Cremation

Mendip Crematorium, Shepton Mallet / Wells

Cremations are an ever more popular choice of funeral. Our local crematorium, The Mendip Crematorium, is newly built.

We will of course use any crematorium of your choice.

You can request the full service to be held there or just the committal following a service of thanksgiving at a local church. The service time is half an hour and within that time, time is allocated for the mourners to enter and leave, if you have a large congregation it may be advisable to ask for a double time allocation.

All Crematoria that are members of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities must follow The Code of Cremation Practice which states that:

• Nothing can be removed from the coffin after it has been received from the Chapel
• Cremation of the body will take place on the same day as the funeral.
• If it is not cremated on the same day as the coffin is received at the crematorium it may only be retained on the written consent of the applicant and in circumstances deemed necessary by the cremation authority, including impacts on the environment.

It is not obligatory to have a religious ceremony conducted by the Clergy. Whoever you wish can perform the service.

Some religions demand that the charging of the coffin is witnessed. Two people are permitted to attend this procedure, which is the placing of the coffin into the cremator, however, you must advise the Crematorium Office beforehand.

Only one coffin can be cremated at a time, with the exception of perhaps a mother and baby if the next of kin requests. On arrival each coffin is identified with a card, this is then placed on the outside of the cremator just before the coffin is put in. The card is then put on the cooling tray with the cremated remains (ashes) and finally attached to the urn, thus ensuring that the ashes are those of your loved one and no other.

Once the cremation has taken place you will be asked to make a decision for the interment of ashes. There are various options available to you and we are happy to advise you on this either at time of need or later, if you prefer.

Haycombe Crematorium, Bath

 Burial

A Burial is seen as a more traditional form of funeral and generally takes place in your local Churchyard or Cemetery following on from a service.

Most Cemeteries allow a burial to take place regardless of where the deceased resided, but will probably charge more if they live out of the Borough or Parish.

Churches tend to have stricter guidelines, normally due to their limited space, and if you don't live within the Parish of the Church then it shouldn't be assumed that the Minister will allow for a burial in the churchyard unless there is an existing grave to be reopened.

Most Cemeteries have their own Service Chapel but not all Cemeteries do, so you may need to consider attending a local Church for the service or maybe a graveside ceremony.

If a new grave needs to be purchased we are happy to arrange for you to meet a member of staff at the Cemetery to help you choose the location of the plot.

This choice is not always available to you in other cemeteries or church yards.

Green Funerals/Woodland Burials

It is becoming more and more popular to have a more environmentally friendly funeral. There are several places where a burial can take place which is in a wooded area using a wicker or other 'green' type coffin.

Please ask for further advice and details on these.

We can provide printed 'Order of Service' for the church or crematorium funeral service. Prices start from £48.50 for 50 sheets.