| A
family firm that’s helped others for seven
generations
A Funeral director whose family business has
existed for more than seven generations has described
his work as a privileged vocation rather than
a job.
Robert Lodge’s ancestor, James, started
Lodge Bros Funeral Directors in Feltham in 1860
and it has developed ever since.
It helps families in their time of need and provides
memorial masonry, pre-payment funerals plans and
floral tributes. The Weybridge branch opened in
1987 and another will shortly open in Thames Ditton.
Director Robert used to watch his father William
at work and always felt that following in his
footsteps was a natural path.
“You see your father do it and start to
understand that it’s a very privileged position
because you help people,” he said. “It’s
not a job, it’s a vocation”.
There are many different aspects to the funeral
business. Importantly, the service is on-going
and does not end with the ceremony.
“If we build up a relationship with a family,
they contact us after the funeral and we help
them” he said.
Ann Biggs, who cares for the clients and greets
them as they come into the High Street branch,
said: “Clients from a couple of years ago
still come in and visit. They let me know how
they are getting on”.
Lodge Brothers offers a 24-hour advice service
on what needs to be done and by whom in the event
of a death.
Around 85 per cent of customers opt for cremations,
which, Robert explained, tends to be the case
in more urban areas. Burials are also more expensive.
Relatives can choose from a number of different
coffins, covering standard designs to more ornate
alternatives.
Caskets can be white or coloured, made from solid
wood, veneer, or a Victorian style solid oak,
or cardboard. Gothic and intricate designs are
available. Many people organise their own funerals
in advance through the pre-paid funeral planning
service to relieve their families of the burden.
Funerals booked in advance are paid for at current
prices and would not be affected by future price
changes or inflation.
Other customers like to choose particular music
to be played. While the majority of families order
a traditional hearse, Robert has arranged horse-drawn
carriage-led ceremonies.
Others like particular poems to be read out,
or ask to be buried in certain clothes with personal
mementoes.
At Weybridge, relatives can visit their loved
ones in one of two chapels, one of which has just
been built.
Robert prides himself on the comfortable and
homely feel of his premises so that clients can
feel relaxed and know their families are being
cared for in a tranquil environment.
“You get one chance to do the funeral and
you have to get it right,” he said.
The High Street branch is still expanding. An
old stable at the back has recently been converted
into a mortuary, and flowers, hanging baskets
and a bench will be added to make it more serene.
A funeral does not always have to be a sad occasion.
“If someone has had a long and happy life
and they have died of natural causes, some people
try to treat it as a celebration,” Robert
said. “It’s part of the passage of
life and some people are positive about it.”
While his work makes him upset sometimes, he
would not change his role. “We’re
here to help families through the most difficult
part of their lives. The lovely part of that is
that we help people from all walks of life, from
barrow boy to barrister.”
Robert said people choose Lodge Brothers because
of its reputation that everybody is treated as
one of the family.
Becoming a funeral director has made Robert appreciate
life more.
“It makes you make the most out of life.
It’s the small things that matter –
health, family and friends. If you can be fortunate
enough to have those things around you, what more
can you ask for?”
He said his father is proud that he has helped
to carry on the family tradition. Robert and his
wife Jackie, have a two year old son called Oliver.
Who knows, he, too, may follow in his father’s
footsteps.
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