In our opinion, there is no such thing as a normal funeral. Each and every funeral is individual to the family concerned. It is up to that family to pay their last respects and say their last farewell in the manner that is most suitable for them.
The following information is here to answer questions that we are most often asked about the funeral and services.
(Q). What are Doctor’s Fees and when are they payable?
(A.) When a family chooses a cremation there may be Doctors Fees payable which will be added to your final invoice.
If the last doctor who attended to the deceased saw them in the previous 14 days before their death and is willing to issue a medical cause of death certificate, then the doctor will have to complete cremation forms. The fees to complete these forms are set by the British Medical Association and the current fee is £82.
If the deceased hasn’t seen a doctor in the previous 14 days prior to their death or the doctor is unwilling to issue a medical cause of death certificate for example if the death is unnatural or sudden then the death must be reported to the coroner. The coroner will look at the circumstances around the death and may allow the doctor to issue the medical cause of death certificate in which case cremation forms will need to be completed and the fees will be added to the funeral invoice.
If the coroner is not willing to allow the doctor who last attended the deceased to issue a medical cause of death certificate then the corner will undertake further investigations and once the coroner has completed their initial investigations the coroner will issue a cremation form to allow the cremation to take place. There are no fees payable if a cremation form is issued by the coroner.
We will liaise with you, the doctors and the coroner’s office during this process and keep you informed and advise if doctors fees will be payable or not.
(Q). How many people can be seated in the limousine?
(A). In each limousine there is room for six people in the rear compartment and room for one in the front with the chauffeur.
(Q). How do we know what to do at the funeral?
(A). On the day of the funeral, the Funeral Director is there to help and guide you, your family, and your friends. If you are unsure of anything, please tell the Funeral Director.
(Q). Can the family carry the coffin?
(A). Yes, although we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure that it is safe to do so.
(Q). Can we visit the deceased to pay our last respects?
(A). Yes, our funeral home is open and available to you at any time. If you wish to visit our private chapel, please ring and inform us when you would like to come and we will be pleased to arrange for a member of staff to meet you.
(Q). Can we have the deceased brought home?
(A). Yes, we can bring the deceased home either on the evening before the service or on the morning of the service, so the deceased can leave from home.
(Q). Can we choose what music is played at the Crematorium?
(A). 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, please let the Funeral Director know as soon as possible. Please note that only original recordings are allowed because of copyright laws.
(Q). Can we request donations to charity?
(A). 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.
(Q). Does the coffin move after the funeral service at the Crematorium?
(A). No. After the service has ended, the coffin does not move until all relatives and friends have left the Crematorium Chapel. At some Crematoria there are curtains that close at the head of the coffin, but this is only done at the request of the relatives.
(Q). Are the handles on the coffin removed before the cremation takes place?
(A). No, there are strict laws regarding cremation. Nothing may be removed from the coffin before cremation without the permission of the Home Office.
(Q). Is each cremation carried out individually?
(A). Yes. Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remains are removed and left to cool before being placed in an urn. This urn is clearly identified as to whose remains they are.
(Q). What can I do with the cremated remains?
(A). There are a number of options available, listed below.
1. You can place them in the Garden of Remembrance but you may not know where they are and you can not place a headstone with them.
2. You may wish to purchase a grave just for the purpose of interring the cremated remains. This allows you to have a headstone and have other members of the family buried there in the future.
3. You may keep them at home in a special urn or memorial.
4. You may scatter them in a special place.
5. The remains may be buried in an existing family grave.
If you would like to discuss any of the above alternatives, please contact us and we will be pleased to help you.
(Q). How will I know who attended the funeral?
(A). A list of mourners who attended the funeral can be made using attendance cards.
(Q). What about catering after the funeral?
(A). If you require catering after the funeral you can make your own arrangements or contact us to make a booking at a hotel or restaurant.
Notices for the Newspaper
If you require either a Death Notice or Acknowledgement in a local or national newspaper, please complete the form in the folder and contact us.
(Q). How soon after a burial can I put a headstone on the grave?
(A). If the grave is ‘earth’ rather than ‘bricked’ then the grave will take six months or more before the ground is firm enough to place the weight of a headstone. If the grave is ‘bricked’ inside, then it does not take as long.
For further advice, please contact your Funeral Director, who will be pleased to advise you.