Q.

A.

How many people choose cremation in preference to burial?

In Crewe and Nantwich, 80% choose cremation, this is in line with the rest of the UK trend.

Are there any religions that do not allow cremation?

Cremation is forbidden by Orthodox Jews and Moslems. 

Is cremation more expensive than burial?

No, the cost of cremation is cheaper than burial.

What service arrangements are available at the Crematorium?

You may have a full religious service of 40 minutes in the Crematorium chapel. A service can also be carried out in a place of worship followed by 20 minutes committal service at the Crematorium.

Do I have to have a religious ceremony?

No, families can arrange their own type of ceremony, relatives / friends reading poetry etc, or if preferred no ceremony need take place.

How is a cremation arranged?

A number of arrangements need to be made following a death. For further information, please see 'What do to after a death'.

When do I need to decide where the cremated remains are to be placed?

This can be done when the funeral arrangements are made, or if undecided, they can be kept at the Crematorium or left with the Funeral Director.

What normally happens to cremated remains?

The main options are: Placement in the Gardens of Remembrance; Burial in a Memorial Plot; Scattering in the Woodland area; Scattering in the sundial or removal to a place selected by the family.

What is the Garden of Remembrance?

The Gardens of Remembrance is a lawn area where cremated remains are buried in individual plots measuring approximately 9 inches square.

Q.

A.

What happens when the cortege reaches the Crematorium?

When the main mourners are ready, the coffin is taken into the Chapel. The coffin is then placed on the catafalque, and the service proceeds. During the committal, the curtains can either be closed or left open.

What happens to the coffin after the committal?

The coffin is taken into the Crematory where the nameplate is checked to ensure correct identity. An identity card then accompanies the coffin and the deceased remains until their final placement or removal from the Crematorium.

Can I witness the coffin being placed in the cremator?

Yes, providing arrangements have been made with the Cemetery and Crematorium Office prior to the Cremation taking place.

Is the cremation controlled by any codes or  working practices?

Crewe and Nantwich are a member of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities and are required to operate strictly to their Code of Practice.

How soon after the service will the cremation take place?

This normally takes place shortly after the service.

Is the coffin cremated with the deceased?

The coffin is placed in the cremator in exactly the same condition as that in which it was received at the Crematorium

Can items of jewellery be left on the deceased?

It is better if all items of jewellery are removed before the deceased is taken to the Crematorium. It will not be possible to recover any items of jewellery after the coffin has been received at the Crematorium, as it will be placed unopened into a cremator

How many people are cremated at one time?

Each cremation is carried out separately. The only exception is of mother and baby or twin babies, provided a specific request by the next of kin has been made to this effect.

What happens to the cremated remains after cremation?

After cremation, all of the cremated remains are removed to an area where ferrous metals are extracted. The cremated remains are then placed in purpose made units called cremulators which reduces them to a fine consistency suitable for storage.

How do I know the cremated remains are kept separate?

A cremator can only accept one coffin at a time. An identify card accompanies the coffin and cremated remains throughout the process until the final placement.

What quantity of cremated remains will there be?

The cremated remains of a normal adult weight is between 2 - 4kg.

Do I own the grave?

No. You can only purchase the Right of Burial to a grave space. This Right allows you to choose who can be buried there. The actual grave belongs to the Council as does the grounds.

Can I reserve a grave?

No not at present.

How many people does a grave hold?

The Council can give no guarantee as to how many people a grave will hold, as this depends on the ground conditions at the time of opening the grave. The majority of new graves within Crewe and Nantwich however should be able to contain two interments.

How soon after a burial can a memorial be erected?

This depends on where the grave is situated. If it is on a concrete beam then the memorial can be placed on straight away. Where there is no concrete beam then a minimum of three months is recommended but this is dependant on ground conditions.

Can cremated remains be scattered on a grave?

No. All cremated remains must be either buried or placed in the grave itself.

Are burials more expensive than cremation?

Yes. Cemeteries cost a great deal of money to develop and maintain, and burials use a lot more resources, than cremation. This is reflected in the cost.