Herefordshire Council does not provide a funeral directing service and is not able to collect a deceased and transport them to the cemetery. However it can provide help and advice on all of the available option whether you are using a funeral director or if you are arranging the funeral without the services of a funeral director. We have worked with a number of funeral directors who have agreed to support families with certain parts of the arrangements, which you might find helpful.
Paperwork required for a burial
Once the booking has been made, a set of paperwork must be completed as soon as possible. It is important that the required forms are completed accurately to ensure that the funeral can go ahead and taken to the Crematorium office at least two clear working days prior to the interment excluding weekends and bank holidays.
New grave
If the burial is to take place in a new grave, the next of kin or executor will need to sign an application form. If the grave is to be purchased, an application for exclusive right of burial form will also need to be completed. The person who signs the form will be the person named on the grave deed. Purchasing a grave does not mean you own the plot of land. When purchasing the rights to a grave, you are purchasing the lease for a specified period and the exclusive right to choose who can be buried in the grave during that period.
Previously purchased grave
If the burial is to take place in a previously purchased grave, the grave owner will be required to complete and sign the burial application form. If the grave owner is deceased and is to be buried in the grave, the next of kin or executor will be required to complete and sign the form. If deed holder is deceased and already buried in the grave or buried elsewhere a transfer of ownership of the exclusive right of burial will be required.
Un-purchased grave
If the burial is to take place in an un-purchased grave, the next of kin or executor will be required to sign the Burial application form.
Coffin
The body of the person being buried must arrive at the cemetery in a coffin, casket, shroud or a container which has been approved by bereavement services. Each coffin must contain only one body.
A plaque or label containing the following information must be fixed to the lid of the coffin:
- The name of the person being buried.
The exact size of the coffin at its widest and longest point, including handles (extended if applicable) must be supplied at the earliest opportunity and, in any case, must be specified in the burial application form.
‘Where to purchase a coffin’
Transporting the coffin
The transport of the coffin requires a van or large estate car, alternatively you may ask a funeral director to help you with this. You have a common law right as an executor to be given the body and will need to speak to the mortuary staff to arrange for the collection at which time you may require an additional person with you for assistance. They will inform you of any necessary procedures, but you will require the registrar’s or Coroner’s certificate for burial.
Once you have removed the body, or if the deceased died at home, you need to consider how to proceed. The body can be retained at home up until the funeral, but the room must be cool. If you prefer, you might be able to hold the body at the mortuary (with permission of the mortuary staff and a holding fee) and collected on the day of the funeral.
Grave location
If you would like to discuss or view the location of the grave before the day of burial, please contact bereavement services to make an appointment.
Deciding on the type of service you want
The choice is really up to you as family. The service can be as simple as you wish, there are no right or wrong approaches to this, but we do suggest you need a simple structure to follow. If you do not wish to have a service in a place of worship, a memorial service can be held at Hereford Crematorium chapel, both Kington and Leominster cemeteries have their own chapels which are available for small congregations or you can organise a graveside service.
We also suggest you have a look around the chapel prior to your service taking place.
What type of service do you want?
In Hereford Cemetery you have two options:
- 30 minute memorial service in the crematorium chapel
- 45 minute memorial service in the crematorium chapel
In Kington and Leominster Cemeteries
- 30 minute memorial service is the cemetery chapel
In Wigmore Cemetery it is only possible to hold a graveside service
Leading the service
- Who is going to lead the service? family, officiant, celebrant (religious or otherwise)
- Eulogy: would you or family/friend like to pay tribute, say a few words about the deceased?
- Do you need to reserve seating for the immediate family?
- Do you have bearers to carry the coffin?
If the memorial service is to be held in the crematorium chapel you have the following options:
Music
The crematorium is able to provide any form of music as long as it is commercially available. We recommend at least three tracks per service, to cover the entry, reflection, and exiting the service.
Photograph tributes
You can use the large display screens to show photographs or tributes to personalise and celebrate the life of the deceased. The more content you have the more time might be needed.
- A Single Photo is a picture of your loved one that can be shown on the screens throughout the service, or at a selected time. This can provide families a focal point to reflect upon the life lived during the ceremony. The option to have multiple Single Photos is also available upon request.
- Music Tributes are a compelling way to show a life well lived. Our Music Tribute gives you the opportunity to set your photos perfectly to your choice of music. The video can be played at your chosen time during the funeral service for a truly powerful moment of reflection.
- Basic Slideshow where you choose up to 25 photos and we will put these together as a tasteful slideshow, gently fading between each photo. This option does not include music.
Live stream
We understand that sometimes not everyone can make it to the service. We can professionally stream your funeral service and make it available for a further 28 days. This gives people the chance to attend and pay their respects, even if they can’t make it in person.
At the conclusion of your service, the attendant will lead the congregation to the graveside.