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At first, we thought that the growth of contemporary products was down to the age demographic of CoVid-19 victims. The high number of deaths and historic analysis has always shown that younger people tend to have less traditional coffins. However, further analysis of the ONS data showed that the age of the addition CoVid-19 victims was not significantly different from the norm.
Age of deaths in 2019
Age of deaths from COVID-19
Given the increase in demand for contemporary products and the no-great-change in the age of deaths, together with anecdotal evidence, demand would seem to suggest that families put more value on personalised coffins, especially at a time when other choices were constrained. Coffins which reflect a person’s interests, passions or general beliefs are valued by the family and add to the funeral experience.
Regardless of whether the coffin is Traditional Wood, English Willow, a Natural Legacy Wool or a Reflections, when selected, it makes a statement about the deceased and contributes to personalising the funeral experience.
Times have changed. Traditional coffins are still the “go to” solution for many families and funeral directors. However, we know the public value the options of choosing a distinct coffin.
Double Peak?
The UK is slowly returning to normal, with restrictions been lifted on an almost-daily basis and not to mention people’s behavioural patterns. IN March, the Government stated that the risk of Covid -19 infection was a concern for all age groups and actively advised people not to “party” on the Friday evening when the restrictions were implemented.
We now know this is not the case. The deaths primarily affected the elderly and unwell like any other illness. Doubt remains. Will the easing of lock down cause a second wave as those who interact more spread the disease to those who are at most risk, causing a second spike?
I would not like to answer that question. We at JC Atkinson remain vigilant to react to whatever transpires. We know a great number of our customers are keeping additional coffin stocks. I would encourage funeral directors to keep this coffin stock in place just in case there is a second wave. Now is not the time to use up this contingency stock, especially over the summer.
Thank you and stay safe,
Julian M Atkinson – Managing Director JC Atkinson
Testimonials
As a Funeral Directors who strives to offer the very best quality products available, we chose to use Atkinson’s Reflections range when it comes to picture coffins. Incorporating personal memories of the deceased that Jamie and the Reflections team have designed specifically for that individual family.
- Daniel from D.B.DevallsJust to let you know how elegant the Walnut Tree Oval coffin looked this morning - it caught everyone's eye, plenty of comments and none of the pallbearers had seen one like it. It really did look smart. The book for the name details is beautiful, really impressive.
- White Rose Modern FuneralsJust want to say a massive thank you to you & your team for this coffin, we along with the Humanist celebrant, crematorium staff, family and friends thought it was absolutely brilliant, on route to the crematorium there were people on the street taking photos of the coffin and EVERYONE had a big stupid smile on their faces.
- McKenzie and Millar - FuneralcareEveryone commented on how unusual the coffin was. Usually people are too scared to go up to the coffin at a funeral, but everyone went up to see and spent time looking at the photos that were displayed on the coffin. It made is so much easier to be close to dad
- Diane (on behalf of Poetic Endings Funeral Directors)Mum loved the outdoors and nature. She was very environmentally conscious. When we looked at your Eco friendly coffins we knew we’d be able to find something perfect for mum. It made such a sad time a little easier as we know she would have loved it.
- Mr & Mrs SingletonI loved the design on the picture coffin, it really captured my mother’s hobbies. She loved bowls, and to have the bowling green on was a wonderful way to say goodbye.
- Janice DohertyWe wanted to say goodbye to our sister Helen, but in something that was more than just ‘a box’. The different choices that were available in all styles was fascinating. We chose a beautiful American-style Casket and also got a separate keepsake in her memory.
- Carl & Becky Taylor