21/03/2020
Statement due to COVID-19
Regrettably we have had to put new control measures in place.
Our offices in Newcastle and Belfast will be open normal hours but will operate on an appointment system for funeral plans and general business.
If anyone has been in contact with a person that has symptoms of the virus or has been confirmed as having the virus we would ask you to remain at home and not to come into contact with our staff or offices.
For arranging a funeral - We are available 24 hours a day by telephone to respond to a loved one passing away. For making arrangements we encourage families to have a maximum of 2 people to arrange funerals in our offices. An appointment made before arriving would be appreciated. If possible, the majority of the arrangements can be made by telephone. Some forms still require signatures from those arranging the funeral.
Paying your respects - we will be limiting this to 2 people at a time. An appointment will be required, so as to reduce the contact with others.
Bringing the deceased into our care - we are required to make changes due to the governing associations and government advice, this will possibly result in additional measures being put in place effective immediately and we ask for all families co-operation at this time.
We will not be offering funeral limousines at this time, this is due to the extended time you and your family spend in close proximity and for your and our drivers health and wellbeing.
Churches are not allowing funeral and thanksgiving services in their premises or they are allowing services with very restricted numbers (for example 6, 8, 25 or 30 people maximum). Each funeral arrangement will be looked at and we will try to guide you as best we can. This is an ever evolving situation and things are changing moment by moment.
From Monday, 23rd March 2020 onwards there are no family members allowed in Roselawn Crematorium. Cremations are taking place as normal. This directive had been put in place by Belfast City Council to try and maintain the operation of the crematorium going forward.
Burials are continuing to take place as normal but we are asking for this to be with limited numbers, being mindful of public health advice around social distancing.
Families have in general received our changes positively in this global epidemic.
We will do our upmost to provide the professional and dignified service that we are known for. We ask everyone to bear with us at an incredibly difficult time for our country.
If anyone wants help or advice, we will do our best to get it to you.
Keep safe, look after your loved ones.
The McClure Family
