Different types of funerals
Different types of funerals
The main funeral options you can choose from are outlined below.
Civil funerals
Are created with the help of funeral celebrants.
They are personalised to the wishes of family and friends.
They are suitable for cremations and burials at burial grounds but not in religious buildings.
A civil funeral is unique to the deceased.
A eulogy can be delivered by the celebrant or any of the family or friends. This forms a major part of the ceremony and is created in partnership with the family.
Humanist funerals
Celebrate the life of the deceased and can include readings, poems, and music. They are non-religious.
The British Humanist Association provides advice and guidance on preparing a humanist ceremony.
Independent funeral
Many people choose to use the services of a funeral director to organise the majority of the funeral arrangements.
However, you can make all the arrangements yourself. This includes providing a coffin and transporting the deceased to the crematorium or cemetery.
Copies of all the necessary forms are available from the crematorium.
The staff will be happy to assist you:
Telephone: 01670 352 107
Email: blyth.crematorium@northumberland.gov.uk
Non-religious ceremonies at the crematorium
Contact us 2 days in advance if you are having a non-religious ceremony at the crematorium.
We will arrange for the crucifix at the crematorium to be covered for the service.
Telephone: 01670 620 405
Email: blyth.crematorium@northumberland.gov.uk
Muslim burial request
Contact our admin office at Coopies Lane Depot:
Telephone: 01670 621 250
Email: castlemorpethcemeteries@northumberland.gov.uk
Woodland burial
A natural burial that helps create new woodland.
There are two established woodland burial sites in Northumberland:
- Fairmoor Cemetery in Morpeth
- Prestwick Cemetery in Ponteland
All plots are single depth to keep disturbance in the area to a minimum.
Each plot accommodates one burial.
Burials in this area will only be permitted in biodegradable coffins or shrouds of natural fibre.
Once the ground has settled following the burial, a tree can be planted at the head of the grave.
The woodland will be managed traditionally, without using horticultural chemicals.
This will encourage and protect wild flowers and wildlife.
Memorials or other markings are not allowed on individual grave plots.
This is to discourage people from walking on grave plots and to allow the area to develop naturally.
This includes floral tributes after the funeral flowers have wilted.
Paths will not be constructed in the woodland area.
Find out more about woodland burials at Northumbrian woodland burials.
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