FUNERALS are a testing experience at the best of times: under lockdown they have become significantly more complicated.

Social distancing measures put in place by the government to slow the spread of coronavirus have changed much of how ceremonies are organised.

Co-operative Funeralcare, which runs some 14 funeral parlours across Oxfordshire, is finding alternative solutions to navigate these problems.

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Chief operating officer Mark Adams is the man in charge of that delicate mission.

The 52-year-old said: “Usual funeral traditions have had to be adjusted.

“When we’re arranging funerals with our clients, we give ideas for people to pick from to make the occasion as personal as possible.

“Quite common are the bespoke service sheets which people at a regular service use as a reference.

“We’re providing these to the next-of-kin to send to other family members.

“Our crematoriums have streaming services so we explain to families that it’s an option if they want it.

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“They are able to log in through a secure link at real time and feel as though they’re a part of the service.

“In most facilities this was already accessible however we have made it more so recently with the price.

“Flower and plant seeds which have a picture of the deceased person on the front provide an opportunity to take part, but not physically be there.”

Another effort to make funerals personal is to have the officiant stop at an appropriate time so they can orchestrate a silence or a raising of a glass.

Similar to the 'clap for carers' initiative which has proved popular to support the NHS, Co-operative Funeralcare has trialled clapping for a hearse as it passes a street where family members may not be able to attend a funeral.

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Mr Adams said his team were quick to react to the situation, saying the new procedures came into force soon after the introduction of social distancing.

"The new initiatives are based on trying to find appropriate things, whilst sticking to guidelines but still making it unique," he said.

The industry veteran, with some 36 years experience, went on: "We’re using our intranet to log ideas in a library and then colleagues can try an idea in their area.

"The ideas are endless, it’s a case of having the conversation with people.

"These are unprecedented times, causing us to come up with alternative solutions that are appropriate for the deceased.”