The pandemic lockdown restrictions has greatly affected how families can say goodbye to their loved ones in all sorts of ways, however, one positive that has emerged is the use of online memorials and tributes.

As Derby’s longest-established independent funeral directors, we have been supporting bereaved families through events that have caused great upheaval to how funerals can be conducted over the past 160+ years – not least through two world wars and the Spanish Flu pandemic.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, we have particularly developed our website to enable memories, tributes and photographs to be shared online free of charge and for charity donations in lieu of flowers to be made safely and securely.

Because the online obituaries are free, it gives the family an option to have both the traditional paper notice and an online one, without having to choose one or the other.

Although details of the funeral are included, it is also a clear but gentle way of reminding people that mourner numbers at the crematorium are restricted during this time.

People can donate to the family’s chosen charity via the tribute and can include Gift Aid which means that the family can easily see the total of money raised. This is also safer, for staff and family members alike, than handling cash during the pandemic.

Family and friends can also upload and share treasured photos of their loved one and, as mourners are not able to meet together to share their memories, it is a fitting way of sharing these stories.

Moving forwards, online memorials are a permanent tribute which family and friends will always visit and add to – sharing thoughts and messages not only directly following a bereavement, but also on special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Online memorials can be found on our website, www.wathalls.co.uk, under the heading of ‘Obituaries and Donations’. If you require any help please talk to one of our funeral arrangers who will be able to talk you through how to use the section.