COVID-19 Update

Funerals in restricted times

Despite the restrictions, we maintain the highest standards and levels of service to ensure the right environment when it comes to saying goodbye. There are a number of aspects to this:

• Our 24-hour service is always available on 0121 476 9111
• The same levels of dignity are maintained – those entrusted to our care remain at our premises
• The registration of the death can happen electronically – don’t worry, we can help with this
• Paperwork can be completed electronically – we can help with this too – if forms need to be signed and you are self-isolating, we will deliver them (and can pick up shopping or medicines for you if that helps too)
• Funerals at cemeteries and crematoria can still be attended by family and friends and the number of attendees is being regularly reviewed – where changes are announced, we’ll alert you at the earliest opportunity – some Crematoria have provided us with more specific information, which you can find below.
• Some churches have reopened their doors for funerals, albeit with restricted numbers – we are in touch with our local churches and know those which are open and how many mourners each of those churches could accommodate
• You can choose burial or cremation and the location
• You can choose the date and time for the funeral
• You are still able to choose from a selection of quality British made coffins
• We have a choice of black or silver Jaguar hearses or a black classic Rolls Royce hearse – horse-drawn hearses (and a whole range of other hearses) are also available
• We are now able to provide limousines for funerals as clear perspex screens have been fitted to our four black and two silver limousines
• The cortege is still able to leave from a local address and for mourners to travel behind it to the service venue, taking a particular route if required
• We are always happy to place with your loved one any letters or photographs you may wish to send to us
• If you wish to receive a lock of hair from your loved one, we can usually do this
• We can arrange flowers on your behalf
• Our on-line obituary page enables you to share details regarding the funeral (and any restrictions in place) with others. Whilst not everyone who would like to attend would be permitted because of the present restrictions, you may choose to arrange for the funeral to be streamed on the internet, enabling others to see the service or ceremony taking place as it happens. We can also provide an online version of the order of service if we have arranged this on your behalf  There is also an option to make charitable donations through our online obituary pages, ensuring that much-needed donations are still received by your chosen charity
• If you wish to provide your own bearers that is entirely possible, or we can provide pallbearers to ensure the coffin is transferred safely from the hearse into the crematorium, church or to the graveside.
• Webcasting/streaming is available at most crematoria and this allows others who are unable to attend to have the option of watching the funeral from a distance
• Recording of the service is also available and this can be saved to a DVD or uploaded to the internet if desired
• A visual tribute could be incorporated into a funeral service. Recent examples include video recordings of family members giving a eulogy or reading poems, which were played at the funeral service on the screen within the chapel
• Flowers, flags and photographs can be placed upon the coffin
• Your loved one’s funeral can be led by a minister of religion, a civil or humanist celebrant or a family member
• You can choose the music to be played and there are several opportunities when this can happen; instead of singing hymns you can choose a hymn, song or music to listen to
• Printed orders of service can be provided – these may be provided with envelopes to enable them to be sent to family and friends
• Eulogies may still be given by family members who are present
• Ashes can be retained by us in our Chapel of Rest as we understand that you may wish to hold another gathering for family and friends when restrictions have eased
• We are able to provide a wide range of memorial jewellery, keepsake urns, scatter tubes and caskets
• Our Ivy Suite can be made available to families in the future for a memorial service
• Our website is regularly updated when innovative ways to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones become known

Crematoria

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement made on Monday 4^th January 2021, some crematoria have updated their funeral guidance. Here are the updates we have received:

City of Birmingham: (Lodge Hill, Yardley & Sutton Coldfield Crematoria) – with immediate effect

• Funerals are allowed with strict limits on attendance
• Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people
• Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted in these limits
• Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble
• Wakes are not to be held

Solihull (Robin Hood and Woodlands Crematoria) with effect from 11^th January 2020

• Cremations can be attended by a maximum of 20 mourners – the crematoria are no longer permitting additional mourners outside the Chapel
• Social distancing has increased from 1.5m to 2m. Attendees will still need to wear face coverings and sanitise their hands upon entry. It is also essential that social distancing regulations are observed both inside and outside of the chapel
• Regrettably, the crematoria will no longer be able to allow singing or the blowing of any instruments such as trumpets or bagpipes
• Numbers able to attend a burial remain at 30 – however please ensure mourners follow the social distancing guidelines at all times

Redditch Crematorium

• Cremations can be attended by a maximum of 30 mourners

Other locations have not yet released details but as and when they do we will naturally share this information with you.

Changes in policies and procedures have impacted upon us all, but we always seek to respond in a positive and appropriate manner in order that we can do the best for the community we serve. Rest assured that we’ll do our best to communicate any further changes to you as soon as we’re able.

In the meantime, please contact us if you have any queries or concerns.

With our very best wishes.

Derek & Sarah.