What to do

A brief guide to being a bearer

It is an honour to be asked to be a bearer for a family funeral and we hope to ensure that you are able to carryout this task safely and with dignity. We have prepared this brief guide so that without the prior experience or extensive training that we give to our staff, you can at least be prepared for what is in store. All these points will be repeated on the day of the funeral before and during each procedure, either by the Funeral Director or personal contact.

Some general points:

Firstly: Do not use the handles on the coffin – they are decorative only. Always handle the coffin by the base. The coffin always travels “feet first”. Before any lifting that is required the command will be given by the Funeral Director “Ready? – Steady – Lift” and everyone should answer “No” or “Stop” if they are not ready and otherwise lift on the “L” of “Lift”.

It is usual for there to be 4 bearers and it is best if they are paired in height, the shortest at the front, the tallest at the back. Sometimes it might be necessary to have 6 bearers or to use a trolley - the Funeral Director will be able to advise. The remainder of these instructions assumes 4 bearers.

When carrying the coffin on your shoulder you may like to consider wearing padding on your shoulder(s). Shoulder slings can be provided if requested.

Please select from the following two options:

• Service in church or burial
• Cremation

If at anytime you would prefer not to do a particular part of the bearer’s duties or would prefer not to be a bearer please let us know as soon as possible so that we can arrange for our own staff to be available. If you would like a training session together, this can be arranged by contacting the Funeral Director. A risk assessment is also available, please ask.