Pondering… Change
Ponder was a word that my Grandmother often used. I never really knew what it meant. For all I knew, as a small lad, it could’ve been the Ponds Cream that was on her dresser that she applied daily.
Just lately I have been pondering on my vocation as a funeral director, and stumbled across another word.. Change.
At first I recalled another childhood memory. This time it was my mother’s threating voice “Geoffrey”(always called me that when instructions were to be followed!) “Don’t forget to CHANGE your underwear in case you get run over by a big red bus and taken to hospital”!! Instruction taken, and we were off to town on the big red bus awaiting the accident.
There has been a number of changes I have recognised in the funeral industry over my 45 years of service. Here are a few of them:
Dress attire: A less formal approach is now taken, in fact I was asked the other day to wear a leather jacket instead of my usual black jacket. My mourning suit which was standard uniform, is often exchanged now days to a lounge suit, and funeral attendees wear bright and relaxed fashion.
Religion: When I began, almost every funeral was conducted by a Vicar, Priest, Pastor, etc. in a local Church or Crematorium Chapel. Celebrants were unheard of. In fact I can only remember the late Trevor Ritchie who conducted funerals calling himself a Celebrant in the 1970’s. He was very good. Now there are more secular ‘celebrations of life’ than formal services.
Advertising: I can remember when the funeral industry was only allowed an ‘A CARD’ advertisement, along similar lines of other professional callings, solicitors etc. which was simply the name, address and phone number of the company concerned. These were printed on the front page of the Press with the Death/Birth/Engagement notices. Now regular advertising in all forms are widely used.
Cup of tea: Following funeral service years ago, mourners would return to a family house, or Aunty Zelma’s home, who kindly offered a cup of tea, homemade biscuits, and perhaps her well known sponge cake. Yum! The important gathering was time to re-connect with family and friends, and the men could even end up in the garage with their half gallon! Now days, hospitality is unlimited in both venue selection, and menu choice. The other day a ‘celebration of life’ service was held in a Winery.
COVID 19: has certainly bought about change. I don’t know whether we will have to live with this change, but it has been quite demanding on staff as we organise funeral services according to levels allowed. Family interviews are conducted on line, with e-mail, telephone calls, zoom etc, There is usually little face to face contact.
A few of my ponderings. Maybe more next time. And yes I have changed my underwear, and the buses are now a teal colour which do look less threating!!
Written by
Geoffrey Hall
