Death, Dying and Inspirational Funerals

Planning a funeral can be a daunting process, but thanks to the pioneering work of Jane Morrell and Simon Smith of green fuse in Totnes, help is at hand with the inevitable preparations that most of us are likely to face at sometime in our lives.

 

“Funerals often don’t meet the needs of those who grieve. We believe it should be an inspirational event.” Says Jane. “Each life is entirely individual, so it seems sad that it should end with a standard, bland service. It doesn’t have to be like that. Funeral directors do a very good job with the practicalities, but the bereaved often need more help in creating a more imaginative and individual ceremony.””

 

Anyone wanting to know more about funerals is welcome to a talk where the pair will share their personal experience of dealing with death and what alternatives exist to the standard funeral service, which increasing numbers of people find unsatisfactory.

 

Having worked closely with numerous individuals and families to arrange funerals and celebrate the lives and mark the passing of loved ones, Jane and Simon describe themselves as independent funeral advisors and celebrants.

 

“Through our talks and work with clients, we are offering people more positive choices at what may be a very difficult time,” says Simon, who planned his wife’s funeral when she died aged 42. “I discovered how it was possible to create a ceremony that was honest and uplifting, and brought everyone to a greater understanding of her.”

  

“We work with people who want to plan ahead and save stress for their families, as well as the bereaved who suddenly need help with what to do and what the options are,” adds Jane. “Death is so rarely discussed that most people feel completely overwhelmed when it happens. We offer support through a harrowing time when many important decisions need to be made. We just want people to get a funeral that lovingly represents the person who died. One that gives hope, inspiration and comfort to those left behind.”

 

Clearly, once you’ve spoken to green fuse, who are co-founding the Association of Independent Funeral Advisers, a new national membership and lobby organisation for others working in this new field, you discover new choices that can be made when planning a more inspiring funeral.

 

It seems we really don’t have to settle for twenty minutes at the crematorium with a few hymns and prayers. green fuse have advised people on holding funerals in village halls, pubs, on boats and at home; on woodland burials and even burials on private land; on transport by horse and cart, organic vegetable truck, the family car and as well as processing on foot with coloured flags, live music and dancing. “If granny loved line dancing, why not line dance at her funeral?” They ask.

 

“Our message is that you can have just about whatever type of funeral you like and honour life and death in your own way. We want people to say: ‘Wow, that was wonderful!’” Says Simon, “A good, personalised funeral really helps the grieving process.”

 

“It’s a real privilege to help people make funerals an inspiring and memorable occasion that live on in a positive way in the family history,” Declares Jane.

The talk “Death, Dying and Inspirational Funerals” can be heard at Bogan House (The Costume Museum opposite Totnes market), The Butterwalk, High Street, Totnes on Thursday 1st December at 7.30 - 9.30pm (other talks are being arranged - call for details).

 

For seat reservations, personal consultations and interviews with Jane or Simon, call 01803 840779. Also visit: www.greenfuse.co.uk

 

Keen to point out that they are not funeral directors or undertakers, green fuse say that clients are usually surprised to discover that it is possible to make the funeral arrangements themselves and they do not even have to involve a member of the clergy.

 

They point out that 92% of people end up using the first funeral director they consult and spend between £1500 and £2000 when planning their own or a loved one’s funeral.

 

green fuse’s mission is to inform and advise, because as Simon puts it: “With an independent advisor you can usually identify and get exactly what you want - well designed funerals often don’t cost more than conventional ones.”