What are the latest arrangements for funerals?

We want to reassure the families we are looking after and the communities in which we serve, that we are very much here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are constantly reviewing and adapting our practices with regard to updated information and advice from Government and professional organisations.

Whilst we are no longer able to carry out appointments in our client’s homes, we have procedures in place to make arrangements for funerals such as telephone appointments, email and video calls. We can arrange for any paperwork requiring signatures to be dropped off, collected and emailed wherever possible. We are able to hold appointments at our Covid secure offices.

To look after the wellbeing and health of our team and families we would ask that you telephone ahead if you need advice or an appointment, to ensure we can follow social distancing precautions. We keep records of appointments to aid ‘Track and Trace’ and ask that visitors wear masks and use the hand sanitiser provided.

We are able to offer time for families to come and view their loved ones in our chapel of rest, even if they may have died from Covid. Our funeral directors will talk you through the safety measures we have in place to allow this to happen.

Our limousine can be used by families and has a protective screen to separate the driver from the passengers. We can seat 5-6 passengers from one household/support bubble who must all wear masks unless exempt as required by law.

At present Government guidelines state that up to 30 people may attend a funeral either inside or outside, social distancing permitting. This does not include any minsters or funeral staff. Local Crematoria capacity is as follows

Oakley Wood North Chapel -28

Oakley Wood South Chapel -15

Banbury Crematorium- 30

The Vale, Evesham -30

Most local churches have enough space to allow 30 mourners to attend and our funerals directors will be able to fully advise of local restrictions.

Banbury Crematorium and The Vale have live streaming and recording facilities. Professional mobile recording and streaming can be hired for other venues.

Linked commemorative gatherings such as scattering of ashes or wakes may take place in outside spaces with 6 people or 2 households attending and should take care to follow social distancing measures such as sanitising hands and using face coverings. It is anticipated this number will rise to allow 15 people to attend such gatherings from 12th April, although this will of course be subject to confirmation.

Families often chose to support a charity in memory of their loved ones so we have introduced an online donations service which can be found by visiting our website:

www.rlockeandson.co.uk/announcements

This enables family and friend to leave donations and messages of condolence.

The measures outlined above are correct as of 29th March 2021 but are subject to change and it always best contact us directly for confirmation.

Please be assured that despite restrictions, our team are still working to make sure that will do our best to ensure we can offer our families the same high levels of care and support that you would normally expect from us during this uncertain time

From us all at R. Locke & Son