What to do

At a burial

The grave will normally be surrounded by planks, supported at the corners and covered by artificial grass with two cross-bearers across the grave at equal intervals. Webs are used to lower the coffin into the grave.

The webs are coiled up. Taking one end of the web, pass it down through the handle, underneath the coffin, and pass it to the bearer opposite you. They then take the web and pass it up through the handle on their side. Continue to feed the web through until a black mark across the web is seen and goes under the coffin. You should now have half each.

Fold up the remaining loose web and prepare to take the weight of the coffin on the web. When the Funeral Director or deputy gives the “Ready? Steady, lift!” instruction lift the coffin off the trestles/stools/trolley a little and the Funeral Director will remove them. Move the coffin forward a little so the front bearers can place the foot of the coffin on the end-plank. The front bearers then step up onto the planks. Move the coffin over onto the grave and the cross-bearers a bit at a time by shifting your weight from one side to the other. Do not attempt to walk along the planks whilst carrying the coffin.

When the back bearers reach the planks they too step-up and continue to move the coffin along until it is aligned with the grave. When in position, hold the web and release the loose web behind you and out away from the grave. Stand upright holding the web until the Funeral Director gives the signal “Ready? Steady, lift!” when, bending your knees if you can, lift the coffin off the cross-bearers and the Funeral Director will remove them. Then lower the coffin into the grave feeding the web through your hands. Do not allow the web to slip through your hands – this is uncontrolled and can lead to burns if the web slips suddenly.

When the coffin reaches the bottom of the grave, stand on the web with one foot and let go of the web so that it lies outside of the grave then you will not trip over the web. Leave the grave when indicated by the Funeral Director, so that you do not interrupt the officiant in the middle of prayers.

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.