We cremated Marilyn on Friday. I took a major part in coordinating the Funeral, the family were simply to distraught.
Marilyn was not a church going Christian, however, she did have some belief however small and as the local vicar said, ?99% Christians do not now go to church but that does not mean they are not entitled to a Christian burial?. However the service did not have hymns, which few people sing anyway, and instead we listened to three pieces of music that were favourites of Marilyn?s or a message from her husband. There was some prayers and, an appropriate Reading and of course the prayers at commendation/committal. Those who attended had the opening prayer and the Lord?s Prayer to say only, which were written in the Order of service. I wrote the story of Marilyn?s life in the Order of Service and three eulogies were given by her Sister, her best Friend and her husband. These Eulogies were very powerful and had most in the Chapel alternatly switching between laughter and tears, how her husband got through it is in itself a miracle but he did his wife proud. All in all it was a lovely send off and it will be the format I will use for my funeral.
I must say that not at any stage did I get the impression we were being ripped off. The Vicar spent around 3 hours in total; initial contact, discussing the Order of Service with me ? which I produced and the service. And I was happy to pay £150 for his services. It is not the basics that run away with the money it is the additions, everybody wants to do right by Uncle Billy syndrome I call it, such as Cars. The Hearst itself costs £200 every extra car cost £125 and it can quickly become the most expensive journey you will ever make. We drew the line at direct blood relatives only and this reduced three cars to one. For my own funeral, when ever that is, I am having my coffin pre placed in the Chapel therefore no Hearst and no cars (save £325). Flowers are another area to look at, we did no Flowers and donations to Macmillan Cancer Care.
As a matter of interest a basic coffin cost £400. I am making my own Coffin from left over fencing material, 1?x4?x8? planks from my Son in Law, and my children and grandchildren are going to decorate it. This has now become the talk of the family and friends. Before I decided to do it we had an ?Elephant in the room? which nobody mentioned, now we all have a good laugh about me falling out of the bottom of my home made coffin. It is the best decision I have ever made.
Kindest regards ? Vasbyte
David
