Cremations - A more popular choice
Cremations are an ever more popular choice of funeral. Our local crematorium in Tunbridge Wells is newly refurbished and can seat a congregation of 90. You can request the full service to be held there or just the committal following a service of thanksgiving at a local church. The service time is half an hour and within that time, time is allocated for the mourners to enter and leave, if you have a large congregation it may be advisable to ask for a double time allocation.
All Crematoria that are members of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities must follow The Code of Cremation Practice which states that:
- Nothing can be removed from the coffin after it has been received from the Chapel
- Cremation of the body will take place as soon as is practicable. If it is not cremated on the same day as the coffin is received at the crematorium it may only be retained on the written consent of the applicant and in circumstances deemed necessary by the cremation authority, including impacts on the environment.*
*Generally, our local crematorium will cremate within 72 hours of the committal.
It is not obligatory to have a religious ceremony conducted by the Clergy. Whoever you wish can perform the service.
Some religions demand that the charging of the coffin is witnessed. Two people are permitted to attend this procedure, which is the placing of the coffin into the cremator, however, you must advise the Crematorium Office beforehand.
Only one coffin can be cremated at a time, with the exception of perhaps a mother and baby if the next of kin requests. On arrival each coffin is identified with a card, this is then placed on the outside of the cremator just before the coffin is put in. The card is then put on the cooling tray with the cremated remains (ashes) and finally attached to the urn, thus ensuring that the ashes are those of your loved one and no other.
Once the cremation has taken place you will be asked to make a decision for the interment of ashes. There are various options available to you and we are happy to advise you on this either at time of need or later, if you prefer.