USEFUL ADVICE

There will be many questions going
through your head when you suffer
the loss of a loved one.
We have tried to answer some of the most commonly asked questions, so that at any point in time, be it in the early hours or when you are quietly reflecting at home, you can have some peace of mind. This does not take away from the fact that we are here at the end of the phone to answer your questions or lend a sympathetic ear.

What are doctors' forms?
For cremations, two doctors must attend to certify the death. The first doctor must be the doctor who attended the deceased during his / her last illness. The duty of the second doctor is essentially one of confirmation. The doctor must not be related to the first doctor either through family or practice.

How do we know what to do at the funeral?
On the day of the funeral, we as funeral directors are there to help guide and support you, your family and friends. If you are unsure of anything, please let us know, it is our job to make sure you are well looked after at this difficult time.

How many people can be seated in the Limousine?
In each Limousine there is room for 6 people in the rear compartment and one more in the front with the chauffeur.

May the family carry the coffin?
Yes and many people make this request. We can discuss this when we plan the arrangements for the day.

May we visit the deceased and pay our last respects?
Yes, we look after the preparation and care of the deceased until the day of the funeral. Appointments to visit the Chapel of Rest can be arranged through our helpful and sensitive staff during office opening hours, which are Monday - Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

May we choose what music is played at the Crematorium?
Yes, if you have a special request or would like a particular piece of music played, either as you walk into or out of the crematorium chapel, let us know and we will make sure this is arranged for you.

May we request donations to charity?
This is a common question. Donations are usually requested in place of flowers, we are happy to accept and list donations on your behalf and forward them to the charity of your choice.

Does the coffin move after the funeral service at the crematorium?
After the service has ended the coffin does not move until all relatives and friends have left the crematorium chapel. At some crematoria there are curtains that close at the head of the coffin but this is only done at the request of the relatives.
 
Is each cremation carried out individually?
Yes. The identity of the coffin name plate is checked by the crematorium Attendant before it is placed in the cremation chamber. This only holds one coffin or casket at a time and again there are rules that must be abided by.

Do I get the cremated remains back?
Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remains are removed and left to cool before being placed in an urn. We will ensure the cremated remains are returned to you safely.

What can I do with the cremated remains?

• You may chose to place them in the Garden of Remembrance, however you may not know where they are and are unfortunately unable to place a head stone with them.
• You may wish to purchase a grave for the purpose of interring the remains of your loved one. This allows you to have a headstone and enables other members of the family to be buried there in the future.
• You may wish to keep them at home in a special urn or memorial.
• You may wish to scatter them in a special or memorable place to you, your family or your loved one.
• You may prefer the remains to be buried in an existing family grave.

How will I know who attended the funeral?
We can arrange for a list of mourners who attended the funeral to be written in a memorial book, as a keepsake of the day.

What about catering after the funeral?
A memorial reception allows mourners to share memories of the deceased in less formal surroundings. We can arrange a buffet at the venue of your choice or
you may prefer to make your own arrangements

When is the funeral account payable?
The funeral account is sent to the person responsible for the arrangements or the solicitor, usually around a week after the funeral.

How soon after a burial can I put a headstone on the grave?
If the grave is ‘earth’ rather than bricked, then the grave will take 6 months or more before the ground is firm enough to place the weight of a headstone. If the grave is bricked inside, then it doesn’t take quite as long. The headstone is an important and often emotional choice, as it acts as a lasting tribute to the deceased and a final gift to a loved one. It is therefore sometimes comforting for people to take their time in deciding what they would like the memorial to say and not feel rushed into this decision. Visist Mossop Monumental Masons for a selection of beautifully fitting memorials.