We get many frequently asked questions, so if you have a query on funeral arrangements, please take a look at our answers below.
If the death occurs in hospital, call us on 01793 814602. If it occurs at home, call the paramedics first. In nursing homes, the staff will call a doctor and then they can contact us on your behalf. When a death is unexpected, contact the paramedics or police as the coroner will be involved. If someone dies away from home or abroad, we can help arrange to have your relative repatriated back to their home from anywhere in the world.
Funeral directors will provide you with support when a loved one passes away. We will make the arrangements for transportation, complete the paperwork and assist you with any problems.
They will be brought to our premises in Wroughton and they will be in our care until the funeral.
Yes, it is available to you 24 hours a day.
By making an appointment with the registrar, once you have received the Medical Certificate for Cause of Death (MCCD) from the doctor or the hospital. We can give you guidance and written instructions for this.
At the Registry Office in the area where the death occurred, sometimes this facility is available in certain hospitals.
These are fully detailed in our guidance sheet.
Copies of the Death Certificate, a Green Certificate that you must give to us, and a bereavement guidance pack.
This depends on the circumstances of the death.
It gives those left behind closure and is the first step towards accepting their loss.
This depends upon your/their individual circumstances.
It lengthens the time between death and the service, and it enables us to present your loved one in the best way possible.
This depends upon where it is held, however traditionally services at the crematorium last between 25 and 40 minutes.
It is not a requirement, unless specified by the deceased or their family.
One that is a fitting tribute/celebration to your loved one.
Usually a person who is willing to conduct a non-religious service.
That depends upon the wishes of the deceased and their family.
No, they are totally voluntary.
No, but if you do require one, we will guide you through the process.
It’s a legal requirement enforced by HM Government.
No, each coffin is individual to the deceased.
Yes, and everything else that is ATTACHED to or IN it.
Yes, each individual is cremated on their own, with strict checks made during the whole process.
Not usually.
Yes. We would usually collect them the day after the funeral for you.
Wherever you can get the land owner’s permission.
No, in a churchyard, you only pay for the right of interment. In a public cemetery you purchase the right to that plot for usually 99 years, however, in some places this can be as short as 25 years.
This will depend upon the cemetery/churchyard.
These are commonly called “green burials” and as such have a completely different set of rules to comply with. For example, embalming is not allowed, all clothing and items placed inside the coffin must be biodegradable, etc. Contact us for more information.
Most funeral directors will give their services for free (including us), as will the crematorium, and celebrants/ministers. The only other costs are ones that are directly attributable to the funeral, like flowers, extra cars and sometimes the casket.