'Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it' - Haruki Murakami
Explore what a good death means to you at our alternative death fair!
Visit the positive talks tent, explore a range of stallls in the Anglican Chapel, enjoy a historical walking tour of London Road Cemetery and uncover the hidden meanings behind the array of Victorian symbolism found throughout the site, and immerse yourself in a live soundscape by local musician Tim Seeley.
FREE | Drop in
This event is free of charge and not ticketed. Reserved places on the walking tours are bookable, but some drop in slots are also available on the day. Talks do not require booking, just come along and grab a seat in the tent!
Walking tours
Come and hear all about London Road Cemetery’s hidden histories. Walking tours of the cemetery will be leaving from outside the Anglican Chapel on the hour, every hour from 11am-3pm. Each tour will last approximately one hour, taking in the significant heritage landmarks, people and natural features of the site.
Pre booked tours are now sold out, but there will also be two on the day, drop in only tours at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. No pre booking is required for these slots.
Talks
11am – Eco friendly funerals
We all know how important it is do our bit for the planet, but how can we be sure that our own death doesn’t cost the earth? Did you know that choosing a natural burial ground could mean that your final invoice is less than you’d pay for a cremation? And you aren’t adding to climate change with more pollution and CO2 emissions. Hear about the natural peace and beauty of a natural burial ground with Emma, one of the small team who look after Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground and Nature Reserve in South Warwickshire.
12pm – Final rites in Islam
Muslim funerals must be kept simple and carried out by close family members supported by friends and the local community and without any unnecessary delay. After death the main steps are bathing, shrouding, funeral prayers and burial. However, there are specific ways and techniques used in these processes to make it convenient and easier for those involved and the deceased. Different cultures may vary in traditions they have practised over the years, but no pomp or ceremonies are encouraged as this is time consuming and can involve unnecessary cost and no benefit to the deceased. Rookhsana Mohamed will talk about her experiences as a volunteer who helps with Muslim female funeral rites.
1pm- Companion Voices, singing for the end of life
Heart of England Companion Voices is a group based in Warwick and Leamington whose members sing at the bedside of people receiving palliative care at home or in a hospice, hospital or residential setting. Our simple and gentle songs are designed to bring peace and comfort near the end of life. There is no charge for this service which can be provided at short notice if required.
3pm – What is a Death Café?
Lisa Dundas, a local funeral celebrant, runs quarterly Death Cafes in the Anglican Chapel, in partnership with Historic Coventry Trust. In this talk she will explain what a Death Café is, and why it is important to bring the taboo subject of death to the table- but only over tea and cake! She may just throw a random question into the middle of her talk to make you think and hopefully spur you into attending her next Dead Good Death Café.
About
This event will be facilitated by local celebrant Lisa Dundas.
Lisa is a local celebrant working in and around the Coventry and Warwickshire area who is passionate about getting people to talk more openly about death and the fears surrounding death and dying.
Stalls will include: Coventry Family History Society, Companion Voices, Sew Unique and more.
Useful information
- Everyone welcome regardless of age, religion, non religion, gender or background
Wheelchair accessible toilets are available at the Anglican Chapel.
Disabled parking is available on Charterhouse Drive, off London Road.
There are uneven pathways throughout London Road Cemetery.
Find us
Thank you
Made possible with National Heritage Lottery Fund and Community Fund, part of the Parks for People Programme.