionate and honest, the article perfectly illustrated the
important role that a funeral director can make to their local community, whilst
also reflecting that Barry – as those who knew him will testify – was something
of a one-off, a real south London character. He will be sadly missed not least,
we are certain, by the media who brought his combination of charm, warmth,
professionalism and humour to a wider audience. Barry made an important
contribution to our ongoing campaign to ensure that funeral directors are seen in
the positive light they deserve. A tribute to him by Dr Brian Parsons, which also
appeared in the order of service at his funeral, can be found on page 12.
16

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17

NAFD FUNERAL PROMISE TOOLKIT NOW AVAILABLE
In May, the NAFD launched a Funeral
Promise for bereaved families which
sets out, in simple terms, the key points
of the NAFD Code of Practice.
The Promise is part of a wider campaign
to help ensure that bereaved families
understand the high standards of service
offered by NAFD member firms and to
encourage consumers to look for the
NAFD logo and choose a member firm.
The NAFD Funeral Promise appears
on the NAFD website in a new video
that was launched as part of Dying
Matters Awareness Week, and through
the Association’s social media and PR
channels.
Promote your firm’s commitment to
high standards
Members are encouraged to talk about,
and use, the Funeral Promise within
their own businesses. There are a
number of ways to do this.
1. Upload the Funeral Promise to your
website
You can download a digital copy of the
Funeral Promise to host on your own
website from the Resources section of
the NAFD Members’ website.
2. Create a leaflet using our artwork
Small quantities of the Funeral Promise
leaflet are available from National
Office. Alternatively, you can download
BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
print-ready artwork of the double-sided
A5 leaflet about the Funeral Promise
to create marketing collateral of your
own from the Members’ website. Ask
your printer if they prefer a version with
or without bleed as both options have
been included.
3. Share the video on social media
To share the Why Choose an NAFD
member? video via social media simply
paste this link into a Twitter or Facebook
message:- http://bit.ly/1dFRvF5
4. Embed the video on your website
To embed the Why Choose an NAFD
member? video on your own website so
that it appears as a video screen that
visitors can play, please paste the code
below into the page on your website:-
WWW.NAFD.ORG.UK
THE NAFD FUNERAL PROMISE
All members of the National Association of Funeral Directors abide
by the NAFD Funeral Promise. In choosing an NAFD member firm
you can be assured of:
Choice
The funeral will be a fitting farewell to your loved one, at a price
you are comfortable with.
Respect and Integrity
The funeral director will treat you and your loved one with respect,
at all times, and will act with integrity.
Attention to detail
The funeral director will seek to fulfil any special wishes
and requests.
Redress
You have a right to independent redress should the need arise.
Look for the NAFD logo, or find your nearest NAFD funeral home,
by calling 0121 711 1343 or by visiting www.nafd.org.uk.
Depending upon the content
management system that you use you
may not be able to see the video on the
page editor, so you will need to either
enter preview mode or publish it to see
it live.
Preparations for an official wake are
being made in the Somerset village of
Compton Martin – following the death
of a local duck.
The duck, known as Desmond Drake,
met his untimely end after he was
savaged by a fox. He had been a
permanent fixture on the village pond
for 25 years where he was well known
by residents for frightening other
males away from females and his large
appetite for bread and cake.
Desmond, the last drake of the pond,
was so well known in the area that
residents are planning to join together
in their local pub to raise a glass to the
village icon, with the church dropping
its flag to half-mast.
After 15 years as a taxi driver, Victor
Perez Cardona took his final journey
in Puerto Rico – to his own funeral.
The cab driver asked for an unusual
farewell and his family honoured his
request by propping up his dead body in
the driver’s seat of his cab. Dressed in
a shirt and tie his body stayed in the car
with his hands grasping the steering
wheel over a weekend so friends and
family could pay their respects, with
some mourners getting into the cab to
say their last goodbyes.
Two hearse drivers in Florida recently
hit the headlines after they were
videoed stopping off for doughnuts on
the way to a funeral.
An outraged member of the public saw
the flag draped coffin in the hearse with
its curtains open and the coffin visible.
In the coffin was the body of deceased
veteran Lt Col Jesse Coleman, a
decorated soldier who served in Korea
and Vietnam.
The drivers were confronted and, after
the images were posted to the Facebook
group Veteran Warriors and went viral,
the two men were fired.
18

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21

DISPATCHES
QUEEN’S SPEECH 2015
On 27 May, at the State Opening of Parliament, the Queen set
out the Government’s legislative programme.
Twenty-six new bills were announced, covering a range of
issues including housing, trade unions, the Bank of England
and psychoactive drugs. Also included were commitments to
implement ‘English votes for English laws’ alongside further
devolution for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Some of the measures proposed that are of particular relevance
to the funeral sector are:-
• extending the Government’s target for cutting red tape to cover
the activities of more regulators, to enable them to contribute
to the deregulation target;
• extending the Primary Authority Scheme to streamline
regulation around the country;
• establishing the Small Business Conciliation Service that will
handle business-to-business disputes without the need for
court action, tackling late payment issues;
• ensuring there are no increases in Income Tax rates, VAT rates
or National Insurance contribution (NICs) rates for individuals,
employees and employers;
• giving the Scottish Parliament around £2.5 billion worth of
new welfare powers, including over the Social Fund;
• enabling a referendum to allow the electorate to have an inout
vote on the UK’s membership of the European Union (EU)
before the end of 2017.
SUMMER BUDGET
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a Summer
Budget will be presented to Parliament on 8 July.
08.07.15
Summer
Budget
will be
presented to
Parliament
Although the last Budget was only presented in March, it was
produced by the Coalition Government. The new Conservative
Government, with its majority in the Commons, will be seeking
to present a wholly Conservative fiscal plan based on its
manifesto.
22

“ Last year,
twelve people
in Wales
died while
waiting for a
transplant.
”
CHANGE OF WELSH
ORGAN DONATION
RULES
The Welsh Government is preparing to
implement new rules which will mean
that people will have to opt out of organ
donation in a bid to increase the number
of organs available for transplant.
From 1 December 2015, people aged
18 and over who have lived in Wales
for more than 12 months and who die
in Wales will be regarded as having
consented to organ donation unless
they have opted out.
UPDATE: STOP NATIONALISATION CAMPAIGN
The NAFD’s Campaign Group has continued to raise concerns about North East
Lincolnshire Council’s plans to offer funeral services.
The Group will be seeking meetings with national organisations, such as the Federation
of Small Businesses, the Taxpayers’ Alliance and the British Chambers of Commerce,
to highlight its anxiety about the plans. The Group will also continue to raise concerns
with Ministers and MPs to gain their support for the NAFD’s position.
NAFD Chief Executive Officer Alan Slater said: “North East Lincolnshire Council’s
plans have caused a lot of concern throughout the funeral industry. However, one of the
benefits of being a member of the NAFD is that we can mobilise quickly and address
issues head on, with one voice. The Campaign Group will continue to lobby politicians,
both nationally and in Yorkshire, to ensure that funeral directors’ voices are heard.”
However, if a person’s family and
friends know their loved one did not
wish to be an organ donor, even if they
had not opted out, they will be able
to tell clinicians at the hospital and
donation will not take place.
On 1 June, Health and Social Services
Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, said: :
“Last year, twelve people in Wales died
while waiting for a transplant. We can’t
allow this to continue, which is why we
have taken action and become the first
nation in the UK to pass this unique
law to make more organs available
for transplant. The change to a soft
opt out system for organ donation only
six months from today will deliver
a revolution in consent and has the
potential to make a real difference to
many lives.”
23

“ The report
suggested a
number of
recommendations,
including the
creation of the new
post of a National
Inspector for
crematoria
”
SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL
INQUIRY INTO INFANT
CREMATION
An independent report into infant
cremations at Emstrey Crematorium in
Shrewsbury was published on 1 June.
The independent inquiry was
commissioned by Shropshire Council
at the request of bereaved families to
look into cases where no ashes were
returned to families following the
cremation of a baby or unborn child at
Emstrey Crematorium.
The remit of the inquiry was to review
the policies, practices and procedures
adopted by Emstrey Crematorium and
its partners when carrying out infant
cremations during the past fifteen
year period, and to publish a series of
findings and recommendations.
The report suggested a number of
recommendations, including the
creation of the new post of a National
Inspector for crematoria, which
will now be sent to the Government
to be considered. However, local
campaign group Action for Ashes was
disappointed that there was no call for
a full national inquiry into the issue.
PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITY
Since Parliament returned following the General Election, there has been one
intervention of interest. Conservative MP for Daventry, Chris Heaton-Harris, asked
the Ministry of Justice for clarity on how many stillbirths and perinatal deaths were
referred to HM Coroner Services since 2010.
New Justice Minister, Caroline Dinenage MP, provided the statistics, along with an
explanation of the cases that can be investigated by a coroner.
PERINATAL MORTALITY
Ministry of Justice
Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry): To ask
the Secretary of State for Justice, how
many (a) stillbirths and (b) perinatal
deaths were referred to HM Coroner
services in England and Wales in each
year since 2010.
Caroline Dinenage: The Ministry of
Justice does not collect data on the
types of cases referred to coroners.
However, it does collect data on the
conclusions recorded at inquests.
Coroners cannot by law investigate
cases in which a child has not lived
independently of its mother. They
can open an investigation if there is
any doubt over whether the child has
lived independently, once they have
received a report of a death. They
can also investigate perinatal deaths
which occur in the six days following
birth. The Chief Coroner, HHJ Peter
Thornton QC, is considering actions to
improve consistency and good practice
in relation to neonatal deaths.
The table below sets out the number
of inquest conclusions which were
recorded as stillbirths. This information
is also published at www.gov.uk/
government/collections/coronersand-burials-statistics.
Year Stillbirth conclusions
recorded
2008 7
2009 13
2010 8
2011 14
2012 11
2013 12
2014 6
24

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25

LEFT
ON THE SHELF
FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND CREMATED REMAINS
BY DR BRIAN PARSONS, FUNERAL HISTORIAN
IF THERE IS ONE ISSUE UPON WHICH ALL FUNERAL
DIRECTORS AGREE, IT IS THE PROBLEM OF
UNCOLLECTED CREMATED REMAINS. FOR SOME
FIRMS THIS MAY AMOUNT TO HUNDRED OF URNS
THAT DATE BACK FORTY YEARS OR LONGER. HOW
TO DEAL WITH THEM IS A VEXED QUESTION AND
IT’S ONE THAT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY DISCUSSED
IN FUNERAL DIRECTOR MONTHLY, THE NATIONAL
MEDIA AND ELSEWHERE.
The sequence of events will be familiar. The
instructions are for the remains to be collected by
the funeral director a week after the cremation as the
family knows that they are not to be scattered. Contact
is then made with the family to ask when they will be
calling in - or an offer is made to deliver the urn - but,
if the family doesn’t show up despite follow-up calls,
the urn continues to occupy a place in the cupboard.
Further communications yield little further response
and the funeral director is left with not knowing when
the remains will be collected – if ever.
But just why does a client leave the remains of a
deceased relative or friend uncollected at the funeral
firm?
In the years after Woking Crematorium came into
operation in March 1885, cremation was considered
to be a preparation of the body for burial, but in the
form of ashes. Analysis of the disposal of the ashes
from early cremations indicates that the majority were
buried in earth graves; in some cases, the urn would be
placed in a full-size coffin, perhaps to disguise the fact
that cremation had taken place.
However, even in these years when comparatively few
cremations took place, the issue of non-collection
started to emerge. When, in 1891, a representative
from Woking Crematorium gave a tour of the facility,
the reporter stated: “The attendant told me one thing…
that astonished me very much. He said that they had
difficulty in inducing relatives to remove the ashes of
their relations whose bodies had been cremated.”
But this was far from being a significant problem
as the number of cremations was modest; in 1900 it
represented 0.07% of deaths in this country – just 444
cremations. Even by the late inter-war years there was
only a marginal increase; in 1936 it was just 2.01%.
However, as the preference slowly shifted, burial in an
earth grave was replaced by the scattering or burial of
ashes in the gardens of remembrance attached to all
crematoria.
For example, of the 11,289 cremations in 1936, the
proportion of ashes scattered or buried in crematoria
grounds was 62.34%, with only 26.24% being removed.
This continued for the next forty years. In 1970, the
number of ashes scattered was 68.60%. However, by
26

2013 the figures had reversed with 71.58% removed, in most
cases by the funeral director, and 20.08% being scattered.
Whilst, under Regulation 16 of the Cremation Regulations
1930, crematoria have been able to deal with ashes for which
no instructions had been received, once in the care of the
funeral director they have no recourse to such legislation.
With a large number of cremations, the scale of the problem
increased significantly.
Whilst a small number of projects have been carried out
concerning the disposal (such as Where have all the ashes
gone? by Leonie Kellaher, David Prendergast and Jenny
Hockey who revealed the importance of finding a significant
place for scattering or burial), the issue of why a proportion of
ashes remain uncollected has not been explored. My research
suggests that there are six possible reasons for ashes being
left on the shelf at the funeral directors.
1. ‘OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND’
Whilst many families will regard the burial, scattering or any
other disposal of ashes as the concluding part of a funeral and
one that needs to take place very soon after the cremation,
others may view it almost as a second funeral. If the feeling
is that the funeral has been difficult enough, dealing with the
ashes may just re-open the wounds and the family may be
unable to face making a decision. A further dimension is the
realisation that the person they loved is now accommodated in
a small receptacle weighing around 5-7lbs. For some clients
this thought may be too much to cope with. Letting the funeral
director keep the cremated remains alleviates the recognition
that a loved person’s physical state has been irrevocably
changed.
2. FINANCE
It may be that the family has limited financial means and
that the preferred choice of disposal has a significant cost
implication. Consider, for example, the issue of non-resident
burial of cremated remains. With some local authorities
trebling or quadrupling the interment fee, together with the
purchase of an urn, these costs may far exceed the total of
the three main cremation disbursements (cremation fee,
certification and the officiant). As the family contemplates this
additional and expected cost, they may also not be prepared
to take the urn into their custody until they have sufficient
funds to carry out this final part of the funeral. Leaving it with
the funeral director is a way of ‘shelving’ this extra cost but,
as time progresses, the risk increases that the ashes will be
forgotten.
3. FAMILY DISPUTES
Conflict between family members concerning funeral
arrangements is far from unknown to funeral directors. Whilst
these may result from a disagreement regarding the ceremony
or liability to arrange and pay for the funeral, tension may be
also be caused if the deceased’s own instructions have been
disregarded. Whilst conflict may only occasionally delay the
actual burial or cremation, there may be a reluctance to make
a decision about the ashes due to the finality of this act. It may
be that one side of the family arranges the funeral, leaving
27

"OF THE 11,289
CREMATIONS IN 1936,
THE PROPORTION OF
ASHES SCATTERED OR
BURIED IN CREMATORIA
GROUNDS WAS 62.34%,
WITH ONLY 26.24% BEING
REMOVED."
others to decide about the ashes. However, the client may
refuse to permit the release of the ashes in the knowledge that
their retention by the funeral director is not only convenient,
but secure. Such a situation could become a permanent
problem for the funeral director.
4. ‘TO BE REUNITED’
Whilst burial of a body presents the opportunity for a partner,
relative or friend to be reunited in the grave, the compact
nature of ashes enables their retention to await reunification
followed by a joint scattering, burial or other form of disposal.
With this future intention expressed, the client may prefer the
funeral director to store the ashes until the appropriate time
in the future. However, as there may be a considerable gap
between the two deaths, those responsible for making the
funeral arrangements for the second partner may be unaware
of the location of the ashes of the first. Unless the funeral
director has a mechanism to link current funerals with retained
ashes, the potential arises of the partner’s ashes being buried
or scattered while those of the first remaining uncollected.
For a funeral director to contact the family after the second
partner’s ashes have been released is as embarrassing as it
is inefficient.
5. ‘WE DON’T KNOW, BUT WILL THINK ABOUT IT.’
Whilst, today, the range of options concerning the final disposal
of ashes has never been so broad, some clients may not only
be bewildered by this situation, but also have no idea what the
deceased person wanted or what is appropriate. It may be that
no significant place can be identified where the ashes could
be scattered. The client may also intimate that discussion will
have to take place with other members of the family before a
decision is reached. However, considering the administration
of the estate and all the other duties required of the executor
or next of kin, the subject of the ashes may not be a priority or
it may slip their mind, consequently leaving the remains with
the funeral director,
”We don’t know, but will think about it,” is also a convenient
strategy to be deployed by a client when they are reluctant
to make a decision for fear of not following the deceased’s
instructions or upsetting a member of the family. Although
the client has the power to make this decision, they may feel
it should be the prerogative of a closer member of the family
- for example, when a solicitor arranges the funeral on behalf
of the family. However, the passage of time makes this less of
a priority.
6. ‘WE HAD COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN’
It’s possible that some clients genuinely forget that ashes are
being held by a funeral director. Where there is no particular
connection between the arranger and the deceased, the issue
of the final disposal may slip from consciousness.
Whilst this article suggests some possible reasons for
cremated remains not being collected, the issue of how
funeral directors manage historic ashes continues to be a
thorny problem with significant practical considerations.
The NAFD set out guidelines, following consultation with the
Ministry of Justice, to support funeral directors in the storage
of ashes, communication with families about their intentions or
the search for a next-of-kin with whom to reunite the remains.
GUIDANCE FOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Storage
Irrespective of the date of cremation or the reason for the
ashes being uncollected, they should always be retained
in an appropriate place. This needs to be secure and dry
and, if cardboard boxes have deteriorated, the ashes should
be transferred into new receptacles. NAFD guidelines
recommend that uncollected ashes be stored in this way for a
minimum of five years, after which they can dispose of them
in an appropriate manner providing they have made every
effort to trace the next-of-kin.
Labelling
NAFD Members are also recommended to ensure that
all cremated remains they are storing are logged with the
family’s contact details and instructions. Members should
also be able to demonstrate they have a system in place
for the safe keeping of cremated remains – the NAFD’s
Standards & Quality Managers may well ask for evidence of
this process during their biennial inspections.
Contact with the client
The NAFD guidelines recommend that funeral directors make
every effort to maintain contact with the family and secure
clear, written instructions relating to the collection and
disposal of the ashes to avoid concerns and problems later
down the line.
Storage period
How long should you store ashes before you decide to classify
them as likely to be uncollected?
As already stated, the right for a funeral director to bury or
scatter uncollected remains is not enshrined in law and
28

British made, highly engineered
the NAFD recommends waiting at least five years. To avoid
confusion with families, funeral directors could include a
specific timeframe for storage in their terms and conditions
with acknowledgement provided by a client’s signature.
Managing the situation at the time of signing is the only way to
prevent future problems.
Giving notification in the local press
As part of the efforts to trace next-of-kin, members should
consider advertising in the local press that uncollected
remains are being held. This could also act as notification
that the remains of a person cremated at least five years
previously will be scattered or buried if not claimed by a
stated date.
Burying or scattering uncollected remains
At some stage it may be appropriate to bury or scatter
uncollected remains. This may take a number of forms.
Firstly, an arrangement is made with a local crematorium to
receive the remains and scatter them in a specific place in
their garden of remembrance. The crematorium may require a
fee for this and may also request the certificate accompanying
the ashes.
Secondly, a grave is purchased in a local cemetery, urns or
caskets are placed in a full-size coffin and this is then interred
in the grave. Depending on the number of urns and the depth
of the grave, multiple coffins could be accommodated. A plan
should be retained that indicates the position of each urn
within the coffin so if, at a later date, it is claimed, the coffin can
be exhumed and the urn retrieved. Both strategies will incur
expense for the funeral director. A third possibility of minimal
cost is to scatter the ashes at sea or on a river. Detailed records
must be kept irrespective of which method is adopted.
www.brianparsons.org.uk
"BY 2013 THE FIGURES
HAD REVERSED WITH
71.58% REMOVED, IN
MOST CASES BY THE
FUNERAL DIRECTOR,
AND 20.08% BEING
SCATTERED."
www.audenfs.com
Handling the future
29

NAFD FAST TRACK DEBT RECOVERY SERVICE
BANKRUPTCY
CHANGES
I’ve not long got back from attending the National Funeral
Exhibition. We certainly had a very busy three days there and I
was exhausted by the Sunday evening. It was worth it though as
it was great to see so many people, both existing clients and also
members, who were enquiring about our services. Thank you
all for taking the time to come and see us. If you missed us (we
had an unexpected last minute move) or just couldn’t make the
exhibition, please do drop me a line or call. My details are at the
end of this article.
NEIL BOWLER
HEAD OF FINANCE
Direct Line: 01827 768744
Mobile: 07971 768734
Email: nbowler@tdrb.co.uk.
Website: www.tdrb.co.uk/nafd
In the February edition of Funeral
Director Monthly, I mentioned changes
to the law pertaining to insolvency which
are due to come into effect in October
2015. Under one of the changes, a
creditor who is owed at least £750 can
apply to the Courts for the debtor’s
bankruptcy. This minimum value was
set almost 30 years ago in 1986. The
minimum is to be raised to £5,000. This
does mean that the majority of funeral
debts would be ineligible for applying
for the debtor’s bankruptcy.
In the majority of cases, we do not
believe that bankruptcy is the best
option. However, after speaking to
a few people at the National Funeral
Exhibition it seems that some
companies are using this to try and
force payment from the debtor. This
will not be an option for most funeral
debts from October onwards, and I
would urge you to start considering
alternative recovery strategies such
as structured negotiation or, if you are
intent on legal action, County Court
action.
Apologies for the brief update this
month, but I am taking a break after the
exhibition and have a tight deadline for
submitting this! As ever, if you would
like more information or you’re unsure
about any issues, related or unrelated,
please feel free to call 01827 768744 or
email me nbowler@tdrb.co.uk
THE DEBT RECOVERY BUREAU
30

International Patents Pending
31

NATIONAL FUNERAL
EXHIBITION
2015 REVIEW
FROM A 109-YEAR OLD HEARSE TO A FRESHLY-MINTED GRADUATE
BUSINESS, THE 2015 NATIONAL FUNERAL EXHIBITION (NFE) WAS,
ONCE AGAIN, A TRULY SPECTACULAR AND DIVERSE SHOWCASE FOR
THE SECTOR.
As always, Stoneleigh Park in
Warwickshire was the setting for the
three-day biennial event and, for the
most part, the sun shone down on
the show providing a fantastic setting
for the outdoor displays, including a
wide selection of hearses as well as
a wonderful 1906 Henry Ford hearse,
still used for funerals and driven by
the great nephew of its original owner,
polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
A full size Royal National Lifeboat
Institution (RNLI) lifeboat and funeral
horses in their stunning plumage
completed the arrival experience. On
the Sunday these were also joined at
regular intervals by flight displays by
beautiful birds of prey entertaining
children and adults alike as part of the
Medieval England theme.
Halls 1 and 2 were packed with almost
200 exhibitors from all over the world,
including an innovation zone bursting
with new ideas. On the edge of the
zone, squeezed into the smallest stand
in the show, was www.funeralarrange.
co.uk which was launched only days
before the event by Tom Harries who
came up with the idea for an online
service which supports families in
communicating the details of a funeral
to their relatives and friends after the
deaths of his own grandfathers. As
well as working towards the launch
of the business at NFE, Tom has also
been busy completing his degree at
Bristol University and, during NFE,
was awaiting his finals results as
well as marketing his new venture to
funeral firms!
The NAFD stand in Hall 2 once again
proved to be a focal point for visitors
with the barista kept busy throughout
the three days as colleagues, friends
and potential new members made a
beeline for the castle-themed stand
to meet with the NAFD team. NAFD
President William Millar found himself
to be something of a celebrity during
the event, thanks in part to a large
image of his face on the Funeral
Director Monthly stand which served
to ensure visitors were quick to spot
him and point him out!
32

One of the most striking sights at the
show was a pair of models body painted
with the muscles and blood vessels of
the human body to promote exhibitor
iGene’s digital autopsy service -
although they were given a run for
their money by a highly irreverent bard
and a knight in shining armour!
“
PACKED WITH ALMOST 200 EXHIBITORS FROM ALL
OVER THE WORLD, INCLUDING AN INNOVATION
ZONE BURSTING WITH NEW IDEAS
On the Friday evening, a reception for
international visitors and exhibitors
was well attended, proving that the
NFE’s role as one of the top three
global funeral exhibitions continues
unabated. On the Saturday evening
many visitors and exhibitors stayed on
after the show had closed for a drink in
Strollers Restaurant with friends and
colleagues and to give a rousing cheer
to outgoing NAFD Chief Executive
Officer Alan Slater MBE who was
presented with a fantastic cake in the
shape of a castle by David Hyde of the
NFE organizing team. In his speech,
David reflected that it had been Alan’s
idea and vision for the show that had
brought it to life and helped it to grow
into the event it is today.
”
The Church of England had a significant
presence at this year’s show and
brought with them almost 200 clergy
fresh from a conference held nearby
focusing on the role of the church
in funerals. Amongst them was the
Reverend Kate Bottley, one of the stars
of Channel 4’s Gogglebox programme,
who proved to be a popular celebrity
visitor to stands around the show with
exhibitors competing to tweet pictures
of her to their followers.
Family Day on the Sunday saw funeral
directors arrive with their families to
enjoy not only the show but a wide range
of entertainment laid on especially
for them. Some of the visitors were
very young indeed, with a couple
of newborn babies spotted in their
parents’ arms, whilst other visitors
proudly walked the show with their
grand, and even great, grandchildren,
reminding everyone what a wonderful
family-dominated industry the funeral
sector remains to this day.
33

CONGRATULATIONS
TO MALCOLM JONES, OF
MOLYNEUX JONES FAMILY
FUNERAL DIRECTORS IN
BEDFORD, ON WINNING AN
APPLE WATCH IN THE NAFD
PRIZE DRAW. MR JONES WAS
DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM
MORE THAN 500 BUSINESS
CARDS ENTERED ON THE
STAND DURING NFE.
THE ONLINE
BOOK COMPANY
The Online Book Company’s product
offering has developed considerably
since NFE 2013. Its bespoke and
exciting online individual memorial
books caused a real stir at this year’s
show, with its stand in Hall 1 never
being without visitors enjoying a sneak
peek at the company’s products whilst
sipping on a flute of Camel Valley’s
finest fizz.
The opening day of the event saw the
Church of England Clergy descend
upon the stand, making for a fantastic
atmosphere. Jonathan of the Online
Book Company noted: “It was just
fantastic to see the clergy discovering
and exploring the diverse array of
innovations, products and services that
are available for those in the funeral
profession, however, it was a shame
they couldn’t have been there to lift
our spirits when awaiting salvation
at the roadside following a hire car
breakdown!”
TERRYBEAR® URNS &
MEMORIALS
Lavina Lau, Terrybear’s President and CEO says: It was Terrybear’s first time
exhibiting in 15 years and, overall, the experience was very productive. This event
provided Terrybear with many good contacts and potential distributors, which
was the goal for exhibiting. Terrybear has long been the leader in designing and
providing high quality cremation urns and keepsakes throughout North America.
Over the past several years Terrybear has broadened its distribution to several
countries, including Europe.
International attention has been gained through Terrybear’s unique designs
and high quality products and services. The 2015 NFE Show proved this again
as Terrybear displayed several unique products which were very popular at the
show, including Terrybear’s long stem Rose keepsake which is available in
several beautiful colors, new infant memorial options as well as its new Songbird
keepsakes. Funeral directors are looking for unique products and Terrybear looks
forward to working with new distributors to fulfill this need.
Terrybear ® Urns & Memorials’ funeral and pet catalogues can be viewed on its
website at www.terrybear.com
FUNERAL PRODUCTS
During the National Funeral Exhibition, Funeral Products presented a number
of new innovative urns and remembrance articles. One of the additions to its
collection is the range of unique premium Bohemian Crystal urns. These hand
blown works of art are crafted in the Czech Republic and have a shiny surface,
which has the same sparkling lights as a diamond.
Another exclusive remembrance article is the 3D crystal art urn, which can be
personalised with just one picture. This image will be engraved into the crystal
with a laser. The “Remember me” model also has a small ash container, a candle
light and offers the possibility to contain a flower.
Last, but not least, Funeral Products furnished a special corner of its stand to show
how its collections can be displayed in a small presentation room. This part of the
stand in particular interested visitors of NFE and was completely filled with people
during the three days. The urns on display in this corner are available in a special
offer.
For more information please contact Funeral Products through its account
manager, William Schelkers, on 01908 538016, or visit www.funeralproducts.eu
Arriving late on Thursday evening
(following the motorway mishap, there
was still much work to be done, but
teamwork and boundless enthusiasm
saw the stand take shape quickly.
Jonathan, Julie, Bethany and Harry
ensured that the rest of their time at
the exhibition was a success, and would
like pay thanks to visitors and exhibitors
alike for a fantastic three days.
You can contact The Online
Book Company on www.
theonlinebookcompany.com or by
calling 01872 226800.
34

“
VISITORS PROUDLY WALKED THE
SHOW WITH THEIR GRAND AND EVEN
GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, REMINDING
EVERYONE WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY-
DOMINATED INDUSTRY THE FUNERAL
SECTOR REMAINS TO THIS DAY.
”

RAYNER’S
Rayner’s is delighted to announce the winners of its’
engraving competition held at the NFE.
In first place with an engraving time of 2 minutes and 13
seconds is Carl Boswell of C. S. Boswell Funeral Directors,
in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Carl wins £600 holiday vouchers
In second place with an engraving time of 2 minutes and
16 seconds is Scott Greenlees of John Mclellan Funeral
Directors in Fort William. Scott wins £300 in cash.
In third place with an engraving time of 2 minutes and 27
seconds is Gary Peachey of G R Peachey & Son Funeral
Directors, Bury St Edmunds. Gary wins a luxury hamper.
Congratulations to Carl, Scott and Gary and thanks to
everyone who took part.
INNOLITE CANDLES
Says Elsebet Drax of Innolite Candles: “This year's show was
overwhelming for a first time exhibitor! The sheer magnitude
of the various funeral components was impressive.
Everything from wicker coffins to ornate caskets, diggers and
more practical equipment was on offer.
“Amongst the newcomers were our stunning LED candles,
set in authentic wax pillars, which run on batteries. With
their high luminance and flickering flame, set in real church
candles, they created a warm and welcoming atmosphere
which ensured a lot of attention.
EVERYONE AT
MUCHLOVED SAYS
“THANK YOU FOR
VISITING US AT NFE”
This was the fifth time MuchLoved has exhibited at the
National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) and it was fantastic to see
more and more people keen to offer clients an online tribute
and donations service.
As one of the first organisations to offer online tributes to
funeral directors, MuchLoved is an expert in terms of ease of
use and functionality, with benefits including:-
• integrated funeral notices that you can set up in just a few
ticks;
• lowest cost donation processing and Gift Aid reclaim,
making it a much cheaper way of collecting donations than
other options;
• a fully branded platform, creating website marketing
opportunities and strengthening relationships in your local
community.
In essence, MuchLoved offers a simplest, most efficient
method of processing funeral donations whilst, at the
same time, offering clients a truly special way of sending
condolences and sharing memories. With MuchLoved you
really can have the best of all worlds - online donations,
funeral notices, bespoke branding and beautiful tributes
You can contact MuchLoved on 01494 722818 or support@
muchloved.com or via www.funeralgiving.org to find out
how they can help your business and your clients.
“The stand was continually besieged by a wide range of
visitors, from vicars to funeral directors, who could see
multiple uses for the product.
“The show was run spectacularly well by friendly and helpful
people on a medieval theme. A lot of effort must have gone
into the organisation. The set up included coffee bars,
drinks parties, live music, which were much appreciated and
enjoyed. A memorable three days, which explains the ever
growing success of the NFE.”
AUDEN CONTOUR
RANGE LAUNCHED
AT NFE
Auden Funeral Supplies launched its new contour range of
trolleys and stretchers at the National Funeral Exhibition,
and the response was fantastic.
LED church candles with a realistic
flickering wick.
A safe alternative to burning
candles and perfect for memorable
occasions.
Visit our NFE stand or www.innolite.co.uk
The feedback from clients was really well received and follows
on from the success of the multidirectional wheel launched at
the last show in 2013. Now the combination of the new contour
shape, with its tapered ends and multidirectional wheel, is a
real step forward on trolley design and manoeuvrability. The
smaller end enables movement in tight places and prevents
hand trapping, as well as reducing the width at the head end
making tight corners in a building easier.
To get more info on the new contour products or to book a
visit from Auden’s mobile showroom contact Auden on 01924
402080 info@audenfs.com
36

THE NORWOOD STEALS
THE SHOW
After much anticipation in the industry, the new Coleman
Milne Norwood Classic hearse was officially unveiled at
the 2015 NFE and received a remarkable response that
surpassed the expectations of the Lancashire-based coach
builder.
This is the first range in Coleman Milne history to have been
engineered completely using CAD/CAM methods, which has
meant the manufacturing process could commence even
before the firm had its hands on the base vehicle.
The show itself was a resounding success with order
commitments exceeding £1m for a variety of new and used
ceremonial and removal vehicles.
Managing Director Geoff Hudson commented: “We are
incredibly proud of this superb new range of vehicles and
the team that has developed it. We’re expecting great things
in 2016. Coleman Milne is setting a new standard in the
manufacture of ceremonial vehicles.”
The limousine to match the Norwood Classic, named the
Rosedale, is now in pre-production along with the sleek
Norwood hearse. The full range is available to pre order now
for delivery in 2016.
Coleman Milne has a dedicated website to give admirers of
the new range the opportunity to register their interest and
chart the progress of the new range.
Visit discover.coleman-milne.co.uk
GOLDEN LEAVES
For Golden Leaves, the NFE was a roaring success. The launch
of its new Freedom partnership package brought well over a
hundred new enquirers to the stand. Its new structured and
tiered approach, delivering additional maturity bonuses and
providing a comprehensive marketing “tool-kit” that enables
Golden Leaves to assist in building clients’ own brands was
an instant hit with the funeral directors that visited the stand.
On top of visits from existing partners, all this combined
meant the Golden Leaves team had a busy few days. Said
Managing Director Barry Floyd: “It is always pleasing to see so
many people from the same industry, assemble in one place.
The footfall on the weekend was extremely pleasing and with
the weather holding out, Sunday was more productive than
other years too.
If you were unable to make the show this year, or did but didn’t
manage to find any spare time to speak to Golden Leaves, call
them on 0800 854448 or contact your local Golden Leaves
regional manager so that they can provide you with an outline
of the new programme.
37

“THE SUN SHONE DOWN ON
THE SHOW PROVIDING A
FANTASTIC SETTING FOR
THE OUTDOOR DISPLAYS,
INCLUDING A WIDE
SELECTION OF HEARSES
AS WELL AS A WONDERFUL
1906 HENRY FORD HEARSE
”
38

STEVE SOULT LTD
When Steve Soult Ltd decided to exhibit the Signature range, including the new
addition Valentino ‘Hearts’ coffin, the company always knew that it was going to be
a show stopper and the interest would be overwhelming, which certainly proved to
be the case.
The concept of removable, personalised hearts from the coffin lid to keep as
engraved keepsakes for the families was very well received by funeral directors.
Of the four Valentinos the company took to NFE, both the White and Oak versions
were snapped up by funeral directors for their showrooms before the end of the
Saturday!
Steve Soult Ltd also decided to exhibit its Artiste range of personalised coffins,
featuring a new addition, the Britannia ‘American Style’ caskets. These also
attracted a lot of attention due to the ability to personalise them with engravings,
colours, a choice of six different interiors and, even more ground breaking, they are
fully crematable. The Britannia caskets start at just £529.
The stand featured three columns of Artiste coffins which were all bright and
colourful and which reflected the very nature of the company’s products. Feedback
received from funeral directors confirmed the company’s belief that there is an
overall shift by families towards personalising funerals and celebrating a life. Both
ranges exhibited support funeral directors to meet these demands for their clients
as an alternative to ‘off the shelf’ products.
The exhibition gave the company a great opportunity to catch up with present and
future customers but apologises to some visitors who never got a chance to speak
to any of the team. Steve Soult Ltd hopes to see them soon.
PERFECT CHOICE ATTENDS NFE
The Perfect Choice team were delighted to see so many funeral directors at NFE
last month. Emma Simpson from Perfect Choice says: “It was fantastic to see so
many friendly faces and receive so much positive feedback on the Perfect Choice
proposition. Congratulations go to the three winners of the Perfect Choice prize
draw who each won a castle stay as well as the runners-up who will be receiving
bottles of champagne. We were delighted to support our corporate charity -
Penhaligon’s Friends – through our NFE charity raffle and by raising awareness of
the bereavement booklets that are available to Perfect Choice sellers.”
The team are in the process of contacting firms to follow-up on the various
discussions from NFE but if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact
the Perfect Choice team on 0800 633 5626 in the meantime.
PRIZE WINNER
Braemar Finance held a free prize draw
on their stand at the recent National
Funeral Exhibition held at Stoneleigh,
Warwickshire from the 12-14th June.
The winner drawn from the entries
received was Mr Brian Langford,
Funeral Director at Powell and Family
in Keighley, Yorkshire.
Congratulations to Brian who was
presented with his prize of a £200 John
Lewis voucher by local area manager
Phil Walton. (Brian is on the right)
Braemar congratulate Brian and hope
he enjoys his pending spree.
39

NATURAL WOVEN PRODUCTS LAUNCHES
BAMBOO RANGE AT NFE 2015
At NFE 2015 Natural Woven Products showcased their range of of eco-friendly coffins and caskets which include the Cane,
Seagrass, Cocostick, Banana, Loom, Willow and Colours range. In addition they launched a new Bamboo Coffin range
during the show.
All of the materials used are highly renewable, natural and each have their own unique eco features, bringing much needed
employment to areas where there is high unemployment.
Natural Woven Products was established in March 2008 and is a sister company to The Somerset Willow Company Ltd. The
company was set up in order to offer a larger variety of environmentally friendly coffins.
Darrell Hill, who heads the company and has over 30 years basket making experience, felt there was a need in the market
for a wider choice of quality environmentally friendly coffins. With his expertise and knowledge in basket manufacture, the
company is able to produce coffins that are not only very appealing, but also constructed to the highest standard.
Said Darrell: “With the growing pressure on the environment, it is not surprising that society has started to look at more
environmentally friendly ways to end their days.
“As well as the eco credentials that natural coffins offer, the option to choose a green burial also enhances the final eco
funeral choice, especially given that graveyards and cemeteries are becoming overcrowded.”
Natural Woven Products can be contacted at: Tel:01278 588011 Fax: 01278 588183 E-mail: contact@naturalwovenproducts.
co.uk
www.naturalwovencoffins.co.uk
NEW PRODUCT
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE
LAUNCH OF OUR
NEW BAMBOO COFFINS
Sturdy robust framework,
tested to lift up to 160kg
Available in both a
traditional and curved
end shape
Comes fitted with
natural cotton liner,
pillow and cover sheet
Fitted with weight bearing
natural rope handles and
secure closures
For more information and a full colour brochure please contact
Tel: 01278 588011 Fax: 01278 588183 E-mail: contact@naturalwovenproducts.co.uk
www.naturalwovencoffins.co.uk
40
NWP - FDM Landscape 2015 PRINT.indd 1 01/06/2015 12:10

WILCOX
LIMOUSINES
The Wilcox Limousines team was
delighted to see so many old and new
friends visit them on their indoor and
outdoor stands. Located as the first
stand upon entering the NFE, there
was a constant passing trade of familiar
faces.
The major launch was the new
Traditional Volvo hearse.
“The feedback we have received has
been incredible – the sales even better!
This is definitely a vehicle that funeral
directors have been asking for,”
commented Wilcox Limousines CEO
Paul Wilcox.
The Volvo was built in partnership with
Nilsson Specialist Vehicles whose team
travelled from Sweden to be at NFE.
Also being shown for the first time was
the new Ford Mondeo Hearsette and
the Mercedes Vito removal ambulance.
Management from Jaguar Cars
assisted Wilcox Limousines staff on
the stand, promoting that Wilcox is the
only funeral coachbuilder to have a full
three-year Wilcox Jaguar warranty and
that Jaguar Cars works in partnership
with Wilcox on its vehicles.
Wilcox Limousines would like to thank
everyone that came to visit them and
congratulate the NFE team on another
successful show.
FLEXMORT: DNA IS ALIVE IN
THE DEATH INDUSTRY
At this year’s NFE, Flexmort launched one of the most exciting new products for
the funeral market – DNA Memorial. This provides a service for surviving relatives
to capture medical and genealogical information from their loved one which can
be invaluable for future generations for a myriad of reasons. It also allows families
to memorialise their loved one’s DNA within glass – the DNA Infusion Collection.
Flexmort is the partner of CG Labs, a DNA services company that has developed
a proprietary method of extracting DNA from a non-invasive cheek swab or hair
sample and binding the DNA to a substance for indefinite room temperature
storage for families to store at home (Home Banking). Unfortunately, surviving
relatives don’t just inherit the “nice” genes from parents and grandparents, such
as their smile or hair colour, but also inherit their genes in relation to cancers,
heart disease, diabetes etc.
The medical profession is now increasingly using family DNA within healthcare for
a variety of reasons including: -
DNA in Medicine:
• diagnosing medical conditions;
• calculating inherited risks for your children;
• deciding medical tests and medicinal dosage;
• selecting therapeutic agents including gene therapy;
• determining disease risk and preventative measures;
• measuring generational mutation rates to track disorders.
The problem is that, every day, funeral directors are destroying the ability for
families to access their genetic history as all medical and genealogical DNA is lost
during cremation and burial.
Simon Rothwell, Director of Flexmort and VP of CG Labs says: “Funeral directors
are in a unique position to provide a potentially life-saving service to surviving
relatives – the protection of familial genetic information. The NFE was fantastic for
us to launch this innovation in Europe and we were amazed by the considerable
number of funeral directors who immediately signed up to offer the product.”
For more information about DNA collection and storing, visit www.flexmort.com
and click on DNA Memorial
41

NAFD
G O L F I N G S O C I E T Y
YET ANOTHER VERY SUCCESSFUL GOLF DAY WAS HELD ON 29
APRIL AT CELTIC MANOR IN SOUTH WALES, PLAYING THE FAMOUS
ROMAN ROAD COURSE. THE SUN SHONE AND THE WIND BLEW
FOR THE 27 PLAYERS WHO ATTEMPTED TO PLAY PROBABLY
THE MOST DIFFICULT COURSE THEY HAD EVER PLAYED!
The course was in very good condition as it was being
prepared for the European Seniors Wales Open at the
end of May. Although the individual and team scores
were lower than normal, a great day and evening were
enjoyed by all. The Society was particularly pleased
to welcome some new members, one of whom won
the individual event. Members were able to enjoy
the company of long standing friends as well as
welcoming some who had not
seen for some meetings. The
hospitality and help of all the
staff at Celtic Manor, whether
in the hotel or at the golf
clubhouse, was excellent. The
meal and prize presentation
in the evening was attended
by 29 people.
Once again, the prizes were
presented to the winners by
the Society’s captain, Tony
Mears. As always, thanks to
the generosity of sponsors,
a table full of good prizes
was able to be presented.
Sponsors included Dignity
Funerals, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, the M K
Ginder Group, Golden Charter, the National Association
of Funeral Directors, , Lyn Oakes Ltd, Thorley Smith Ltd
and Wilcox & Co (Limousines) Ltd. The prizes included
a golf cart bag, glassware, clothes holdalls, a putter
and golf balls, together with other prizes and a sleeve
of golf balls to the only three people who achieved
“birdies”.
Well done to all the winners, but especially to Michael
Peace who, at his first meeting, won the individual
event with a very creditable 33 points on a very difficult
course and in windy conditions. As scores were lower
than normal, even for some more experienced and
seasoned golfers, it was decided not to present or
embarrass players by presenting rookie prizes!
THE PRIZE WINNERS WERE:
TEAM PRIZES 1ST.
Individual 1st. Michael Peace
2nd. Margaret Arnison
3rd. Austin Williams 4th. Bob
Perry 5th. Richard Edwards
6th. David Stamp 7th. George
Stamp 8th. Adam Ginder
9th. David Solly.
Other individual winners
were: David Solly (Peter
Sharpe memorial trophy for
best score on selected holes),
Scott Wilcox (Leslie Simpson
rose bowl for putting),
Simon Speller (Ginder Group
decanter for the longest drive)
and Richard Edwards (Stuart
Crystal whisky glasses for
nearest the pin).
Mark Turner, Scott Wilcox and Margaret Arnison 2nd.
Simon Fisher, David Wilson and Austin Williams 3rd.
Neil Baxter, Michael Peace and Roger Hughes.
The next Golfing Society day will be held on Wednesday, 16
September at the Oulton Hall Hotel, just outside Leeds. If
anyone is interested in joining the Golfing Society please
contact David Solly at david@solly8614.fsnet.co.uk.
42

ANOTHER VERY
SUCCESSFUL
GOLF DAY...
THE SUN
SHONE AND THE
WIND BLEW
FOR THE
27 PLAYERS
43

MEMBERS'
NEWS
CUTLER FUNERAL DIRECTORS CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO TALK ABOUT DYING
Cutler Funeral Directors held an
Information day on 20 May 2015 in
the community of Kingstanding,
Birmingham. The event was part of the
Dying Matters Awareness Week (18-24
May 2015), which was organised by the
Dying Matters Coalition.
The theme of Dying Matters Awareness
Week 2015 was ”Talk, Plan, Live”, an
action-focused theme emphasising that
we only get once chance to have our dying
wishes met, which is why it’s vital to talk,
plan and make arrangements for the end
of life – before it’s too late.
Edward Farnan of Cutler Funeral
Directors, said: “Every minute someone
in England dies, but many people still feel
uncomfortable talking about end-of-life
issues. Talking about dying, death and
bereavement is in everyone’s interests as
it can help ensure that all of us can get
the care and support we want, where we
want it, at the end of our lives. Death is
a very difficult area that we don't want
happening to us. It's tough to come to
terms with it. But we have to plan our
death in the world in the same way we'd
plan a holiday, for example."
The day was an overwhelming success,
with guest appearances from St Giles
Hospice, local clergy, civil celebrants
and Edward’s Trust, which offers
bereavement counselling to children who
have lost parents, and vice-versa, and
counselling to terminally ill children.
Many of the local community attended
for practical information, both on death
and palliative care, and others just to
support and ask general questions
about the funeral profession. It was a
good opportunity for funeral directors to
be able to dispel a few common myths
surrounding the funeral profession!
FAMILY FIRM HELPS SUPPORT LOCAL ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS
Claire Austin, Managing Director of
Austin’s Funeral Service, and her
husband Peter of Harwood Park
Crematorium, recently presented
Mark Turner (CEO of the Road Victims’
Trust) with a cheque for £4,488. The
money was raised by Harwood Park
through its membership of the Institute
of Cemetery and Crematorium
Management’s metals recycling
scheme.
L-R: Peter Hope, Claire Austin and Mark Turner
Mark Turner said: “Each year, upwards
of 35 people are killed on the roads
of Hertfordshire. The generosity of
Austin’s will ensure that at least five
families can be supported for at least
12 months. We are extremely grateful."
44

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OPEN DAY IN MEMORY OF JOHN STONEMAN
AND FIVE GENERATIONS OF SERVICE
Stoneman Funeral Service was
established in Redhill in 1865 and is
now a fifth generation family business.
Together with his family, John
Stoneman moved to Redhill from South
Devon setting up business as a funeral
furnisher, cabinet maker, upholsterer
and builder. His first business was in
Brighton Road, Redhill.
In the late 1870’s the firm moved to
100 Station Road, Redhill. Stables,
workshops, a timber yard and
stonemasonry works were situated in
Cromwell Road, Redhill. In 1913 the
first motor hearse in the borough was
built in Stoneman’s coachworks.
In 1932 a funeral office and memorial
showrooms were opened at 49 Bell
Street, Reigate where families could
make arrangements in private.
Inscriptions are still cust by hand in the
memorial department.
Twenty years later, in 1952, Doran
Court was purchased and converted
into a funeral home providing extensive
facilities, with ample free parking,
to assist in providing a first class
comprehensive service. The interior
has been designed with a service
chapel, three private rooms for families
to make funeral arrangements and
six private chapels of rest. The service
chapel seats 56 people and services
can be held for any denomination prior
to interment or cremation. All families
arranging a funeral at Stoneman’s are
welcome to hold a service in the chapel.
It was also in 1952 that Stoneman’s
started working with Eddie Stephens at
Galyers Funeral Directors in Godstone,
providing staff, vehicles, materials etc.
When Mr and Mrs Stephens retired in
2000, Stoneman’s continued trading,
incorporating Galyer & Co and 45 High
Street, Godstone was purchased with
Paul from SAIF & Chris Stoneman
the addition of 47 High Street in 2003.
A Chapel of Rest was opened with a
service of dedication in October that
year.
On Saturday 9th May 2015 Stoneman
Funeral Service held an Open Day in
Memory of John Stoneman (8th May
1935 - 10th May 2012) to celebrate the
150th Anniversary of Stoneman Funeral
Service being established in Redhill. A
horse drawn hearse and the new fleet
of Jaguar hearses and limousines
were on display to reflect the change
in vehicles the company has used from
Victorian times to the present day.
COMMUNITY FOCUS AT DC POULTON & SONS
Nicola Sheehan, a former nurse turned
funeral arranger with DC Poulton &
Sons in Bishop’s Stortford is striving
to bring her role into the centre of the
community.
Nicola has set up weekly coffee
mornings at DC Poulton & Sons, giving
an opportunity for people who have
been bereaved to meet, regardless
of whether DC Poulton handled the
funeral arrangements. There is a
session aimed especially for carers,
where people who may be in similar
circumstances have a chance to chat
and connect with others.
Nicola said: “While I’m new to the
funeral profession I’m well used to
caring for people. Before becoming a
funeral arranger I worked as a nurse
for 15 years, spending 10 years in care
of the dying and worked as a clinical
nurse specialist in hospitals, hospice
and community settings. During my
time looking after the dying and the
bereaved, I realised the value that a
good funeral director can bring to a
community and it was this, along with
the opportunity to use my nursing skills
in a new setting that drew me to a
change in career.
“Bishop’s Stortford is a very community
focused town and I want to bring my
role to the heart of this community
by not simply being the lady in black
who arranges people’s funerals but by
giving things of value to the people in
the community.”
As well as the coffee mornings, Nicola
has stepped up contact with the local
food bank and DC Poulton is now a drop
off point for any food donations. DC
Poulton will be supporting other groups
in the community with its fundraising,
such as the local YMCA, Salvation Army
and Macmillan groups.
Nicola will also be hosting a Death
Café, which is a social franchise started
in America by Jon Underwood. Death
Café is an online discussion group that
provides a space to ask questions and
to open up frank discussions around
death and dying. More information
on Death Café can be found at www.
deathcafe.com and Nicola’s event
can be found at www.deathcafe.com/
deathcafes/1972.
46

HAND BUILT CLOCK FOR IAN HAZEL FUNERALS LIMITED
Ian Hazel Funerals Limited wanted a
feature clock for its newly built premises at
Sutton Coldfield and wanted it to be large
enough to catch the public eye. The larger
version of the standard Grayson Funeral
Clock certainly fitted the bill!
The clock case stands over a metre tall
and is 900mm wide with a dial diameter of
860mm.
It has been manufactured from high
grade aluminium and was hand built
by HS Walsh & Sons to the very highest
standard. The dials were fabricated using
ICI opal Perspex, incorporating laser cut
aluminium, raised Roman dials with 23ct
gold leafed chapter rings and finial.
The movements are Mobatime NU90T
24VDC alternate polarity impulse, run
from a Grayson GM1.06 mini master clock
and GM14 MSF Cumbria radio receiver
unit.
Illumination is via Ultra Bright LED’s and
this offers low energy consumption and
extended bulb life.
The splendid result is a traditionally
designed clock with modern components
which certainly enhances the new building.
Ian Hazel and the new purpose built clock
The
London Casket Company
Unit 1, Lyndon Yard, Riverside Road, Toon, London SW17 0BA
Telephone 020 8944 0103
www.caskets.co.uk
47

CPJ FIELD & CO ENCOURAGES MORE BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT THEIR
LOCAL COMMUNITY DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK
CPJ Field & Co, one of the South
East’s leading family funeral directors,
supported this year’s National
Volunteers’ Week, which took place on 1
- 7 June. Its company-wide volunteering
programme actively encourages
every employee to support local
organisations, and Managing Director,
Charlie Field, took this opportunity to
underline why businesses play such a
critical part in community life.
The CPJ Field & Co scheme, which
allows each colleague a day’s paid leave
to volunteer for a good cause, has seen
many employees across all CPJ Field
& Co’s branches, donate their time
to the local community. Andy Holter
from Haine & Son in Eastbourne is
one employee who has gone the extra
mile to give back to the community,
also becoming the 2014 Eastbourne
Community Awards’ ‘Volunteer of the
Year’.
Andy was awarded the accolade in
recognition of his support of the St John
Ambulance where he manages a local
unit of volunteers, assisting with local
events such as the Eastbourne Carnival,
Eastbourne Half Marathon, Eastbourne
Armed Forces Day Event and the Little
Chelsea's Little Christmas Event, plus
many more.
Commenting on CPJ Field & Co’s
commitment to volunteering, Andy
Holter from Haine & Son Eastbourne
said: “CPJ Field & Co has always been
very supportive of my volunteering
and continues to be an inspiration for
upholding professionalism, compassion
and taking a personal approach to
helping others. This is something that
is reflected in my work on a daily basis
as a funeral director and is at the heart
of everything I do.”
Commenting on the importance of
volunteering, Charlie Field, Managing
Director at CPJ Field & Co, said: “In a
world that is reliant on commodities,
sometimes we are guilty of overlooking
one of the most precious commodities
of all – time. At CPJ Field & Co we believe
that business forms a critical part of the
community in which it operates, which
is why we have an active volunteering
programme.
“We were proud to support National
Volunteers’ Week and hope that it
encourages more individuals and
businesses to support neighbouring
organisations that may be in need of a
helping hand. Those that take their own
time to positively contribute to the local
community are a fantastic example to
us all.”
In addition to the volunteering
programme CPJ Field & Co also runs
Community Companions, a community
scheme that helps retired people
across the South East live life to the full.
Piloted in June last year, Oakwood Park
retirement estate in Forest Row was
the first to benefit from the scheme,
receiving funding for its Film Club,
as well as garden equipment for the
estate’s Gardening Club.
The Field family, including Chairman
Colin Field, along with his children
Jeremy, Emily and Charlie, owns and
manages 36 funeral directing branches
across the South East of England.
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48

49

THE CO-OPERATIVE FUNERALCARE
CELEBRATES 1000TH APPRENTICE
DURING ADULT LEARNERS’ WEEK
During Adult Learners’ Week on 13 – 19 June, The Cooperative
Funeralcare celebrated the recruitment of its
1000th apprentice, 45-year old Jon Richards. The UK’s largest
funeral director is also committing to continuing to recruit an
apprentice a day during 2015.
Coming from a background as a punk band singer, Dad of two,
Jon Richards, has joined Funeralcare as an apprentice funeral
services operative based in Watford.
The Co-operative Funeralcare remains the only UK funeral
director to offer an apprenticeship in Funeral Operations and
Services following its launch in 2013. Delivered in partnership
with LearnDirect, the apprenticeship incorporates a QCF
Level 2 and a QCF Level 3 in Funeral Operations and Services
(formerly known as NVQ).
Speaking of the scheme, Jon said: “The loss of my best friend
Colin last year was my first encounter of Funeralcare and,
during those incredibly difficult days, the caring nature of the
funeral profession stayed with me. From the most devastating
of circumstances I have been able to develop a career. You’d
think there’s no prouder moment than being on stage with my
band, but the sense of pride from caring for families at their
most difficult time is something I wish I had discovered earlier
in my life.”
Since its launch, the apprenticeship has attracted applicants
from age 18 to 70 with recruits ranging from school leavers
taking their first steps into the world of work to colleagues
who have embarked on funeral services as a career change.
Supporting this transition, the programme is designed
to provide those embarking on a career in funerals with
high quality, industry focused and nationally recognised
qualifications.
Karen Fenton, Head of Human Resources for The Co-operative
Funeralcare added: “Working within the funeral industry
isn’t always something people think of when considering
employment options, but it can offer a deeply rewarding
career, particularly for those who take a real pride in ensuring
that every detail is as it should be.”
“We started the apprenticeship programme to provide people
from all walks of life with a unique opportunity to develop
a caring career in funerals. Since then, we’ve welcomed
apprentices from all backgrounds including nurses, travel
agents, civil servants and IT professionals. As long as someone
possesses compassion, empathy and excellent service and
organisational skills, we can teach everything else on the job.”
50

DOUCH’S BOARD GROWS
Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral
Directors has appointed Jonathan
Stretch and Ken Butcher to the Board
of Directors,–as the first non-family
members of the Group.
Left to right new board member Jonathan Stretch, Peter Douch,
Nick Douch, new board member Ken Butcher and Judy Douch
Jonathan was previously manager of
the Albert Marsh branches in Wareham
and Upton, and Ken has been the
Group’s accountant for many years.
The other Board members are
Managing Director Nick Douch, his
father Peter, who is Chairman, mother
Josephine and his aunt Judy.
The Group has eight branches in Dorset
and does not re-brand companies that
it acquires, but allows them to continue
with their own names and traditions.
As well as arranging funerals the Group
also provides the award-winning Dorset
Funeral Plan.
Nick Douch said: “We felt that
appointing Jonathan and Ken would
assist us as we grow and develop as
a company. Jonathan is a descendant
of Albert Marsh and was previously
manager of the branches and worked
there for more than 30 years. Ken has
assisted us with our accounts and book
keeping for many years and so fully
understands our business. Together,
Jonathan and Ken bring a wealth of
experience and expertise that the
company will benefit from.”
51

FUNERAL PARTNERS STRIKES LAUREL FUNERALS DEAL
Funeral Partners is to become the third
largest funeral company in the UK with
the acquisition of the majority of the
Laurel Funerals business.
Laurel Funerals John Whigham and Philip Greenfield
Funeral Partners, based near Reading,
is to take ownership of 47 branches,
while Dignity is purchasing the
remaining branches, following Laurel’s
sale by the Duke Street private equity
consortium.
Funeral Partners’ Chief Executive,
Phillip Greenfield, said: “This is an
extremely important move for us as it
will give us coverage in towns where
we don’t currently operate, particularly
across the south and the Midlands.
“We will be combining the best of
Funeral Partners with the best of Laurel
Funerals to build an even stronger
business, while continuing to deliver
a sensitive and professional service to
grieving families.”
Funeral Partners’ ethos of ‘A life well
remembered lives on’ will flow into the
new business, though former Laurel
branches will retain the names of the
18 different brands, albeit with new
branch fascias.
Funeral Partners’ Managing Director,
John Whigham, added: “We will be
retaining the identities of the individual
brands, many of which date back to
the 19th century and have built up
a loyal customer base in their local
communities. We are looking forward
to working closely with our new staff
as we continue to develop Funeral
Partners as an organisation with a
reputation for reliability, trust and
quality and set new standards in this
honourable and historic profession.
“This acquisition means we now have
almost 500 staff operating in 130
branches across the UK and underlines
our intent to continue to acquire good
quality funeral businesses as we grow
our network across the country.”
Information contained in the above article(s) has been received direct from members or their media agents.
The Association and its publishers, therefore, accept no responsibility for the content/comments contained therein.
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But a bereavement is a time when
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52

53

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SURVEY REVEALS TREND FOR
‘GREENER’ WAYS TO BURY A
LOVED ONE’S ASHES
A recent survey of adults across Britain
has suggested that people could be
more environmentally-conscious when
considering burying the cremated
remains of a loved one.
The survey, conducted by YouGov on
behalf of Secure Haven, an Essexbased
firm that provides storage
facilities for loved ones’ ashes, shows
that 36% of people questioned said
they have, or would consider, burying
ashes in a biodegradable urn that
nurtures the growth of a memorial
tree. The findings show that this option
is favoured particularly by younger
people. Of those questioned, 39% of
people aged between 18 and 24, 41%
of people aged between 25 and 34 and
42% of respondents aged between 35
and 44 favoured the tree urn as a living
memorial for their loved one’s ashes.
This is compared to 30% of people aged
55 and over.
36%,
particularly people under 44, say they
have - or would consider - burying
their loved one in a biodegradable
urn that nurtures the growth of a
memorial tree
25%,
especially younger people, say they
would choose a biodegradable urn
Some 25% opted for a biodegradable
urn, which breaks down over time.
Again, this option proved more
favourable among younger respondents
with 27% of people aged between 18
and 24 stating it as a preference. This
is compared to just 21% of 55s and over.
Water-soluble urns, which dissolve in
water after a sea burial, were favoured
by a further 14% of people questioned,
which could be out of respect for
cultural traditions and also because of
last known wishes. Keepsakes proved
to be more popular with women than
men. The survey shows 20% of women
compared to just 11% of men have,
or would consider, storing the ashes
in a keepsake, such as in an item of
jewellery or cufflink.
Cheryl Yarwood, Director of Secure
Haven, commented on the results
of the survey. She said: “The trend
for environmentally-friendly burial
options has been emerging from
Europe over the last couple of years.
Photo courtesy of Zomp Media
It is fascinating to see that people in
the UK are increasingly considering
the environment when thinking about
how to bury the ashes of a loved one,
especially as this makes ecological
sense after cremation. We have seen
a huge rise in the number of people
buying our biodegradable urns that
nurture tree life and our water burial
urns over the last few months. We
generally sell them with our personal
keepsakes which are often bought for
more than one member of the family.
Certainly, these urns give bereaved
families the satisfaction and comfort of
watching a new living tree growing from
the ashes of someone they loved.”
55

OF LIBERTY
SAFEGUARDS ASSESSMENTS
On 17 June, the House of Commons debated concerns about the
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) system, especially in terms
of the burden on Coroners and the distress caused to loved ones when
someone who is subject to a DOLS dies.
56

Ann Coffey, Labour MP for Stockport, opened the debate with the following statement: “Local
authorities are struggling to cope with the ten-fold increase in applications for deprivation of
liberty safeguards, known as DOLS, which is not only costing millions of pounds and tying up
countless police and other resources, but causing untold distress to relatives of dementia sufferers
who are treated when they die as if they had died in state detention.”
Ms Coffey explained that if DOLS
was working effectively, it would
prevent potentially abusive restraint or
sedation, whilst ensuring that certain
day-to-day practices did not restrict a
person’s liberty; for example, people
with dementia should be able to move
around as they wish, as long as the area
is safe.
However, Ms Coffey explained that
following a judgement by the Supreme
Court in the case of Cheshire West
(March 2014), the threshold for what
constitutes a deprivation of liberty
was lowered compared with previous
standard professional practice, “and
resulted in the colossal increase in
the number of DOLS applications
to local councils”. The Minister for
Community and Social Care, Alistair
Burt MP, who responded on behalf
of the Government, later confirmed
that official statistics showed “roughly
a ten-fold increase” in the number of
applications between 2013-14 and
2014-15.
Ms Coffey noted that, under this
increased burden, the system was
struggling. Applications for people who
should be protected under DOLS were
not being processed, whilst the deaths
of those who were subject to safeguards
but, perhaps, would not have been
previously, were causing the police, GPs
and Coroners to be “overloaded”. She
also discussed the emotional distress the
system caused and stated: “Without a
shadow of a doubt, that phrase ”state
detention” is causing great upset to
relatives who, on top of their grief,
57

have to cope with all the additional
formality of the process accompanying
a state detention such as, for example,
the attendance of the police and an
inquest.”
She concluded by asking the Minister
for two reforms. Firstly, for the Law
Commission review into the DOLS
system to be speeded up and conducted
urgently, reporting back before 2017.
Secondly, that the Chief Coroner
should be invited to revise his guidance
which suggests that anyone dying
whilst subject to a DOLS should be
subject to a Coroner’s investigation.
Whilst the Chief Coroner’s guidance
was essentially only his opinion, many
local Coroners have interpreted it as
an “order” rather than “guidance”.
Ms Coffey believed that local Coroners
should exercise their own discretion in
each case.
Responding on behalf of the
Government, the Minister for
Community and Social Care, Alistair
Burt MP, confirmed that the Cheshire
West case had had a clear effect on
the use of DOLS. He stated: “It is
clear that the effect of the Supreme
Court judgment has been to lower
the threshold for what constitutes a
deprivation of liberty when compared
with previous standard professional
practice.”
On the matter of the Chief Coroner’s
advice, Mr Burt stated: “The Chief
Coroner for England and Wales has
provided guidance to Coroners in
which he states his view that, under
the Coroners and Justice Act 2009,
the death of a person who is subject
to a DOLS authorisation is regarded
as a ‘death in state detention’ and, as
such, should be subject to a Coroner’s
investigation. Helpfully, however, the
Chief Coroner states that Coroners are
able to make their own judgment on
that matter. He also states that, where
appropriate, any inquest could be
paper-based and certainly that neither
a jury inquest nor a post mortem is
required.”
UNDER THE
CORONERS AND
JUSTICE ACT 2009,
THE DEATH OF A
PERSON WHO IS
SUBJECT TO A DOLS
AUTHORISATION
IS REGARDED AS A
‘DEATH IN STATE
DETENTION’ AND,
AS SUCH, SHOULD
BE SUBJECT TO
A CORONER’S
INVESTIGATION.
The Minister went on to set out the
steps his department was taking to
alleviate pressure on local services:
“The Department has issued guidance
urging local authorities to work
closely with their Coroner to develop
a proportionate response. I am aware
that many have done so and, for
the time being, that may be the way
through the difficulties. I can tell the
Hon Lady today that my Department
will issue further guidance on this
specific matter in the next few weeks.
Furthermore, I commit to writing to
the Chief Coroner to ensure that we
are doing all we can to encourage an
approach that minimises the potential
distress to relatives.”
He also addressed Ms Coffey’s call
for the Law Commission’s review
to be completed sooner: “The Law
Commission’s review was scheduled to
be completed, in the form of detailed
policy proposals and a draft Bill in the
summer of 2017. I think, having taken
up my duties, that this needs to happen
quicker. Accordingly, I have proposed,
and the Law Commission has agreed,
an acceleration of the review to ensure
that it will now be completed, in the
form of detailed policy proposals and a
draft Bill, by the end of 2016.”
Following the debate, NAFD Chief
Executive Officer Alan Slater said:
“Increasingly, I am receiving reports
from members up and down the
country that DOLS are affecting their
everyday work. I am glad to see that
the Department of Health is aware
of the severity of the situation and is
taking steps to remedy the situation.
“I hope that the Department’s
forthcoming guidance, along with the
Minister’s correspondence with the
Chief Coroner, will make it absolutely
clear that Coroners should exercise
their own discretion on whether an
inquest is required. The NAFD will
be making its views known to the Law
Commission through its review of the
legislation.”
58

59

SUPPLY
AND DEMAND
SUPPORTING FUNERAL DIRECTORS
As we are all aware, funeral directors
and funeral arrangers are very
experienced in dealing with every
aspect of bereavement, including next
of kin, family and friends’ grief, and
understand the grieving processes.
They are both sympathetic and
empathetic, yet still able to offer all
the practical assistance and support
needed at this very stressful and
emotional time.
To help support its funeral director
clients, Love2Donate:In Memory wants
to ensure that all its employees are able
to show a similar type of empathy to
that shown by funeral directors.
As part of its commitment to its
clients and employees, Love2Donate
ensures that training and development
is a priority, with regular awareness
sessions taking place that focus on
empathy, dignity and respect.
Sue Stevens said:: “Although our
employees receive little contact with
our funeral directors’ clients, we
occasionally receive a telephone call or
an email from the next of kin or a family
member asking us a question regarding
the online tribute and donation page
created in memory of their loved one
or, perhaps, a donor calls us to ask if
we could change the wording on their
tribute message as they have forgotten
to add a name, for example.
“Our policy is to treat each contact as
though we are representing the funeral
director. We are unique in creating
our online tribute and donation pages
appearing identical to our clients’
pages livery as appearing on their
websites and on their letterheads. This
means that our employees should be
confident in dealing with people going
through a very upsetting and stressful
time. We pride ourselves on not being
just an online portal where the tribute
pages appear exactly the same and a
user feels there is no ‘human’ factor
involved in the process.”
Love2Donate:In Memory also extends
its training support to its funeral
director clients.
Sue went on to comment: “Once a
new funeral director confirms using
our online service, whether it has one
branch or 50, we offer free on-going
training and support to all the branches.
Our system is extremely easy to use –
funeral directors that run Eulogica or
Funeral Manager software systems can
easily integrate with us.
Funeral directors who prefer can opt for
completing a very simple form giving
basic information for us to create their
unique tribute pages.”
Love2Donate:In Memory is delighted to
manage all online tribute and donation
services for its clients in a sympathetic
manner in keeping with client values.
If you would like further information,
please contact Sue on 01908 886167 or
email sales@love2donate.co.uk
The 1983 Woodall Nicholson Rosedale Limousine.
60

GOLDEN LEAVES LAUNCHES FREEDOM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME
In June, Golden Leaves Funeral
Plans launched the new Freedom
Partnership Programme at NFE 2015.
The Freedom Partnership Programme
was constructed after consultation
with funeral businesses of differing
shapes and sizes. It has been designed
to offer a programme which helps
funeral firms to build their own brands
rather than that of the funeral planning
company.
Barry Floyd, Managing Director of
Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, said:
“Golden Leaves is renowned for
innovation. On the back of three new
product launches in four years, two of
which provided a range of services and
exclusive benefits that simply cannot
be found anywhere else, I believe we
have emerged as a front runner in new
product development within the prepaid
marketplace.
“The partnership programme had
to meet a number of needs. Firstly
we needed to understand the cycle
of contact between the funeral firm
and client, in order to provide a clear
engagement process that any business
could easily follow. Funeral firms told
us the plan needed to offer a formalised
procedure to control enquiries and to
ensure that the opportunities from
these were maximised. It also had to
provide a mechanism to allow a deeper
level of community engagement
as the businesses staff became
more proficient in dealing with prepaid
in order to deliver additional
opportunities. It also had to generate
at-need business and grow the
company’s brand recognition locally
along the way.
“Then came the financials – it had
to provide a way of increasing the
matured plan pay-outs to partners,
on plans that they had been assigned
or had sold themselves. Last of all, it
had to provide a way of being able to
offer a service to the families after the
funeral, possibly for many months into
the future.
“Taking all this into consideration we
devised and wrote the industry’s first
partner programme. Designed to
help funeral firms build their brand,
not ours. Our aim is to provide our
customers with a plan that people
would remember their brand by, and
I don’t mean just by the quality of the
funeral service delivered.”
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SH/FDMJuly15.indd 1 23/06/2015 11:00
61

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Remember.
Celebrate.
Change lives.
Suggest your clients give a gift to Macmillan
in memory of their loved ones. It could make
all the difference to people with cancer
and their families.
Macmillan is here for everyone
affected by cancer every step of
the way. We’re here for people
when they lose someone too.
So please encourage anyone
who needs us to call the
Macmillan Support Line on
0800 808 00 00 – any time
Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm.
For more information
about funeral collections
or Macmillan tribute funds
visit macmillan.org.uk/
inmemory/fst Or call
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Centre today on
0300 1000 200.
Thank you for your support.
62

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To make remembering the deceased
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is launching a new line of crystal urns
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What makes this line exclusive is that
the urns are fashioned from Bohemian
crystal, the world-famous crystal from
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The crystal urns are hand blown
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although the starting model is the
same. This makes each of these crystal
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own right, beautifully hand carved.
The urns in the Premium Bohemian
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The Bohemian Crystal collection
The Funeral Products Premium
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Catalog
AD A UK FDM MEI 2015.indd 1 17-6-2015 15:25:05
63

NEW LAUNCH FOR JC ATKINSON
JC Atkinson, in conjunction with US
company Aurora Casket Company,
announces the launch of a new range
of American wood and metal caskets
as part of the JC Atkinson Guardian
Casket range
JC Atkinson is proud to announce the
launch of its new American Casket
Range. This range comes under JC
Atkinson’s Guardian Casket brand
and is supplied in partnership with
American company Aurora Casket
Company, one of the largest and most
respected casket manufacturers in the
United States of America.
This new range encompasses a wide
variety of both solid wood and metal
American caskets, including many
with special features such as memory
tubes and velvet interiors. One of the
new caskets is available in any colour
- simply provide a Dulux colour chart
reference number and JC Atkinson will
paint the casket to match that colour!
The move comes amid increasing
demand for American made Caskets
as they tend to be of a higher build and
finish level to other none American
made caskets and have a reputation for
having superb all round quality.
Before embarking on this partnership
with Aurora Casket Company, JC
Atkinson visited the United States of
America in order to ensure that its
new supplier had a similar ethos to JC
Atkinson in terms of quality products
and services as well as its commitment
to its customers, both funeral directors
and bereaved families. It is what they
call ‘The Aurora Difference’, and this
fitted perfectly with the way JC Atkinson
operates in the UK.
Bill Jones, Aurora’s Director of
Distributer Sales, said: “We are
delighted to have come together with
JC Atkinson to offer Aurora Caskets to
the United Kingdom. We are confident
that our caskets will prove to be a
popular choice for funeral directors
and bereaved families who want a high
quality American made casket.”
Mark Morris, Sales and Marketing
Manager for JC Atkinson, said: “We
are very pleased to be working with the
Aurora Casket Company in providing
fantastic American made caskets to
the UK funeral market. The work that
Aurora does to ensure it maintains its
high quality service levels is fantastic,
and we were very impressed with its
ethical approach to business, which fits
very well with our own approach to how
we conduct ourselves in our day-to-day
business operations.”
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64

LUCKY STRIKE - BOB TOMES PROVES A WINNER FOR CHARITY
Two teams from the Child Funeral
Charity (CFC) were bowled over by their
success at a recent Charity Bowling
Night at Oxford’s Bowlplex.
The event provided the perfect
opportunity to raise awareness of the
charity and network with well over
100 other charity fundraisers, local
businesses and their guests.
Bob Tomes collecting his prize from Mike Jennings.
Together, the Child Funeral Charity and
Colourful Coffins entered two teams
and Bob Tomes, Sales Manager of
Colourful Coffins, was spot on target –
taking away a prize for being the highest
scoring individual, with 160 points.
Mary Tomes, co-founder and CFC
trustee, said: “We had a fabulous
evening, it was great fun and gave us
the chance to tell plenty of people about
the great work the charity does and
how it helps families at their time of
greatest need.”
Among those taking part on the CFC
teams were Chris Lima (Managing
Director of Colourful Coffins), Anne
Barber (fellow CFC trustee) and Roger
Gale (CFC Chief Executive Officer).
The event was jointly hosted by the
Monument Charity Trust (MCT),
business people who provide free help
and advice services to local Oxfordshire
based charities, and Oxfordshire
business-charities connections
network, ROBIN.
On the night, 21 teams took part from
16 local charities, giving everyone a
chance to network and meet potential
new supporters. Funds raised were
donated to MCT.
For more information, visit
www.childfuneralcharity.org.uk
Information contained in the above article(s) has been received direct from members or their media agents.
The Association and its publishers, therefore, accept no responsibility for the content/comments contained therein.
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65

LETTERS
Dear Editor
Two months ago my mother in law passed away. She had been ill off and on for years, but in the end became really ill in
January and was in and out of St Thomas’ Hospital in London until the middle of April. My wife and I live in Brighton and
we approached a local firm to handle the burial. We knew exactly what Audrey (the mother-in-law) wanted – she wanted a
cardboard coffin in a woodland. The funeral firm came up with a plan and executed it brilliantly. We buried Audrey to the sound
of Mahalia Jackson singing When The Saints Go Marching In in Clayton Wood. Everybody wore bright clothes, as requested.
There were few tears. We all wrote on the coffin with brightly coloured pens, including one arrow pointing upwards with the
note “This Way Up”. It was terrific. A real celebration. What Audrey wanted.
I run a television production company with offices in Belfast, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Our website is www.terntv.com
I run the Belfast office (yes I do commute weekly from Brighton to Belfast). Recently we talked about whether or not it might
be possible to make a television series looking at the work of a funeral director. In the 1980s I made a series on death for
Channel Four and it was fascinating. But this would be more about the work of a funeral director. A semi fixed-rig set up
where we would be looking at the work behind the scenes and hopefully find enough people willing to allow us access to their
funerals. Obviously in some cases we can actually plan that with the deceased before they pass away.
It’s a difficult, sensitive area. I know that. But not impossible, I would like to think, given my optimism.
If anyone is interested in talking to me further about this please do drop me a line. I will be totally honest and up front in my
dealing with you and would expect the same. Primarily, as in all telly work, I am looking for that character who lights the
screen up and who is memorable for an audience. Some of you will know of such people and might well put them and me in
touch.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope that no offence is taken in any way from anything that I have said here.
With best wishes
Brendan Hughes
Head of Tern TV, Belfast
Direct line 028 9032 6033
22 May 2015
Dear NAFD
I write to thank you all most sincerely for the beautiful engraved decanter with which I was presented at Dalmahoy. It is quite
magnificent and I treasure it greatly. This was such a magnificent gesture, so unexpected and I really felt quite overwhelmed.
Serving the NAFD in particular and the profession as a whole has been a real privilege. Little did any of us know when I
attended Sheriff Brodie's inaugural meeting in 20 05 that it would take quite so long! Even when it was suggested that I remain
on the project to ensure some continuity that it would take six years into my retirement to complete the task. I have met a lot
of thoroughly nice people who really believed that they could make a significant beneficial difference to people's lives and now,
at last, the legislation has not only been passed but enacted. There have been some challenging issues along the way but we
have now finished what was entrusted to us some 10 years later.
I truly see the value of our representation at Holyrood and in the corridors of power elsewhere. I have sat through numerous
meetings which had little influence on the funeral profession and then suddenly some issue would appear. We have won
concessions on, for example, the non payment of fees at the time of registration and the abolition of the doctors' fees for
cremation certificates. Whilst we cannot claim all the credit there is absolutely no doubt that our concerns have been
addressed. We have worked amicably alongside Scottish Ministers and MSPs, civil servants, registrars, crematorium and
cemetery representatives amongst others and built an excellent rapport with the staff at Health Improvement Scotland and
the Chief Medical Reviewer, Dr George Fernie. The NAFD is now the first port of call should the Scottish Government have
enquiries about death, bereavement or funeral matters
I have appreciated the trust placed in me by 'The Voice of the Profession' and thank you all for this wonderful tangible token
of support and thanks
With very best wishes to you all,
Graeme Brown
66

Dear Editor
ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT CELEBRANTS
I have been the President of the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC) now for over two years, during which time the face of
the organisation has changed beyond recognition.
I am supported by a dedicated team of celebrants who work endlessly on our committee.
There have been major changes in our Association and I would like to speak about some of the major ones. As each and every
funeral director in the land knows, celebrants are coming out of the woodwork and new ones are being trained and put out into the
market with false promises from training organisations that there is lots of work for them.
We all know that the work for celebrants is limited and funeral directors rely on tried and trusted celebrants who have a reputation
and the experience to provide good services.
We all need to remember that, when a church minister conducts a funeral service, he/sherepresents the Ministry, when a celebrant
conducts a service, he/she represents the funeral director who has employed him/her. It is, therefore, important that all celebrants
offer the best and a highly professional service.
The AOIC has pushed the boundaries of the profession in several ways this year.
1. Insurance
We now have not only Public Liability Insurance, but have just negotiated what the insurance industry describes as a unique policy,
Personal Indemnity cover of up to £2m. With the exception of the British Humanist Association (BHA), I believe the AOIC is the only
celebrant organisation to offer this type of insurance.
Why do celebrants need insurance? All funeral directors should be asking for a celebrant’s insurance cover because we live in a ‘no
win, no fee’ society and people are claiming for all sorts of accidents and omissions when things go wrong.
If a celebrant is at fault when an accident occurs at a funeral, the insurance company that covers the funeral director may not wish
to pay out. At the very least, the funeral director and their insurance company will get into deep debate over fault and claims.
If a celebrant fails to turn up or makes omissions and the family makes a claim of distress for the failing then funeral directors may
find themselves in another legal wrangle.
Having spoken to the insurance experts I can inform you that the largest claim paid out to a family - where it was claimed that the
funeral was not conducted as the family wanted - was in excess of £9,500 plus legal costs which, of course, could have doubled the
amount paid to the family.
It, therefore, makes sense for any funeral director to make sure that any Minister they employ is covered by good, valid and
comprehensive insurance. All AOIC members are instructed to provide copies of insurance to funeral directors.
2. Training
Up to this last year the AOIC ran a training programme. This has now been terminated and we are now working in partnership with
Civil Ceremonies Ltd, which is run by Anne Barber. Anne is a market leader in celebrant training and offers courses across the
spectrum of the industry.
The AOIC registers trainees, but they are instructed not to conduct ceremonies until they have been on the official course. They are
then allocated a mentor and listed as ‘Trainee Celebrants’ on the AOIC website. When they have successfully completed the Civil
Ceremonies course, they are upgraded to full members and receive full entitlements.
3. Supporting NAFD
We have made it out policy to support the NAFD at all its meetings and, where I cannot be available, I will be represented by one of
our members. I actively encourage all our members to support NAFD’s events and Area Federation meetings.
4. Membership of the NCPC, Dying Matters and The Child Funeral Charity
During the last year we have forged close links with all these organisations and openly encourage our members to support each
organisation. I recently met with Claire Henry, CEO of the National Council of Palliative Care (NCPC) and, together, we are working
to improve end-of-life care and planning which, of course, includes planning for a funeral.
In conclusion, may I thank all NAFD members who support members of the AOIC by using their services. By working together I am
sure that we can work through the many changes we both face in the future.
I am available through the AOIC website www.independentcelebrants.com, by email president@independentcelebrants.com or on
the telephone on 07783 323324. I welcome any conversation that may improve the industry and the professional manner in which
we all do business.
Philip Wm. Spicksley
President of the Association of Independent Celebrants
67

Dear Editor
I attended the NAFD Conference in Edinburgh in May and,
being my first NAFD Conference, I wasn’t sure what to
expect.
Everyone I smiled at, met and chatted with was lovely. Some
parts were very formal, others were relaxed, informative
and, by Sunday morning, there were emotional tears and
breathalysing - the latter was optional and not required by
anyone!!!
My feeling is that the industry has moved with the times.
Whilst maintaining a core value of tradition and utmost
respect, the notion of ‘men in black’ has been shaken off to
bring about a much softer, more family-orientated industry
where exceptional standards and staff are key. It is refreshing
and makes me very proud to say I’m a tiny part of that.
Lynne C. Ferguson
Trainee Funeral Arranger
J. & D. Lawson Ltd.
(Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons)
1990 2015
Photo plaques ~ Flowers ~ Bronzeware
Tel and Fax: 01329 31 19 20 Email: sales@fotoplex.co.uk
www.fotoplex.co.uk www.fotoplexgrigio.co.uk
www.fotoplex-ceramicflowers.co.uk
21 May 2015
Dear FDM,
I am writing to ask for guidance from the Association
and the membership regarding the signing of cremation
papers, in particular form 4.
My company seems to experiencing great difficulty Funeral Director in Mont
having forms signed by GPs. This is particularly 618 Warwick true Road
when deceased persons have been removed from Solihull a care
facility or residence out of normal hours. West Midlands
Doctors seem to be reluctant to attend our 891 premises lAA
if those premises are even a short distance away from
their surgeries. We have even had doctors refusing 19 th May to 2015
travel to our mortuaries when the distance is less than
three miles.
Dear FDM,
Doctors have been insisting that we bring the deceased
to a funeral premises nearer to them. Assuming that our
I am writing to ask for
rivals would even help in this way, the doctors have no
cremation papers, in p
suggestion as to who should be liable for the extra costs
incurred.
My company seems
When there is no funeral director next door particularly to their true when
surgeries, we have been instructed by doctors normal to deliver hours.
the deceased in a van to the rear of their premises, where
they are able to give the customary cursory glance Doctors to the seem to be r
remains and then collect their £82.00!
away from their surge
When we refuse to do so, we are regularly berated distance and is less than th
informed that "so and so funeral directors do this all the
time for us".
Doctors have been in
Assuming that our riv
I am, naturally, deeply disturbed at the thought of
should be liable for the
treating deceased persons in this way. My company
has a hard won reputation and I feel sure that it would
When there is no fune
suffer immeasurably if my clients discovered that such
practices were carried out.
to deliver the deceas
customary cursory glan
I am also pretty certain that, during my Diploma exams,
many years ago, I admit, we were taught that the When doctor we refuse to do
should make a "full external examination" of
do
the
this
body.
all the time for
How can these doctors claim to have done so in the back
of a van?
I am, naturally, deep
I have written to the GMC to complain and have company received has a hard w
nothing more than a standard letter in reply. discovered It seems that such p
that the GMC cares little for anything less than criminal
negligence.
I am also pretty certa
that the doctor should
I would be grateful, if the Association or any of the
members might be able to give me some advice
to have
in this
done so in the
matter? I would like to know if the GP is under any legal
obligation to sign these forms and if they are required to
travel a reasonable distance to do so?
What constitutes a reasonable distance
•
in these
circumstances? Importantly, how can we deal with a GP
who refuses to travel a short distance to sign papers?
Teleph
This problem has become markedly worse over the last
few years and, in the absence of the long awaited new
regulations, I can only see it worsening.
Yours sincerely,
Adam Miles
68

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69

NAFD DIARY
06-08
07
23
24
03
2015
JULY
International Cremation & Burial Conference and
Exhibition 2015 (at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-
Upon-Avon)
NAFD South East Wales Area Federation General
meeting at the De Vere Village Hotel, Coryton nr
Cardiff
NAFD Committee for Professional Standards
meeting (at 10:30am at National Office)
National Funeral Exhibition Liaison Group
meeting (at 10:00am at National Office)
SEPTEMBER
NAFD Committee for Professional Development
meeting (at 11:00am at National Office)
08 NAFD Northern Ireland Area Federation meeting
10 NAFD Executive meeting – venue to be confirmed
NAFD Bournemouth & District Association of
12 Funeral Directors’ dinner dance (at Bournemouth
Highcliffe Marriott Hotel)
NAFD Diploma in Funeral Arranging &
16-17 Administration and NAFD Diploma in Funeral
Directing examinations
24 NAFD Grampian & Highland Local Association
General Meeting
29-30 Funeral Times trade show Ireland 20152015 (at
Citywest Hotel & Conference Centre, Saggart,
County Dublin). For further information contact
028 3835 5060 or email sales@funeraltimes.com
OCTOBER
13 NAFD Committee for Professional Development
meeting (at 11:00am at National Office)
14 Council of British Funeral Services meeting (at
the British Institute of Embalmers’ National
Office, Knowle, Solihull)
14 NAFD Committee for Professional Standards
meeting (at 10:30am at National Office)
24 NAFD Cornwall Area Federation dinner
dance – venue to be advised (at the St Mellion
International Resort, Saltash)
NOVEMBER
04 NAFD Past Presidents’ annual dinner
(at Ardencote Manor Hotel, near Warwick)
05 NAFD Autumn General Meeting
(at Ardencote Manor Hotel, near Warwick)
2016
JANUARY
12 NAFD Committee for Professional Development
meeting (at 11:00am at National Office)
21 NAFD Executive meeting – venue to be confirmed
MARCH
17 NAFD Committee for Professional Development
meeting (at 11:00am at National Office)
24 NAFD Executive meeting – venue to be confirmed
MAY
10 NAFD Committee for Professional Development
meeting (at 11:00am at National Office)
19 NAFD Executive meeting (at the Europa Hotel,
Belfast)
19-22 NAFD Conference – Europa Hotel, Belfast
All invitations for the National President to attend a
social function, business meeting, branch opening, etc,
should only be directed to Su Lewis at National Office (by
post, e-mail at su@nafd.org.uk or fax on 0121 711 1351)
and not sent direct to the President.
Any social functions or business meetings you wish to be
included in the NAFD Diary for which the President is not
expected to attend should also be forwarded to Su Lewis.
70

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71

FLEET NEWS
VAUXHALL HEARSE AND LIMOUSINE FOR A DUGGAN
& SON FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD
The quality used Coleman Milne vehicles are pictured here with (Left to Right)
Eddie Marsden of Coleman Milne, Adrian and Edward Duggan.
A Duggan & Son Funeral Directors Ltd
is delighted with its recent delivery of a
quality used Coleman Milne limousine
and hearse at its premises in Douglas
on the Isle of Man.
A Duggan & Son Funeral Directors
Ltd is a family-run business that has
offered a dignified and sympathetic
efficient service for three generations.
The company was originally founded in
1982 by Alfred Duggan who attended
every funeral until a few weeks before
he passed away at the age of 95.
Alfred’s dedication and professionalism
is now continued on by his son Adrian
and grandson Edward who maintain
the family tradition of a friendly and
efficient service.
Adrian said: “Buying cars is always
difficult when living on an Island, but
the service and warm welcome we
received from Eddie Marsden and his
team at Coleman Milne was exceptional
and we look forward to doing future
business with them.”
WILCOX JAGUAR LIMOUSINE FOR AUBREY
KIRKHAM FUNERAL DIRECTORS
The limousine chosen by Aubrey has
a high specification, including air
suspension, satellite navigation, luxury
leather interior and climate control. It
has a quiet, smooth 3.0 diesel engine.
Aubrey was so pleased with the quality
and performance of his Jaguar hearse
and limousine, that he has recently
invested in a Jaguar saloon as his
private vehicle.
Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors Jaguar fleet including the new
Jaguar XJ6 limousine supplied by Wilcox Limousines
Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors was
established at the turn of the century by
husband and wife team Ann and Aubrey
Kirkham. Other family members
involved in the business include their
daughter Leanne.
The business, which has its funeral
homes in Shrewsbury and Four
Crosses, near Oswestry and the
Welshpool borderlands, is proud of its
links with Shrewsbury and its floral
excellence.
Wilcox Limousines would like to thank
Aubrey and his family for their continued
business and wish them every success
with their new vehicle.
72

TOP SELLING WILCOX HEARSETTE ® FOR
H & HJ HUTESON & SONS
Some of the staff of H & HJ Huteson & Sons standing alongside their
new Ford Mondeo Hearsette ® , supplied by Wilcox Limousines, after it
had been handed over by Ian Roe, Northern Area Sales Executive
H & HJ Huteson & Sons was established
in 1950 by Herbert and Helen Jean
Huteson, and is still a family-owned and
operated independent business with
two funeral homes based in Bartonupon-Humber
and Immingham.
Managing Director Alastair Huteson
chose the ‘Business Edition’ model Ford
Mondeo Hearsette ® which includes, as
standard, satellite navigation, Bluetooth
hands-free telephone system, front and
rear parking sensors, alloy wheels,
roof rails, front-heated windscreen and
daytime running lights.
As the vehicle is to be used purely as a
private ambulance, Alastair opted for a
fixed deck system capable of carrying
two deceased at any one time.
Wilcox Limousines would like to thank
H & HJ Huteson & Sons for its business
and wishes the company every success
with its new purchase.
Information contained in the above article(s) has been received direct from members or their media agents.
The Association and its publishers, therefore, accept no responsibility for the content/comments contained therein.
LIST OF ADVERTISERS
Alba Repatriation 78
Allsops 12,69
Alzheimers Society 4
J C Atkinson 11
Auden Funeral Supplies 29
Beverley Funerals Ltd 75
Braemar Finance 69
Breakthrough Breastcancer 48
Brook York 69
Coleman Milne 20,71
Colourful Coffins 31
Co-operative Funeral Care 12
Dignity Caring Funeral Service 77
Dodge Co 59
Fotoplex Grigio 68
The Funeral Consultants 75
Funeral Partners Ltd 76
Funeral Products BV 63
Golden Leaves 2
Greenfield 53
Heart Research 50
Helliwells Funeral Service 78
Imanda 49
Innolite Candles 36
The London Casket Co 47
Macmillan Cancer Support 62
Memory Giving 64
Midcounties Co-operative 76
Much Loved 17
Natural Woven Products 40
Lyn Oakes 51
The Online Book Company 25
Open Prepaid Funerals Ltd 14
Perfect Choice 8
Robert Mackie
Funeral Directors
78
Rowland Brothers Intl 2
Secure Haven 61
SGM Lifewords 52
South Essex Ins Brokers 45
Steve Soult 15,19
Superior 79
G Turner Consulting Ltd 75
University of Winchester 65
Volvo Cars 54
J C Walwyn 74
Wilcox 79
73

NFE 2015 June 12 - 14 Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England
W J C Walwyn & Sons Ltd
Traditional Coffin and Casket Manufacturers
Would like to thank everyone that attended our
stand at the 2015 National Funeral Exhibition
Congratulations to
Debbie A Jackson-Garside from
Hedley Jackson Funeral Directors
on winning our Ipad Mini Competition
at the National Funeral Exhibition.
For More Infomation Contact us on 01335 345555
Email sales@jcwalwyn.co.uk
74

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
CLASSIFIED
DIRECTORY
ADVERTISING IN FUNERAL DIRECTOR MONTHLY
For details on rates, publication dates etc please contact
Jo Asher, Sales Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1525 370013
Fax: + 44 (0)1525 382487
EMail: jo@impact-now.co.uk
www.impact-now.co.uk
BUSINESS WANTED / FOR SALE
Considering selling your business?
Would like a view on valuation and next steps?
Received an offer and want a view on how good it is?
Thinking of setting up on your own and need advice?
Guy Turner
If you would like to contact me in complete
confidence to discuss your business or plans,
please call on 07917 221497
75

BUSINESS WANTED / FOR SALE
SITS VAC
Area Manager/Senior Funeral Director – Oxford Area
We are looking to recruit a Branch Manager and Senior Funeral Director to
contribute to the continuing development of our business.
Area Manager
Reporting to the Regional Manager, you
will be responsible for the management
of a cluster of funeral homes. Delivering a
range of business needs, from exceptional
customer service to colleague development,
you will be able to communicate at all levels
and work under your own initiative to deliver
the objectives of our Funeral Group. You
will also be responsible for recruitment and
selection and have responsibility to ensure
Society objectives are met. Presenting
team briefs and attending PR events is
an essential part of the role. A full driving
licence is essential, as are good IT skills
and a recognised industry qualification with
a proven track record in the funeral sector.
Senior Funeral Director
You will be an experienced funeral director with a
proven track record and ideally possess the
relevant industry qualifications with good IT skills.
You will oversee the day-to-day operational
activities for a cluster of funeral homes, providing
front-line customer-focussed service. Arranging
and conducting funerals, developing community
relationships, and providing guidance and
support to your dedicated team are integral parts
of this role, and you will work closely with the
Area Manager to achieve agreed budgets and
business objectives. You will also demonstrate
organisational, interpersonal and leadership
skills. You must be flexible in approach, prepared
to work as a team member and be an excellent
communicator. Working hours will include night,
weekend and bank holiday out of hours rotas and
you must hold a full driving licence.
Both positions attract
appropriate salaries and also
enjoy the selection of benefits
available by working for a
progressive independent
co-operative society.
Closing Date: Friday 17th July
Please send your c.v. to:
Mark D Adams
Head of Funeral Services
The Co-operative Funeralcare
Hatherton Street
Walsall
West Midlands
WS1 1YB
recruitment@midcounties.coop

Are you thinking of selling your
funeral business?
Dignity would like to talk to you if you
are thinking of selling your business.
The decision to sell your business is a huge
one and something you will only do once.
So why choose Dignity?
1. We are funeral people. It’s all we do. We
are obsessive about the standard of service
we offer the families we serve and over 98%
of clients that respond to our survey say they
would recommend us to family or friends.
2. You will deal directly with a main board director
who has complete authority to agree all terms.
In other words you will be dealing principal
to principal. The result is a quick and simple
transaction.
3. We have acquired more family funeral
businesses in the UK in the last ten years
than anyone else. A significant number
have been very well known businesses
and we will be glad to give you references
so that you can talk to people who have
dealt with us. They will tell you that we are
straight forward to deal with, will continue
to invest in your business and that we keep
our promises.
4. We have cash immediately available without
recourse to third parties.
5. We have a national presence and are able to
acquire businesses in nearly all parts of the UK.
Please call Andrew Davies, Operations
Director or Mike McCollum, Chief Executive.
Between us we have over 50 year’s funeral
experience and will be delighted to deal
with you in the strictest confidence without
any obligation.
Contact Mike McCollum, Chief Executive or Andrew Davies
Operations Director: Dignity plc, 4 King Edwards Court
King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AP
Email: mike.mccollum@dignityuk.co.uk |
andrew.davies@dignityuk.co.uk
Telephone: 0121 354 1557 | www.dignityfunerals.co.uk

REPATRIATION
VEHICLES FOR SALE
Be wise when you advertise
Look for the ABC stamp of trust. An ABC certificate provides
An shows
accurate, independently verified circulation figures giving you
confidence in your advertising investment.
www.abc.org.uk

Make the Superior choice for your funeral fleet
Superior quality
The Pilato limousine
has been designed and
carefully manufactured by
expert Pilato craftsmen.
Superior support
Customer service based
on caring, directly from
our family throughout life
ownership of your vehicle.
Superior loyalty
A modern firm based
on traditional family values:
Honesty, communication
and loyalty.
Tel 0118 971 4444
For the latest information visit www.superioruk.com
10 Fronds Park, Frouds Lane, Aldermaston, Reading RG7 4LH
79

Volvo
02(02) Volvo S80 Hearse 78k £Please Ask
02(02) Volvo S80 5 Door Hearse + Limo £35,900 (pair)
05(05) Volvo S80 Hearse 43k £Please Ask
07(07) Volvo V70 Hearse 28k £Please Ask
11(11) Volvo V70 Hearse 26k £Please Ask
Mercedes Benz
04(04) E270 CDi Limo 44k £29,950
05(05) E240 CDi Binz Limo 36k £Please Ask
05(05) E240 C/M Hearse & Biz Limo 44/35k £Please Ask
06(06) E200 Petrol 5 door Hearse 44k £Please Ask
Daimler / Jaguar
00(X) Daimler Limo 41k £11,950 £9,950
03(03) Daimler Hearse only 19k £19,950 £17,950
05(05) Jaguar Limo 55k £Please Ask
05(05) Jaguar Hearse + Limo 66/64k £Please Ask (pair)
07(57) Jaguar Hearse + Limo 50/41k £Please Ask
08(*) Daimler Limo 22k £Please Ask
08(08) Jaguar Limo 23k £Please Ask
08(08) Jaguar Hearse + Limo 21/22k £Please Ask
09(09) Jaguar Hearse + Limo 23/53k £Please Ask
10(10) Jaguar Limo 16k £Please Ask
10(10) Jaguar Hearse + Limo 20/17k £Please Ask
11(11) Jaguar Hearse + Limo 13/14k £Please ask
Vauxhall
05(*) Vectra Statesman 33k £19,950
07(07) Vectra Statesman Hearse 43k £29,950
09(09) Insignia Contemporary Hearse 16k £Please Ask
Ford Mark 10/11
07(57) Mk 10 Hearse + Limo 37/56k £34,450
11(61) Mk 11 Hearse 25k £54,950
1 st Call Vehicle
08(58) Vito Long Elec Deck 77k £12,950
09(09) Vito Long Elec Deck £12,950 £10,950
10(10) Vito Silver Elec Deck £12,950
14(14) Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCi 140, + Biz Ed 16k £20,950
15(15) Galaxy Zetec 2.0 TDCi Hearsette® del miles £26,950
15(15) New Mondeo Hearsette® del miles £Please Ask
New Transit Ambulance, Elec Deck A/C del miles £Please Ask
One Year Old Galaxy & Mondeos
£Please Ask
80