Funerals

[Polly345]

I would just like to ask peoples opinions on attending funerals during Lockdown.
My grandmothers funeral is next Thursday. I live in Scotland and the funeral is in Yorkshire. I'm concerned that even though Lockdown is easing it's still a worrying thought.

Not sure what the rules are on numbers, you are probably best checking with whoever's is arranging it. Once you've travelled is there somewhere you can freshen up before the funeral,?

Most crems are still imposing a maximum of mourners.
I work in the industry so please feel free to ask me anything and hopefully I can help 😊

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

We were allowed 10

I've attended a funeral for both my FIL and my Grandmother during lockdown. For both there was a limit on numbers and social distancing whilst there, with cleaning before and after we went in.

We are in Scotland and lost my aunt in England during lockdown, numbers meant only immediate family were allowed and we watched via a webcast. My cousin's dh is shielding so he couldn't attend, and all mourners were seated without mixing households and two rows of seats apart. It meant my cousin was in the front row alone 😢

You need to ask whoever is organising what the arrangements are.

And they left the webcast running with music still playing once everyone had left and we could see the guy with the disinfectant spray and cloth "cleaning" after. He did the whole place in seconds, just the ends of the pews/benches, I assume he sprayed the cloth directly before he came on camera as the spray was never used.

We've had my grandmother and mother's funerals in lockdown. Grandmother's had 9 people due to her age and it being close family only - her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mother's had 24 people which was the max allowed due to available space - family and very close friends plus my parents neighbours.

Seating was spaced 2 metres apart and if you were from the same household you could move the seats closer together.

Obviously we hand sanitised on way in and out but it wasn't a requirement due to distancing to wear a face covering - this might change if your funeral is after the reduction to 1 metre.

We arrived just before the funerals so no hanging around. We were given a few minutes grace outside prior to the next funeral. They are timed to reduce the likelihood of contact with lots of strangers here.

Both were shown via webcast too for those who were unable to make it.

Your best bet is probably to contact the place holding the funeral to get more facts before making a decision either way.

I have made the difficult decision not to go. The uncertainty of the journey and having to ask relatives to accommodate us is very uncomfortable. I also have health issues and the thought of difficult situations with family is making me feel very anxious.
This will have difficult consequences as my family find out but I'm just going to have to deal with that.

You can book hotel accommodation in order to attend a funeral, it is one of the exceptions that they have been open for all through lockdown.

So sorry for your loss OP. My DD was unable to attend her grandfather’s funeral (also during lockdown) due to health/travel issues, and everyone completely understood. I would suggest letting family know your decision asap, as someone more local may be able to attend. This happened for us, and MIL was pleased that we let her know about DD as it meant that a local friend could come to support her. Extra difficult for you with the different rules in place in Scotland and England to juggle as well. Sending condolences and

There might be a webcast from the crem if that’s any comfort?

Thank you for your replies.
The funeral was streamed for those that couldn't attend.
I feel like I made the right decision although I found it very difficult to watch when the celebrant said my Grandmother didn't like my partner and made a 'joke' at his expense.
It's difficult but it looks like my non attendance has caused a great deal of offence.
I'm ending the day with a heavy heart.