THE RISING POPULARITY OF MOTOR-CYCLE FUNERALS
May 17th, 2013
Motor-cycling has always been a popular pastime, some would say a way of life for British youth. It is an interesting fact, however, that the average age of the British motor-cyclist has risen from 24 in 1952, to 44 in 2012.
Most of those who opt for two wheels rather than four, usually remain keen ‘bikers’ well into their latter years. It is no surprise, therefore, that ‘motor-cycle funerals’ are becoming ever more popular.
There are numerous companies in the UK now, who provide a motor-cycle hearse for hire. The most popular form of hearse is that of the side-car, although there are also some who provide a ‘trailer’ hearse towed by a motor tricycle.
Most of the motor cycles used are older types, with British marques such as Triumph and BSA being particularly popular. These bikes are more suited to the job than modern bikes; a predominance of chrome, rather than plastic fairings, is visually more pleasing and more dignified.
District Manager Peter Breslin is pictured astride a Triumph motor cycle hearse prior to a recent funeral at our Yiewsley Branch.
Custodians
May 17th, 2013
At Lodge Brothers, we constantly strive to maintain strong links in the local community.
On Thursday, 25th April 2013, staff from Sunrise Senior Living Nursing Home in Virginia Water were offered a half–day training seminar including a branch tour and visit to the local crematorium.
A comprehensive and detailed presentation was provided by District Manager, Richard Leachman covering all aspects of Pre-Paid Funeral Planning as well as ‘Dignity in Death’, documentation & registration, preparation and procedures for burial or cremation. This included a history of the ‘Lodge Family’, seven generations of helping and advising local families in their time of need. An opportunity was given for questions with a break for refreshments.
“It was very helpful,” said Jane Nelson (Assisted Living Coordinator at Sunrise Senior Living).
Following on from the very informative seminar, nursing home staff were taken by courtesy car to South West Middlesex Crematorium (Hanworth). On arrival, with the sun shining and fountains trickling in the forecourt of the two chapels, it seemed a fitting moment to visit the place where our bereaved families meet in thanksgiving for the lives of their loved ones.
Tracy and Richard at SWMC guided us through the procedures, helping staff to understand the process of cremation and thus enabling them to be better informed to answer any questions asked by families.
“The staff thoroughly enjoyed the training,” confirmed Tony Hill, General Manager of Sunrise, Virginia Water.
Now better equipped and confident in the fact that whether at the Nursing Home, Funeral Home or Crematorium, we are all ‘custodians’ of our bereaved families’ loved ones in our care.
SAVE THE DATE! St Stephen’s Church Christmas Memorial Service Sunday 1st December
May 15th, 2013
Barnes & Sons of Shepherds Bush are proud to announce the companies first Christmas Memorial Service in Shepherds Bush.
More than 100 people are expected to attend St Stephens Church in Shepherd Bush for a service of thanksgiving. The service, which will be conducted by Rev Bob Mayo, will be held at 3pm on Sunday 1st December 2013, and the congregation will be invited to light candles to remember their loved ones.
Organised by Barnes & Sons Funeral Directors of Uxbridge Road and Askew Road, the service offers support for grieving families who are struggling to come to terms with a loss.
Paul Bye, District Manager for the Funeral Director, said: “Like the church, the funeral director plays a vital role in the local community both before and after bereavement, so it seemed natural to join together with Rev Mayo and offer our time and support for the local community.” Paul added, “Everybody is most welcome to attend.”
More information will be released closer to December.
Police Bike Escort for Final Journey of Retired Met Officer
May 10th, 2013
On Friday 3rd May, Lodge Brothers in Walton-on-Thames conducted the funeral of retired police officer Michael McGeehan, only 4 short months after conducting the funeral of his wife, Ann.
Motorbike enthusiast Mr McGeehan, who had served in the Metropolitan Police for 30years, got a true-blue send off, with full Police motorcycle escort accompanying the hearse, and traffic stopped along the route on his final journey to Randalls Park Crematorium.
He’s leaves a son Gerald, who is also a police officer, and two daughters Alison & Christine.
ST MICHAEL & ST MARTINS and ‘ALL THAT JAZZ’
May 8th, 2013
Last Saturday, with the help of Lodge Brothers & Barton, St Michael & St Martin RC Church in Hounslow held a hugely successful charity evening called “All That Jazz”.
Lodge Brothers & Barton provided the Jazz trio and the church provided the food for a crowd of over 160 people.
Several hundred pounds were raised in support of three charities:
International charity ‘Aid to the Church In Need’
Homeless charity ‘The Passage’
St John Southworth Charity for the very poor in London
Parish Council Organiser, Cedric de Sousa, was thrilled with the evening, “It was a fantastic event, thanks to Quentin and all at Lodge Brothers. The band were outstanding, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
