PRESS INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF ALLIED AND INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS 

You Can't Choose When, But You Can Choose How.

Over 1600 years or so the Christian ethic has dominated the way of life of the British Isles. Yet over the last half-century or so, what was once unquestioned practice for the vast majority has become for a part of our population something reserved for births, marriages and perhaps most sacrosanct of all, for funerals.

Yet in spite of talk of the UK now being a largely secular society, many people it seems still retain a perceived obligation to involve their church however a loved one may have lived his or her life.  "Whether one puts this down to custom, or deep-seated beliefs that may only surface at a time of great emotional stress, the traditional funeral is still very much in demand", says Alun Tucker, CEO of the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral directors (SAIF).

"What is however new is the way that the religious core of such ceremonies are increasingly becoming complemented by influences from the world outside. Either drawn from popular culture - the choice of music that is played on entrance or on exit from the church or crematorium - or in the form of personalised touches that highlight the leisure interests and working life achievements of the person being commemorated.

"Indeed, part of the thinking behind SAIF's National Bereavement Awareness Week initiative this September, is to underscore the fact that there is no longer such a thing as a 'standard' funeral. As independent funeral directors we are not tied to a particular service or supplier, which means that our members are flexible enough to accommodate most requests, however unusual. From colourful corteges with balloons and horns blowing with party music, to the simple private family farewell, nothing is too much trouble for SAIF members on this important day in the grieving process."

For some too, this freedom to choose can lead them to opt for a ceremony where religion is deliberately absent. One where the funeral conductor will take the place of a minister, or a formally-trained civil celebrant both leads the service, and also helps the family plan its shape to best reflect their loved one's life.

There is of course no choice in whether one departs this life or not. Ultimately the time will come for all of us. As to marking the manner of our going though there is no end of choice, from the sombre Victorian-inspired funeral with its black-plumed horses and cut-glass hearse, to an almost festive celebration of life, full of the colour and sound of a New Orleans marching band. For dignity is increasingly in the hands of the bereaved, and what is respectful and dignified for an octogenarian family patriarch may be very different for the fast living adventure seeking youngster. 

National Bereavement Awareness Week runs from the 21st to 26th September 2009, when SAIF members up and down the country will open their doors to the public to foster a greater awareness of the services which they can provide, and help relieve the British taboo on death.

Ends

Image caption: "Brunswick Carriage Company horse-drawn hearse: traditional funerals still very much in demand say SAIF.

More images and further information at: http://www.aardvarkpr.co.uk/downloads.htm

Editors contact:	Ewan Scott 		Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 
(mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911
Company contact:			SAIF  tel. 0845 230 6777

Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractual;
both Aardvark Associates and SAIF decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors.