FAQ’S

In our opinion there is never a ‘normal’ funeral, with each and every funeral being individual to the family concerned. The following information is there to help answer the questions most often asked about the funeral and services associated with it.

What are Doctors Forms?
When a funeral is a cremation, two doctors MUST attend and certify death. The FIRST doctor must be the doctor who attended the deceased in his/hers last illness. The duty of the SECOND doctor is essentially one of confirmation. This doctor must not be related to the first doctor either through family or practice. For this service, each doctor makes a separate charge, which we, the Funeral Directors usually pay on behalf of the deceased’s family.

How many people can be seated in the limousine?
In each limousine there is room for six people in the rear compartment and 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 Graham Tresidder and his staff will be there to help and guide you, your family and friends through the proceedings. Do not hesitate to ask any member of our staff if you are unsure of anything.

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

Can we visit our loved one and pay our last respects?
Yes, we are open and available to you at anytime. If you wish to visit our Private Chapel of Rest please ring and inform us when you would like to come and we will be pleased to arrange for a member of our staff to meet you.

Can we have the deceased brought home?
Yes, we can bring your loved one home on the evening before the service or on the morning of the service, so the deceased can leave from their home.

Can we request donations to charity?
Yes, if donations to charity are requested, we will accept them on your behalf and they can then be forwarded to the charity of your choice.

Does the coffin move after the service at the crematorium?
No, after the service has ended, the coffin does not move until all relatives and friends have the left the chapel. At some Crematoria there are curtains that close at the head of the coffin, however this is only done at the request of the relatives.

Are the handles on the coffin removed before the cremation takes place?
No, there are strict laws regarding cremation. Nothing may be removed from the coffin before cremation without the permission of the Home Office.

Is each cremation carried out individually?
Yes. The identity of the coffin name plate is checked by the crematorium attendant before it is placed in the cremation chamber. This only holds one coffin or casket at a time and again there are strict regulations that must be abided by.

Do i get the cremated remains back that belong to me?
Yes. Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remians are removed and left to cool before being placed in an urn. This urn is marked up and identified as to whose remains they are.

What can i do with the cremated remains?
1. You can place them in the Garden of Remembrance but you may not know where they are and you cannot 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 exisiting family grave.

Any of the above options may be discussed with our staff, who will be pleased to help and advise you on the matter

How will i know who attended the funeral?
We will provide attendance cards to all mourners on their arrival at chapel or church, these will be gathered at the end of the service and returned to your family.

What about catering after the funeral?
If you require catering after the funeral service you can make your own arrangements or contact us to make a booking at a hotel, pub or restaurant of your choice. Alternatively we can provide catering and staff at your home.

When is the funeral account payable?
The funeral account is sent to the person responsible for the funeral arrangements or the solicitor, when necessary, usually about a week or so after the funeral. The account can be paid for by cash or cheque at any of our locations.

How soon after a burial can I put a headstone on the grave?
If the grave is ‘earth’ rathher 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 the waiting time is shortened.

If you have any questions or issues that have not been highlighted in this section please do not hesitate to Contact Us and we will do everything we can to assist you.