Lincolnshire funeral director calls for public to pay respects to hearses

A Lincolnshire funeral director has issued an online plea to the public to revive an old tradition of paying respects to passing funeral hearses, as the limitations on funeral services continues.

Lesley Reeson of Horncastle’s RH Turner and Son posted on Facebook calling for the public to stop, stand and bow or take off a cap in order to support those who have been recently bereaved.

The post said: “Could I ask everyone for some help at this very difficult time…. paying our respects. If you see a hearse, could you stop, stand for a moment as it passes, perhaps take off your cap, and bow your head?

‘In these times where funerals are limited to only a very few close family our chance to support people during bereavement is limited. So, we wondered if we could revive an old tradition that would show people that their loss is noticed and shared by us all? It would mean the world to families in a time of sadness.’

The post has since been 25,000 times and received over 5,300 likes and 833 comments.