Bereavement Services
Bolton Council www.bolton.gov.uk
Contents Â
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Introduction 7. Help from Bolton Bereavement Services 8. Registering a Death 9. Registering a Stillbirth 10. Overdale Crematorium 11 - 18. Overdale Gardens & Chapel
Overdale Memorials Bolton Cemeteries Bolton Cemeteries Continued Opening Times Local Services Back Page: Useful Information
Introduction Bolton’s Bereavement Services provides a caring, sensitive and understanding service to bereaved families and their loved ones, offering support and advice regarding all aspects of funerals and memorials. Bereavement Services consists of Overdale Crematorium and seven cemeteries situated across Bolton. This brochure contains information regarding cremation and burial provision in Bolton, the range of memorials available, contact details, a history of the crematorium and cemeteries and advice for the bereaved.
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How can Bolton Bereavement Services help you? We know just how difficult a time it can be when someone close to us dies. The feelings of shock, sadness, loss and bewilderment can take over our lives. It is also a time when there are so many things to be done, just when we feel least able to do them. Bolton Bereavement Services has produced this death and bereavement guide to help you through this difficult time. It provides guidance, support and reassurance and may help you to access information you will need to help you through your bereavement. In the guide we give you information that we know you are likely to need in the next few weeks and months. We suggest what the first priorities are; explain how, when, and where you register the death; offer help with arranging a funeral ceremony and organisations, and agencies you may need to contact. We let you know what is required by law and what your choices are within it. Losing a loved one presents many challenges and our bereavement guide gives some suggestions of organisations you might like to contact for support. We aim to provide a sympathetic, helpful and considerate service to help you make the necessary decisions and arrangements when someone dies. It is important to us that you have the best and clearest information and guidance to make sure that the arrangements you make are the ones that are best for you, your family and friends.
For further help or advice, please call: Bereavement Services: 01204 334499 or consult our website at: www.bolton.gov.uk
What 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 will need to be done by the executor or administrator of the estate. There is plenty of support available to help you through this difficult time.
What to do in the first few days You won't be able to do everything right away, but in the first few days it's important, if you can, to: •
tell the family doctor
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contact a funeral director, if you intend to use one - if the death occurs at home or in a nursing home the funeral director will need to be contacted to move the deceased to a Chapel of rest.
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begin arrangements for the funeral - you should check the will for any special requests
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obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death signed by a doctor or if the coroner is involved take instructions from the coroner's officers regarding registration of the death
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register the death at the Register Office. You'll find details of how to do this in the section on registration
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if relevant, complete the reverse of the white BD8 form and send to the local Jobcentre Plus or Benefits Agency (given when you register the death)
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What to do in the first few days As early as possible: •
contact the executor as soon as you can to enable him/her to start the process of obtaining probate if necessary. The executor is usually nominated in the will
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if there is no will, decide who will apply to sort out the deceased's affairs and contact the Probate Registry to apply for 'letters of administration' if necessary
Documents you will need in the first few days You'll need to gather together the following documents as soon as possible - to enable registration of the death and to start funeral arrangements. •
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, signed by a doctor unless the coroner is involved and there has been a coroner's post mortem
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birth certificate *
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marriage/civil partnership certificates *
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NHS Number/NHS Medical Card *
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organ donor card (if appropriate)
* It is not necessary to have these documents but you will need to provide information contained within them, e.g. date and place of deceased's birth, spouse/civil partner's full name, etc.
How do you register a death? A death must be registered within five days from when it occurred. This period can be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the coroner is involved. The registration must take place in the district where the death occurred. If it is difficult for you to get to the appropriate register office, you may visit your local office and declare the necessary information. In this case the registration by declaration may result in a delay in the issue of the document needed for the funeral arrangements. If you need further advice and help please telephone the Bolton Register Office on: 01204 331185 Registering the death will take about half an hour.
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Registering a stillbirth How is a stillbirth defined? A stillborn child is legally defined as a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not, at any time after being born, breathe or show any other signs of life. What do you need to do to register a stillbirth, either inside or outside Lancashire. When a child is stillborn, a doctor or midwife will issue a medical certificate of stillbirth. The person who registers the stillbirth must take this certificate to the registrar. Every stillbirth in England or Wales must be registered in the district in which it takes place. A stillbirth may not be registered more than three months after it occurred. If the stillbirth occurs in Lancashire You will be able to make an appointment to attend any of the registration offices in the county. For more information call the Bolton Register Office. If you live outside Lancashire or if the still-birth occurs outside Lancashire If you live outside Lancashire and it is not convenient for you to register the stillbirth in the county, you may prefer to make a declaration of the stillbirth at your local register office. Staff from your local register office will be able to offer you advice on the procedure for this or telephone the Bolton Register Office on 01204 331185. Please note that registration by declaration does result in a delay in the issue of the document needed for the funeral arrangements. Who can register a stillbirth? Parents married to each other If the parents of the child were married to each other at the time of the stillbirth (or conception), either the mother or the father may register. Parents not married to each other If the parents were not married to each other at the time of the stillbirth (or conception), information about the father may be entered in the register only in the following circumstances: if the mother and father go to the register office and sign the stillbirth register together, or where the father is unable to go to the register office with the mother - the father makes a statutory declaration acknowledging his paternity which the mother must produce to the registrar (this form may be obtained from any registrar in England or Wales), or where the mother is unable to go to the register office with the father - the mother makes a statutory declaration acknowledging the father's paternity which the father must produce to the registrar (this form may be obtained from any registrar in England or Wales). If the parents of the child cannot register the stillbirth the following are qualified to do so: the occupier of the house or hospital where the child was stillborn, a person who was present at the stillbirth, a person who is responsible for the still-born child, or the person who found the stillborn child (where the date/location are unknown). Information to be supplied for the registration of a stillbirth for the child: • date and place of stillbirth • the forename(s) and surname, if the parents wish to name the stillborn child • sex of the child for the father (where this information is to be entered in the register): • forename(s) and surname • date and place of birth • occupation at the time of the stillbirth or, if not employed at that time, the last occupation for the mother: • forename(s) and surname • maiden surname if the mother is, or has been, married • date and place of birth • occupation at the time of the stillbirth or, if not employed at that time, the last occupation • usual address at the date of the stillbirth • date of marriage, if married to the stillborn child's father at the time of the stillbirth
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OVERDALE CREMATORIUM Overdale Drive Heaton Bolton BL1 5BU Overdale opened in 1954, and the then Bolton Corporation had thought long and hard about the provision of cremation facilities to serve a large area and population. They decided to situate the crematorium in a secluded residential district readily accessible from all parts of Bolton but far enough from the main road networks to be quiet and restful, and for the most part overlooking open country. So the crematorium was sited in Heaton, on the western side of the Borough and accessed from Chorley New Road. Over fifty years later, and despite new developments such as those along Overdale Drive, this foresight can still be appreciated today. The Gardens of Remembrance provide an atmosphere of tranquillity and peaceful charm greatly appreciated by visitors.
The Chapels Both chapels have a loop induction system installed for visitors who are hard of hearing. The West Chapel is the original and larger chapel, with a seating capacity for 75 mourners. Each chapel has its own organ and integrated sound system with music library, allowing families to request or provide their own music to ensure a personal touch to proceedings.
The East Chapel opened in 1968 and was soon presented with a Civic Trust Award for design.
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Gardens of Remembrance Overdale is situated in some nine acres of natural woodland and lawned gardens. It can be accessed without any actual contact with the Crematorium and away from any ongoing funerals. This secluded approach ensures the gardens have a dignified and peaceful charm and they have been designed to create a pleasant impression on visitors seeking a quiet area for meditation and restful retreat. Paths traverse the Gardens in many directions, through mature wooded glades and lawned gardens. Such Gardens give a wide choice to those who wish to have their loved ones ashes scattered. (Appointments for this can be made by contacting the main office.)
Chapel of Meditation The beautiful Chapel of Meditation was donated to Overdale in 1960 by Mr James Wigglesworth of Bolton. It is situated in a secluded part of the grounds away from the Crematorium itself and its purpose was and remains twofold. Firstly it provides a fitting location for the display and preservation of the Book of Remembrance. Relatives can return here on anniversaries to view the inscriptions and honour the departed in a quiet, respectful atmosphere. Secondly it provides a sanctuary for mourners who may feel the need for private meditation and contemplation. Floral tributes and cards can also be left here and this dignified chapel is a much used and appreciated facility.
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Bereavement Memorials Book of Remembrance The Book of Remembrance is situated in the Chapel of Meditation at Overdale. It is a day by day record, in date and month order, which displays the name of the deceased along with a personal message. The entry can be 2, 5 or 8 lines long, with the 5 and 8 lines having the option of an illustration alongside. Our calligrapher can accommodate various designs from floral decorations, badges and crests to images of family pets and treasured mementos. The book is on display 365 days a year and if families cannot visit on the anniversary itself, the book can be turned to another date by prior arrangement with the office. Entries in the Book are a permanent lasting memorial and not subject to any further renewal fees.
Kerb Memorials Kerb memorials are available for a period of twenty years with the option to renew after that. They are situated throughout the Gardens and can be placed in the same area as a loved ones ashes. The memorial is made from York stone with a brass plaque. Granite Vase Blocks These popular new memorials have only recently been introduced and are available in selected areas only in the Gardens. The vase blocks are made from polished granite and come with a polished tablet able to take two inscriptions with a number of design options and a flower holder. They are available on a twenty year lease with option to renew., Sanctum 2000 Above Ground Memorial Vault This memorial has recently been introduced to provide an alternative to the scattering of ashes in the Gardens. Each vault can accommodate up to two caskets of cremated remains, contained behind the attractive polished tablet, able to take inscriptions and many design options. The base includes a space for a flower vase. These memorials have proved very popular since their introduction and are available within selected areas of the Gardens. These too are available on a twenty year lease with option to renew. For more information or to purchase a memorial and for details of new granite memorials to be introduced in 2010 please contact Overdale Crematorium.
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CEMETERIES Bolton Council Bereavement Services operates seven cemeteries across the Borough. For all telephone enquiries regarding these cemeteries please ring: The Cemeteries Office on 01204 334499. Heaton Cemetery (1879, 49.5 acres) Gilnow Road Bolton BL1 4LH. Heaton Cemetery is the largest Cemetery in Bolton in terms of area and nowadays is the busiest. It is an historic Victorian cemetery with many grand memorials commemorating the wealthy families and individuals synonymous with Bolton’s rapid expansion during the industrial revolution and development as a thriving town. It is also representative of modern Bolton’s diverse communities with significant Ukrainian, Polish, Latvian, Hindu and Muslim Sections in addition to the original large Roman Catholic, Church of England and Non-Conformist areas.
Tonge Cemetery
(1863, 32 acres)
Cemetery Road Bolton BL2 6AQ Tonge Cemetery is the oldest municipal cemetery in Bolton and when it opened in 1863 was known simply as Bolton Cemetery. It was designed by William Henderson better known for his public park designs in the North West and is an interesting example of a mid 19th century cemetery. As such in 2003, English Heritage declared Tonge Cemetery to be of sufficient historical interest to be listed in The Register of Parks & Gardens as a Grade II site.
Astley Bridge Cemetery Eden Street Bolton BL1 6NU
(1884, 10 acres)
Astley Bridge Cemetery is a small suburban cemetery that has served the locality for over 120 years. The entrance to the cemetery is dominated by a number of imposing, ornate graves associated with the travelling community. The cemetery also has a large Catholic section including a number of graves owned by the Salesian College.
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Ridgmont Cemetery, Horwich
(1928, 12.5 acres)
Chorley Old Road Horwich Ridgmont Cemetery is the newest of the Council Cemeteries, opening in the late 1920’s. It is in a pleasant location with stunning views over the whole town and surrounding countryside from the top of the cemetery. Westhoughton Cemetery
(1858, 10 acres)
School Street Westhoughton BL5 2BG Westhoughton Cemetery adjoins St Bartholomew’s Church, also known as Westhoughton Parish Church. It has served the community of Westhoughton for over 150 years and the land put aside for an extension to the current cemetery will ensure that this will continue for many years to come. Within Westhoughton Cemetery is a memorial to the 344 men and boys killed by an explosion at the Pretoria Pit in 1910, the worst mining disaster ever in Lancashire and the third worst in British History. A service of Remembrance is held in the Cemetery every year on the anniversary, 21st December. Blackrod Cemetery
(1887, 2.5 acres)
Manchester Road Blackrod Bl6 5BD Blackrod is the smallest Council cemetery in terms of area. It is a picturesque cemetery with a beautiful open view over the surrounding Lancashire countryside.
Farnworth Cemetery
(1876, 22 acres)
Darley Street Farnworth BL4 7QY Farnworth Cemetery is an open cemetery that borders Moses Gate Country Park. The cemetery is made up of large Roman Catholic, Non Conformist and Church of England Sections.
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All of the cemeteries currently have grave spaces available for purchase. Also available in all of the cemeteries are Cremated Remains plots. These are smaller grave plots designed to take up to four caskets of ashes and are for people who prefer cremation but like the idea of visiting and tending a grave in the cemetery. A ‘headstone’ type memorial can be erected on each plot. Graves are prepared by Bereavement Services and may need to be topped up with extra soil after approximately 3 months or sooner at your request. Grave plots may be purchased in advance before any burial. Please contact us for further details. When the exclusive right of burial in a grave is purchased a Deed of Grant is issued which you should keep in a safe place as you will need to produce it if the grave is required for further burials. Ground conditions do sometimes dictate how many burials can be accommodated in one grave but we always endeavour to provide graves to take up to three burials. Family History Genealogy is a very popular activity and we receive a very high volume of enquiries from researchers. Although all the cemetery records are retained at Overdale there is not the space to accommodate public access. Therefore burial records can be viewed free of charge on microfilm at Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent, by contacting the History Centre on (01204) 332185. Once you have found a grave number and grant/deed number if you contact Overdale we can tell you who else is in the grave and help locate it for you in the cemetery. Researchers from further afield can put their requests in writing to the Cemetery Office via the address given on page 5 or by e-mailing john.white@bolton.gov.uk. The council reserves the right to make a small charge for this service.
Bolton Council Crematorium and Cemeteries Opening Times Overdale Crematorium and Cemeteries Office The main office is open Monday to Friday. 8.15am - 4.30pm Book of Remembrance & Chapel of Meditation Weekdays Weekends & Bank Holidays
8.15am - 5.45pm 10.00am - 2.00pm
Cemeteries MONTH January February March April May June July August September October November December
OPENING TIMES 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am
CLOSING TIMES -
5.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm
Cemetery closing times to be reviewed in 2010 and may change. Enquiries tel: 01204 334499
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Bromleys is an independent, family owned and managed business. We are dedicated to the principles, values and benefits of the traditional Funeral Service. We are committed to providing the highest standards of care and service to each family that we serve.
www.bromleys-funerals.co.uk
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01204 397976 or info@boltonsteps.org.uk www.boltonsteps.org.uk Company Limited no. 5189685 Charity number 1107789
on 01204 387363 or counselling@simeoncentre.org.uk www.simeoncentre.org.uk
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Distributor does not endorse or support any of the products or services advertised in the Publication and is in no way liable or responsible for any such products or services.
Sources of help and further information Cruse Bereavement Care Tel: 0870 167 1677 Samaritans Tel: 08457 90 90 90 Web: http://www.samaritans.org.uk The National Association of Bereavement Services and loss services Tel: 0207709 9090 The Grief Centre (MABF) Tel: 0161 371 8860 Bolton Registrars Mere Hall, Mere Hall Street, Bolton, BL1 2QT Tel 01204 331185 For more information about Bolton Council please visit:
www. bolton.gov.uk Frequently Asked Questions? Who should I contact? For all enquiries regarding Overdale Crematorium and Bolton Council Cemeteries please contact the main office on 01204 334499 (5 Lines), Fax 01204 847312
What support can I get in times of bereavement and loss? There are a number of local and national organisations to support and advise families and individuals during times of bereavement. Please refer to Sources of help and information Bolton Council's Bereavement Services, Overdale Crematorium, Overdale, Drive Heaton, Bolton, BL1 5BU Published by Brochures UK 40 Rockburgh Crescent, Walmer Bridge, Preston, PR4 5RD Tel: 01772 498366