Making funeral arrangements

Notice
Two clear working days notice must be given to the Manager for a cremation.

Notice can be given by telephone during normal office hours but must be confirmed in writing by 9.00am on the working day before the proposed day of cremation. The Manager will ask you to complete and return a printed form.

We will not accept any responsibility for the consequences arising from the loss or delay in receipt of any notice, order or other document sent by post.

Time of Funeral
The time appointed for the funeral to take place is the time at which the funeral cortege must arrive at the entrance gate of the Crematorium.

Strict punctuality is essential. If a funeral cortege arrives late, the service will take place as soon as possible thereafter at the discretion of the Manager.

Cremation
Application for Cremation
the application for cremation should be made by the executor of the deceased wherever possible. However, it can be made by the nearest surviving relative – or other person who can show a satisfactory reason why it is not made by the executor or nearest relative.

Lodging the Application
The required statutory forms for each cremation must be lodged with the Medical Referee at the Crematorium office no later than 9.00am on the working day before the day of the proposed cremation.

Medical Referee
A cremation cannot take place except on the written authority of the Medical Referee. He or she may decline to allow the cremation without stating a reason.

Time of Cremation
Cremations can take place between 9.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday between 9.00am and 12noon. Cremations are not allowed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas Day, bank holidays or any other public holidays.

Coffin
A coffin is required and must be made of wood or a wood by-product, without any metal furniture or fittings.

Further information on the required materials and size is available from the Manager.

Bearers
The Funeral Director is responsible for providing enough bearers to convey the coffin reverently from the hearse to the catafalque.

Minister
The funeral director or the person arranging the cremation is responsible for organising a minister to officiate at the service in the Crematorium Chapel.

Services at the Crematorium Chapel are limited to 20 minutes unless agreed previously by the Manager.

If a large number of people are to attend a funeral, please let the Manager know as early as possible.

Committal Room
No one is allowed to enter the committal room without the Manager’s permission.

Cremated Remains
After the cremation, the cremated remains will be given to the person who applied for the cremation or his/her representative. Alternatively, the cremated remains can be dispersed or interred in the Garden of Remembrance.

Floral Tributes
All floral tributes brought into the Crematorium must be placed in the cloister and will be removed by the Council ninety-six hours after the cremation if not previously claimed by relatives.

Cut flowers only may be placed in the Remembrance Room. Privately owned flower vases, containers or memorial devices are not permitted into the buildings, Garden of Remembrance or other grounds of the Crematorium.

Photography and Filming
Photography and filming are not allowed within the Crematorium or grounds without the Manager’s permission.

Visitors

Drives and Paths
Visitors to the Crematorium must keep to the drives and paths at all times – except when visiting a grave.

Vehicles
Vehicles must not exceed 10 mph in the Crematorium grounds, and must remain on the drives at all times.

Children
Children who appear to be under the age of fourteen years will not be admitted into the Crematorium or Crematorium grounds unless they are under the control of an adult.

Radios
Radios, musical instruments etc cannot be used in the Crematorium without the Manager’s permission.

Animals
Dogs, pets or animals of any kind are not allowed in the Crematorium apart from guide dogs accompanying blind persons. Except with the permission of the Manager.

Flags and Banners
Advertisements, placards, flags or banners are not allowed in the Crematorium except with the permission of the Manager.

Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in any building within the Crematorium.

Council Staff
Members of staff employed by the Council are not allowed to receive a gratuity.

Open to Visitors
The Crematorium grounds are open to visitors:

• November, December and January – 9.00am –4.30pm
• February – 9.00am – 5.30pm
• March and October – 9.00am – 6.00pm
• April and September – 9.00am – 7.30pm
• May, June, July and August – 9.00am – 8.00pm

When the Crematorium Chapel is not in use for funeral services, the public may be admitted at the discretion of the Manager.

We reserve the right to alter these times without giving prior notice.

Unfamiliar Terms Explained

• Catafalque - the raised platform in the Crematorium chapel on which the coffin is placed during the service.
• Cloister - a covered area next to the Crematorium chapel where floral tributes are displayed.
• Committal Room - the room from where the coffin is placed into the cremator.
• Manager - he or she appointed by the Council to manage the Crematorium.

 

Guildford Crematorium
Bereavement Services
New Pond Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3DB

Tel: 01483 444711
Fax: 01483 444745
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