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For many years now, VMR Southport has offered a service to the community which is a little different to most services available, and that is the scattering of ashes at sea. Mostly this is arranged by a family member or friend of the deceased, but it has been known for the person to arrange this in advance, much like the pre-payment of one’s own funeral.
More people are now using this service, finding it appropriate for those who have had a connection with or love of the sea. With families spreading to different towns or cities, States or even countries, the days of visiting a family grave on a Sunday afternoon, taking flowers and dusting the headstone, are over, and a dispersal of ashes at sea seems a fitting and final tribute.
Our ceremonies usually take place just inside the Gold Coast Seaway, which means that the weather and condition of the tides do not have to be considered, the way they would with a scattering out to sea. Relatives and friends are invited to accompany us on the vessel, and more people can be taken when we stay inside the Seaway.
Each ceremony begins with a short talk on the peace and freedom the sea can give, then the closest relative is invited to pour the ashes, usually accompanied by a suitable piece of music, and flowers are strewn upon the water.
Care is taken to make the ceremony as appropriate to the deceased as possible. For instance, with ex-naval personnel, the Seaman’s Hymn is played while the ashes are being scattered, and Psalm 107 – the verses beginning ‘those who go down to the sea in ships’, followed by the Naval Ode The service concludes with the Ode to the Fallen for all returned service personnel.”
A favourite of many is a poem called ‘Ithaca’, about life’s journey and the love left behind by a family member, and particularly favoured with those who have lost a mother.
Of those who prefer a religious item, most choose the 23rd Psalm. If relatives prefer to ask a priest, this can be arranged, but most seem to prefer a small civil ceremony. The saddest scatterings are those where a loved family member has been lost to suicide, and we have a rather special poem for those.
Memorial ceremonies can also be arranged whereby relatives can be taken to the place where the dispersal took place, putting flowers on the water if they so wish. Most popular day for dispersals is, of course, Sunday, but we are happy to arrange a time and day midweek where interstate travel arrangements of relatives have to be considered.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the family is given a memorial card signed by the President of VMR Southport and the Skipper of the boat, this being able to form part of the mementoes the family may have.
Ceremonies are fairly short, usually 15 minutes or so, flags being flown at half-mast while relatives arrive and then leave our pontoon, and raised again for their return.
More information on 07 5591 1300
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