Category: Funeral Director Bayside
Funerals & Food
Food has often played a significant role in funerals and services associated around death. In modern Australia the choice of food venue and drinks plays a vital role in funeral planning for many. Whilst our more secular society may be gravitating to alternate funeral venues, traditionalist also consider refreshments to be an important part of the funeral ritual.
Many church funerals often concluded with tea and coffee in the church hall following the formal proceedings of the funeral. Often supplied by the church ladies whom may have also made all their own cakes and sandwiches. These events we seen to be an important part of extended family get togethers, where family and friend who had not seen each other for many years had the opportunity to reconnect. Many families would alternatively choose to have these events at the family home.
As homes have gotten smaller and our society drifts away from church, the funeral home had began to replace the church setting and indeed some funeral homes not only have their own commercial kitchens but supply fully licensed services.
Possibly the biggest change has been in many of the larger cemetery/crematoriums building purpose built refreshment rooms and commercial kitchens. Southern Metroplitan Cemetry Trust (SMCT), which operates Springvale and Bunurong Cemeteries has possibly the most expansive catering set up. With thousands of meal portions served each day, families are clearly welcoming the concept.
In Melbournes restaurant, cafe style culture everyone is a critic in this highly competitive food market and SMCT clearly tick all the right boxes in both quality of their offering in both food and facilities. With Asian, Greek, Italian, Sri Lankan, Vegan, Gluten Free themed options families are able to tailor events to set their requirements. From as little as 20 mourners to 100s in attendance these rooms are proving very popular.
Outside of the funeral environment, other venues have identified new markets and clients are relating many of these venues are offering extremely cost effective alternative to the traditional funeral environments of funeral homes, cemeteries and churches.
From Bowls and Golf clubs to Yacht Clubs, Wineries and gardens, restaurants and function centres, many of these venues now offer, funerals (yes with coffin present) and refreshments options. The prestigious Sandringham Yacht Club, located on the edge of Port Phillip Bay has become the venue of choice for those who have a nautical bent or just love the water. With Food and beverage packages to suit, the venue provides the ideal alternative to traditional establishments.
Sandringham Yacht Club – Funerals By The Bay
Although many of us love to eat food, some cultures incorporate food into the ceremonial aspects of the funeral. Hindu and buddhist families have food offerings on their alters during the service. After the funerals some cultures will have light refreshments at the graveside, where highly potent home liquor and food may be offered to guests immediately after which families will return home for a much larger feast.
Yet what does the future hold? With Uber eats a new phenomena, will this be the way forward. Perhaps it is no surprise then that SMCT will shortly be offering take home food options for families from their kitchens. SMCT says " We understand that self care may not always be top of mind for visitors who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Our take home meals have been created to help provide support and care to our community during this time."
Oh, and don't forget while you are devouring that gorgeous pie and your next funeral, take time to remember why you are there.
To get information on funeral venues and funeral options contact Robert Nelson Funerals ph (03) 9532 2111
Re Purpose Coffins?
Last month I wrote about environmental options within funeral service. This week I came across possibly one of the most sensible environmental options available and its been right in front of us all the time!
Coffin manufacturing has changed a great deal over the past century, I remember my grandfather making coffins from solid timber and without modern manufacturing techniques had to use hot water in order to bend the shoulders into coffins. Paper laminates, custom and particle board just didn't exist. Polishing or finishing was applied often by hand, using traditional french polishing techniques.
In todays coffin manufacturing environment , high tech is the way to go, with computerised cutting machines and a variety of timber variants available. Yet ,whilst the manufacturing techniques may have changed , there is still waste from off cuts and damaged timbers or veneers that typically end up in land fill.
Innovative family owned Melbourne coffin manufacturer RH Minter, has decided to do something about it. They are re purposing what was once waste into environmental low cost affordable coffins. While these unpolished rectangular coffins, sometimes have different panels and are possible not for every family (in regard to traditional looks) they definitely lead the way in environmental re purposing.
Manging Director of Robert Nelson Funerals, says "families now have a real alternative when considering environmental options and even better it locals that are doing it."
"Compared to cardboard, that has to be manufactured, (often overseas) these timber off cuts are already in the local factory and would be shipped out for land fill if not reused."
Robert Nelson Funerals are pleased to offer these environmental repurposed coffins as part of our standard range.
Call Robert Nelson Funerals for further information. Ph (03) 9532 2111
A New Year, Time To Start Planning
On New Years eve many people make a resolution, yet while it is a common tradition some reports claim only 8% of these resolutions are ever kept. Yet, whilst it is easy to get caught up in the frivolities of the occasion, the new year provides a great opportunity to plan the year ahead.
We plan, with insurance for our cars, our house and often our life. We organise wills, superannuation and financial planning. Although, pre planning your funeral is probably not on the top of your list, it is worth considering why it may be for some.
Pre planning or pre paying for your funeral is not a new concept and has been in Australia for the best part of a century in various forms. In more recent years we have been flooded on morning TV with funeral insurance and the so called benefits of it. However, Funeral Directors generally don't regard this as funeral pre planning as the funeral is never actually pre planned and paid for.
Funeral pre planning typically involves sitting down with your funeral director and working through all the items and services you would want for your funeral. This way the client can ensure the burial or cremation services are meaningful, appropriate and affordable to their unique needs.
Pre Planning is simple
The funeral is costed at todays price and paid for. Cemetery or crematorium fees may be pre paid directly with the cemetery or crematorium and can be organised by your funeral director or paid direct. The balance of the funeral funds are invested in a funeral bond in the clients name and assigned to the funeral director on the death of this person. This way the funds are secured, held at arms length from the funeral director and capital guaranteed.
The funeral director will issue a contract showing all the goods and services pre paid and the monies paid.
So why would you consider pre planing your funeral?
For many its simply a matter of "Peace of Mind" . So that your family is not burdened with the expense and not knowing your wishes at the time of your death. Robert Nelson, from Robert Nelson Funerals says "that for many pre planning your funeral is about planning for the future so that people can get on and live their life, knowing all their affairs are in order."
Planning ahead means you can get on with life knowing all your affairs are in order
For others it may be because of some of the financial benefits of pre paying your funeral. On 1 January 2017 the Australian Government implemented changes to the assets test used to calculate pensions. Investments of up to $13,000 (current threshold for the 2018-19 financial year) in a funeral bond such as the Bendigo Funeral Bond, are exempt from Centrelink and the Department of Veterans' Affairs income and assets tests. For more information on these changes to the pension assets test, you should contact Centrelink, Department of Veterans Affairs or your Financial Adviser.
So what does it mean when your funds are capital guaranteed?
It mean your original and subsequent net investments plus declared bonuses are guaranteed upon your death.
Finally, once paid you have nothing more to pay at the time of death for your funeral. The funeral directors contract provides a guarantee that your original investment will cover the cost of the funeral into the future.
So if its "peace of mind", getting your finances in order or it seems just the right thing to do at this time, call Robert Nelson Funerals and discuss your requirements.
-37.9434529145.075889
Funerals By The Bay
"I have lived my whole life near the water, swam surfed, sailed. It's where I met my wife, we even got married on the beach. The water and the beach mean a great deal to many people and are often very much part of our lives." Robert Nelson – Managing Director, Robert Nelson Funerals
As larger number of families now seek more meaningful and relevant ways to farewell their loved ones, we have seen an in increase in alternate funeral venues.
Across Melbourne, Funerals are now being held in , parks, gardens, beaches, golf, bowls, and yacht clubs, reception venue, vineyards, restaurants and the list keeps growing. Increasingly larger numbers of venues are finding families, not only want the wake or refreshment services at their location, but also have the entire funeral, to save mourners having to drive to a different locations across the city.
With this in mind Robert Nelson Funerals has introduced "Funerals by the Bay", Funerals that are held in bayside locations around Port Phillip Bay. Most locations have sweeping views across the Bay with sand only meters away. Robert Says "typically families that have an association with the water choose the Funerals By The Bay Option". Whether it be sailing fishing or generally loving the water, these are the types of people that choose these locations for funerals, memorial services or wakes.
"Funerals By the Bay" by Robert Nelson Funerals at Sandringham Yacht Club provide families with a complete funeral service package, with options that include not only all vital aspects of the funeral service, including, the coffin, cremation fees, certificate fees, funeral director fees, etc, but also venue hire, catering and audio visual all in one complete price option. If its a memorial service (no coffin present) or the wake after the funeral service, Sandringham Yacht Club provides a wonderful choice.
Robert says people are often surprised at how reasonable the costs are to have the services in these locations.
It's not only members of the club that can have their funeral at the yacht club, but non members are also welcome to have their final send off at this beautiful club too. The club has extensive food and beverage options for the gathering at the conclusion of the funeral service.
Some families also choose to have their loved ones cremated remains scattered at sea and this can be arranged also.
If you have attachments to other bayside areas in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula talk to us about Funerals by the Bay at Mornington, Port Melbourne, Brighton, Parkdale, Williamstown, Altona, and St.Kilda
The Irish Wake
The Irish Wake is perhaps one of the best known funeral traditions in the world.
Many countries have now adopted the term "Wake" and although it is widely associated as an Irish tradition each country has its own version and rituals. In Australia the wake usually begins after the funeral whereas as you will discover the Irish wake begins immediately after death.
As with many rituals and traditions the origin of the "Irish Wake" is generally unknown. Often thought to have been heavily influenced by element of ritual paganism, it was very much frowned on by the Church.
One claim thought to be folklore, was that this Irish tradition came about because of lead poisoning in pewter tankards. With high levels of lead in pewter mugs, many of the drinkers who used them would fall into a 'cationic state' resembling death. The sufferer could regain consciousness after many hours or even days, hence the term "three-day Wake."
But, wherever these rituals and traditions originated many have now been carried on through the passage of time and are practiced in many countries throughout the world.
Traditionally, the local priest would be called to the family home to give the last rites. The priest would come at all hours of the day or night for prayers and the sprinkle holy water over the body.
Following the death and with the body still in the family home, the house needed to be prepared. A black-edged envelope would be attached to the front door to let neighbours and friends know of the death. A room in the house was set aside for the body and window would be opened to allow the spirit to move out and onto its eternal journey. Nobody was to block the window, as this would have bought misfortune to whoever has blocked the spirit's path to eternal life. The mirror would be either covered in a white sheet or a linen cloth or turned to face the wall. This is thought to hide the physical body from the dead body. After about three hours the curtains are drawn and the window shut, so that the spirit does not return.
I had often heard on my travels of the bodies being prepared and sometimes embalmed by the funeral director in the house on a door removed from its hinges, however I cannot confirm the validity of this claim. Traditionally the body would have been washed with holy water by a women known as a 'handy woman'.
It is about this time the undertaker was called, usually providing a modest inexpensive coffin. Candles were placed around the coffin, and remained lit until the body is later moved to the church.
Once the family had completed their prayers in the house, friends would call in to pay their respects and offer their condolences. Then all the merriment would begin. Refreshments including Tea, Sandwiches, cakes, buns, beer and poteen (an illicit Irish distilled beverage made from potatoes) would be offered. it wouldn't take long before tales would be told about the dead person, and the naughtier (and more alcohol consumed), the more laughter ensued. Music also played an important part in the tradition.
This would go on all that night, and the next day the body would be taken to the church for prayers. No doubt attended by some that had already experienced their own "3 day wake" On the third day after death would be the funeral mass.
Following the catholic funeral mass the funeral party would then follow the coffin out of the church, and it would be placed into the hearse and the family and friends would walk behind to the cemetery for a graveside service.
After the burial, as is so customary now and then, mourners would return to the local pub or family home, where the merriments would continue.
In Ireland today, many of these old traditions have gone as the modern traditional funeral director performs the functions a family once did. So whilst the old tradition and ritual may be disappearing one thing has not and that is the joining of family, friends and relatives in "Celebrating a Life" in a fitting and meaningful way.
In Australia the "Aussie Wake" is alive and well. For many the traditional values and meaning of the church (relative to funerals) is being replaced by new traditions, steeped in the old traditions of the Irish wake, Many families are now choosing to have services or events in places like bowls, golf, football or yacht clubs, where joviality and humour can often form a significant part of the event. Sometime the body is present and sometimes not. Usually the merriment continues long into the night around the bar, where tall stories become just a little bit taller.
Although time has passed and we live continents away from Ireland, many of the old customs have morphed into our "Aussie Wake" and found new meaning and values in Australia life.
The "Wake" is still as relevant as it ever has been.
Robert Nelson is a fifth generation funeral director who has studied and travelled extensively throughout the world. His company Robert Nelson Funerals is based in Melbourne Australia and specialises in meaningful funerals
Meaningful Funerals
Cremated remains scattered by fireworks
So what does it mean to have a meaningful funeral?
Put simply, the funeral has to be relevant to you. As with all milestones in life, such as weddings, birthdays, family events, etc, people choose to celebrate these in ways that have meaning and relevance to them. Funerals are no different. Funerals are a celebration of life, where we can reflect on a persons life lived.
Traditionally, funerals were centred around the church and religion, just as they were with weddings. The funerals were often very similar as dictated from the church's funeral rites. However, today things have changed. Increasingly more families and mourner's find little relevance in the traditional funeral service. It has often been heard from some mourners they wonder if indeed they are at the right funeral service as the service bears not reflection on the life of the deceased and subsequently mourners don't connect with the service.
So how are Australian families making more meaningful funerals and what are the types of things that are being incorporated into a funeral or the events surrounding it.
Over the past decade there has been a increase in the amount off audio visual productions at funerals, wether it be photographic montages with selected video and relevant music, to photographic or display boards of images of the deceased life. These simple touches bring relevance and meaning to mourners in attendance as the images are something they can relate to and will spur on strong memories of the person they knew and remembered. Services can be recorded and or live streamed to the internet for people that may not be able to travel to the service.
A few years ago I interviewed and filmed a lovely lady and asked question about her life and growing up. A few years later at her funeral, her images and voice mixed with archival photos gave her the opportunity to talk about her life, in her words, it was personal and touching.
Todays funeral tributes have gone high tech
Families have traditionally invited people back to their homes after a funeral for refreshments. As homes have got smaller and peoples lives busier, these functions are now often held elsewhere. Todays progressive cemeteries have high quality function rooms and beautiful catering. Many families are using there facilities or those of their sports clubs for both the funeral, the memorial service and or refreshments. These have great benefits as it places mourners at ease in their more familiar surrounds.
Indeed many families are finding more relevance and meaning at these informal refreshments functions, than they are at the funeral services and subsequently we are seeing increasingly more families choose to have a cremation without any attendance and memorial service held afterwards in their favourite location.
Its not only the funeral service itself that has seen significant change, but the way and manner in which people are choosing to deal with cremated remains. Whilst traditional memorialisation is still popular, families are choosing to say there final farewell in different ways.
Ashes to Ashes, offers a unique yet personal way to commemorate the loss of a loved one by scattering their ashes high in the sky by way of a beautiful and spectacular fireworks display. The brain child of Sydney born pyrotechnic Craig Hull, Craig believes peoples sadness and grief are replaced by wonderment and celebration as the journey towards closure begins.
Every heard of someone as referred to as a rough diamond? Well now its possible to turn them into a beautiful one, literally. An Australian based company can now turn cremated remains into diamonds. Known as "Cremation Diamonds" the process takes anywhere from 3 -8 months.
Cremation diamonds
Now whilst some of these new ways of remembrance and meaning may not be your cup of tea, the most significant change has been the acceptance of allowing those in mourning to choose to do things that have relevance and meaning to them. Funeral options.
So next time you're in a position to talk to family about what you want, tell them, they might be surprised!
As for me, I want to go sky high, with my cremated remains scattered over the start line at the yacht club, while my friends watch on and celebrate on the balcony with a cold beer and remember me with love, laughter and life.
Robert Nelson has listened and worked with clients since 1983 and created ceremonies that are designed around the needs and desires of grieving families. Robert Nelson Funerals, knowledge, experience and understanding makes him the preferred choice for Melbourne families.
For more information on any of these services, please contact Robert Nelson at robert@robertnelsonfunerals.com.au or ph (03) 9532 2111