FAQ

ARRANGING THE FUNERAL

How many people can be seated in the limousine?
In each limousine there is room for six people in the rear compartment and with prior arrangement room for one in the front with the chauffeur.

 

How do we know what to do at the funeral?
On the day of the funeral the Funeral Director is there to help and guide you, your family and friends. If you are unsure of anything please tell the Funeral Director.

 

Can the family carry the coffin?
Yes, although we would ask that you contact us to ensure that it is safe to do so.

 

Can we visit the deceased and pay our last respects?
Usually yes. However our client may request a closed coffin or there could be circumstances that would prevent a safe and satisfactory presentation.

Can we have the deceased brought home?
Yes, (after a risk assessment has been performed) we can bring the deceased home either on the evening before the service or on the morning of the service, so that the deceased can leave from home.

Can we choose what music is played at the crematorium / service?
Yes, if you have a special request or would like a particular piece of music playing either as you walk into or out of the crematorium chapel or place of service. As people’s attitudes change to the type of funeral service they want, more and more people are choosing a service that reflects the person and the sort of life they led. It is increasingly common to incorporate favourite musical compositions, both classical and contemporary as part of the remembrance of a loved one. Please note that only original recordings are allowed because of copyright laws.

Can we request donations to charity?
Yes, if donations to charity are requested in lieu of flowers, we will accept and list donations on your behalf and forward them to the charity of your choice.

 

Who needs to be notified following death?
· The Bank or Building Society.
· The Inland Revenue.
· The Family Doctor and or the Hospital.
· Any employer, school, college or university.
· Social Services and Social Security.
· Investment and Insurance Companies, including Car Insurance.
· Credit Card Companies.
· Gas, Electric and Telephone also Water Companies.
· Any Professional Associations.
· The Local Authority.

Do I need to return any documents and equipment?
· Vehicle Registration Documents.
· National Insurance Documents.
· Passport.
· Library Books and Tickets.
· All State Benefit Documents.
· Driving Licence.
· Car Insurance Documents.
· Club Membership Cards.
· Television Licence.
· National Health Service Equipment.
· Season Tickets
· Consideration needs to be given to Wills and Probate in this situation.

 

ATTENDING THE FUNERAL

 

Do I need to be invited to a funeral or can anyone attend?

A funeral service is generally open to anyone who has known the deceased (Unless the n.o.k/ executor specifies different wishes). A funeral service gives the opportunity for those who know the deceased to say goodbye.

 

Do mourners enter the church or crematorium before or after the coffin?

When the funeral service is in a church, people usually arrive and take their place (leaving the front seats for close family) before the service starts, standing when the coffin is brought in. At a crematorium, it is general to enter after the close family, who immediately follow the coffin.

 

Where should I sit?

The front rows are usually left for immediate family with other mourners seated behind. The next of kin traditionally sits at the end of the pew, next to the coffin.

 

Should I wear black?

People may chose to wear black because they feel it is traditional. In these modern times family and friends attend dressed in a manner that they feel comfortable and appropriate for the time of year( churches and cemeteries can be very cold in winter). Most people attending the service knew the deceased and are aware of what they would have liked.

 

What happens at the end of the service?

At the end of the service in a church, the coffin will be carried out followed by the next of kin and close family, followed by other mourners. In a crematorium the coffin will remain either on view or be hidden by a curtain, the next of kin and close family will leave followed by other mourners.

 

CREMATION

Should items of jewellery be left on a body for cremation?
It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the body before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. The Funeral Director should ascertain your wishes in respect of this matter when the funeral arrangements are being discussed. It will not be possible to recover any items of jewellery after the coffin has been received at the crematorium.

 

How soon after the service will a cremation take place?
The cremation will usually be commenced shortly after the service. The Code of Cremation Practice specifies that the cremation is always completed on the same day as the service.

 

Can more than one body be cremated in a cremator at the same time?
The Code of Cremation Practice insists that each cremation is carried out separately. Exceptions may be made, for instance, in the case of a mother and baby or twin children, providing that the next of kin or Executor has made a specific request in this regard.

 

What procedures are followed to ensure that cremated remains are kept separate?
A cremator can physically accept only one coffin at a time and all remains are removed before the unit can be used again. The identity card, accompanies the coffin and cremated remains throughout the process until final disposal.

 

What happens to the cremated remains after cremation?
At the end of the cremation process the remains are removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in a special container. Ferrous metals used in the construction of the coffin and any metal used in medical implants are extracted and retained for separate disposal. Non-ferrous metals that may include an unrecognisable element of precious material will not be salvaged for any purpose and will be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Cremation practice and invariably will be buried in the grounds of the crematorium. The cremated remains will be disposed of in compliance with the instructions of the Applicant.

 

Is the coffin cremated with the body?
Yes. The ICCM Guiding Principles state that the container and the body shall be placed in a cremator and cremation commenced. The coffin or container with the body inside shall not be opened or otherwise disturbed, other than in exceptional circumstances, and then only with the express permission and in the presence of the Applicant for Cremation (usually the executor or next of kin).