A dignified, complete and competitive funeral service

Press, 29 May 1981, Page 23

A dignified, complete and competitive funeral service

Academy Funeral Services has completed its first year of business. The only new funeral firm to be established in Christchurch in more than 50 years, Academy is owned and conducted by the two working partners. Peter Lawrence and Geoffrey Hall. Bith partners attended Lear's College. London, and qualified in the examination set by the National Board ot Embalmers. Both have eight years experience in the profession and are dedicated to the ideal of sincere service at the most reasonable cost. "We are traditional funeral directors with traditional wooden coffins but are also offering options, such as the alternative cremation coffin, without decreasing the dignity or reverence, ■' says Mr Lawrence. The last year has not been easy in a very much “closed shop ’ area of business. Having weathered the first year. Academy is now building a reputation as a respected, independent firm, charging a highly competitive fee.

“From the first ’phone call for help — at any time of the day or night — the bereaved are in touch with one of the principals." says Geoffrey Hall. He considers this important. “From then on. it will be the same person in attendance all through."

From the moment of entering the home or hospital. either Geoffrey Hall or Peter Lawrence assumes responsibility for seeing that everything is taken care of. The. bereaved do not have to be concerned over such detail as medical, cremation, or coroner's certificates, hospital clearance or registration formalities.

Apart from the documentation and burial or cremation arrangements. Academy deals with the removal and preparation of the deceased and the provision and transport of the coffin. They will also arrange for a service at a church, home, crematorium or graveside. A non-religious service, a service only faintly religious, or no service may be preferred to the traditional church ceremony. Whichever it is. they arrange'accordingly and provide, unobtrusive assistance throughout. Academy's inclusive

charge for these essentials is from &485. depending on the coffin chosen.

Details of a more personal kind can also be attended' to bv Academv, if this would be

helpful. Such additional service includes placing notices in newspapers. ordering flowers, engaging an organist and hiring taxis or mourning cars. A tape-recording of the ceremony can be made on request, perhaps for the sake of those unable to attend.

Academy can also arrange for any special requirements for the interment or scattering of ashes. Costs are kept as low as possible by keeping down overheads and operating expenses. and by offering a wide cost range for coffins. Academy was the first in the South Island to introduce what is generally known as the “cardboard coffin." In fact it is strongly constructed with timber, particle board and a cardboard outer covering. This, in turn, is draped with a gold cloth cover during carriage and ceremonial. The fully assembled coffin is lined, fitted with handles and carried in the normal wav.

Most funerals now end with cremation and this al-

ternative coffin has been chosen for about three-quart-ers of Academy's cremation services.

The traditional wooden coffins that are also available from Academy may be of veneered timber substitute in a low gloss finish or of solid timber. Where natural wood is chosen, this may be rlmu, mahogany or oak in a stain and finish appropriate to it.

The style of handles and ornamentation is also a matter of choice. Academy's initial contact with the bereaved is mostly by telephone. 50-649, which number is not in the present directory. Subsequent consultation may be in the firm's building or in the home.

The modest premises in Walker Street are tastefully decorated. There is a pleasant, interview room for those who prefer to make the decisions away from home. The viewing room conbines dignity and homeliness, while the office facilities are practical and comfortable. The mortuary is designed

and equipped to modern clinical standards.

To keep costs down, the partners planned their premises as a service point rather than a mausoleum-like edifice in the American style. The bill from Academy for a basic burial service includes a fee for professional services, the cost of the coffin, and cemeterv fees.

Typical charges for a plot in the Ruru Lawn Cometary, for example, include the purchase price, an interment fee and, where applicable, an out-of-district fee.

The cost of death does not stop there. A ground plaque or headstone is • a further considerable expense. If a solicitor is entrusted with winding up the estate there is his fee, and an accountant mav be involved as well.

The Accident Compensation Commission has paid almost all funeral costs tor accident victims since it was set up in 1974. In other circumstances there are Social Welfare benefits paid to widows, widowers and or other dependants.

Peter Lawrence or Geoffrey Hall will advise what grants arc available in the pa rt icu Ia r ci rcumsta nces.

Academy will also make the New Zealand arrangements lor deceased overseas visitors who arc to be flown home.

The firm's partners are pleased to supply further information and a free brochure on request, and they welcome invitations to give an illustrated address to interested groups on the role of the funeral director in the community.