Funerals
Who should I contact to organise a Funeral?
Funerals are conducted by arrangement with local funeral directors who should be contacted in the first instance.
A Service at Church or at the Crematorium?
We would encourage people to hold their services in Church, whenever possible. At church there is no restriction on time and there will be room for as many as want to come. We have facilities for playing recorded music if that is desired. If there is to be a Cremation, the whole service can be held in Church, if that is what is preferred. We also conduct funerals at the Crematorium.
Whoever is taking the service will help you to plan it, so that it meets your family’s needs and we are very happy to discuss the possibility of either a member of the family or a friend sharing a tribute at the service. If this takes place the Vicar will need to be given a copy of any tribute in advance of the service in case a person feels unable to speak on the day. Alternatively, the minister will be happy to give a tribute on the families behalf.
Garden of Remembrance and Rose Trees and Bushes
Whilst St Andrew’s does not have a Churchyard we do have a Garden of Remembrance for the interment of ashes of Parishioners (including all those on the Church Electoral Roll) and non parishioners by agreement with the Vicar of the Church.
Subject to availability of space, a commemorative Rose tree or bush may be planted in memory of a person who has had his or her cremated remains buried in the Garden of Remembrance. Permission must always be sought and granted.
A plaque may be placed by the rose provided it is black, grey or brass and measures no more than 12.5cm long and 8.5cm deep. Inscriptions must be simple and reverent and appropriate to a churchyard. The Christian and Surname of the deceased should be given, with dates of birth and death (or age and date of death) and the wording of any epitath must be agreed with the vicar as part of the necessary permission.
Annual Memorial Service
Each year in late October or early November we hold a special service for all who are mourning. Invitations go to all who have had family funeral services in the previous two years and the service is open to all who would like to remember those who have died.
Contact
For help and advice about any aspect of bereavement please contact the Vicar.
Revd Scott Edwards. Vicarage Tel. 01252 835179