CREMATION OPTIONS

The funeral service at a crematorium can provide many benefits compared to a service at a cemetery. Most Crematoria are modern, spacious, warm, and accommodating. They all have integrated sound systems for your music choices to be played, an Organ and, more recent developments, extending video and internet services, allowing family and friends worldwide to view the service in real-time. A cremation service can also afford a more comfortable, relaxed, and informal gathering regarding the atmosphere. The service chapels are usually non-denominational, beautifully decorated and tend not to reflect a sombre appearance. There are several Crematoria within our area, which are listed at the bottom of this section. Often families select their local Crematorium, but you are not limited; you can decide to use any Crematorium you wish. Most service times are thirty minutes, although this can vary depending on which Crematorium you use.

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Choosing cremation can provide many more benefits for the final placement and memorialisation of the cremated remains. Gone are the days when ashes are scattered routinely in the crematorium gardens. Many popular alternatives extend many benefits in having a lasting and meaningful memorial. Many people do not realise that there are few regulatory restrictions regarding cremated remains. You have much more freedom of choice than you may be aware of, and this section will highlight some of those options.

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THERE ARE SEVERAL OPTIONS:

Crematorium gardens are often the best kept; they provide a tranquil setting for scattering Cremated Remains, but not all offer memorial options. Portchester has no provision, and the Oaks at Havant have several options, all of which are cost-related. We encourage you to explore these options and the associated terms before making a final decision. There are other Crematoria in our area and for more details and their garden regulations, speak with a member of our family.

 

SCATTER AT CREMATORIUM:

For many, scattering the remains within the beautiful Gardens can be an ideal location. The gardens are perfect for those who do not feel a permanent reminder is necessary or consider the tranquillity a suitable place of rest. It may be that a relative is already scattered in the gardens, which could be an appropriate place to share. When considering the gardens, you can select your location and be at the scattering if you wish. The Searson family encourages you to be at the scattering for those opting to scatter. This could be just a private or individual gathering, a formal moment of farewell where you can share some words. The options are yours to consider, and we will make all necessary arrangements on your behalf.

   

BURIAL IN CEMETERY / CHURCHYARD

For those who wish for a more formal final resting place that affords the benefit of a traditional memorial, an interment may be the option. A family grave may exist, and the opportunity for cremated remains to be interred are usually viable. Even if the grave is old or full, cremated remains can often be buried depending on the Cemetery Regulations. It is always worth remembering that cost can be a factor with interment at a cemetery or churchyard. Even though they have been family graves for many years, existing graves may not permit burial if the purchase period has expired. Local authority cemeteries tend to have between 25 and 75 years of purchase requirements. If the grave purchase has expired, an additional fee to purchase the burial rights will need to be made, and the actual interment fee for preparing the grave for burial. Furthermore, if you select a cemetery out of the local area, double fees will often apply for non-residents.

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Local authority cemeteries will have designated areas for the interment of cremated remains, usually allowing a smaller but traditional-style memorial. Some cemeteries only allow flat, rectangular tablet memorials; there can be significant differences from the cemetery to the cemetery. Again, purchase and interment fees will apply, so check with us on your preferred cemetery for current charges. Your options for interment services can be full religious service or keeping things informal and private. You do not need a clergy member to attend any service; the choice is yours to suit your wishes.

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As with the scattering of cremated remains, the process is often seen as a final moment that people like to mark with some special occasion. We will be pleased to help in any way we can, suggest ideas like releasing some balloons, playing music, and words of farewell; there are so many options that we can provide to make the occasion special. Most cemeteries and churchyards will require the cremated remains to be placed in a wooden casket. We have a wide range of styles and designs that reflect good value. You can view a range of our more traditional style caskets by going to our website:

 

TEMPORARY RETENTION

It is imperative to remember that you do NOT need to decide straight away. You have all the time you need to determine what is suitable for you, your family and the person who has died. We will always return the cremated remains to our Chapel of Rest in every instance. We will then discuss your options and choices and make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. Alternatively, you can keep the cremated remains with us if necessary. You may wish to retain them at home for a period; you can even have them buried in your garden. Alternatively, we have an array of Ashes Caskets and urns available, and the simple option of just keeping them at home is one of the most common ways families tend to the ashes. Some ways to make the final disposition of cremated remains are final, and there may not be an irreversible means of undoing what has been done. Therefore, we always encourage careful consideration and thought before any final decision.

 

SCATTER AT SEA

Scattering cremated remains at sea, or other water sources, is a prevalent choice. There are no legalities regarding scattering remains at sea; you can do it yourself from shore as the tide goes out. A few general considerations may need to be made, scattering in a more secluded area, early in the morning and away from popular swimming areas. We will provide a disposable container if you wish to opt for this dispersal, so no actual cost is involved. However, you might want to make a more formal occasion of the scattering, and if your loved one was connected to the Navy or Marines, we could organise a Chaplain to attend. We can also arrange for a small boat to go further from shore. We also have contacts with the Royal navy for a formal interment at sea if this is an option you want. Another option other than the disposable container is to have one of our scatter tubes. A particular cardboard container is designed for a private scattering and comes in various designs.

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