Saying Goodbye with Cremation Ashes
With cremation as a popular choice, we look at some unique and special ways to celebrate with your loved one’s ashes. Make decisions ahead of time and consider arranging a cremation from a trusted funeral home. Going out with a bang Some people are giving their loved ones a spectacular exit with an organized fireworks […]
Let’s talk about the ‘D’ word
Death and dying are not something most people naturally want to talk about. In fact, one research study found that people would rather discuss money or politics with family and friends. So it’s often not until a loved one dies that our thoughts turn to their wishes concerning their funeral. Unfortunately, according to the study, […]
The fashion for Victorian mourning
After her beloved Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria dressed in black for the rest of her 40-year reign. It sparked a mourning fashion for women, many of whom would refer to journals or household manuals such as The Queen and Cassell’s for advice on what to wear. The dress code was dictated by different mourning stages, which for […]
Music to Say Goodbye to …
At a funeral, it can be wonderful to hear a song or piece of music that reflects the personality of the deceased, or that you know was a favourite of theirs. Hearing it played can add to the memories you have of them as you say goodbye. Sites like sbobet88 might be able to help […]
Should you take children to a funeral?
Should you take children to a funeral? When a child attends a funeral or cremation, it can help them to understand that death is final and gives them the chance to be with their family and friends to say goodbye. This can be an important part of the healing process. The first thing to do […]
Is it time to talk about death?
Talking about death is something most people prefer not to do. According to the coalition Dying Matters, over 70% of people don’t feel comfortable talking about death and less than a third have discussed their end-of-life wishes with loved ones. It’s something that Dying Matters – which promotes awareness of dying, death and bereavement – […]
The Hospice of St Francis Receive Donation
Austins were delighted to make a donation of £4,445.00 from Harwood Park Crematorium to Vanessa Howden-Smith at The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted. We hope that the contribution will assist them in their valuable work at the hospice and within the local community.
Releasing White Doves at a Funeral – An Essential Guide
RELEASING WHITE DOVES AT A FUNERAL – AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away and be at rest (Psalm 55:6) For centuries doves have symbolized peace and love, and releasing a white dove at a funeral has become increasingly popular. It can bring comfort to […]
Claire Finds Out More About Vietnamese burial rituals
Last October, Austin’s managing director Claire Austin, travelled to Vietnam to work on a community project to help build a dam in Hanoi. While taking a break from mixing concrete and moving rocks she had a look around the local villages and came across some wooden coffins. When she asked about them, she was told […]
The History of the Victorian Mute
The history of funeral mutes During the Victorian era, when funerals were an extravagant business, the family of the deceased would often hire a mute for the occasion. A mute was basically a paid mourner, whose job was to keep vigil outside the house then lead the funeral procession. A mute dressed in sombre clothes […]
