Tom's was the first one I saw too, Martin. Definitely a moment of 'I want one of those'. During his travels he heard mention of coffins made of rushes and at some point his informants made one up as an example. Organising his own funeral he went looking for something similar. That's the story as I remember it anyway.

I have seen them used a good few times since and we have sent off my father in law in one.

For those unfamiliar with them there's a large variety of them on offer, in willow, bamboo and what have you, for example here (@ the coffin company)