Funeral services return to Halifax Minster

Halifax Minster has hosted its first funeral service since lockdown was introduced.

The service took place on July 7 and was in memory of the late Linda Ferrari.

Linda was 72 years old and lived in Ovenden for all of her life. She was interred at a family grave New Providence URC, in Ovenden.

The service was led by Revd. Hilary Barber, the Vicar of Halifax Minster.

Hilary and his team met with Amanda Dalby Funeral Services, to ensure that the appropriate social distancing meassures were put in place for the service.

Amanda Dalby said: “The service for Linda last Tuesday was beautiful. Everything was well planned and ran smoothly. It was an honour to carry out the very first funeral back in our beautiful Minster, and one which I will never forget in these harrowing times.

“During the service, I lit a candle and placed it on the altar, in memory of her and all of those who have died in Calderdale during this pandemic.”

Revd Hilary Barber said: “Linda’s Funeral was the first since we re opened. Government guidelines permit up to 30 people attending socially distanced. Families can come and have a full Funeral Service with readings and poems, Eulogies and lighting candles. Whilst we are currently not allowed to sing we can use the Minster Organ and CDs. The Minster has a ‘Good To Go’ Kite mark from Visit England and is an open and safe place for the community to visit, either as simply visitors, or for Public Worship. As soon as restrictions allow, we look forward to hosting events in the Minster once again.”