Anthony Topley, a partner at East Midlands-based Gillotts Funeral Directors, talks about the call for funerals to become a celebration of life.
Gillotts have branches across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and Anthony began his career in the funeral profession in 1986 when he began working with his father-in-law John Gillott, known as Jack, who owned and ran Gillott’s Funeral Service in Heanor.
When Jack retired in 1992, Gillotts Funeral Service merged with Eastwood and District Funeral Service, and Anthony became a partner in the business, and the premises on Abbott street were rebuilt.
Anthony is a holder of the Diploma of Funeral Directing and a qualified member of British Institute of Embalmers.
“A couple of years ago, our pallbearers decided to move with the times and we invested in a range of coloured ties to reflect the increasing trend of colourful funerals.
“Before then, we offered any colour, as long as it’s black, but now families could choose from blue, red, gold, lilac and yellow to suit their theme.
“Since then, we have added a few more touches to our suits, including coloured socks for funeral where it’s appropriate, but generally the look is as it ever was, with black trousers, a black jacket, white shirt and a tie, of whatever colour, the abiding theme.
“I like the little touches, but feel that the suits match our company’s image. We are respectable, professional and there to perform a service dedicated to ensuring the funeral runs smoothly and with decorum, rather than take centre stage.
“However, we do wonder what other changes we might have to address in the future as funerals become ever-more celebrations of life, complete with fancy dress to mark the loved one’s hobbies or interests.
“Might we have to wear jeans to reflect the casual nature of a family whose loved one didn’t like formality? I can see us having to make those choices and part of me hopes that I’m not still working in the industry by the time those decisions are part of our everyday lives because it’s such a difficult issue.
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“I started out in this industry when a black hearse, a wooden coffin and a church service was the only option in the brochure and am proud of the tradition. I like looking smart and professional – to me it shows respect for the families we work with at a difficult time.
“But I am also huge believer that funerals should be personalised and should be what the same families want. I know that we will have to play our part somehow, but am willing to wait until I’m asked to step into a space suit in order to give our families what they ask for.”
