Tel: 01388 603665 (24 hours)
Cremation
We can arrange a service at any crematorium locally or further a-field if required. The costs of cremations are governed by local authorities and we will advise you on this. The local ‘Wear Valley’ crematorium, which opened in 2009 on the outskirts of coundon has proven to be accessible and accommodating when it comes to the more personal needs of families. However the more traditional options of Durham or Darlington crematorium are requested regularly if there is a link with the family, possibly due to a previous cremation service. No one can be cremated until the cause of death is definitely known. There are certain forms that you will be required to sign.
Ashes may be:
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Scattered in garden of remembrance or favourite spot.
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Buried in churchyard or cemetery.
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Kept.
Burial
Most burials take place in private or local authority cemeteries. A grave space can be purchased before, or at the time funeral arrangements are made. A Deed of Grant will be issued. Fees vary for Parishioners, Ex-Parishioners, residents and non residents of an area; we will advise you on current fees and additional costs at the time of organising the service.
Repatriation
Should a death occur away from home e.g. in hospital or nursing home, on holiday (inc. abroad) staying with relatives or if a person has moved away from the area, we can arrange transportation home to the North East including any necessary paper work associated with.
Pre-paid Funeral Plans
With Golden Charter funeral plans you can make all of your own funeral arrangements in advance and at today’s costs. Please refer to our Funeral Plans page for more information
Catering
We can assist in organising refreshment at a venue or establishment of your choice.
If in-house catering is available we will assist where necessary in the organisation of this, however if outside catering is required we can provide various catering options to suit all tastes from our private caterers. We can also cater at a private residence if a more intimate gathering is required.
Press Notices
The individual requirements of each family can be very different, if required we can assist with a press notice to inform those outside the family and close circle of friends that the death has occurred also where and when the funeral will take place.
Floral Tributes
We work closely with our chosen florist, who are also a family owned and run local business, to provide a personal and individual service where floral tributes are concerned. We will provide a full brochure of suggested arrangements, and traditional tributes however more bespoke options can be discussed. In some cases a family may wish to use their own florist or have no floral tributes at all.
Memorials
Working with our local stonemason we can provide a full range of traditional and bespoke memorials. Please refer to our Memorials Page for further information.