It is a natural assumption when planning a cremation funeral that the service must take place at the crematorium chapel, unless a church service is planned first. This is not necessarily the case.
We recently worked with a family who had unexpectedly lost their mum. She was only in her late 50’s and her sons felt bereft at not having said goodbye. They asked if there was a private space available for at least two hours, where they could create their own service and be together as a family to say farewell to their mum. As we chatted, we discovered their mum was a free-spirited woman who loved the outdoors and nature. It was evident a typical crematorium service, or ‘chapel of rest’ would not give her sons what they needed, or reflect her life in the best way.
Natural Burial grounds provide a beautiful setting for a relaxed style service, but the cost of a natural burial plot can be prohibitive. A new service offered by GreenAcres Woodland Burial allows a cremation funeral service to take place in their Woodland Hall. A beautiful wood and glass building that sits within the forest provides a stunning setting where you can quietly contemplate. The minimum time is one hour – you can book additional – avoiding the ‘one in, one out’ scenario typical of a crematorium service.
Immediately after the service, the coffin is taken for cremation at the local crematorium. The family then collect their loved one’s ashes a few days later, or can inter or scatter them at the natural burial ground. GreenAcres Chiltern is within 30 miles of SW London and the cost for this style of service is comparable with a local crematorium.
An officiant for the service can be arranged, but for this family it was a 100% family affair, that gave them the peace and time with their mum they so needed.
To plan a funeral that best reflects the life of your loved one, please call White Rose Modern Funerals on 020 3281 1045. We arrange both cremation funerals and burials throughout SW London and Surrey.
