Comments made today by funeral industry groups, indicate that we may soon be instructed by the PM that attendance at funerals will have to cease to stop the spread of Coronavirus. Afterall, it’s sadly a step that’s been taken in other countries.
I cannot imagine, loosing someone close to me, let alone to this horrible virus, and then being denied the privilege of being able to pay my respects in the way in which we are all used to doing.
We recognise the psychological impact this is going to have on people, both close family, and friends. Whilst we don’t pretend that we can wave the proverbial magic wand and make everything better, we would like to be able to support families to change their mindset about how to have a fitting send off, pay respects, celebrate a life, or whatever label most appropriately suits the occasion.
Slowly, without the rules the virus has beset on us, we have gradually been moving away from traditional funerals, by having the option of a direct (type) cremation, followed by an event at a later date. In the past this has meant that people travelling some distance for the funeral have been able to comfortably make arrangements, and choices of the most fitting venue and food selected.
The current situation has thrust this alternative into the forefront as an acceptable option, and hopefully a way in which family and friends can hold a memorial, pay respects or celebrate a life, whilst feeling that they have suitably and correctly dealt with the loss of a loved one. They will feel they have said their farewells and goodbyes in a fitting manner.
At Mid-England Barrow we are now taking booking for funerals or celebrations of life from June onward. We have a 5* registered kitchen, and all the necessary food hygiene certification. Anyone is welcome to hold a funeral here, and if in June we are still governed by restrictions, we will gladly allow you to rearrange your event without any costs incurred. The safari tent can be used free of charge (as long as catering is required), and examples of costs are available on our website.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well, and look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Barrow in due course.