Many families leave the arrangements to the head of the family, e.g. mother, father, son or daughter, as many personal details of the deceased are required.

We require that the person with whom we are dealing with is authorised to give instructions. However, it is not always possible that a close member of the family is available and instructions may be given by a more distant relative or, in some cases, a neighbour or friend.

We require details of the deceased such as their full name and address, age, religion, place of death, doctor's name, if a death certificate has been issued and will the funeral be burial or cremation? If burial which cemetery, is there an existing grave and who is the owner? If cremation, which crematorium and what are the instructions regarding the ashes?

We also require information regarding clergy, the type of service, hymns, where you wish to meet, cars, flowers, newspaper notices, catering, etc. Help and suggestions on these subjects will be given by our staff.

Finally a decision is required regarding the style and quality of the coffin. This is an important decision as it will ultimately affect the overall cost of the funeral. A member of staff will be pleased to show you the choice of coffins available.

Once the funeral details are arranged, we will give you a written estimate of the likely cost. We believe that you should know all the costs of the arrangements made so that you may make any changes you deem necessary.

YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THIS IS AN
ESTIMATE COST NOT AN INVOICE

A guide to cremation

Most major towns in the U.K. now have a crematorium, with approximately 446,000 cremations taking place each year, which represents 72% of all funerals.

Generally the cost of a burial is much higher than the fee charged for cremation. The funeral director's fees are similar for both services. The only additional charge for cremation is when a death has not been referred to a coroner and a charge will be made by the two doctors completing the two medical certificates that are required.

The service for cremation is the same as that for burial, apart from the committal sentences and that the service may take place in your church or chapel followed by a short service at the crematorium.

Alternatively, the whole service may be conducted at the crematorium. If you wish to be cremated when you die it is worth considering a Co-op Pre-Payment Funeral Bond, where you can leave clear instructions for the type of service you require. See the relevant pages on this website or freephone 0800 454552.

Religious attitudes to cremation

All Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation but it is forbidden by Orthodox Jews and Moslems. Cremation is also allowed by Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists.

You may arrange for your minister to conduct the service and if hymns are to be sung at the crematorium an organist should be notified in advance. Crematorium chapels are not consecrated but are usually dedicated. At the opening of a new crematorium, it is usual for the service to be conducted jointly by ministers from the local community.

How to arrange for cremation

It is wise to approach a funeral director immediately death occurs and advise them that you wish to arrange for cremation. At Midlands Co-op Funeral Services, we will make all the arrangements and obtain the necessary forms. You will need to sign Form A if you are the executor or next of kin. The death will have to be registered and we can advise how to do this. At this stage, you will be asked how you wish to dispose of the ashes. If you are certain what you want, you will be asked to sign an authority for the crematorium to carry out your wishes. If you are not certain, most crematoria will retain the ashes for two weeks, whilst you make a decision. Medical certificates will also need to be completed by two different doctors before cremation can take place.

At the crematorium

The coffin is usually brought into the crematorium followed by the mourners in procession. Whilst it is placed on the catafalque the mourners take their seats and the service proceeds. At the moment of committal the coffin may be obscured by curtains. At the end of the service mourners leave the crematorium and may inspect the floral tributes.

The coffin is withdrawn into a committal room where the nameplate is checked with the cremation order to ensure the correct identity. The coffin is then labelled with a card, which will stay with the coffin until cremation.

Wherever possible, cremation takes place on the same day as the service.

Cremation Ashes

Crematorium regulations require that all fittings should be of a combustible material. Ferrous nails and screws do not burn and stay with the ashes until they are removed by a magnetic field. Precious metals are fused with other materials so that they are unrecognisable. The remains are reduced to a fine white bone ash and normally weigh between 5lb and 7lb. They are now in a state which permits them to be strewn.

Only one coffin at a time is cremated and the card that was placed with the coffin stays with the ashes to ensure you receive the correct ashes. Without exception the coffin is always cremated with the deceased. Nothing will be removed from the coffin after it has been received at the crematorium.

Gardens of remembrance and memorials

The ashes can be scattered or buried in the gardens of remembrance at the crematorium or removed in a casket for burial or scattering elsewhere. Should you wish to inter them we can arrange this and you can be present at interment if you so desire. Clergy may also attend. You will need to inform us if you need the ashes returned to you prior to the funeral taking place. At some crematoria it is possible to dedicate a rose or other garden items with a small plaque. This is usually for a limited period with renewal an option on further payment.

Burying the ashes in a casket with a memorial gives a focus point for bereaved families. If you wish the ashes to be scattered in a cemetery or other special place prior permission will be required.

You do not have to have ashes disposed of - you may wish to keep them at home.