Article: Information on conducting an independant funeral Article Body It is often assumed, quite wrongly, that funerals can be completed only with the use of a funeral director. Although a funeral director will be invited to organise the majority of funerals, some people prefer to organise funerals themselves. The funeral director typically organises a funeral by collecting and moving the body, arranging embalming and viewing of the deceased, providing a coffin, hearse and other elements. Carrying out these services relieves the bereaved from doing what they may feel are unpleasant and difficult tasks. Ultimately the funeral director must operate commercially and in charging for his or her services, funerals can be expensive. In addition, the funeral director imposes himself/herself on the arrangements to a greater or lesser degree. Some people do not wish to use a funeral director. This can be for a wide variety of reasons. They may feel that passing a body of a loved one over to strangers is wrong. Some feel that personally organising a funeral is their final tribute to the deceased person. Others may simply wish to save money by doing everything themselves or may have used a funeral director on a previous occasion and found the experience unsatisfactory. Some feel that funerals arranged with a funeral director are routine and processed, and so may desire an innovative and different approach. It is of course, your right to make this decision without giving a reason. Eligibility This service is available to everyone. Procedure The entire funeral can be handled by the bereaved family and bereavement services staff are able to assist in facilitating this. Such a funeral is referred to as a personalised or independent funeral. These funerals will be different because traditional funeral elements may be unobtainable. Currently many funeral directors will not sell coffins separately, neither will they offer a hearse for use, unless the entire funeral package is purchased. Consequently personalised funeral arrangers use their own vehicles or hire vans in lieu of a hearse. They may also make their own coffin or use a biodegradable type. When choosing this type of funeral it is important to remember that you will be responsible for the following: Arranging the date and time of the burial or cremation with the relevant authority and ensuring that all funeral requirements are noted. Obtaining and forwarding all documentation to allow the funeral to happen. Preparation and storage of the body and placing in the coffin. Arranging transport to the cemetery/crematorium and for the coffin to be carried. Helplines Call 01226 206053 and speak to Bereavement Services for any help and advice on this matter. Charges/fees Fees and charges for a cremation or burial can be paid direct to the council. Fees and Charges Methods of payment available Payments of cash, cheque or credit cards can be paid to the bereavement services office where the independent funeral is taking place. Opening times/locations 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday Barnsley Crematorium, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley S71 5EH Application form references For cremation: Preliminary application for cremation (PS171) Application for cremation, form A (PS172) Doctors papers For burial: Application form for burial, form 3 (PS5234) Application for the purchase of exclusive rights of burial, form 2 (PS951) These are available from your funeral director or from the crematorium office on 01226 206053. Legislation Code of cremation conduct Cremation Act 1902 and 1952 Cremation Regulations 1930, 1952, 1965, 1979 Cremation Amendments 1985 and 2000 Local Authority Cemeteries Order 1977 Response times/next steps Please contact Bereavement Services and they will be able to give you advice this matter. 01226 206053 Out of hours procedures A prompt and efficient answering service operates outside normal office hours. Call 01226 206053, or email bereavementservices@barnsley.gov.uk Owner officer contact details Bereavement Services Support Officer or Cemetery Supervisor 01226 206053 Additional Notes These actions often attract comments that such funerals lack dignity. It is important to refute such comments. A new type of green funeral director is emerging promoting bio-degradable coffins and a more personal approach. Frequently asked questions Will anyone be able to help and advise with this matter? Bereavement Services staff will be able to help with the booking of a burial or cremation. Other information can be obtained from the Natural Death Society, 6 Blackstock Mews, Blackstock Rd, London N4 2BT, 0871 288 2098 (see associated links on the right hand side) Can I bury in a council cemetery and go into church first for a service? Yes you can, but this will have to be organised by yourself, which means contacting the authority for the burial and the minister for a servcie in church. Can I transport the body in my own vehicle? Yes you can but the council will only accept bodies that are in a coffin. Related Links: Natural Death Society