Burials

Traditional or informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you would like – and it’s entirely up to you as to how religious the service is depending on your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can organise the funeral and a burial at your chosen cemetery, graveyard or burial ground and purchase a grave on your behalf where necessary. Most burial grounds have a chapel or room where the service can take place, but you may decide you want the service to take place in a particular church or other venue that has meaning for you. 

If you already have a family burial plot we may be able to arrange for it to be reopened before the burial. If you would like burial plots which are next to each other, you’ll need to talk to the local authority about the possibility of purchasing or reserving multiple plots and again, we can help you with this.

What happens at a burial?

On the day of the funeral, depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside the burial ground awaiting the arrival of the cortege with 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.

A funeral service usually lasts around 20 to 60 minutes and can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings.

Following the funeral service (should you choose to have one) the committal service usually takes place at the graveside with the minister, clergy or other non-religious officiant conducting the service. This can be tailored to your requests with readings, songs and prayers. 

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

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Memorial Masonry

We offer a masonry service for new pieces, additional inscriptions or renovations to existing memorials.

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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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Latest Reviews

Google

Alison is a very helpful lady. She made my dads funeral go so smooth. I would definately reccomend them. Thank you

debbie taylor

Google

The service offered here was superb. Alison Orrow who dealt with most of the arrangements was very sensitive and helped with all our requests. I highly recommend James Hawes in Highams Park.

Sandeep D Christian

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Exceptional service from beginning to end for my Nan’s funeral. Denise and the team were incredibly supportive throughout, and even followed up afterwards to make sure we were doing okay, which meant a lot. I would highly recommend them.

Asha Jackson

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The level of service received here was incredible. I had no idea on what to do but Tony was amazing, he came round my house on several occasions as I was really struggling with the loss of my dad. He just got what it was…

Harriet Kite

Google

We were very happy with Alison who arranged everything and was our contact before the funeral day, and also the funeral director on the day and her whole team

Tracy Cushion

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It was an extremely difficult time and Alison and the team treated myself and my family with dignity and respect, they literally took care of everything Thank you.

Karema Edwards

Google

The staff, especially Ceanne at James Hawes & Goodchild funeral directors, Well Street, Hackney were professional yet very caring. From our first visit & up to the funeral day they handled all the arrangements efficiently & kept us updated throughout the process. This was a…

Tracy Jenkins

Google

wonderful people to deal with very very supportive lost my mother last month these people are wonderful couldn't have got through this without them

Troll destroyer

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From the start to the finish of the funeral process was perfect, Ceanne maid feel relaxed and welcome and put us at ease the attention to detail was phenomenal she kept in contact all the way through even up until the day before the funeral,…

Alan McManus

Google

Thank you Alison at the Highams Park branch for guiding us through the process of arranging the funeral service for my father. She was kind and sympathetic, providing a coffee, which was a nice touch that helped us to relax. I have never arranged a…

Sue Tuhill

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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View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

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Call 020 8527 1508 visit branch or arrange a home visit