I wanted to update on the current situation regarding funeral arrangements and the steps we are taking to ensure you, your families and my staff remain safe during the unprecedented times we find ourselves in. We are following the advice being issued by the competent authorities and updating our practices and procedures as when that advice changes.
Our Branches
At present our branches are open but we would ask that you call to make an appointment. This will ensure that you will be the only clients in the branch at one time thus minimising unnecessary contact with others. We ask that when visiting us that you cleanse your hands with the sanitising gel that is available in the branch.
Of course, if you would prefer not to visit we can guide you through the arrangement process over the telephone and send you the forms that need signing by post (or email) - we will even arrange to collect them once you’ve signed them.
Funeral Services
Funeral services are all taking place as normal at present and we will continue to make arrangements on this basis until any advice is issued to the contrary. However, for all arrangements made from today we will use only our own ceremonial vehicles and funeral operatives - this way we can ensure that all possible precautions to safeguard your safety and that of my staff have been taken.
Care of the Deceased
The current advice from Public Health England (updated on 13 March 2020) is that normal care of the deceased procedures are permissible. This means that, at present, you are able to visit your loved one in our chapels of rest once embalming has taken place. However, we would ask that if you do wish to visit the chapel of rest you make an appointment with your funeral arranger.
Memorial Service Package
It is understandable that clients may wish to avoid a large gathering of family members, friends and other mourners in crematorium chapels whilst honouring the memory of a loved one.
Our Memorial Service package offers the choice of a limited attendance or unattended cremation service followed by a memorial service arranged at a convenient date within 12 months. The package includes the service of a celebrant, who will work with the family to put together a service that celebrates the life of the loved one, the first 10 copies of Order of Service sheets and a Cuthbert cremated remains casket.
Mears & Jackson will continue to follow advice from all competent authorities as the situation develops and our website will be updated on any changes to our services. In the meantime we would like to say thank you for your understanding and wish you and your families well.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of our services please do not hesitate to email on chris@mearsandjackson.co.uk
