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Funerals on the internet (and then you can buy a DVD)
PEOPLE hit by a death in the family will soon be able to grieve together no matter where they are in the world – thanks to funerals being shown on the internet.
PEOPLE hit by a death in the family will soon be able to grieve together no matter where they are in the world – thanks to funerals being shown on the internet.Peterborough is set to be at the forefront of a ground-breaking move to use new technology to help those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
Reflecting the fact that families are often scattered across the globe, a web camera has been installed at Peterborough Crematorium in Bretton to broadcast solemn farewells live on an internet link.
Families will even be able to buy mementoes of the service on DVD.
Today, the move was heralded as a natural progression from weddings and newborn babies being shown to happy families online.
City council cabinet member for community services Cllr Matthew Lee said: "The idea was first investigated about 10 years ago, but there wasn't the technology available to do it.
"In today's increasingly mobile society families no longer live in one confined area and many people have relatives living all over the country and the rest of the world.
"It is often not possible for people to attend the funerals because of the distance they need to travel. Therefore, we wanted to provide people with the opportunity to see the service and attend it virtually over the internet.
"We will not film nor record any services unless specifically requested to do so by the next of kin and only those the family wish to have access to the recording will be able to view it."
The funeral organiser will pay 45 to use the service and will be issued with a dedicated password. This will give them and those people they choose access to view the funeral service. The password will only give access to one funeral service and will be valid for seven days.
Mourners will also be able to purchase DVDs or videos of the service for 25.
Today, Peterborough clergy welcomed the 21st century idea of funerals on line.
Parish priest Father David Miller, from All Saints Church in Park Road, Peterborough, said he had never heard of the idea before.
However, he said: "I think it's quite practical and sensible. Anything that helps people, for example those who are elderly and house-bound or who live overseas, to be a part of the service is a good thing."
Operations manager Caroline Cameron, from the Peterborough Community Church in Staplee Way, Parnwell, said the on-line funerals might help some people with closure.
She said: "Obviously, the most important thing at a funeral is the personal contact between family and friends, providing support at a traumatic time. This personal contact is always the first preference, but if this is not possible then it's possibly a good idea to give access to the funeral in this way."
It is expected that a link through the city council's website www.peterborough.gov.uk will be set up soon.
• Mourners are currently able to view entries in the crematorium's Book of Remembrance which is accessible free of charge at www.scribesplus.co.uk/peterborough
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Friday 25 May 2012
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