Professionalism, dignity and empathy are the hallmarks of a good undertaker

GOOD undertakers are seasoned professionals, carrying out the wishes of the family and the deceased with the utmost dignity and respect.

If you wish to organise your funeral arrangements in advance it is possible to go to your undertaker to discuss the necessary details. They will guide you through the various issues that will arise, answering questions such as;

• Do you wish to be buried or cremated?

• Would you like your passing to be announced formally in a newspaper / radio? • Do you wish to be embalmed? • Do you wish to repose at your home or a funeral parlour?

• What type of service you would like and where?

• Do you wish to receive flowers at your service or arrange a charity donation option for mourners?

• Do you have any specific requests regarding removal to the graveyard?

• Do you have any specific requests regarding the type of burial service? The undertaker will usually provide a marker for your grave until such time as a headstone can be erected.

The undertaker will guide you in the direction of sculptors and headstone designers - you can make arrangements in advance and choose the headstone and the inscription which will stand at your grave.

In terms of cremation, your undertaker will arrange the details with a crematorium. A good undertaker will always respect your wishes and offer insight into all available options - for example some people may wish to donate their body to scientific research in an effort to go on helping others after their death.

Of course, many of us do not have the foresight or inclination to organise our funeral in advance - these tasks often fall to loved ones or family members who will engage the services of the undertaker.

The same questions and issues exist for family members following the passing of a loved one - however they can be confident that a respected and experienced undertaker will guide them through this distressing time with dignity.