Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society.

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

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Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

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Need advice?

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Featured Reviews

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Thank you to Denise and her team for their support and help during our difficult time. The kindness and compassion shown to the family and attention to detail at the service was greatly appreciated, they knew exactly what we needed when we wasnt in the…

Georgia B

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Could not ask for better people to help me throughout the sad time of planning my dad's celebration of life day. Whatever was asked, was done and done to perfection. They became a part of my family and I will always be grateful for making…

Christina Wood

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I would like to say a massive thank you for the funeral directors and staff, Denise, Richard, Deanna and Sam, for the care of my Late Father Mr Patrice and the highly professional execution of his funeral. They did a wonderful job from start to…

Benjamite Queen

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A massive thank you to Alison for looking after my family at a very difficult time. A special mention to Tony who visited my Autistic grandson every evening and at the weekend to reassure him and put his mind at ease. Such an incredible human…

Harry Mason

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Denise and her team were amazing at supporting me and my friends through a difficult time. She gave a great service that I won’t forget and helped us give a proper send off to someone we lost. She would constantly check up on us and…

Edgar

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A big Thank you to Denise and Her team!! They really Helped to organise and support us through the hard times Of a close loved ones funeral plans. They cared Deeply and made sure to reach out and check on us to see if we…

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Very caring and compassionate team. Thanks for looking after us at such a difficult time. Made me feel like family

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Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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