Wide ranging discussion..
A write up of Derby Death Cafe
By timdowdell
In a wide ranging discussion a number of issues were explored including:
Advanced arrangements made before someone has died. Works well but some people feel it is actually tempting fate to even discuss such matters.
The role and legal status of a common law wife was discussed Many myths still exist re the rights or otherwise in such a partnership and the legal benefits of marriage
Metal reclamation [from joint replacement and other repairs] and how this works Practice may vary crematorium to crematorium but in future DNA records may become a feature to be considered.
Length of time to make funeral arrangements also discussed Takes longer than ever with ever increasing paperwork 10 to 14 days average now.
The importance of the funeral also discussed in making it all seem real, a very definite stage in the process of coming to terms with a death in the family
‘Curtains closed’ ‘curtains open’ views differ each approach has advantages and disadvantages
Different ways of adding to the poetry of a funeral ie releasing balloons or doves increasingly popular
Lady Di’s funeral discussed as inspiring to many others [touched on the fact that the hearse broke down at the gates of her ancestral home]
Wills and changing them – inter family disputes ‘where there’s a will there’s a war’
But we also touched on the definite benefits of a good funeral in easing things along and bringing families together
Talked of funerals years ago when everyone in the street would close their curtains, bow as the hearse passed by etc and the different values sometimes displayed today