Article: Advice and guidance on arranging a cremation Article Body If you have recently suffered bereavement, Barnsley Council would like to express its condolences at this difficult time. Bereavement is a part of life that we all experience. We, at the council's Bereavement Services are here to help you in any way we can. Our aim is to provide a high quality, accessible and dignified burial and cremation service for all bereaved families within the borough in peaceful and comfortable surroundings. Arrangements for a cremation in Barnsley, whether or not a funeral director is involved, are made through the crematorium office. A funeral director can do this on your behalf. The chapel and crematorium The chapel and crematorium was opened in 1962 and consists of a chapel and four cremators. The chapel provides a peaceful setting in comfortable surroundings, where a funeral service chosen to reflect the beliefs of the individual can be held. It has seating for up to 86 people, with additional standing room. For larger funerals we are able to provide a second small side chapel with TV screen seating 30 people. We also have a loop system installed for the hard of hearing. A disabled ramp is also in place at the entrance to the chapel. We are equipped for the playing of specially requested compact discs from our music list, and compact discs can be provided by the family. These must be supplied to the crematorium office the day before the cremation so they can be played making sure they are alright for the funeral. Friends and relatives awaiting the arrival of the funeral cortege may use the comfortably furnished waiting room, which, like the chapel, is heated during the winter months. Toilets are available, including a disabled toilet. Crematorium Between 1962, when the Crematorium was opened, and March 2011 there were 86,358 cremations in Barnsley. On average there are approximately 1800 cremations a year and 500 burials in the Authority,s 21 cemeteries.Eligibility This service is available to everyone who wishes to use it. Procedure Your funeral director will be able to help you with arranging a cremation. Helplines For further help and information, please contact us. You may choose any of the following methods: By letter to: Barnsley Crematorium Doncaster Road Ardsley Barnsley S71 5EH email: Bereavementservices@barnsley.gov.uk Telephone: (01226) 206053 Fax: 01226 285449 Charges/fees fees and charges Fees and Charges from 4th January 2011 Methods of payment available Fees are paid through your funeral director Opening times/locations The cemetery and crematorium office is situated in the grounds of the crematorium at Ardsley and is open between 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays (except bank holidays). A prompt and efficient answering service operates outside of normal office hours. Book of Remembrance Room This room is open every day of the year. Summer opening hours 1st April to 31st October 8.30am to 6.30pm (Weekends 9am to 6.30pm) Winter opening hours 1st November to 31st March 8.30am to 4.30pm (Weekends 9am to 4.30pm) Garden of Remembrance The garden is open every day of the year. Summer opening hours 1st April to 31st October 8.30am to 7pm (Weekends 9am to 7pm) Winter opening hours 1st November to 31st March 8.30am to 5pm (Weekends 9am to 5pm) How the customer can help The Death needs to be registered at the town hall in the town where the death occurred. The registration documentation must be handed in to your funeral director as soon as you have registered the death. This is an important document and your funeral cannot take place without it. To register the death at the town hall you will need an appointment the hospital or funeral director may do this on your behalf. Registering a death Application form references Preliminary application for cremation (PS171), Application for cremation Form A, (PS 172) Doctors papers Leaflets A Bereavement Services brochure is available from the crematorium office or from your funeral director. Legislation Code of Cremation practice Cremation Act 1902 Cremation Act 1952 Cremation Regulations 1930 Cremation Regulations 1952 Cremation Regulations 1965 Cremation Regulations 1979 Cremation Amendments 1985, 2000 and 2006 Response times/next steps Paperwork to be in crematorium office no later than 12 noon the day before the cremation takes place. This will be done on your behalf by the funeral director. Out of hours procedure A prompt and efficient answering service operates outside of normal office hours on 01226 206053. Owner officer contact details Bereavement Services Support Officer on (01226) 206053. Additional notes In addition to strewing or interring of cremated remains at the crematorium, the remains can be interred in any one of our twenty cemeteries, either in cremation plots or in an existing family grave. A further option would be to collect the cremated remains from your funeral director, if you wish to keep the remains at home, or perhaps to carry out the wishes of the deceased. Frequently Asked Questions How soon after the service will the cremation take place? The cremation will be commenced shortly after the service. The code of cremation practice specifies that the cremation is always completed on the same day as the service. What happens to the coffin after the committal? The coffin is withdrawn into the committal room where the nameplate is carefully checked by crematorium staff to ensure the correct identity. An identity card will then accompany the coffin and the resultant remains until their final disposal or removal from the crematorium. Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator? The reception of the coffin in the committal room and its introduction into a cremator can be witnessed by arrangement with the Crematorium Supervisor. It is preferable to advise the funeral director of these requirements as early as possible when making funeral arrangements. Can more than one body be cremated in a cremator at the same time? The code insists that each cremation is carried out separately. Exceptions may be made for instance in the case of mother and baby or twin children providing that the next of kin has made a specific request in this regard.