ALTHOUGH restrictions on numbers allowed at funerals could be lifted completely from the summer, the industries which work in the sector still face drastic changes to the way they operate.

All limits on life events in England are to be removed from June 21, subject to the outcome of a review by scientists. Restrictions on funeral gatherings came in last year, and currently across England only 30 people are permitted to attend a funeral service or ceremony, with only six at a wake.

Matthews Funerals Director was established in Malmesbury in 1880. Funeral director James Beesley explained how difficult the last year has been and what he sees happening in future.

From the start, staff were involved in the nationwide rush for PPE as stock was limited across England. In the months that followed, they started the delicate task of limiting numbers at gravesides as the pandemic took hold.

He said: “It’s been a very difficult year for families because services have been restricted to only 30 mourners to attend, and a lot of churches have been closed, which means we’ve had more burial graveside services in all weathers. It’s also meant we couldn’t have a service before going to the cremorium, where there are also reduced numbers.”

Many families want hold memorial services so more people can attend, when restrictions allow.

Mr Beesley said: “After the announcement, we are now looking to see how limits on numbers could change by June 21. It looks unlikely the numbers will change before then.

James Beesley

James Beesley

“Death rates are up significantly, so we are having to order more coffins and the wider demand on coffin suppliers means it can take longer to get the orders through. We’ve had to adjust operational matters to make sure we keep up.”

He added: “We are doing our best to keep things as normal as possible as normal and it has been very difficult to do that in some situations. We have to think about the safety of our families but also of our staff and the general public.”

Meanwhile, families who have memorials at Royal Wootton Bassett and Semington crematoria, run by the Westerleigh Group, are being offered an extra year free of charge as a result of the pandemic.

CEO Roger Mclaughlan said: “People have been unable to visit memorials of their loved ones as they would have wished to.

“Not being able to mark an important date or anniversary by visiting the resting place would have been upsetting for many people.

“Through providing an additional year to the length of existing memorial dedications at our crematorium, we are aiming to extend the precious opportunity of remembering a loved one."