Louise now conducting funerals

Louise has expanded her role of funeral arranger into also conducting funerals at Tester & Jones Funeral Services. Someone who is conducting a funeral has a similar role, in many ways, to the conductor of an orchestra; it is that person on the day who watches over the whole event and from whom everyone else takes their lead.

“It’s a privilege to get to know families as I help them to plan a funeral service and, in my new role, it’s good to then be by their side throughout that service, making sure the day goes as smoothly for them as possible,” says Louise. “As a funeral conductor, my main role is to reassure the family, quietly be there for them and make sure they don’t have to think about anything except for being at the funeral.”

A funeral conductor’s role is key on the day. When the hearse is ready to leave our premises, they ‘page’ the vehicles out from London Road. This involves bowing to the coffin and then walking out in from of the vehicle for a few metres, before getting into the hearse. Once at chapel (or building where the service is taking place), they will check the orders of service are ready, that any items the family would like to have in the chapel are in place and that the celebrant or minister is clear about the arrangements for entering and leaving the chapel.

As people arrive, they ensure family members and any key guests have the space they need to sit and quietly encourage others to fill up seats, particularly if the service is well-attended. When the service has finished, the funeral conductor will stand and bow to the coffin and then direct people to leave in the order the family has requested.

While doing all of this, they will be available to the family to answer any questions and give them any help required.

Louise adds: “I have found my new role conducting funerals really rewarding and it’s helped me to make sure, as an arranger, I am asking all the right questions, so whoever is conducting on day can carry out the family’s wishes.”

In her new position, Louise works closely alongside long-standing funeral director, Mick Wood, whose distinctive top hat, cane and traditional professionalism have become synonymous with Tester & Jones.