|
|
|
Chapels of Rest
We welcome visitors to our Chapels of Rest, many of which have specially commissioned stained glass
windows depicting local scenes. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Press Announcements
We can give assistance with the compilation and insertion of death announcements and acknowledgements in
local and national newspapers.
Floral Tributes
If you so wish, we can help you with the ordering of floral tributes and can also record the
card messages for you.
Donations
Many people prefer charitable donations in lieu of flowers and we will collect and acknowledge these
for you at no additional cost.
Service Sheets
We are able to print personalised orders of service with readings and hymns and the front cover can
include an illustration bearing some significance to the deceased or a photograph. We hold a copyright licence and
have invested in colour scanning and printing facilities enabling us to offer a wide variety of
options. Many people like to keep the service sheets afterwards as a keepsake or may send them to those who were
not able to attend.
Music
It is becoming more and more popular for families to ask for recorded music to be played at a
funeral instead of, or in addition to, more traditional hymns and organ music. Also instrumental
soloists may be requested, especially pipers. Our staff will be able to give advice on all aspects of music
for a service or ceremony and make the necessary arrangements.
|
|
|
|
|
Coffin Bearers
Quite often members of a family ask to bear the coffin. Our staff will give advice about this
and any help necessary.
Release of Doves
This unique service can be provided by many of our offices. The act of releasing a white dove is
not only very symbolic in its meaning but can give comfort when words do not seem quite enough.
Green Funerals
It is sometimes difficult to understand what is meant by the term "Green" funerals. For some
it may be the use of traditional and sustainable materials in the manufacture of the
coffin, for others, it is the idea of a burial in a place that will return to woodland with
no headstone to mark the spot. We have a range of biodegradable coffins, including cardboard, bamboo
and wicker (willow) options, all of which are suitable for burial or cremation. Contact your nearest
branch for details and for information on local woodland burial sites. Photo shown reproduced with kind permission of Colney Wood Burial Ground.
Horse-drawn Funerals
For families who wish to experience the ultimate in tradition and elegance a Victorian style horse-drawn
hearse with coachmen and grooms in full livery and black horses with ostrich feather plumes
may be appropriate. As the horses, style of hearse and livery will vary slightly in different
areas please contact your local branch for details.
Motorcycle Hearses
A choice of three different Motorbike combinations are available for a dignified final ride for
motorcyclists, non-motorcyclists, racing enthusiasts and bikers: the
Suzuki Hayabusa Hearse, (the Hayabusa is the world's fastest production road bike), the Triumph Hearse
and the Harley Davidson Hearse. Contact any of our branches for more information on slow, fast or very fast
motor bike funerals.
Do-it-yourself Funerals
We are sometimes asked to assist families in making their own arrangements. Although most people prefer
us to take care of all aspects of the funeral we are prepared to sell coffins direct to
families. However, VAT is chargeable here whereas no VAT is charged on complete funerals. We are
sometimes asked to vary our arrangement, for example to allow a farmer to use a tractor and
trailer instead of a hearse or for family members to carry the coffin. Families have been known to
make their own coffin but have asked us to complete the arrangements. This reflects our commitment to
meeting the needs of all the families we serve, including those who do not necessarily want a
traditional funeral.
Cremated Remains
The cremation procedure is very strictly regulated and great care is taken to ensure that
ashes are kept separate from anyone else's. Dealing with cremated remains is a very
important part of the funeral rite, yet can often be overlooked. There are many options available, including
scattering in the crematorium gardens, burial in the local churchyard, cemetery or woodland site, burial
or scattering in your own garden, keeping the ashes at home or even scattering at sea. We have a
range of ashes caskets and memento urns and can also advise on options for memorials, including plaques
that can be placed with a tree or shrub.
|
|
| |
|
