Weren’t the pall bearers magnificent

Thanks Casdon so many memories of nursing in the 60s

sodapop

Caleo

Fanny, the so-called 'last offices' was one of the duties of a nurse. How to do it was an ordinary part of nurse training. Whether it still is done by nurses I would not know.

We were taught to be very respectful, open a window in the side ward where the patient died to allow the soul to leave. I have helped to lay out many bodies during my nursing career but like Caleo I have no idea what happens now.

Yes, it’s still done by nurses.

When my cousin’s DH died not too long ago, as well as his suit, the undertaker told the widow not to forget to provide underclothes, shoes and socks.

Caleo

Fanny, the so-called 'last offices' was one of the duties of a nurse. How to do it was an ordinary part of nurse training. Whether it still is done by nurses I would not know.

We were taught to be very respectful, open a window in the side ward where the patient died to allow the soul to leave. I have helped to lay out many bodies during my nursing career but like Caleo I have no idea what happens now.

It makes me very proud to be British.

And a little tipple to keep her majesty warm. ?

Some years ago there was an AMA on Mumsnet with a person who worked in a crematorium. It was utterly fascinating. The respect shown was so reassuring.

SueDonim

Do you think she’d have a hat or headscarf, too, Fanny? And one of her handbags, with essentials in. After all, the pharaohs were buried with all sorts of things for the afterlife!

Pink shrouds. It would depend on the pink. A bright pink - fine. Baby pink, not so much.

The bag would have to have a marmalade sandwich in it a la the wonderful humorous sketch Queen Elizabeth did with Paddington Bear.

Fanny, some years ago I attended a seminar about death. The seminar was simply called 'Death'. I think the local university extramural department arranged it. All issues were discussed, and incidentally I made two very nice friends at the seminar.

I agree it's great to know a tame professional such as an undertaker. One of the good things about Gransnet is there are is a lot of collective experience here.

I cross posted with you Caleo

Caleo I often think that I need to talk to people with experiences such as yours, in order to get a better understanding of death.
One of DH’s pub buddies (not that we’ve seen him for years) is a funeral director.
I ought to pluck up the courage. He’s a lovely chap

Fanny, you are quite right, Many if not most people are not very good with death. I may be wrong, but I feel that it's best to be as practical as possible about what happens when someone dies, as then it leaves the bereaved person free to mourn what needs to be mourned.

Yes Sue, and a dog lead and some sugar cubes! ? ?

Fanny, the so-called 'last offices' was one of the duties of a nurse. How to do it was an ordinary part of nurse training. Whether it still is done by nurses I would not know.

Do you think she’d have a hat or headscarf, too, Fanny? And one of her handbags, with essentials in. After all, the pharaohs were buried with all sorts of things for the afterlife!

Pink shrouds. It would depend on the pink. A bright pink - fine. Baby pink, not so much.

Thanks Caleo, what a really interesting thing to have done.
I admit that I was being rather fanciful (as I am frequently am).
I’m ‘not very good’ with death, I know that no one is, but I hope you see what I mean

Fanny, considering the big toes are tied together socks are hardly appropriate.

I have dressed bodies. The standard shroud, as I remember it, is more respectful as it fastens down the back and the body needs to be moved less.

SueDonim

Surely they’d need to be flannelette pyjamas, Fanny? Silk would be chilly!

Pure cotton jimjams, cashmere bed socks and a long silk scarf.

Pink shroud for me. I love pink.

My DHs sister died recently and his niece in law bought a whole new outfit for her mother in law to be cremated in, which I found bizarre.

I wouldn't object to the shroud but I would be furious if it were pink.

Not so sure Calendargirl. Years ago people liked to be dressed in their best clothes. I was upset to discover mum had been buried in a pink shroud as I know she would definitely not have wanted this.

I think the pall bearers will receive a commemorative medal of some kind.

As for what the Queen would be wearing, why not just a very elegant shroud?

An elderly gentleman I know, who used to work for an undertaker, said that when his wife died recently, he stipulated that she should be dressed in a simple, pink shroud.
.
He said in his line of work, too often he had struggled dressing the deceased in clothes the family had chosen, but were not very suitable when the wearer was unable to assist the dresser

I’m sure that years ago, a simple shroud would be the usual form of attire for most people.

I'm not so sure the pallbearers should receive MBEs for a day's work however exacting. People strive their whole working lives in service to the community before receiving the MBE.

Surely they’d need to be flannelette pyjamas, Fanny? Silk would be chilly!