'Be careful with the deceased and be nice to old people'. I'm always telling my team to treat each deceased as though it were your own parent and treat each client how you d like your family to be treated. It really is that simple; get that right and everything else will fall into place.
You will be treated politely and respectfully by a team that appreciates that you chose Craven's and who will work to the best of their ability to arrange a dignified funeral for your loved one.
We listen to what they want and offer suggestions and guidance based on a combination of their request and our vast experience.
It's unusual these days that the man with his name above the door (me!) is still seeing clients and working daily.
We have a company-wide ethos that what we do is a great honour and that we must work diligently to earn the trust and appreciation of our clients. That mind-set, coupled with a very conservative business model, has given us stability for 100 years.
A 'thank-you' card and a box of biscuits from a satisfied and appreciative client is heart-warming to all of us here. Our work can be awkward and stressful and it is these little gestures of acknowledgement for a job well done that make it all worthwhile.
Empathy, patience, politeness and the ability to not just listen but to hear. Good organisation skills, an understanding of grief and its' manifestations and the ability to stay focused for long working hours are also essential.
A mass at St Oswalds' in Old Swan followed by cremation at Springwood. I'll be in a wicker coffin and wearing a smart suit. I want my ashes to be scattered to the wind off the Eastern summit of Suilven in Inverpolly, Scotland. I want to be walked up, no helicopters allowed!
From a young age I liked to be fit, strong and active and even now, in my '50's, I still workout at least 4 times per week and ride my bike twice per week. I enjoy fell walking and mountain climbing and love the peace of a long hike in a remote area. I also enjoy activities that involve being in or on the water.