Organisation of the funeral
We will:
- register the death if the next of kin is unable to
- make arrangements with a funeral director, and pay for the funeral
A cremation service will normally be held at Southend Crematorium. The only time a burial will be considered is if it is established that the deceased would have wanted a burial for either:
- religious reasons
- cultural reasons
- personal reasons
A check of our burial records is made to see if:
- the deceased owned a grave in the Sutton Road Cemetery and,
- there is room for them to be buried in it
If a burial is required and the deceased did not own a grave, burial will take place in an unmarked public grave in the Sutton Road Cemetery.
Our funeral directors will arrange:
- for a coffin
- transport of the deceased to the Crematorium or Cemetery
- transfer of the coffin to the chapel
We decide the time of the funeral.
The funeral director will arrange a short simple service hosted by either a:
- minister of religion
- representative of the faith of the deceased
- civil funeral celebrant
During this short service, people can be involved and attend.
The ashes can be collected by the next of kin if they are confirmed by:
- family members, or
- determined by a genealogist
No flowers are included within the cost for the funeral.
Following the cremation, the cremated remains will be placed in the Gardens of Remembrance at Sutton Road Crematorium. This happens two weeks after the service and family members can attend.
In exceptional circumstances, cremated remains may be given into the care of a close family member or friend. This requires permission from the next of kin.
We will follow guidance and principles directed by Government and Public Health organisations during times of:
- emergency
- epidemics
- pandemics
As a result, we may deviate from this policy.