What to do if someone dies

Paying Respects

Saying goodbye

We have at all our funeral homes a Chapel of Rest, which is available weekdays, evenings and weekends.  It is available for your use, as often as you wish and for as long as you need up until 9 pm.  All we ask is that you telephone first to arrange your visit.

Many people like to remember their loved ones as they were in life but many also find great comfort in just being with their loved one.

If you are unsure about a visit, and many people are, we will talk with you and in some circumstances advise you.  We will stay with you in the Chapel if you wish, but the final decision as to whether you visit or not, is very personal and one that only you can make.

If you decide you would like to pay your last respects, we can, if you wish, dress the person in a gown or clothes that you provide to make them look as natural as possible.

As Our Service Promise details, we have both male and female staff to dress and prepare your loved one, should you wish to spend more time with them. If you have a preference, please tell your funeral director.

There is also the option of coming to sit beside the closed coffin for a quiet moment. Whether you visit or not, you may find it comforting to leave something of personal significance, possibly a letter or a photograph?  Subject to Crematorium regulations, we guarantee that this will stay with them.

On the day

Our hearse will either go direct to the Crematorium, Church, Cemetery or via a chosen route. You may wish the final journey to begin from home.

Floral tributes can be sent to our funeral home, the house or brought to the service.

When there are cars following, we will make every effort to ensure that they are kept with the hearse.  However, if people have travelled from another part of the country to attend and you inform us of this, we can supply a route map from the place of departure to wherever the service is taking place.

Alternatively, subject to availability, we can arrange for a minibus or coach to transport mourners to and from the funeral.

When we arrive, ample time will be allowed for people to park and to make their way to the church or chapel.

You will be asked whether you wish to take your seats or if you would prefer to follow the coffin. There is no right or wrong way, there is only your way.  Whichever you choose, your Funeral Director will accommodate your wishes.

After the service, the funeral director will show you the way out and where the tributes are displayed. He or she will answer any questions and collect the tribute cards when you are ready to leave. We will forward these to you within 3 working days.