Pre-paid funeral planning is a growing area within the funeral industry. It is estimated in the UK over 500,000 people have planned their funerals this way.

At Nicholas O’Hara, we only offer funeral plans in association with Golden Charter, the UK’s largest independent funeral planning company and have been associated with them since 1995. The Golden Charter Trust where the funeral money is held until time of need, has a present value of over £1.3billion and is 100% funded which means at any one time, every funeral held within the Trust can be paid for at its required level. This gives us confidence and security that the Trust is properly managed and plan holders money is safe for when needed.

Funeral plans are open to any one of any age, have no health checks or restrictions and can cover all types of funeral. There are also many different payment options including 12months interest free direct debit or for any person aged under 78 they may use our low-cost instalment option where payments can be made from 2-30 years dependent on age at start of payments.

Our funeral plans offer the following:

• Peace of Mind
• Funerals provided by a local truly independent family business since 1974
• Guaranteed Funeral Directors costs for the future
• Money held in a Trust that is 100% funded
• Funeral Planning Authority regulated plan company
• Choice of funeral plans – from traditional to direct cremation to woodland burial
• No age or health restrictions
• Different payment options
• £100 M&S vouchers if purchased before 1^st May 2020
• Funeral plans at 2019 prices

For more information on the benefits and options of funeral planning please contact us 01202 882134 or visit https://www.oharafunerals.co.uk/funerals/pre-paid-funeral-plans/uk/

“Our family are here for your family”

The idea of a direct cremation has started to become a choice people consider for their own funerals. Celebrities such as David Bowie chose this as the option for them and the idea has started to grow with this level of exposure. But what is it, how should it be done and what are the effects on those left? 

What is it?

Direct cremation is the option to have a cremation without any form of service or attendance. It simply means that a Funeral Director brings the deceased into their care, arranges a time for the cremation with the crematorium and then the coffin is transported there and received by the crematorium with no family or mourners able to be present. The funeral director of course will guide the family through the legal and practical procedures such as registering the death but there are no other practical arrangements that need to take place and the family have the choice on what happens to the ashes after the cremation has taken place.

 How should it be done?

This new option has driven new businesses to enter the funeral profession with just this service as the option. Many of these new businesses run from call centres, do not have local offices or facilities to care for the deceased, require full payment before making any final arrangements, most will not meet in person to guide families, will often use a van or similar to deliver the coffin to a crematorium often many miles away and make families wait over one month before returning the ashes to them. Many also advertise a price from…. this often means there could be extras to pay that are not shown or expected.

We believe this isn’t how any type of funeral should be done. We provide the same level of support as to any traditional funeral. We will:

• Collect the deceased and give them care and dignity at our head office
• Meet with family to discuss their choices, guide through all processes and discuss all future arrangements
• Provide a suitable simple coffin for cremation
• Take the coffin to a local crematorium (Poole or Bournemouth) in our silver jaguar hearse with a funeral director and staff to convey the coffin into the chapel
• Collect the ashes as soon as they are available if required, and hold for families to make a choice on their final resting place
• Give a full inclusive price for the whole service including the necessary disbursement fees

What does this mean for those left?

Direct cremations can take place before or after another type of service such as church or before a memorial service but for some there is nothing else. Even though this may have been the deceased’s wishes it should be considered what it means to their family and friends.

For many, funerals are not something they look forward to attending, but are seen as both a public and personal way of saying a final goodbye to someone special. Funerals are also a way to remember the life lived, the personality and uniqueness of that individual, to come together with others to share these special moments and support each other at this time of loss. When a direct cremation takes place for those left there can be a feeling of emptiness as they have not had chance for that final goodbye or to create a service that will provide positive and personal memories for the future. Add to this the lack of service a non-specialist funeral director offers then the whole process can be quite empty and impersonal.

For anyone considering a direct cremation, firstly consider the wishes of those close to you and how they will feel and second, make sure the funeral process is done by a company that will support them through your choices and provide the care and dignity they would wish you to receive.

For more information on our direct cremation option or any type of funeral please visit www.oharafunerals.co.uk

“Our family are here for your family”

Nicholas and Anthony O’Hara were pleased to present to Sue Miles, head of fundraising at Julia’s House a cheque for money raised through funeral plan sales. The company had selected the children’s hospice as their charity of choice and from each funeral plan they sell, a donation is made to this special Dorset based charity.

Anthony who is head of funeral planning for the family business said “we have worked with Julia’s House for many years supporting events, staff training and at times the families whose children are cared for by the incredible team there. This is our small way of giving something back and helping them keep this special place running and supporting families across Dorset”

Funeral plan sales over the last 10 years have helped raise over £10,000.00 that the family business has donated to local charities, and through Golden Charter the funeral planning Trust company, further money is raised throughout the year for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

For more information on funeral plans please contact us or visit our funeral planning page.

“Our family are here for your family”

From 2^nd – 8^th December is National Grief Awareness Week, the first time this has been run in the UK. The aim is to try and normalise grief and get people talking about this typically uncomfortable subject on a national platform.

The campaign is being driven by The Good Grief Trust, the UK’s leading umbrella charity which is bringing all UK bereavement services, support organisations and helplines together under one central database for the bereaved and those working with them.

Julia Samuel from the Trust says “it isn’t the circumstances of the death that will predict a positive or negative outcome, it is the support they get at the time and after the death. This is the key component to anybody finding a way to rebuild their life”

This is why at Nicholas O’Hara we have partnered with SAIFCare, a free service, to all families we care for, offering counselling in a variety of ways to support them following a bereavement. We were asked to pilot this scheme in 2016, and following its success has been rolled out across the UK, and we believe offers support to those who need it in a way they feel most comfortable getting it. For more information on this please visit https://www.oharafunerals.co.uk/funerals/saif-bereavement-care/

In recognition of Grief Awareness Week we are all being encouraged to share a picture of a loved one or simply hold up their name with the #OpenUpToGrief and #NGAW19 to share among the social media community.

“Our family are here for your family”

At Nicholas O’Hara we realise coping with grief is one of the hardest parts of losing someone. At this time of year our grief can be heightened by the Christmas period.

Below is a link to an article which has been written by those who have suffered loss and gives their stories of how they dealt with grief at this time of year.

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/coping-with-grief-at-christmas_uk_

For those experiencing grief we offer the chance to speak with a trained counsellor through our association with SAIFCare, for more information please visit https://www.oharafunerals.co.uk/funerals/saif-bereavement-care/

“Our family are here for your family”

On Monday 18^th November 2019, Nicholas O’Hara were privileged to conduct the funeral of Fire Fighter Carl Cavanagh who passed away on 19th October whilst competing in a triathlon in Mallorca. The funeral took place at The Minster Church, Wimborne with over 800 people in attendance.

Lizzie, Carl’s wife, and all the family wish to say thank you to all those who helped create a special day to remember Carl and also to the many members of general public and shop owners of Wimborne who quietly stood in respect as his funeral procession passed through the town, led by a fire engine from Heathrow Airport where he was based, and a vintage fire engine which carried Carl’s casket and was accompanied by his colleagues past and present from White Watch, Heathrow.

The family have kindly allowed us to share the tributes given at his service and they are a real reflection of the man he was to his family, friends and colleagues – a real hero.

Please click on the PDF link to open the tributes https://www.oharafunerals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CARL-CAVANAGH.pdf

For anyone one unable to attend or who wishes for a copy of the order of service please contact us

“Our family are here for your family”

Considering a funeral plan?

With the ever-increasing numbers of people deciding to plan and prepare for their futures by purchasing a funeral plan this has seen the increase in companies wishing to enter the market. Many people rightly choose to speak with their funeral director of choice but some are persuaded to buy by cold-callers or from an advertisement in a newspaper. So how do we know who you should buy from and what you should be considering?

1. Where should I purchase a funeral plan – we passionately recommend that you do not purchase a funeral plan from a cold caller or in response to an advert or flyer from an unknown company. Many funeral plan providers use cold calling to sell funeral plans. Many offer what seem like cheaper prices and say that you can choose the funeral director of your choice. In many cases these funeral plan providers have no arrangements to any funeral director and once they speak with a company they will not accept the funeral plan because it is either at a cost they cannot conduct the funeral at; or they do not have confidence or trust in the company that sold the funeral plan. – Nicholas O’Hara only work with Golden Charter, the largest independent funeral planning company in the UK and supported by around 1,000 independent funeral directors. With the funeral plan you purchase through us we guarantee to carry out the funeral with no further funeral directors expenses unless additions wish to be added at the time of need.
2. Speak to the funeral director of your choice – If you haven’t decided upon this then perhaps research them and look at their websites, look at what services they offer; are they members of a recognised trade association; who owns the business (many are not owned by the name above the door but large conglomerates); are there independent reviews about the business left by previous families; are the prices of the services they offer available?  – Nicholas O’Hara are owned and managed by the O’Hara family for over 45 years and have no outside owners or shareholders. Our website offers a list of the funeral plans we offer and reviews that are independently gathered by Funeral Guide from families we have had the privilege to care for. We are members of the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
3. Which funeral plan provider – The biggest reason to then speak to the funeral director of choice is they will offer a funeral plan that they wish to be associated with and have confidence in. I would though stress to make sure that this is a funeral plan that is registered with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) which shows they meet the required criteria set by this regulatory body.  – Golden Charter are FPA members and are among the few companies working with the Government for better and tighter regulation of the funeral planning market.
4. Types of funeral – Next make sure you are given choices on types of funeral as many funeral plans offer different funeral packages based on the different types of funeral, such as simple and traditional options or even woodland burial. For many though they also want something more bespoke to them, this does not have to mean more expensive but a funeral plan that covers exactly what they do want with personal choices. This could be the resting place of cremated remains, transport to the crematorium, type of coffin or where the funeral is to take place. Cold calling companies will often look to sell the cheapest option which may not be the funeral you wish for as they are paid the same commission for every sale.  – As well as our funeral plan packages we can create a funeral plan that is totally bespoke to all aspects of the funeral as you wish. We also provide a ‘my funeral wishes’ booklet for you to complete in your own time to list your personal choices such as music/hymn; flowers or donations; or even a theme for your funeral. We do not pay commission to our staff or any third party for a funeral plan sale or lead. We do make a donation to our charity of choice for every funeral plan we sell, this is currently Julia’s House children’s hospice in Dorset.
5. Payment – never feel pressured into making the payment at the first meeting or over the telephone if you are not ready to. Also check what payment options are available, such as in full or direct debit and if required over what number of years can you pay up too. Never make a payment direct to a funeral director for a funeral plan. All payments should be made direct to the Trust which is holding the funeral plan monies. – All our funeral plan payments are made direct to the Golden Charter Trust. We also can allow payment by interest free direct debit over 12months or those aged under 78 may pay, dependent on age, from 2-30 years (please discuss this option with us so we can let you know the maximum term allowed for your age)
6. Can I cancel my funeral plan – All funeral plan providers within the FPA will allow a funeral plan to be cancelled. If this is after a set period (often 28 days) then you will lose the cost of the administration fee which was built into the funeral plan – this should also have been shown in the costings to you. – As stated you can cancel your funeral plan with us at any time. Also, if you choose to move to a different area in the UK, you may transfer your funeral plan to another funeral director who like us, would be an independent family business and works also with Golden Charter.

We hope this simple guide has given you the advice you need in choosing your funeral plan. If you require any further help or you have a question you wish us to answer then please feel free to contact us. All funeral plan appointments are made under a no-obligation term and can be made in any of our funeral offices or in the comfort of your own home. We can also provide written quotations for any type of funeral plan or payment option you wish.

For more advice or to download our funeral planning brochure please visit https://www.oharafunerals.co.uk/funerals/pre-paid-funeral-plans/

“Our family are here for your family”

This year we are continuing our support of The Royal British Legion to honour the wartime service and sacrifice of Britain’s friends, allies and Commonwealth nations.

It’s a special way for us to ‘Remember Together’ and join forces to commemorate the contributions of all those who defended our liberty. £25 will be donated to the charity for every Golden Charter plan sold by us until 31^st July 2020.

This is the third year of our partnership through Golden Charter with The Royal British Legion and so far over £240,000 has been donated to them.

Funeral plans have become increasingly popular with over one million people in the UK having purchased a funeral plan; they are open to all ages, no health or financial checks are made, there are different payment options, they give peace of mind, allow someone to list their funeral wishes, take away the burden from those left, give financial security against rising funeral costs.

Purchase a funeral plan before 31^st December 2019 and receive £100 discount on your chosen funeral plan.

For more information please visit our website https://www.oharafunerals.co.uk/funerals/pre-paid-funeral-plans/ or contact us 01202 882134

“Our family are here for your family”

Around the world death is celebrated in many ways. Probably the most famous is the Mexican ‘Día de Muertos’ or day of the dead as it is known. This colourful 3day celebration from 31^st October – 2^nd November which coincides with the Christian celebrations of Allhallowtide, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Those celebrating will dress up in many different types of costume but all will have their faces painted to represent the skull as a symbol of the festival and parades will take place during the day and night over this period.

As part of the celebrations in Mexico on October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children’s altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. The three-day fiesta is filled with marigolds, the flowers of the dead; muertos (the bread of the dead); sugar skulls; cardboard skeletons; tissue paper decorations; fruit and nuts; incense, and other traditional foods and decorations.

This celebration is also observed in many parts of South America and similar types are also found to happen in parts of Europe and Australia.

There are many other death celebrations around the world. Christians celebrate All Souls Day and many churches have special services to remember those who have died and they are remembered by the lighting of a candle. In Chinese culture ‘Zhongyuan’ festival is celebrated for a month with Bhuddists remembering their ancestors. ‘Chuseok’ is celebrated in both North and South Korea and ‘Gaijatra’ is a Hindu tradition celebrated in Nepal.

We believe death is still a taboo in the UK, but over the last few years there has been the starts of change. People seem more willing to discuss death in their normal environment and death and funerals can so often be seen in the news, television, social media and our favourite soap drama. One of the most common ways it is discussed is with funeral planning or pre-paid funerals with more people wishing to discuss this with us and plan ahead for the future giving peace of mind, a record of personal wishes and financial security against rising funeral costs.

Whether you want your service to be quiet and simple, traditional or completely unique to you we are able to make your funeral reflect your wishes, beliefs and create a special memory for the loved ones left. As a real family owned and managed business, we do not answer to outside shareholders or business partners, meaning we have full control of how we work, and how we can help achieve each individual persons funeral wish.

For more information on funeral planning please visit www.oharafunerals.co.uk or contact us 01202 882134 or by visiting one of our funeral homes.

“Our family are here for your family”

“What is someone’s favourite song?” is a question we all possibly could not answer about ourselves or even a closest loved one. At the time of a funeral, music has become an important element in creating someone’s special and unique final goodbye, and for many families choosing what they think that person may like may be a difficult decision.

Every person has a favourite genre, artist or just that one song that always makes them smile. We have seen the popular choices change through generations, from classical, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, TV themes or even the latest song from the charts. We asked some of our team what their final song would be and we got some interesting choices which we shared below.

To help with this and other personal wishes Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors have created a funeral wishes brochure where these choices as well as thoughts on type of funeral, dress code, final resting places and many others can be considered, making it easier for those left to make sure they would choose what you would like.

Even for us as funeral directors this isn’t always an easy discussion, that is why we believe giving these important choices some thought can give peace of mind and reassurance that your wishes will be carried out. For some this may also involve actually purchasing a funeral plan so the costs for these choices will have been put in Trust for the future.

If you would like to discuss or require more information on the services we provide, funeral planning or making your wishes known then please visit www.oharafunerals.co.uk or contact us on 01202 882134

Some of our team’s choices:

Nicholas – Cherish the love – Kool & the Gang

Anthony – You’ll never walk alone by Gerry & The Packemakers

Natalie – Purple Rain by Prince

CJ – Three Lions 98 by Baddiel and Skinner

Rory – The Avengers Theme Tune

Nicky – Always look on the bright side of life by Monty Python

Teresa – Lovely Day by Bill Withers 

“Our family are here for your family”