Guernsey’s new funeral home opens its doors

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ISLANDERS are being offered the rare opportunity to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day operation of a modern funeral home.

Argent Funeral Care, which is part of The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, has recently started operating from the former Hangman’s Inn at Bailiff’s Cross. The building has been completely redeveloped into a modern funeral home.

‘We know there has been lots of interest into what has been happening to the building over the past 18 months and we wanted to give islanders the unique opportunity to see what changes have been made, meet the Argent team and gain an insight into the day-to-day operations of a modern funeral care home,’ said Gary Vaudin, Principal Funeral Director.

The new funeral home will be officially opened on Friday 12 September by outgoing Co-operative Society board member, former deputy and St Andrew’s parishioner Jean Pritchard. A dove, traditionally released at funerals as a symbol of peace and a representation of a soul’s final journey, will be released to mark the opening.

A funeral cortege compromising of a contemporary silver hearse, a traditional horse drawn hearse, a motor-cycle combination hearse and executive funeral vehicles will be travelling from Les Echelons through town to the new premises, setting off at around 11am.

From 2 pm until 5 pm on Friday 12th and from 9 am until 5 pm on Saturday 13th, islanders are invited to attend an open day. The cortege vehicles and a range of coffins will be on display. There will be talks on embalming and tours of the premises, including the two chapels of rest – which can be opened out to provide a venue for small services – the reception area, private meeting room and mortuary.

Parking is available on both days, at Rangers Football Club on the Friday and Health and Social Services Department headquarters on the Saturday.

‘We want to dispel the mystery that has traditionally surrounded the funeral services profession and hope that as many people as possible will come along, meet our team and ask any questions they may have,’ said Mr Vaudin.

‘The new funeral home has been designed to suit the modern day needs of those requiring Argent’s services and meet the requirements outlined by the National Association of Funeral Directors and look forward to showing people round.’