Blog
Supporting Men in Conwy
As we approach Men’s Health Week, which runs from 10th-16th June 2024, it’s crucial to highlight the often overlooked aspects of men’s health, including mental wellbeing.
Eternal Blooms : Preserving Fresh Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers are a beautiful tribute to someone that has died. Unfortunately, they won’t last forever so people are exploring ways to retain their blooms.
What is embalming?
If you have ever had to organise a funeral, you may have heard of the term embalming, or perhaps you’ve heard it referred to as ‘hygienic treatment’.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
As a Funeral Director based in Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay, we are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways. Here is what we have been up since the beginning of 2024.
Inspiring Inclusion in funerals
As a female funeral director and business owner, establishing myself in a traditionally male-dominated industry has been both challenging and empowering. On International Women's Day, on Friday 8 March 2024, the theme is inspiring inclusion
What clothes should the deceased be dressed in?
In the delicate process of arranging a funeral, every detail is carefully considered, including what the person that has died might wear.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
As a Funeral Director based in Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay, we are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways. Here is what we have been up to in December 2023.
In conversation with Conwy Mind
January, often perceived as a fresh start, is paradoxically shadowed by what has come to be known as Blue Monday. We speak with Conwy Mind in this blog to see how they provide support for mental health
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
Tom Owen and Son Funeral Director are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways, here is what we have been up to in November 2023 across Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Conwy
Remembering someone this December
The holiday season can be a bittersweet time, as it brings joy and celebration but may also evoke feelings of sadness when remembering someone close to you who has passed away.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
Tom Owen and Son Funeral Director are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways, here is what we have been up to in October 2023 across Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Conwy
Day of the Dead Festival – A Celebration of Life and Remembrance
Every year, between 31st October and 2nd November, Mexico comes alive with one of the most vibrant and culturally rich celebrations in the world; Dia de los Muertos or, as it is more commonly known, the Day of the Dead Festival.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
Tom Owen and Son Funeral Director are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways, here is what we have been up to in September 2023 across Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Conwy
Can you recommend any non-religious funeral readings and poems?
Arranging a funeral where there are no specific religious beliefs, can be a bit daunting to find suitable poems or readings. Here are some of our favourites.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
Tom Owen and Son Funeral Director are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways, here is what we have been up to in August 2023 across Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Conwy
Can my dog be involved in my funeral?
We've been asked by a few people recently if dogs can be involved in funerals, so we thought we'd explore the idea and discuss how their presence can bring comfort, love and solace during a time of grief. For many of us, we share a deep bond with our canine companions, so it feels right to include them in some way.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
Tom Owen and Son Funeral Director are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways, here is what we have been up to in July 2023 in our area
7 Tips for Writing a Good Eulogy
Have you been asked to write a eulogy but not got a clue where to start? Read our 7 tips to help you write a eulogy that is heartfelt, personal and truly captures the person that has died.
What have we been doing in our local community this month?
Tom Owen and Son Funeral Director are dedicated to supporting the local community in a variety of ways, here is what we have been up to in June 2023 in Llandudno
What flowers are perfect for a funeral in summer?
Flowers play an important part in honouring and celebrating the lives of those that have died and summer is high season for many different varieties of amazing flowers.
Let's Talk: Men's Health Week 2023 and opening up about Grief
Let's Talk: Men's Health Week 2023 and encouraging men to open up about Grief
What can I do with the ashes after a cremation?
After a cremation, you may be struggling with what to do with the ashes. Here are some ideas to honour the person who has died in a meaningful and personal way.
Can we have a funeral for my baby?
The last thing any new or expectant parents imagine having to do is organising a funeral for their baby. For a lot of bereaved parents, this will be the first funeral they have had to organise and we hope this blog will provide some information on the choices available.
How do I talk about my funeral wishes?
Would starting a conversation about your funeral or dying make you feel awkward and uncomfortable?
Funerals are for the Living
A funeral service has always been a ceremony to help mourners acknowledge the death of the person that has died and to express their grief in a safe environment. In recent years, there has been a rise of the direct cremation or unattended funeral.
International Women's Day: How we are #embracingequity
On 8 March 2023, we celebrate International Women's Day. The theme this year is #EmbraceEquity but what does this mean and how are we working to achieve this?
The National Day of Reflection
Each year, the nation holds a National Day of Reflection to remember the people who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. It takes place on the anniversary of the first national lockdown in the UK. The event was initiated by Marie Curie, so this month, we asked Victoria Hardy, Senior Community Fundraiser for Wales to answer some questions about the event and how you can get involved.
Could you be entitled to a Bereavement Support payment?
Following a successful debate in the House of Commons on 24 January 2023, bereaved working age parents who were not married or in civil partnerships may be entitled to a backdated payment.
Things to cancel when someone dies
When someone close to you dies, there are a lot of things to consider in addition to arranging the funeral. This list of businesses and organisations will help you decide who you need to contact following their death.
Why do we use essential oils within our mortuary?
Essential oils are an important part of the work we do within our mortuary. It's important for us to treat the deceased with as much dignity as when they were alive.
Reducing funeral costs when the cost of living is rising
The average funeral cost in 2021 was £4,056. With inflation on the rise and the cost of living at the highest levels in years, this blog discusses ways you can reduce the cost of a funeral.
When Tom Owen and Son appeared on Coronation Street
There aren't many real-life funeral directors who can say that they have organised the on-screen funerals for Coronation Street television stars!
What bereavement support is available?
Grief affects everyone differently. Our help doesn't stop after the funeral, we will support you in your bereavement so you don’t have to go through this alone.
Books about grief and loss for children aged 5-8 years
For Children's Grief Awareness Week 2022, we are highlighting some books to help 5-8 year olds understand grief and loss.
Coping with the loss of a pet
Our pets are a huge part of our families. If you ever have to say goodbye to a pet, it can be a difficult and emotional time.
Menopause and Bereavement
World Menopause Day takes place on 18 October and this year's theme is mental health, an important subject, more so when you are grieving the loss of someone.
Baby Loss Awareness Week 2022
Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October) takes place every year and is now in its 20th year. The week aims to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.
The Queen Elizabeth II funeral
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in the UK, died aged 96 at Balmoral. What can we expect over the next 10 days prior to her funeral
Creating a dementia-friendly funeral
In the UK, there are about 900,000 people with dementia, which is set to rise to 1.6m by 2040. It's World Alzheimer’s Month, so how we can help our clients.
Boduan Sanctuary: A Natural Burial Ground in North Wales
The Eternal Forest Trust owns a wood at Boduan, Pwllheli and is the only natural burial ground in North Wales
Choosing a headstone
A memorial headstone is an opportunity to remember the person that has died and commemorate their life. Not only does a headstone provide a tangible reminder of the person who has died, it also becomes a marker for loved ones to visit and honour their memory. If you are not sure where to start when choosing a headstone, this guide to the different options may help.
Funeral etiquette guide
If you have never attended a funeral before, it can be difficult to know what is expected of you. Our funeral etiquette guide will answer the most common questions about attending a funeral in the UK.
Should I get a funeral plan?
Have you considered getting a funeral plan or perhaps you already have one? Have you seen the recent news about the changes to the regulation of pre-paid funeral plans that comes into place on 29 July 2022 and feel a little apprehensive about what that means for you?
Why inclusion matters?
Pride takes place throughout June. On the 50th anniversary of the first pride march in the UK it’s time to celebrate the progress made for the LGBTQ+ community. Here at Tom Owen and Son, we are changing the logos on our social media to feature the Pride flag. However this is not just an aesthetic change, we are committed to being an inclusive employer and funeral director that serves all communities.
My relative, or friend, has just died but what do I do now?
If you have never experienced a bereavement before, it can be overwhelming and daunting not knowing what to do or who to call first. Depending on the circumstances and where the person has died there are a few different steps to take.
Deborah James, the Bowel Babe and her gracious acceptance of death
Deborah James, also known as Bowelbabe, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 but has revealed she is now receiving end of life care at home.
Ashes to Ashes - would you opt for a direct cremation?
Since David Bowie's death, many people have chosen to opt for a direct cremation thinking he did but what is involved?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez announce death of baby son
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced via his Instagram page that his baby son had died during childbirth.
Confused by funeral costs?
Trying to find out how much a funeral costs, especially at what is often an emotional time, can be difficult.
What are the best seasonal spring flowers for a funeral?
Many people already know about Daffodils and Tulips but often aren’t armed with the knowledge beyond those two very traditional spring blooms.
How do I choose the right funeral director?
Not all funeral directors are the same. Choosing a Funeral Director isn’t an easy decision. If you don't know which funeral director would best meet your needs we would recommend taking some time to consider your options.
Funeral Checklist
Whether you are planning a funeral for yourself or organising one for someone that has just died, you will have a few things to consider. This checklist will help with your decision making.
How do I access a Digital Legacy after someone dies?
We store so much information on our phones these days, but have you considered how you will access that once someone dies? Our guide to accessing the digital legacy for someone that has died will help
What is aquamation?
Desmond Tutu, the late anti-apartheid campaigner, is said to have requested an aquamation, following his death on Boxing Day, an eco alternative to cremation
Which charity should I choose for in memory donations?
Charitable donations are becoming more popular at funerals as a substitute for flowers however it's not always easy to know which charity to choose.
Celebrities who died in 2021
As 2021 draws to a close, we pay tribute to some of the famous people who sadly died during the year
How to announce a death on social media
When someone dies, one of the first things we need to do is let their friends and family know. In an era where so many of us stay connected online, sharing on social media can be a helpful way to share the news.
Dealing with grief during Religious Holidays
With the season of Christmas and Hannukah upon us, it won't be a happy time for all. Facing your first religious celebratory holiday without someone you love can be very daunting.
Talking to a child about death
For many children and young people, the death of a family pet or a grandparent will be their first experience of death and may come as a shock. This blog will explore how grief can affect children and how to deal with it
Books for older children about death
Here are some recommended books for 8-12 year olds that can help explain death and funerals.
Sarah Everard
The family of Sarah Everard said they were haunted by thoughts of her suffering in the final hours of her life. They were denied the chance to say their final goodbye to her, which as a funeral director, we know is incredibly important in the grief process.
Should children attend funerals?
Did you attend a funeral as a child? Would you let your child attend a funeral? Today's blog explores whether it is appropriate for children to be allowed to attend a funeral.
Why funeral directors need to be transparent on costs
Historically, the funeral sector has been very difficult to compare prices like for like and not all funeral directors have been open and transparent with their prices.
Sarah Harding
Diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 39th birthday, in the middle of a global pandemic, Sarah Harding wrote a book. Before she died she wanted people to know that the party-girl image and problems with drinking did not define her.
What should I wear to a funeral?
Choosing what to wear to a funeral is an outfit dilemma you don’t really want to find yourself in. This blog is designed to help that decision as simple and stress-free as possible.
Why are male suicide rates so high?
This blog, in memory of Joe Lyons, who tragically took his own life in August 2020. Tristan, our Managing Director, and Joe were close friends and house mates in University. This blog explores the increased rate of male suicide in England and Wales and what you can do to help.
What should I take to a funeral?
Attending a funeral can be a difficult experience, whether you are a family member or friend. If you have never attended a funeral before, it can be helpful to know what are the right things to take with you.
Help to pay for a funeral if you get certain benefits or tax credits
If you are in receipt of certain benefits or tax credits, you may be eligible to receive a Funeral Expenses Payment from the DWP.
Going back to work after a bereavement
Perhaps the thought of going back to work after a bereavement fills you with dread, or you are looking forward to having something to focus on.
Finding the right words after a bereavement
Every day, thousands of people die and it is said that on average about five people are affected by each death. Those people will always remember where and when they heard about the death of a significant loved one.
What is it like being a female funeral director?
Kelly is the first female funeral director at Tom Owen and Son in 90 years, she absolutely loves her job and challenging the stereotypes in this male dominated industry
Are you in a good place to die?
The Dying Matters campaign was launched in 2009. It aims to create an open culture to talk about death, where people feel listened to and supporting when planning for end of life or have been bereaved.
Helen McCrory: A poignant letter from her husband, Damian Lewis
Best known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and Harry Potter, actress Helen McCrory sadly lost her battle with cancer on 16 April 2021. She was 52. Her husband, Damian Lewis, wrote a beautiful and poignant insight into her life, in particular her last few months.
The rise of the unique hearse
Hearses no longer have to be traditional. The funeral of Prince Philip in April 2021, showcased the unique Land Rover hearse that he had designed himself leading the way for others to choose an alternative funeral transport.
What happens at a Muslim funeral?
As part of our commitment to being fully inclusive, we look at what happens during an Islamic funeral.
Facing Mother's Day without Mum?
No matter how long it has been since you lost your Mum, we know that Mother's Day will never be an easy day. Here are some ideas on how to cope.
Can I have a non-religious funeral?
Recently someone said to us “I’ve always wanted a religious funeral service, but having seen this celebration of life I have now changed my mind!” This blog will hopefully explain what happens at a non-religious funeral and what a celebrant is
How to be a pallbearer
It can be a great honour to be asked to be a pallbearer at a funeral, so this guide will let you understand what is involved.
What is embalming?
This blog post explains what embalming is, when it is used and why.
