Cheshire East Council Bereavement Services by Garry Grimshaw

Bereavement Services Helping you make the right choice

CONTENTS Page No

Introduction

Cemeteries Administration Offices

Crematoria

Facilities at the crematoria

Cremation

After Cremation

Memorialisation after cremation

Cemeteries

Burials

Memorials after burial

Other services we provide

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How we in bereavement services can help you

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We know and we understand what a difficult time it can be when someone close to us dies

Introduction We know and we understand what a difficult time it can be when someone close to us dies or when we are faced with the possibility of losing a loved one. The feelings of sadness, loss, bewilderment and shock can take over our lives. It is a time when we feel least able to do the so many things that need to be done. This brochure has been produced to advise you of how Cheshire East Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bereavement Services can not only help you to make informed choices but also contains information that you will need to help you through bereavement. It is important that you have the best and clearest information and guidance to make sure the arrangements you make are the ones that are best for you, your family and friends. Cheshire East Council owns and administers two crematoria at Crewe and Macclesfield as well as a number of cemeteries located within the boundaries of the Borough.

Bereavement Services offer burial, cremation, memorial and bereavement support and our aim is to provide a high quality, professional, caring and sensitive service. Our staff can give helpful advice and guidance in respect of all our services, facilities and memorial options as well as general information regarding the registration of a death, useful contacts etc. People of all faiths and beliefs can be buried or cremated irrespective of whether they had lived in or had connections in the Borough. All our cemeteries are places for quiet reflection, not only where people can remember their loved ones, but also somewhere they can visit to experience the tranquility of the peaceful surroundings in a safe and relaxing environment. The cemeteries also offer a wealth of social history and wildlife. The Council is a member of The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and complies with their strict Code of Practice, which determines the necessary high standards of burial and cremation. The Council is also a member of the Institute of Cemeteries and Crematorium Management.

Cemeteries Administration Offices There are two Cemeteries Administration Offices, Cemeteries Administration Office (North) and Cemeteries Administration Office (South). The offices are open from 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday and are closed at weekends and on public holidays. The cemeteries are open to the public every day of the year generally between the hours of 9.00am to 6.00pm (or sunset whichever is earliest). .

The Cemeteries Administration Office (North) for Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Macclesfield (including the crematorium) and Wilmslow cemeteries is based at: The Cemetery Lodge 87 Prestbury Road Macclesfield SK10 3BU Tel. No. 01625 422330 Fax No. 01625 616350 www.bereavementservices@cheshireeast.gov.uk The Cemeteries Administration Office (South) for Congleton, Coppenhall, Crewe (including the crematorium), Meadow Brook (Crewe), Nantwich, Sandbach and Weston cemeteries is based at: The Cemetery Office Market Close Crewe CW1 2NA Tel. No. 01270 685545 Fax No. 01270 252570 www.bereavementservices@cheshireeast.gov.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;? our aim is to provide a high quality, professional, caring and sensitive service

Crematoria Both our crematorium chapels are available for funeral services for people of all faiths and beliefs. Crewe Crematorium Crewe Crematorium is located in the grounds of Crewe Cemetery adjacent to Badger Avenue, Crewe, CW1 3JG and was opened in 1957. Work on the crematorium commenced in 1956 with the first cremation taking place on the 16 May 1958. The chapel can accommodate up to 68 seated mourners and has a loop system for those with hearing difficulties. Macclesfield Crematorium Macclesfield Crematorium is located in the grounds of Macclesfield Cemetery adjacent to Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3BU being formerly a Non-Conformist Chapel. The crematorium was opened in 1960, the first cremation taking place on 17 August.

The chapel can accommodate up to 78 seated mourners and has a loop system for those with hearing difficulties. Braille service books are available on request. Macclesfield Crematorium has recently undergone a complete refurbishment. The improvement works have helped to ensure a state of the art equipped facility to enable the delivery of a first class service to the public

Facilities at the crematoria • Both crematoria feature a chapel with an organ, a Book of Remembrance room, toilets and are DDA compliant. • A period of up to a maximum of 40 minutes is allocated to each service, however longer times can be arranged in advance if required. • Following the funeral service floral tributes can be placed in the floral courts for viewing and will remain there for a period of one week after the funeral service took place.

• Both chapels are available for a full funeral service or a service can be held at a church or other venue followed by a committal only service at the crematorium. • Both crematoria have external speakers to enable people attending large funerals to stand outside and listen to the service. • Cremation service times are offered each weekday i.e. Monday to Friday. The first time offered is 9.20am with the last time being 3.20pm.

• Wheelchairs are available upon request. • Both chapels are installed with a state of the art Wesley Music System that can provide virtually any commercially available piece of music or hymn. The extensive music library enables us to provide the bereaved with their loved ones favourite music as a way to personalise and make the funeral service unique.

• Ample parking spaces are provided at both crematoria as well as specific parking bays for the disabled

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Cremation

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The type of cremation service and manner in which it is conducted is entirely the personal choice of the bereaved

A funeral can be organised with or without a funeral director – though the vast majority of people do appoint a funeral director. If appointed, the funeral director will advise and give guidance on the format of the service, and will inform the appropriate Cemeteries Administration office of any specific requirements in advance. The whole of the funeral service may take place at the crematorium, or alternatively a service can be held at a church or other venue followed by a committal service at the crematorium. The type of cremation service and manner in which it is conducted is entirely the personal choice of the bereaved. On the day of the funeral service or committal mourners normally gather close to the entrance of the chapel a few minutes before the appointed time of the funeral service. When the principal mourners are ready to proceed, the coffin will be conveyed into the chapel by the Funeral Director unless family bearers are used. The coffin will be placed on the catafalque and mourners will be directed to their seats, after which the service will proceed.

At the point of “committal” of the deceased person the curtains are closed. However, if preferred the curtains can remain open so that the coffin remains visible until the mourners have left the chapel area. Following the funeral service the coffin is transferred to the crematory where the cremation process takes place. The Code of Cremation Practice requires that the cremation shall take place on the same day as the cremation service, or within 24 hours after the service of committal. This means that under normal circumstances the cremation is usually carried out shortly after the service and certainly on the same day. However, when a service takes place late in the day, the cremation can take place the next morning. The floral tributes can be placed in the floral court for viewing or can be removed by the funeral director and placed elsewhere. The cremated remains are available for disposal normally the day after the funeral service. In the case of the funeral service being on a Friday then the cremated remains would be available on the following Monday.

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After cremation

Bereavement Services staff or your Funeral Director can advise what the options are and it is recommended that careful consideration is given before making a choice.

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Following cremation the cremated remains can be kept by us in a safe and secure location for up to a maximum of 28 days. Arrangements can be made for the Funeral Director or other agreed representative to collect the cremated remains from us to be taken elsewhere, or to keep until a decision has been made regarding their final resting place. The Council offers a number of options for the interment of cremated remains. Bereavement Services staff or your Funeral Director can advise what the options are and it is recommended that careful consideration is given before making a choice. All the Council’s cemetery grounds provide areas for the interment of cremated remains that are as follows: Alderley Edge Cemetery • Sandstone kerbs (double plots) • Interment in a family grave Congleton Cemetery • Terraced Garden (single, double and family plots) • Interment in a family grave. Coppenhall Cemetery • Family cremation plots • Interment in a family grave Crewe Cemetery • Gardens of Remembrance (single plots) • Family cremation plots • Interment in a family grave

Knutsford Cemetery • Sandstone kerbs (double plots) • Wall of Remembrance (double plots) •Interment in a family grave Macclesfield Cemetery • Valley of Remembrance (scattering only) • Granite kerbs (double plots) • Formal Garden - kerbs (double plots) • Formal Garden – ash vaults (4 sets ashes) • Interment in a family grave Meadow Brook, Crewe • A section for cremated remains is planned for 2012. More information can be obtained by contacting the Cemeteries Administration Office (South) • Interment in a family grave. Nantwich Cemetery • Family cremation plots • Interment in a family grave • Columbaria (for 4) Sandbach Cemetery • Gardens of Rest (single, double and family plots) • Butterfly Garden (single plots) • Interment in a family grave Weston Cemetery • Double cremation plots • Interment in a family grave Wilmslow Cemetery • Sandstone kerbs • Interment in a family grave

Butterfly Garden Sandbach Cemetery If the cremated remains are not to be placed in any of the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cemeteries then a Disposal Certificate that is issued by the appropriate Cemeteries Administration Office will be given to the person appointed to collect the cremated remains. The certificate should be kept with the cremated remains until the time of disposal as this is evidence of the person who has been cremated at one of our crematoria.

Terraced Garden Congleton Cemetery

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a variety of choice of memorials following a cremation

Memorialisation after cremation The Council offers a variety of choice of memorials following cremation that are listed below: Book of Remembrance (Crewe & Macclesfield Crematoria) The Book of Remembrance provides a lasting memorial to a loved one. A page is allocated to each day of the year and the pages are turned daily to display the current date. The Book is displayed in the Room of Remembrance adjoining the Crematorium Chapels and is open every day including weekends.

Leather Recordia (Crewe & Macclesfield Crematoria) These panels offer an alternative type of commemoration to the Book of Remembrance. Each panel is leather with gold embossed lettering and is placed on a specially designed setting in the Room of Remembrance. A panel can be leased for a period of ten years.

Inscriptions are carried out by professional calligraphers and can be up to a maximum of eight lines. Entries can also be personalised by the addition of an illustration that could be a flower, emblem, badge, coat of arms or a motif representing a hobby. We also provide a Children’s Book of Remembrance and entries can be up to a maximum of five lines that can include an illustration of maybe a teddy or cherub etc. Memorial cards and miniature books are also available to order for those wishing to retain a copy at home of their entry or perhaps send to relatives and friends.

Memorialisation after cremation (contd.) Granite Boulder Tablet (Crewe Cemetery) Granite Boulders with inscribed tablet are located in the Gardens of Remembrance and are leased for a period of 10 years.

In Sandbach Cemetery there is a memorial wall in the Garden of Remembrance and inscribed bronze plaques are fixed to the wall. The plaque spaces are purchased for infinitum.

Memorial Vase and Tablets (Crewe & Sandbach Cemeteries) In Crewe Cemetery these memorials are available in the Gardens of Remembrance and Tree of Light Garden

Commemorative Plaques (Crewe Cemetery) There are two types of commemorative plaques available that are located in the Gardens of Remembrance. The granite plaques are mounted on a large book style memorial and the metal plaques are placed on a glass fronted wooden memorial. Both types of memorial are leased for a period of 10 years.

In Sandbach Cemetery the vase memorials are located in the Butterfly Garden that also has a lawned area for the interment of cremated remains. All the memorials include a vase for floral tributes and a granite plaque for an inscription. The memorials are leased for a period of ten years.

Columbaria (Nantwich Cemetery) The concept of columbaria is for the storage of cremated remains in chambers that can hold up to 4 cremated remains. The chambers are locked into position, sealed and a granite tablet is fixed to the front with an inscription in gold that can accommodate up to 200 letters. Granite Kerbstone (Macclesfield Cemetery) Provide space for 2 cremated remains and are located near to the Formal Garden. This type of memorial is leased for a period of 10 years. Sandstone Kerbstone (Alderley Edge, Wilmslow & Knutsford Cemeteries) Provide space for 2 cremated remains and a memorial plaque. This type of memorial is leased for a period of 10 years. Memorial Wall Plaques (Crewe Crematorium, Sandbach Cemetery) The memorial wall plaques in Crewe Crematorium are placed on the Crematorium Canopy. The plaques are leased for a period of 10 years.

Memorialisation after cremation (contd.) Ash Vault (Macclesfield Cemetery) Ash vaults provide space for 4 containers of cremated remains, vase and a memorial plaque. The vaults are located in the Formal Garden and the Exclusive Right of Burial is purchased for 100 years.

Formal Kerbstone (Macclesfield Cemetery) Provide space for 2 containers of cremated remains and a memorial plaque. The kerbstones are located in the Formal Garden and the Right of Burial is purchased for 100 years.

New Garden of Remembrance (Macclesfield Cemetery) The new Garden of Remembrance is located within the Macclesfield Cemetery valley area and cremated remains can be scattered within this area.

Tower with Plaque (Macclesfield Cemetery) The Tower is located in the Formal Garden and the plaques that are leased for 10 years are fixed to the Tower. The cremated remains are buried within the grounds of the Formal Garden.

Ark Kerbstone (Macclesfield Cemetery) The Ark Kerbstones are a memorial only with plaque and vase holder. Cremated remains are scattered in the Garden of Remembrance. The memorials are leased for a period of 10 years.

Cemeteries We manage and operate 11 cemeteries across the Borough that are split into North and South areas. The cemeteries in the North area are Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Macclesfield and Wilmslow. The cemeteries are operated and administered by the Cemeteries Administration Office (North). Alderley Edge Cemetery (opened in 1906) Chelford Road Alderley Edge SK9 7TQ Knutsford Cemetery (opened in 1902) Tabley Hill Lane Tabley Knutsford WA16 0EW Macclesfield Cemetery (opened in 1866) Prestbury Road Macclesfield SK10 3BU Wilmslow Cemetery (opened in 1907) Manchester Road Wilmslow SK9 2LE

The cemeteries in the South area are Congleton, Coppenhall, Crewe, Meadow Brook, Nantwich, Sandbach and Weston. The cemeteries are operated and administered by the Cemeteries Administration Office (South). Congleton Cemetery (opened in 2004) Off Howey Lane Congleton CW12 4AE Coppenhall Cemetery (traced back to 1863) Ford Lane Coppenhall Crewe CW1 3TN Crewe Cemetery (opened 1872) Badger Avenue Crewe CW1 3JG Meadow Brook Cemetery Crewe (opened 2008) Minshull New Road Crewe CW1 3PP

Macclesfield Cemetery is the largest of our cemeteries and consists of 68 acres of land. The Cemetery has a wealth of social historic interest and organised heritage trail walks take place three times a year. On one side of the cemetery is the wooded Whitfield Brook Valley that is adjacent to West Park. The valley side is tiered with paths passing through the many fine trees and colourful shrubs that combine to give the arboretum an air of peace and tranquil beauty. Cremated remains can be scattered within the valley area. Weston Cemetery is the smallest of the Council’s cemeteries occupying only 1.28 acres of land. The cemetery is sited in the picturesque village of Weston located 3 miles south east of Crewe. The cemetery is accessed through an attractive lyche gate and on average 10 burials take place each year.

Nantwich Cemetery (opened 1875) Whitehouse Lane Nantwich CW5 6HH Sandbach Cemetery (opened in 1935) The Hill Sandbach CW11 1JJ "Winner of prestigious Green Flag Award 2011 & 2012" Weston Cemetery (opened in 1902) Cemetery Road Weston CW5 5LJ

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Nantwich Cemetery (opened 1875) Whitehouse Lane Nantwich CW5 6HH Sandbach Cemetery (opened in 1935) The Hill Sandbach CW11 1JJ “Winner of prestigious Green Flag Award in 2011” Weston Cemetery (opened in 1902) Cemetery Road Weston CW5 5LJ

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Memorials after burial

For Health & Safety reasons the Council only allows memorial masons that are either registered with the Council or with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons

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Only the owner of a grave is entitled to apply for the placement of a memorial. Where burials have taken place in a non purchased grave, no memorial may be installed. Following a coffin burial the Council advises that generally no memorial be erected upon a grave for a period of at least six months. This allows time for the ground to settle and any subsidence to be addressed by us. Applications to erect, alter, add an inscription, remove, replace or renovate any memorial will only be accepted from the registered owner of a grave/plot/vault. For Health & Safety reasons the Council only allows memorial masons that are either registered with the Council or with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) to work in any of its cemeteries. Once appointed a memorial mason will need to submit a memorial application that must include a detailed drawing, dimensions, type of material to be used, fixing method and proposed inscription. Further information relating to details of all memorials that the Council provide or allow to be installed in cemeteries can be obtained by contacting the appropriate Cemeteries Administration Office.

Other memorials The Council does offer other alternative types of memorialisation at some cemeteries but not all, these are as follows: • Habitat boxes with plaque • Wooden seat with plaque • Granite seat with inscription • Memory Box • Memorial tree with plaque Further details can be obtained by contacting the appropriate Cemeteries Administration Office.

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Other services we provide Information days are held bi-annually at Macclesfield and Crewe Crematoria. The idea behind an Information Day is to allow members of the public see the work of the Bereavement Services team.

A “Tree of Light” ceremony is held in December each year in 3 of our cemeteries - Crewe, Macclesfield and Sandbach The concept of the “Tree of Light” is to let a light shine in memory of a loved one by the placing of a dedication in the form of a star on the tree. All dedicated stars are placed on the “Tree of Light” in each of the cemeteries that is followed by a ceremony during which the lights on the tree are illuminated. The lights then remain lit throughout the Christmas and New Year period until the twelfth night We know that Christmas is a very special time, but Christmas to those that have lost a loved one can also be a very difficult time of year. The ceremonies provide the opportunity, amongst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, for people to express and share their thoughts and to celebrate the lives of those whom they have loved and lost.

During the course of the Information Days the public can see behind the scenes in the crematoria, witness the digging of a grave, have the opportunity to speak to Funeral Directors, florists etc., view memorials that the Council provides, request searches for deceased relatives, take part in a heritage walk and much much more.

The ceremonies are an extremely popular event within each local community and the numbers attending increase year on year..

Walks and trails - we invite members of the public to take part in a number of organised walks and trails through Macclesfield and Crewe cemeteries. At Crewe Cemetery a Mini Heritage Walk takes place during the Information Day that includes Victorian symbolism and identification of the graves of many of the town’s personalities. The Macclesfield Cemetery Heritage Trail is a fascinating tour through Macclesfield’s 68 acres of cemetery and gardens of remembrance. The walk takes place twice a year on one Sunday in April and one in August and reveals curious histories and graveyard symbolism. The Macclesfield Remembrance Trail takes place on Remembrance Sunday. This is a trail of discovery to uncover some of the stories behind those who have fallen in the service of their country. In addition we can also provide educational visits to the crematoria and cemeteries. For more details regarding any of our services then please contact either of our Cemeteries Administration Offices where staff will only be to pleased to be able to offer help and advice.

Please be aware that Cheshire East Council cannot endorse the services or products of any of the advertisers in this brochure.

Who else do I need to contact? When someone dies a number of organisations will need to be contacted to inform them of the death. Below is a checklist that you may find helpful.

 Insurance companies (household, life, car, pension policies, travel etc.)

 Accountant

 Library

 Bank/Building Society

 Local Authority (council tax, housing benefit, electoral register, parking permits, disabled blue badge, bus pass)

 Benefits Agency  Car registration documents  Child Benefit Office (within 8 weeks)  Child’s school or childcare provider  Church or other place of worship  Clubs and social groups  Credit card companies  Creditors (anyone owed money by the deceased)

 Internet provider  Landlord

 Royal Mail (for re-direction)  Mortgage provider  News agent  Passport Office  Premium Bond Office  Probate office  Professional bodies  Private healthcare provider

 Debtors (anyone owing money to the deceased)

 Relatives and friends

 Dentist

 TV Licence

 Doctor

 Telephone provider

 DVLA (car tax, driving licence)

 Utilities (gas, water, electricity)

 Employer  Hire purchase/loan companies  Home help agency

 Solicitor

Useful contacts Cheshire East Council t: 0300 123 5500 w: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk Registering a death (Cheshire East) t: 0300 123 5019 National Assoc. of Funeral Directors t: 0845 230 1343, e: info@nafd.org.uk e: www.nafd@org.uk National Society Of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors t: 0845 230 6777 e: info@saif.org.uk w: www.saif.org.uk Samaritans t: 0845 790 9090 w: www.samaritans.org.uk Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline 0844 477 9400 National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) t: 01788 542264 e: enquiries@namm.org.uk w: www.namm.org.uk Bereavement Support t: 01625 439333 (answering service, call will be returned. Free confidential support for those in grief.)

 Hospital clinics  Inland Revenue

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BEREAVEMENT SERVICES (North Office) The Cemetery Lodge 87 Prestbury Road Macclesfield SK10 3BU Telephone: 01625 422330 Fax: 01625 616350 (South Office) The Cemetery Office Market Close Crewe CW1 2NA Telephone: 01270 685545 Fax: 01270 252570 www.cheshireeast.gov.uk bereavementservices@cheshireeast.gov.uk

All other enquiries 0300 123 5500

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