LATEST UPDATE 20/03/2020
We just wanted to inform all of our families that we are no longer able to meet face to face for funeral arrangements. It is also the same for families liaising with celebrants and ministers, so please can we politely ask you not to come to the office without prior arrangement.
Guidelines and policies are being updated day by day and we are working together as a team to be responsible to the public and to the team we work with.
We are still carrying out funerals but in a different way, from now we will not meet with families to go through the funeral arrangements, we will have contact over the phone and email.
Registration procedures are changing due to the fact that next of kin are having to self-isolate, when we know more we can share this information with you.
Certain ‘at risk’ ministers, retired clergy have made the decision not to put themselves at risk, we thank them for everything that they have done for us.
Chapel of Rest visits are currently taking place following government guidelines of social distancing and hand hygiene, but they are limited to one or two people at a time and we have alcohol hand rubs and tissues in all rooms.
We are still providing order of service sheets or printed hymn sheets as the crematoriums and churches (that are still holding a service prior to burial or cremation) are no longer having items such as hymn books in the chapels.
We are still collating donations in memory of our loved ones with staff taking extra care when handling the money. We may move away from this in days to come and use sites such as ‘just giving’ which our funeral directors are more than happy to help families set up.
We are no longer providing limousines, for the safety of families and our staff. Alternative methods of transport must be used. For example, families using their own transport to follow the hearse to the cemetery.
We can look after funerals with no families present when families are facing extreme circumstances.
We have made the decision to not hand out mourner’s attendance cards which is a service we liked to give our families to have a recording of who attended on the day.
Webcams, audio and visual recordings are available at certain crematorium chapels, although with high demand they may be limited. We also have contact details for a local company who will film the service on your behalf.
Ministers and celebrants are offering their service for your loved one to be posted or emailed to families who could not attend.
Please contact the office via email or telephone if you have any further questions and a member of our team will help you.
Thank you for your co-operation at this difficult time