| Funeral service provides a unique
undertaking  By
Elaine Sheridan
AN innovative idea by an undertaker in the North of Ireland has given people
in Britain the chance to attend the funerals of loved ones in the comfort
of their own home.
The ground-breaking initiative has given S. Clarke and Son Funeral Directors
in Co. Down global status.
For the Irish undertakers are thought to be the first in the world to
broadcast funerals live on the internet.
Their innovation has given hundreds of mourners across the globe access
to the funerals of loved ones thousands of miles away.
Now family and friends from all over the world who couldn’t make
it home for a funeral can tune in and see services taking place in Newtownards
and Bangor.
The idea came about while the family business was being refurbished two
years ago.
Jim Clarke who runs the business with his father John said: “Life
moves fast we’re just trying to adapt to the changing needs of our
world.
“We’ve been established since 1918 and with the development
of digital technology decided to stay in line with progression.
“We know there are families living abroad who can’t afford
to fly to funerals or people who are too sick to fly home.
“Our internet option means they get to become part of a grieving
process which they might otherwise miss out on.”
During their refurbishment the family-run business installed a network
of cameras and microphones in the churches attached to their funeral homes
in Bangor and Newtownards.
To maintain privacy only family and friends issued with a password can
view the service a copy of which can be downloaded and kept.
The company has been taking tape recordings of funerals for years but
decided to invest thousands of pounds in this new venture.
Jim said: “Technology doesn’t come cheap but we think it’s
a good investment all-round.
“We don’t charge for the webcam footage and wouldn’t
even consider it.
“At such a sensitive time for families we are more than happy to
provide this vital service for members of the family living abroad.
“So far scores of people living in America, Australia, Africa and
New Zealand have logged-on to the service.” |
