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 My
Job
Name:
Beverley Lodge
Age:
45
Job Title:
Commercial Director
From:
Berkshire
Business:
Lodge Bros, funeral director
What’s
your background?
I worked for a big plc in sales and marketing
for several years before joining the family firm
as a seventh generation director.
What’s
the funniest thing that has happened to you at
work?
I had a very frisky Friesian, one of the oldest
breeds of horse in Europe, on a horse-drawn funeral.
The deceased didn’t know how bumpy his last
journey was, but the family saw the funny side.
What’s
the most stressful aspect?
Every funeral is bespoke and you always want it
to go perfectly, but little things don’t
always go to plan. For instance we might have
a puncture on the hearse the day before a funeral.
I have to deal with all aspects of the business,
so if the computer goes down or the stationery
doesn’t arrive, it has to be sorted out.
What’s
the best part of the job?
Seeing the funeral come together on the day. It
gives me great personal pleasure when my five
managers tell me that funerals they have arranged
have gone well and the families have expressed
their thanks and appreciation.
What
was it like seeing you first cadaver?
I was about 10 and it was the most natural thing
in the world to me as I had grown up with my parents’
funeral director’s premises.
What’s
the average cost a funeral?
Around £1,500.
What’s
the most expensive coffin?
About £3,500.
Latest
trends?
Horse-drawn funerals are increasingly popular
as are requests for taped music to be played.
Coloured coffins are increasing.
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