Current restrictions on funerals etc in English part of the country

MoneySeeker1

First off - please trolls stay away and do NOT comment on this. I only want genuine replies - and NOT trolls "having a go" - yet again - because their egos demand it.

First parent died 2 weeks into Lockdown and the other one (his wife-my mother) has just died too. She was in English part of the country. I am in the Welsh part of the country.

So - how many people are currently allowed at the Lockdown funeral for her? First impression is it's 20 people.

1. Does that 20 people mean 20 people - or does it mean "20 people including those there for some 'official' sort of reason - eg the vicar/funeral directors people/etc"?

2. Is the usual sort of snacks/drinks/chat etc "allowed" afterwards or no? (albeit with the usual "antisocial distancing" type stuff)?

Again - I am asking the trolls to please STAY AWAY and resist the temptation to make nasty comments.

But all useful/helpful comments welcome.

onwards&upwards

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-from-4-july

Check the first page again after the 4th July when much of the advice will probably have changed. 

I'm very sorry for your loss, but please be kinder to the funeral directors this time. 

Robin9

Are you in contact with the FD ? He will have the latest info and be in touch with the crem.

AnotherJoe

My condolences. I know speaking to someone last week who was getting married (now postponed by a year) that whilst thats opened up with ?30? allowed they haven't changed the restrictions on other meetings outside the ceremony, so the same 30 people who can attend the wedding ceremony couldn't (legally) attend a wedding reception.  I would expect it to be the same for funerals. 

parcival

Recently had my mothers funeral in Surrey - maximum of 15 allowed but different rules for different crematoria.....

MoneySeeker1

This is part of what I'm wondering - ie whether people are now allowed the usual social gathering so to say "afterwards" yet.

Easier with weddings - though I certainly sympathise with anyone trying to have one currently - as one can just decide to postpone the wedding until things are Back to Normal usually (whenever the heck that will be...) and continue "living together" - but obviously not the case with a funeral in the event.

gettingtheresometime

Well given you can go to a pub now I would have thought some sort of wake could be held

Robin9

No wakes or parties are allowed.  My local village hall in theory can open on Monday but strict social distancing of 2m, no catering, ..........................................

AnotherJoe

MoneySeeker1 said:

This is part of what I'm wondering - ie whether people are now allowed the usual social gathering so to say "afterwards" yet.
Easier with weddings - though I certainly sympathise with anyone trying to have one currently - as one can just decide to postpone the wedding until things are Back to Normal usually (whenever the heck that will be...) and continue "living together" - but obviously not the case with a funeral in the event.

You can postpone the wake.

MoneySeeker1

That would be a logical thought to postpone the wake - but not feasible in the event. Given that my parents were both in their 90's and therefore had "lost" a substantial proportion of people they knew anyway and everyone is scattered round the country one way or another.

Another little "thorn in side" thought is my brother promptly said that she had said there was to be no video of the funeral. She may or may not have said that and obviously it would not have been a nice (or practical) thing for her to say if that was the case. When I organised my fathers funeral - nothing had been said about that and we all take it for granted, in current circumstances, to think of having a video link and so I duly arranged one (and, as far as I was concerned, anyone who wanted to watch it was welcome).

If I was organising this funeral - then I would follow standard practice for these days and organise a video link (again - for anyone that wanted to watch it). If my brother is correctly saying what mother said about that - I can see him not doing a video link and me therefore unable to even attend virtually!! It is possible she really did say that (though I don't know) - as she was very secretive, very old-fashioned, etc, etc. So - I will be requesting him to do a video link (for anyone/everyone that wants) and see what happens re that...

onwards&upwards

People in Wales are allowed to travel to attend funerals if they are invited.