ARTHUR W. Bryant Funeral Service, who have offices in Bude, Camelford and Holsworthy, have implemented new measures for their funeral homes and funeral services following the decision of the government to go into lockdown.

In a statement, they said: “It is with a heavy heart that we must bring this guidance and these measures into place. We have always tried to work closely and personally alongside families throughout the difficult times they experience, but we now need to think about the safety of these families, our staff and their families. Please be assured that the funeral arrangement and service of your loved one will still be carried out with the respect, dignity and care that they all deserve.

As of this morning (Tuesday, March 24), all of our funeral homes have social distancing measures put in place in (in accordance with government guidelines) to ensure the safety of our staff and clients who are visiting our homes in this current climate.

“We urge all clients who are thinking of visiting our funeral homes to please call before visiting as many enquiries and queries can be dealt with over the phone or via email. However, if this cannot be dealt with over the phone, we will book an appointment for you to visit but, social distancing and personal hygiene measures will need to be undertaken.”

The current guidelines given by Arthur W. Bryant Funeral Service:

Funerals —

As of last night (March 23) attendance to their funerals is still permitted, the amount of people who can attend is still to be stated.?All churches are to be closed. This means that if your loved one desires a burial it will have to be a close family graveside service. A celebration or thanksgiving service can then be arranged for another time once these strict measures are lifted. Throughout the graveside service, Bryant’s will also ask all attending to keep to the social distancing guidance.

Cremations —

If your loved one wishes for a cremation service, the safety measure from their two local crematoriums are as follows:

Glynn Valley Crematorium, Bodmin — A maximum of 25 people can attend a service, the seats have been laid out in the chapel to adhere to social distancing measures. Webcasting the service to other members of the family is available.

North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple — A maximum number of people attending has not been stated by the crematorium, but they have asked the services to be kept to close family only and have said only spouse/partner, parents/carers, brothers/sisters, children and partners can attend. Webcasting the service to other members of the family is available

Bryant’s would, if possible, like to conduct their funeral arrangements over the telephone, by email or Facetime or any other communicative method that suits and limits face-to-face interactions. Despite this, they will still need a member of the close family to sign paperwork for the funeral to go ahead and this can be done by posting the paperwork out to the family. However, if this is not possible, they will arrange a convenient time to visit you or if willing and able to, you can go in and sign the required paperwork and all social distancing measures will be adhered to.

Visiting your loved one in one of a Chapel of Rests —

If you or any of your family wish to view your loved one in the Chapel of Rest, call and arrangements can be made for a specific time. However, Bryant’s ask that only two people of the same household attend at any one time in respect of the government’s new safety guidelines. At-risk groups are strongly urged not to visit.

Arthur, Kingsley, William and all the team at The Arthur W. Bryant Funeral Service hopes everyone stays safe and takes care.