Cremation

No. Generally the cost of a grave is much higher than the fee charged for cremation. The only additional charge for cremation arises from two doctor’s certificates that are issued and need to be paid for. The current charge for the two legally required Doctors Certificates is £164.00 (Sometimes this cost does not apply if the Coroner becomes involved.)

The services for burial and cremation are the same apart from the committal sentences that are said. The service may take place at your own place of worship followed by a short committal service at the crematorium, or you may prefer to have the whole service at the crematorium chapel. Alternatively, you may prefer a civil ceremony to be conducted, or even no service at all.

The Cremation Regulations are complex. A number of forms are required to be completed and forwarded to the crematorium in advance of the service. These forms are reviewed by the Medical Referee at the crematorium who ensures that the requirements have been met for cremation to take place. The Funeral Director will ensure that all the necessary documentation for cremation is obtained and completed.  They will then submit it to the Crematorium.

If a cremation is to take place an Application for Cremation will need to be completed. The Applicant is usually the next of kin, close relative or executor of the person who has died. During the funeral arrangement the funeral director will go through the application forms with you ensuring they are correctly completed. The funeral director will then retain these in order to forward them to the crematorium on your behalf.

By law two doctors are required to complete a certificate for cremation. The applicant for cremation is allowed to inspect the certificates which are completed by the Doctors. If the applicant wishes to view the certificates then no appointment can be made at the crematorium until they have been inspected.

Yes. A next of kin or executor may arrange the cremation service themselves. Cremation authorities will provide advice to persons arranging a cremation without the use of a Funeral Director and will provide copies of the required applications and forms.

Yes. However, the Crematorium must be informed that you wish to witness the committal when the cremation is booked. This is so that staff can be informed and they will then make the necessary preparations on the day. Each crematorium operates differently and there may be a limit to the number of people that can witness the cremation.

The ICCM Guiding Principles state that cremation should be commenced no later than 72 hours after the service of committal. Where cremation may not be carried out on the same day, the Applicant for Cremation shall be notified. This means that under normal circumstances the cremation is usually carried out shortly after the service and certainly on the same day.

Yes. The ICCM Guiding Principles state that the container and the body shall be placed in the cremator and cremation commenced. The coffin or container used shall not be opened or otherwise disturbed, other than in exceptional circumstances and then only with the express permission and in the presence of the Applicant for Cremation.

No. The coffin and the body inside it are cremated together.

No. Each cremation is carried out separately. The aperture through which the coffin passes in the cremator and the cremation chamber are of dimensions that will only safely accept one coffin. Exceptions can be made in the case of a mother and baby or small twin children, so long as the next of kin or executor has made this specific request.

A cremator can only accept one coffin at a time and all the remains are removed from the cremator before the next cremation. An Identification Card is used throughout the whole process until the final disposal, thereby ensuring separation and correct identification.

All fragments and all non-consumed metal items are placed into a stainless steel cooling pan located in the back of the cremation chamber. All non-consumed items such as metal are divided from the cremated remains. Items such as dental gold are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary urn.

Yes. There are options for memorial plaques beneath rose bushes, trees or shrubs and memorial benches with plaques. You may also have an entry inscribed in a Book of Remembrance. Your nearest crematorium will provide details of their facilities. Cremated remains may also be buried in family graves that are for coffined burials. It is also possible to purchase a cremated remains grave where a memorial can be erected.

The law relating to cremation requires that cremated remains are disposed of in accordance with the written instructions of the applicant (usually the executor or nearest relative). Most crematoria have a range of options which might include scattering or burying in the Garden of Remembrance, placing in a columbarium or interring in a small family vault or niche. Should a crematorium not be contacted with a decision after a period of time has elapsed, you may receive a letter asking you if you are ready to go ahead with disposal. If you are not, simply tell the crematorium that you need more time (a fee may be applicable). Should a crematorium receive no reply to their letter they may legally scatter or bury the cremated remains within their grounds after giving 2 weeks written notice. When arranging a funeral with A.R. Adams the funeral director will discuss the options for disposal with you. It might be recommended that A.R. Adams collect and store the cremated remains on your behalf until a further decision about their disposal is made.