A retired Morpeth resident began using his WWII-era car to conduct funerals for army veterans.
When Michael Scott, then 78, retired in 2023, he decided to make his pastime the Morpeth Military Funeral Service. This was inspired by a documentary he saw about the late Duke of Edinburgh, who had his own hearse custom-built.
Michael runs the first business of its kind in the Northeast, with assistance from his daughter.
Although Michael has a background in civil engineering and construction, he has a love for vintage automobiles and has owned three World War II Willys Jeeps.
He decided to conduct a funeral service and then went in search of the Bantam caravan that matched.
He discovered the caravan body was 40 centimetres too short after bringing one home from Kilmarnock, but it didn’t deter him. Rather, he set to work making the necessary adjustments.
After downloading the necessary information, Michael spent a few weeks converting the trailer into a self-made plywood coffin.
When he was ready, he took his idea to undertakers in Newcastle, Westerhope, Bedlington, Ashington, Morpeth, and Blyth.
“I was thrilled with the response and excitement from them all, and they all agreed to put my services alongside theirs,” Michael stated.
“It had been on the back of my mind for a while, and last year I realised that I could really help veterans of the army and other similar organisations.”
Michael made his first reservation for a Royal Scots Dragoon Guard from Wooler on April 2nd, who was to transport him to his Doddington setting at St. Mary and St. Michael Church.
Michael said he felt pressure to make everything work perfectly, even though he had worked hard to make it happen.
“There are two occasions that you cannot ruin,” Michael stated. One is a marriage; obviously, it’s the same at a funeral if a car breaks down while someone is being driven to their wedding. There is a small amount of risk involved, and it does cause some tension.
The day went well in spite of my anxiety, and my fellow comrades appreciated the military-style hearse they had used to honour their friend’s farewell.
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