PENMOUNT CREMATORIUM
Bereavement Services
Penmount Crematorium
Contents 1. Brief introduction 2. What to do when someone dies? 3. Registering a death 4. Explanation of some of the forms 5. The Chapels 6. The Service 7. Cremated Remains -your choice 8. Cremated Remains Continued
9. Cremated Remains Continued 10. Gardens of Remembrance 11. Memorial Options 12. Memorials Options Continued 13. History of Penmount Crematorium 14. Additional Information 15. Site plan 16. - 22. Local services
Introduction Penmount crematorium provides a caring, sensitive, professional service to bereaved families and their loved ones offering support and advice. This brochure contains information regarding Penmount crematorium, the history, funeral arrangements and memorial options.
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The first steps - registering a death What must you do when someone dies? When someone dies, you will need to inform a number of people and organisations and complete certain documents needed by law. If you are a relative or friend you can do some of these things yourself. Others might need to be done by the Executor or administrator of the estate. There is plenty of support to help you through this difficult time.
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Tell the family Doctor
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Contact a funeral director, if you intend to use one
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Obtain a medical certificate of cause of death signed by the doctor, or if the Coroner is involved take instructions from the coroner’s officers regarding registration of death
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Register the death at the Register Office.
Registering a Death In most cases a medical certificate of cause of death will be issued to the next of kin so that you can make an appointment and register the death. Deaths must be registered within 5 days from when it occurred. This period can be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the Coroner is involved. If the death has been referred to the Coroner for further investigation then there is likely to be a delay before the death can be registered. All deaths occurring in Cornwall must be registered in Cornwall but if it is difficult for you to get to an office in Cornwall, you may visit your local register office and declare the necessary information. In this case the registration by declaration may result in a delay in the issue of the documents needed for the funeral arrangements. To make an appointment to register a death please contact The Customer Services Team on 0300 1234 181. Their hours are: •
Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm
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Saturday from 9.00am to 4.00pm.
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Who can register a death? •
A relative
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Someone present at the death
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An occupant of the nursing/residential home or a senior official from the hospital where the death took place
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The person arranging the funeral
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The person in charge of the body
What information will you need to give the Registrar about the deceased? •
The date and place of death
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The full names of the deceased and any other names they have been known by, including the maiden surname
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Their date and place of birth
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Their last occupation ( if the deceased is married, widowed, or has a formal civil partnership, the full name and occupation of their spouse or civil partner).
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Their usual address
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The date of birth of the surviving spouse or civil partner
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Details of any public sector pension, e.g. civil service, teacher or armed forces
What information will you need to give the Registrar about yourself as the person registering? •
Your relationship to the deceased e.g son, daughter, surviving civil partner
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Your full name
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Your usual address
What documents will you need when registering a death? •
When you attend to register a death you must take with you:
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Medical certificate of cause of death signed by a Doctor, unless the Coroner is issuing the paperwork. In those circumstances the paperwork will already be at the Register Office.
It would also be helpful but not essential if you could bring: •
The deceased birth certificate
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The deceased marriage certificate/ civil partnership certificate
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NHS medical card
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Some of the forms and certificates you may be given by Doctors or Coroners are listed below. The list explains when and where you get each form.
When someone has died
Document to be issued
You will get this from the following
The death is not referred to the
Medical Certificate
Doctor
A baby is stillborn
Medical Certificate of stillbirth
Doctor or Midwife
The death is referred to a
Notification by the Coroner. This
Coroner (the Coroner sends this
Coroner, but there is no Inquest
form is sent to the Register Office
direct to the Registrar). The
and no post-mortem
but a medical certificate will also
medical certificate of cause of
be issued
death is normally given to the
Coroner
informant by the Doctor or Bereavement Office
The death is referred for further
Notification by the Coroner (pink
Coroner (the Coroner sends this
examination and a post mortem is
form 100B)
form direct to the Registrar)
Order for Burial
Coroner (the Coroner sends this
held There is an Inquest and the body is to be buried
There is a post mortem or an In-
direct to the Funeral Director)
Coroner's certificate for cremation
quest and the body is to be
Coroner (the Coroner sends this direct to the Crematorium)
cremated The body is to be removed out of
Removal notice
England and Wales
Coroner (the Coroner sends this direct to the Funeral Director)
The body is to be brought into
Evidence that the death has
Coroner or Registrar. Usually the
England and Wales
occurred elsewhere. The death is
paperwork is issued by the
not registered here but a
Coroner but sometimes the
certificate must be issued for a
Registrar will issue a certificate of
cremation or burial to take place
no liability to register
in England and Wales
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The chapels Penmount provides a choice of two Chapels, either of which is open for use by any denomination or sect. Both Chapels have electronic organs. Facilities are also provided to play virtually any piece of requested music through a downloadable music system providing enough notice has been given prior to the service taking place. Induction loop systems are fitted as an aid to the hearing impaired and service handbooks in Braille are available on request for those who need them. Wheelchairs are available at each chapel by prior arrangement. Kernow chapel is the original and smaller of the two, with permanent seating capacity for approximately 60 people and some additional standing room. There is a fixed wooden cross on the wall and a modern electronic organ concealed in the organ loft. Trelawny chapel seats approximately 100 people with additional standing capacity for at least another 100 under cover. A speaker system relays the service to the waiting areas. There are no fixed religious artefacts and the seating is not permanent so that with sufficient prior warning it can be rearranged to suit individual requirements.
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The service The type of funeral service and the manner in which it is to be conducted is entirely a matter of personal choice. Penmount has adopted the ‘Charter for the Bereaved’ and aims to provide a service which meets the social, ethical and environmental needs of the community and offers choices which enable every individual to arrange a meaningful funeral. The staff at Penmount are available during office hours to offer support, advice and assistance if required.
If it is intended to hold a religious ceremony prior to the cremation, the service may be held in either of the Chapels or, if so desired, may take place in the deceased’s regular place of worship with only the committal being held at the Crematorium. For those who wish to carry out a non-religious or secular service the religious artefacts can be removed from Trelawny Chapel upon prior request. On arrival at the Chapel door the coffin is transferred from the hearse to the panelled-oak wheeled bier, which precedes the mourners into the Chapel and rests within the catafalque. At the moment of committal there is the option of the curtains to be drawn slowly around the catafalque and the coffin hidden from view until the service has concluded and all the mourners have left the Chapel. Or they may be left open leaving the coffin on view. It is then transferred to the Crematory.
A Floral Tribute bay is provided for each Chapel where wreaths and large displays may remain on view for up to a week following a funeral. Waiting rooms and toilets, including facilities for the disabled and a baby changing room, are located in close proximity to both chapels and water fountains are located in the waiting areas. Access to a telephone is also available in the main administration office at the top of the driveway. Staff fully trained in providing first aid are present if needed.
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Cremated remains -your choice What options are available for resting Cremated Remains following a funeral at Penmount? Following the funeral the Cremated Remains may be either laid to rest in the Gardens of Remembrance or removed for resting elsewhere. As the nearest relative or executor of the deceased you will have been asked by the Funeral Director to sign an official form applying for the cremation to take place. Included on this form is a section containing the ‘Authority for the disposal of Cremated Remains’. This must also be signed by the applicant.
What should I do if I wish to remove the Cremated Remains? If you have decided that you would like to remove the remains for resting elsewhere the Funeral Director will have discussed your wishes with you and advised on the provision of a suitable container. Normally the Funeral Director would remove them on your behalf for you to collect at your convenience but you may, of course, remove them yourself or send a nominated representative to do so (photo ID will be requested). There is provision for this on the ‘Form of Authority’. If at a later date, you wish to send someone other than your named representative you must supply them with a signed letter of authority. Regulations do not permit Cremated Remains to be issued to any unauthorized party. It is important to bear in mind that it may be an offence to rest Cremated Remains in water courses or on public land (without consent). Permission must be sought if you intend to rest Cremated Remains on a grave in a cemetery or in a crematorium Garden of Remembrance. You are not permitted to rest the remains yourself without the required authorization. If the Cremated Remains are rested in the Gardens of Remembrance when will this be done? All Cremated Remains that are left for resting at the Crematorium will be retained for a period of 28 days from the date of the funeral to allow time for relatives to alter the decision made prior to the service, should they so wish. What exactly does ‘strewn at the discretion of the Crematorium Authority’ mean? This means that the Cremated Remains will be scattered with due reverence in a designated area of the Gardens by the Crematorium staff on your behalf. A record will be kept of the location but there will be nothing to mark the exact place. You do not need to be present and there is no additional fee to pay.
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Can I choose where the remains are to be rested? Yes. If you have a favourite area this may be added to your instructions on the ‘Authority for Disposal’. If you are not familiar with the Gardens you are welcome to visit at your convenience and may then advise the administration office of your decision. Our Senior Gardener is usually available during office hours to accompany you and offer advice.
Can I be present when the remains are laid to rest? Yes. There is provision on the ‘Form of Authority for Disposal’ to indicate that you would like to attend an appointment to witness the resting or you may contact the office during the twenty eight day period following the funeral, to make the necessary arrangements. What is an appointment to witness and is there a fee for this service? An appointment is a short ceremony that takes approximately five minutes and which may be made at a mutually convenient time between 9am and 4pm Monday to Thursday. There is a small fee for this service and, should you wish it, one of the Penmount Chapel Attendants would be available to say a brief prayer or read a favourite piece of poetry or prose. Alternatively, you may prefer to arrange for your own minister to be in attendance. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required. Can the cremated remains be rested with a memorial should I choose to dedicate one? Yes. There are a number of different memorials available in the formal gardens, which have been laid out to include extensive rose beds with woodland walks and shrub borders. Many of the latter are edged with kerbstones which may be dedicated to a loved one. If you would like to consider something more individual, a specimen tree or a garden seat for example, the garden and the administration staff are available to support and advise you when making your choice. Do I have to dedicate a memorial? No. Whether or not to dedicate a memorial is entirely a matter of personal choice. If you prefer not to do so please feel free to ignore all the relevant information. No further literature will be sent to you unless requested on the Form of Authority. Can I arrange for a memorial for a loved one who was cremated elsewhere? Yes. You may also dedicate a memorial after the Cremated Remains have been rested or removed, even if you originally decided not to do so. There is no time limit for this. The administration staff will be pleased to advise you. Are the memorials at Penmount dedicated in perpetuity? The only memorial that does not have a limited tenure is an entry in the Book of Remembrance. The majority of other memorials carry a limited tenure with an option to renew at the end of the period. The administration office can advise on tenure periods.
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Can the cremated remains be rested in the same place as a relative or friend? Yes. If you are able to supply the full name and an approximate date of death of the relative or friend concerned the register of cremations can be checked to ascertain the resting place. Is there a charge for this? Not unless you would like to have an appointment to witness the resting or there is a memorial for which you wish to purchase a subsequent dedication. If there is a memorial which was not owned by either the immediate deceased or yourself, it may be necessary to obtain permission from the owner before proceeding.
What happens if I am unable to make a decision? Following the funeral all cremated remains which are to be rested in the Gardens of Remembrance will be held for a minimum period of 28 days. In addition to this there is provision on the ‘Form of Authority’ to request that they be placed in temporary deposit at the crematorium, where they will be retained free of charge for a further month (a total of 2 months from the date of the cremation). Should you wish for them to be retained beyond this time a small retaining fee will be payable for each subsequent month or part thereof. Can I change my mind even if I have signed for a particular method of disposal? Yes. At any time within the 28 day period you can contact the office to say that your plans have changed. A new form of Authority will be required which must be signed by the person who signed the original. Can I return cremated remains which have been removed? Yes. As with the previous question a new Form of Authority will be required. Can I subsequently remove cremated remains that have been strewn in the Gardens of Remembrance? No. The strewing of cremated remains constitutes their final resting and they are not recoverable. The only exception to this is where the remains have been placed in either the Columbarium or the Memorial Vault.
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Gardens of remembrance Following the cremation, the cremated remains may, if desired, be returned to the earth in the gardens of remembrance which have been so designed as to offer both areas of formal arrangement and unspoilt natural beauty. All combine to give an atmosphere of peace and life, rather than death, and are a source of comfort to those whose loved ones rest in the gardens.
Those seeking the solace of quiet contemplation and those who appreciate the beauty of well maintained gardens are very welcome to visit. The gardens are open throughout the year and the crematorium staff will be pleased to assist visitors with any enquiries they may have. The formal gardens have been laid out to include extensive rose beds containing over 6,000 bushes around which are woodland walks bordered by shrubberies in which a wide variety of shrubs and plants are displayed. Trees, garden seats, and bird baths all add to the overall attractiveness of the area. The arboretum, which was opened and dedicated by the Bishop of Truro in June 1994, is an extension to the formal part of the gardens. Bound by rolling countryside and woods, this area features specimen trees and island shrubbery beds. The quiet acres is an area of natural woodland in a valley on the southern edge of the Gardens of Remembrance. It is particularly attractive in the spring when, in addition to the many wild flowers that flourish there, it becomes covered with a carpet of bluebells. Many forms of wildlife make their home there. The quiet acres is particularly attractive to those who prefer an area of undisturbed natural beauty as a resting place for the cremated remains of a loved one. The baby garden is an area which was formally set aside as a baby memorial garden in April 1995 when it was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and dedicated by the Bishop of St Germans. This garden is especially designated for the resting of very young children and babies and the presence of animal pottery figures and dolls, together with many spring bulbs and flowers, is in keeping with its unique purpose. Memorials Whether or not to dedicate a memorial is entirely a matter of personal choice and other than the supply of some initial information following the funeral no further literature will be sent unless requested. However, for those who wish to commemorate a loved one in this way, Penmount provides a wide range of memorials from which to choose.
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Gardens of remembrance Many of the walks and borders in the formal part of the gardens are edged with special kerbstones to which a commemorative plaque may be affixed. Each kerbstone has space to accommodate two plaques and these are held on twenty year tenures. Rose bushes, shrubs and seats are also offered as memorials subject to availability. Cremated remains may, of course, be rested in the gardens of remembrance with or without a memorial. The columbarium An alternative method of resting of the cremated remains is by placing them in a casket in a niche in the columbarium. These are of two types, open or sealed, and carry a tenure of twenty years with a renewal option. In the open niche the casket is in view and an inscription to serve as a memorial is engraved upon its face. The caskets are made of Cornish granite, slate, or marble. For the sealed niches a casket of wood is placed in the niche and this is covered by a stone tablet upon which the memorial inscription is cut. Sanctum 12 granite columbaria The sanctum 12 columbaria is similar to the columbarium, in that the remains are rested in a niche, but it is situated outside near the Floral Tribute bay for Kernow chapel. Each niche can contain two sets of cremated remains. It is constructed of light granite with dark granite tablets on which a dedication is inscribed in gold lettering. The memorial wall Located in the same area, the memorial wall provides an alternative for those who wish to commemorate a loved one with a plaque but prefer not to dedicate a shrub or a kerbstone. Tablets of slate, available on a ten year tenure, are engraved with the chosen inscription by a monumental mason and fixed in the desired position. Copper vases (floral tributes) Although flower vases and commemorative cards are provided for the display of fresh flowers in the floral tribute room situated adjacent to the columbarium, there are some who feel they would like to leave a more individual token of esteem and, for this purpose, small copper vases with name plates are available on an annual rental basis.
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Granite vase blocks Situated in the arboretum, close to the entrance to Penmount, each of these granite memorials has an integral vase for floral tributes and a tablet on which a dedication in memory of a loved one can be inscribed. Cremated remains may be strewn in front of the vase block.
Sited in the baby memorial garden and available to dedicate in memory of babies and young children. The inscription is engraved on a circular tablet. Granite mushrooms
This is a relatively inexpensive and perpetual form of memorial which allows the name of the deceased and a suitable epitaph to be recorded. A page is turned each day of the year, thereby being open for viewing on each anniversary of the date of death. Provided the book is not with the calligrapher for updating, pages can be turned for viewing at other times by request.
The book of remembrance
The books are composed of leaves of the finest hand-made paper with richly tooled binding and the memorial inscriptions are executed by hand by professional scribes. A separate book of remembrance room houses the glass covered cabinets in which these valuable volumes are displayed. A book specifically for babies is also on display. Memorial cards and miniature books of remembrance are available for those wishing to retain a copy of the inscription at home or for sending to relatives or friends who live at a distance. Also located in the book of remembrance room are blue leather panels, hand tooled in gold, which are displayed in wall frames and are available on a ten year tenure. Visual book of remembrance The visual display units are available to view in the book of remembrance room and in the administration office. This allows an entry that has already been inscribed in the books (with the exception of the baby book) to be viewed on any day of the year. The computerised system is operated by touching the screen and following the simple instructions. A ‘zoom’ facility allows a particular entry to be selected from the full page display and shown in close-up. The visual book of remembrance can also be accessed through the Penmount crematorium web page, www.cornwall.gov.uk/penmount.
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The history of Penmount crematorium
Penmount crematorium is a publicly owned facility administered by Cornwall Council. It is situated two miles from the city centre of Truro on a secluded country estate of twenty-eight acres, eleven of which having been developed as gardens of remembrance.
The original eighteenth-century mansion was retained and adapted to its present use being dedicated by the Bishop of Truro on 21st November 1956. Faced with growing cremation numbers the need to add a second chapel to extend the crematory became apparent in the 1970s and these extensions were completed and opened on 25th July 1978. It is now possible to allow two services to take place simultaneously, each chapel being sited at opposite ends of the main building. During 1997 the crematory equipment was updated to include the latest advances in technology and to meet all requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. In 2010 work will be undertaken to comply with additional legislation to ensure that we operate to the highest environmental standard.
Penmount has a long and interesting history. The land upon which it stands was a part of the Doomsday Manor of Moresk until the year 1337 when, with the foundation of the Duchy, two parcels of land were named Penhellick Vean and Penhellick Mur. The latter became the crematorium and the adjoining property has retained the name Penhellick to this day.
The mansion house was built in 1745 and its second owner, General William Macarmick, M.P, named the house ‘Penmount’ in the late 1700s. A number of highly placed dignitaries owned and occupied the property before it was acquired just after the 1914-18 war by Major J.S.Henderson. His son, Charles, who became a renowned Cornish historian, nurtured fond memories of his childhood days at Penmount and the main avenue into the gardens of remembrance is named Charles Henderson Walk in his memory.
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Additional information Penmount Crematorium is situated on the Truro to Newquay road two miles north of the city of Truro. It will be seen from the map, that it is served by major roads and is easily accessible from any direction in the County. A bus service (Truro to Newquay) passes the entrance and visitors using this service should alight at Penmount Lodge.
Visiting hours The gardens, book of remembrance room and columbarium/flower room are open to the public daily at the following times:Summer months: 8.30am. to 6.00pm Winter months: 8.30am. Till dusk Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am. to 5.00pm. (except Bank Holidays) How to contact Penmount By telephone: 01872 272871 By Fax: 01872 223634 By letter to: The Bereavement Services Manager, Penmount Crematorium, Newquay Road, Truro, TR4 9AA e-mail: penmount-info@cornwall.gov.uk Personal visit to the office Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except Bank Holidays) Further useful information may be viewed on our website at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/penmount
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements
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Penmount crematorium Bereavement Services Penmount Crematorium, Newquay Road, Truro, TR4 9AA Telephone: 01872 272871 Fax: 01872 223634 e-mail: penmount-info@cornwall.gov.uk The office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except Bank Holidays) Further useful information may be viewed on our website at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/penmount
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