Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council ceased to exist on April 1st 2009 when its services
and responsibilities transferred to
Cheshire East Council. This website is available for information only.
Arranging a Funeral - without a Funeral
Director
Introduction
When arranging a funeral most people
choose to use a funeral director, but some people see 'do it
yourself' funerals as more personal and less expensive. This
leaflet aims to give simple advice and basic guidance on arranging
a funeral without a funeral director.
Death at Home
If you think that someone has died, call the doctor or ring for an
ambulance (999).If the death was expected, and the doctor had
recently seen the deceased, call them. The doctor will then issue a
medical certificate which will show the cause of death, this is
free of charge.If the deceased is to be cremated, let the doctor
know, as they will have to contact a second doctor to also confirm
the cause of death.
Both doctors will then have to complete cremation
certificates, a charge will be made for this.
Death in
Hospital
If the deceased died in hospital the hospital staff will contact
the next of kin. The deceased will be kept in the hospital mortuary
until collection of the body has been arranged.
The staff at the hospital will
advise on the collection of the deceased's personal belongings and
other formalities.
The Funeral
Arrangements
Do not make any funeral arrangements until
you are sure that the death does not have to be reported to the
Coroner. If the Coroner is involved, it may affect the date when
the funeral can take place. Find out if there is a Will as this may
give specific requests for arranging the funeral.
Remember that if you arrange a
funeral you are responsible for paying the bill. It is a good idea
therefore, to check how the funeral will be paid for and whether
there will be enough in the deceased's estate to cover the
costs.
Once a decision has been made as to whether the funeral will
be a burial or cremation the next step is to contact the Cemetery
and Crematorium Office (01270) 212643. Staff there will be able to
advise you and reserve a time for the burial or cremation.
It is important that the funeral
arrives at the Cemetery or Crematorium at the reserved time as this
avoids delaying other funerals. At Crewe, we hold services in the
Chapel at either 20 or 40 minutes duration. Alternatively,
arrangements can be made with your Local Minister for a Church
Service.
We can supply an environmentally
friendly 'cardboard' coffin if required, at a cost of £90.00 at the
present time. Or if you prefer, we can give advice on an
alternative construction. The coffin must have some form of
identification on it, stating both the full name and age of the
deceased.
The coffin will have to arrive at
the Cemetery or Crematorium in a dignified manner, so you will need
to make suitable transport arrangements.
If you wish to use our Chapel, then
you can choose to have organ music (the organist to be arranged by
yourself). Cassette, and compact disk players are also available,
together with religious hymns and prayer books. Any requests you
make will be considered.
You may also choose to have:
- A favourite piece of music
- A member of the family or friend to say a few words
- An informal ceremony
- A tape recording of the service
- No service at all
Whether you decide to have a burial or cremation, the death will
have to be registered
(please see
what to do after a death).
For a cremation the Crematorium office will require
the:
- Registrar's Certificate or Coroner's Order' issued by the
Registrar of Births and Deaths.
- An Application form for cremation', obtainable from the
Cemetery office.
- Medical forms' signed by the two doctors who confirmed the
cause of death, unless the death has been referred to the
Coroner.
All of the forms above must be
received at the Crematorium office by 10.00 am on the day prior to
the funeral, (this does not include Bank Holidays or week ends). If
the forms are not received on time, the funeral will not be allowed
to go ahead.
If you prefer a burial, then the Cemetery office will
require:
- An interment form' signed by the applicant, this can be
obtained from the Cemetery office.
- The 'Registrar's Certificate or Coroner's Order' issued by the
Registrar of Births and Deaths.
If the grave is an existing one,
other documentation will be required, for more information please
ask at the office.
All burial forms must be received at
the Cemetery Office 48 hours prior to the burial taking place, (not
including Bank Holidays or weekends). This is so we can guarantee
the grave will be prepared in time.
Other Considerations
- Who will carry the coffin?
- Will there be flowers or donations? (what charity)
- Will an order of service be required?
- Is there to be a press announcement?
- Will there be an obituary?
- Will there be a memorial?
- Will catering arrangements have to be made?
Further information is available from the National Death
Centre (020 8203 2853).