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What to do with Cremation Ashes

When a loved one passes away, if they will be cremated you will likely be faced with the question of what to do with their ashes. There are many sentimental and extraordinary things you can do, some common and some not so common. As cremation increases in popularity in the UK, there are more and more unique and innovative ways to use and scatter ashes. If you’re not sure what you’d like to do, read on.

*Please note that permission may be required in certain locations for scattering, burying or planting ashes.

Scatter them in a special place

Scattering ashes in a special place is a popular option as you can choose a place you know your loved one enjoyed. You can revisit this place time and time again to remind you of your loved one, keeping that place close to your heart. You can also make use of scatter tubes that can be found online, to provide an easier way to scatter ashes.

Keep them in an urn

Keeping ashes inside an urn is another option. Quite often, people want to keep the ashes of their loved one in their home. By keeping them in an urn, this is possible.

Plant them with a tree

This is a more common and very meaningful way of using ashes. Incorporating them into the earth when you plant a tree means that you can grow something and revisit it for many years to come.

Bury them

Burying ashes is one of the more traditional options. Burying them will allow you to leave your loved one in a special place, which you can visit from time to time in future years. Burying them also means you can leave them somewhere significant, where you know they will be at peace.

Unique Options

Skydive and scatter

This method will allow you to scatter ashes in an extraordinary way. Experience the thrill of freefalling while scattering the ashes of your loved one from a height. It might be something you’ve wanted to try for a while, and now is the opportunity to make it that bit extra special.

Get a tattoo with them

With new technology, you can now get body ink that actually contains some of your loved one’s ashes. In the tattoo industry, these are known as ritual or commemorative tattoos. With this option, you can remember your loved one in a very special way, having them embedded into your skin forever.

Go travelling with them

If you know that your loved one enjoyed travelling or was wanderlust in general, why not go and take them with you? This is a special way to travel the world while having your loved one close to you. Be aware, however, that if you will be flying, most airlines ask that you bring the Certificate of Death of the deceased with you.

Turn them into jewellery

There are many well-known brands that can turn ashes into jewellery. This is a more sentimental way of honouring your loved one, and a way of always keeping them close. Turning ashes into glass will turn your memories into treasures you can keep forever.

Turn them into art

This innovate new way of combining the power of art with the comfort of keeping your loved ones close allows you to create a truly memorable keepsake. Whether you want to create a glass sculpture or a painting, there are many companies out there that can help you create something memorable.

Turn your loved one into a firework

Watch your love one light up the sky with this truly spectacular way of using their ashes. There are many companies online that will celebrate life with fireworks, offering a variety of services for scattering the ashes of your loved one.

There are so many unique and special ways in which you can remember your loved one and celebrate their life one last time with their ashes. Here at Alan Greenwood and Sons, nothing is too much trouble and we pride ourselves on the service we provide. We can offer more advice for things to do with the ashes of your loved one, and we offer a range of caskets and urns. If you’re planning a loved one’s funeral or cremation, please do get in touch.

Find Your Local Funeral Director

Compassionate and Professional

Your calls will be taken in person locally not by a call centre, with complete confidentiality, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Funeral arrangements can be made at our premises, at your home or via email.

Simple Service Cremation £2195.00

To a local crematorium or cemetery, the day and time is at our discretion, a coffin of our choice included. Third party costs are not included and need to be added to the above cost. Local crematoria cost can be found on this website by clicking the pricing tab.

Unattended Cremation £1195.00

When no service and no attendance is required. Day, time and crematorium at our discretion. Provision of our choice of coffin, suitable for the purpose of cremation.

Cremation Fee Included.

Excludes Doctor’s Fees.

Has Someone Passed Away?

We understand at this difficult time you need someone to guide you through it all. We’re on hand to help after someone you love dies.

Arranging a Funeral

We’ll talk you through the process and what’s involved, so that you can make the right decision both for you and your loved ones.

Pre-Paid Funeral Agreement

Funeral plans

As a company we are not a funeral Plan provider.

We are though in most circumstances able to carry out instructions from a funeral plan purchased from a third party. Please contact us, to discuss your needs.

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A Few Kind Words...

“Dear Beth,

Just a short note from all of us to say “Thank You” for all the effort that you applied to ensure that Sarah’s funeral passed so seamlessly.

If it can be described as a “Great Day” (which I know will sound odd) I mean it purely in terms of the balance between sadness and celebration was met – that also the weather was perfect, the co-ordination between service and committal was excellent, the flowers so beautiful and everyone played their part so well. It was largely down to you that it did work so well.

So a “Big Thank You”

Barry, Jemma, Matthew, Josie and William

“The family would like to thank you and the whole team at Greenwood’s for your warm and professional service. We were delighted with your attention to detail and the relaxed but respectful manner of the Attendant and Bearers on the day itself. Many of our friends commented on the ‘dignity with lightness of touch’ and said it was one of the best-organised funerals they had attended. It was certainly a very different experience from my father’s funeral twelve years ago, and we shall recommend you wholeheartedly to others.”

Carole Day and Family

Dear Mr Alan Greenwood, I cannot thank you and your team in Bookham enough, for the excellent service they provided in every respect in the Cremation of my wife.

Your resident Funeral Consultant Mary fully explained all we needed to understand and advised the options available to us.

Her in depth knowledge of all the service providers including, Order of Service, authors and print selection, Celebrant, Hall and refreshments.

So many things which without her I would have been lost.

In the past few days I have received so very many complements and praise for the service you gave.

Do please allow other potential clients to share our experience.

Yours sincerely

Terry Eves-Thorpe

Sheila Eves-Thorpe

“Dear Fran

I just wanted to drop you an email to thank you for all your care and support in the arrangements for my dad, John.

I know that my Mum, Valerie, was most grateful for your support and care, particularly last Friday which was a difficult day for her. Mum said to me that you went over and above in her eyes, making sure she was ok before you would let her leave.

Dad would have highly approved of the day yesterday, and that’s all we could have asked for. It really was the celebration of his life that he would have wanted.

Again, my sincerest thanks and gratitude to you all.”

Helena

“I just wanted to drop you a line to say a massive thank you for everything you have done over the last two weeks. When I walked into Alan Greenwood’s on the 5th November I didn’t know where or how I was going to organise my lovely Mum’s funeral and the thought of it horrified me, you made a daunting job so much easier and were there to guide me all the way until the day of the funeral.”

I can’t thank you enough for your kind words, thoughts and help during this very difficult time. Losing someone as precious as mum is very hard but you helped so much. Thank you for everything you have done for mum, myself and my family.”

Sue, Mundy, Luke and Faye

“As a family we cannot thank you enough for all your care and support of us on the passing of our mum – Peggy Hart on October 19th and her funeral on October 31st. As we know from the past, you do a wonderful job and all the staff are so caring and compassionate. Carol you are a rock (dare I say Star!) as you guided us through so much and helped keep us on track.

The day went off so smoothly and well. Mum looked good and would have so enjoyed her last ride in the jag! Also she would have been pleased at Alan leading the way, as Dad – Bill thought so highly of him and always spoke of him in glowing terms when he was alive and said he was a great guy to work with.

Thank you, thank you, what more can I say. I just wish you had offices in Canada so when my time comes, I know I would be in such excellent caring hands.”

Maggie & Mike Raftery

“Just a wee note to say a huge thank you for your amazing support, care and friendship when helping us to arrange my dad’s funeral. Although it was such a difficult time for us as a family, you ensured that we were so well looked after & that everything went perfectly. Our tears often turned to laughter in your company & that’s because you helped us remember the good times.

Thank you for everything from the bottom of our hearts. We would also like to thank the whole team involved in helping before, during and after my dad’s funeral. You truly are amazing, showing such dignity, compassion, care and professionalism. Thank you.”

Karen, Anna & family

Dear Chloe,

We just wanted to all thank you and the rest of Alan Greenwood team for providing excellent service for organising and conducting our mother’s funeral – The day went perfectly.

Mike

“We would like to thank you very much for looking after Mum and for all the arrangements you made for her funeral last Thursday. Your professionalism, help and ready advice together with your sensitivity at such a difficult time was much appreciated by us all. Our best regards.”

Nigel, Colin Ian & Coraine Ferguson

“Thank you for the care and support you gave to us all at the funeral of Annette Streetley, we did appreciate you kindness as we first stepped through the door at your Claygate branch and the days following. I know Tony, Rachel & Andrew were extremely grateful”

David & Betty Wakeford

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