Nowadays funerals don’t have to follow a certain format and we understand that you may wish to celebrate the person’s life in a special, perhaps less formal way. We offer additional services which will enable you to do this, tailoring the funeral so that it reflects their personality, or by simply choosing their favourite piece of music to play at the service. Whatever you choose to do, we have the experience and knowledge to help you.
OUR FLEET
There are alternative vehicles to the traditional hearse, such as a horse drawn or motorcycle hearse.
A range of coffins and caskets to choose from, including contemporary designs with images that reflect a person’s hobby or favourite football team for example.
Music – no longer limited to traditional hymns. Many venues will allow popular music to be played or maybe you would like a musician to attend to play live music, such as a harpist, bagpiper or bugler.
DONATIONS & TRIBUTES
As part of our service to you we provide a free online tribute page that displays the funeral arrangements and manages Gift Aided donations to charities you may wish to support in memory of your loved one.
This simple to use tribute page is yours to keep for as long as you wish, and can be built into a lasting online memorial to your loved one. Family and friends can share memories and stories, and upload their favourite pictures, videos and music, in celebration of their life.
We can produce a personalised Order of Service for mourners attending the funeral. In addition to traditional details, we can incorporate photographs, readings or favourite poetry, making the content as individual as your loved one. These thoughtful touches make the booklet a lovely keepsake. You may order additional copies to send to family or friends who are unable to attend the funeral.
OBITUARY NOTICES
We can arrange for an obituary notice to be placed in a local or national newspaper, giving details of the funeral arrangements and information regarding flowers or donations to charity.
SYMBOLIC DOVE RELEASE
Doves are symbolic in many cultures and religious beliefs. Releasing them after a funeral service can create a very beautiful and memorable moment.
VISUAL TRIBUTES AND WEBCASTS
Visual tributes can be used to help share stories and memories of a person's life. Webcasts may also be available. The availability of these services will depend on the venue chosen.
ASHES INTO GLASS JEWELLERY
Alternatively you may wish to consider having the ashes made into jewellery, whereby a one-of-a-kind gemstone is created. By layering the cremated remains within 1100oC molten glass and coloured glass crystals, the unique stone is put into a setting such as a ring, pendant, cuff links or earrings. Charm beads and paperweights are also available. We use a partner company called Ashes into Glass, please ask our Funeral Director for a brochure.
Occasionally family and friends may wish to carry the coffin. We are happy to accommodate this but in the interests of health and safety the correct training must take place at least 24 hours prior to the funeral. Please liaise with your Funeral Director who will make the necessary arrangements. Please note, all pallbearers must sign a disclaimer stating that they have received training and understand that we, Barrells Funeral Directors, will not be held responsible for any injury or problem that may occur.
HYMN SHEETS
We can provide Hymn sheets free of charge if required. Usually one or two hymns are ample for a traditional service.
CATERING ADVICE AND BOOKING
We can offer advice and assistance with arranging a suitable venue for the mourners to meet after the funeral.
FLORAL TRIBUTES
Funeral flowers are a traditional way of paying your respects to someone in a deep and meaningful way. We will be pleased to assist you with this aspect of the funeral by recommending a florist that we have relied on for many years.
