What happens after a cremation
One of the most often asked questions we hear is, “What happens after a cremation and how do you know that the ashes you get back are really those of the right person?”
To answer the second part of that question first, for every funeral that takes place at our crematorium we produce a card which includes the full name of the deceased person, their age and the date on which they died. That card remains with the deceased through every stage of the cremation process right up to the point where the ashes are either collected from the crematorium by the funeral director or applicant, or are scattered or interred within the crematorium grounds in accordance with the applicant’s instructions.
On the day of the funeral, when the coffin first arrives at the crematorium, we check the details on the nameplate on the coffin against the details on our identification card to make sure that they match. After the funeral service, this card then stays with the coffin and is checked against the nameplate again just before the cremation process begins. Whilst the cremation is taking place, the identification card is held in a bracket next to the cremator.
Each coffin we receive is cremated individually, in accordance with cremation regulations, which also require that the coffin is placed into the cremator in exactly the same condition as that in which it was received at the crematorium. Exceptionally, and subject to a written request from the applicant, a mother and baby or twin children may be cremated together.
After the cremation
At the end of every cremation, all of the ashes are removed from the cremator into a cooling chamber before the next cremation can begin. The identity card is moved to another bracket adjacent to the cooling chamber.
Once the ashes have cooled sufficiently, they are transferred to a metal container and taken, along with the identification card, to a separate processing area. Any metals, such as screws used in the construction of the coffin, or artificial joints, are separated from the cremated remains. Subject to the applicant’s consent, the recovered metals are recycled. Several times a year, the crematorium is invited to nominate a beneficiary to receive a donation from the proceeds of the recovery of metals.
After any metals have been separated out, the cremated remains undergo a process called cremulation, as a result of which they take on a granular form, commonly referred to as the ‘ashes’. The ashes are then transferred to a suitable container and an identification sticker is placed on the container, which is then securely stored, along with the original identification card, until the ashes are either collected, scattered or interred according to the applicant’s instructions.
Unless a specific container, such as a scatter-tube or casket, is provided by the funeral director or applicant, we place the ashes into a bio-degradable box for collection or interment, or into a plastic poly-urn for scattering. We have a number of allocated peaceful locations within our grounds for the interment or scattering of ashes (site depending), including memorial gardens, a woodland glade and a wildflower area.
Collecting ashes
If the applicant wishes for the ashes to be collected, they will nominate either the funeral director, themself or somebody else to do this. If somebody other than the funeral director is collecting the ashes, a form of photographic identification such as driving licence or passport will need to be shown (other forms of ID may be considered). Whoever collects the ashes must be over the age of 16 and will be asked to sign a receipt.
Our administration office is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments outside of these hours are available on request and at an additional cost.
Scattering of ashes
If you elect to scatter the ashes, you will need to specify whether you want us to scatter on your behalf with nobody else in attendance (unwitnessed scattering) or that you wish to attend the scattering in person (witnessed scattering). If you opt for a witnessed scattering, please contact us to make an appointment and to discuss any requirements with one of our team members. A member of our team will also be in attendance during a witnessed scattering.
Interment of ashes
We provide a range of memorial options, several of which allow for the interment of ashes. Please contact us for more details on the available options.
We recognise that the final resting place for your loved-one’s ashes is a very personal and important decision, and may involve several people. If you are not ready to make that decision before the funeral, we can store the ashes securely for up to three months free of charge, allowing you time and space to properly consider the options available. After this time, if no further instructions have been received, we will scatter the ashes in our grounds.
