Crematoria general information

Cremation is simply an alternative to a full body burial.

The cremation process

In the cremation process, all carbon content is removed from the body by exposing it to extremely high temperatures. The heat consumes all organic matter, leaving behind ‘cremated remains’, or ‘ashes’. These ashes are then placed in a temporary plastic or biodegradable container. The entire process can take up to three hours.

Who should organise the cremation

A cremation should be organised by the next of kin or the Executor to the Will of the deceased. The person who applies for the funeral will have the authority to decide what happens to the ashes and will be the only person that we will take an instruction from, unless the applicant gives authority to another person by either completing one of our forms, or writing a letter to us.

Individual cremation

All cremations are performed individually. On arrival at the crematorium, the nameplate is checked and an identification card is placed with the coffin. This identification card then follows the deceased through the process and stays with their cremated remains, which means you can be assured that these are the ashes of your loved one.

The final resting place for ashes

The final resting place for ashes is a personal choice and one which you should consider carefully. You can choose to bury ashes in our memorial gardens, in one of our cemeteries in a cremated remains plot, a sanctum or in an existing family grave. Alternatively you may choose another cemetery or crematorium, or somewhere else like your own garden. You must have the landowners permission to bury the remains. We will give you a Cremation Certificate which must be kept with the ashes if you take them away and an additional Cremation Certificate for customs purposes if you choose to take them abroad.

Memorials

Memorials are available to everyone – whether or not the funeral took place at an Orbitas Crematorium. If you wish to have your loved one buried in our gardens, you do not have to have a memorial, however, as the gardens are shared, you will not be able to mark the position of the ashes. You may find it comforting if you have a particular place to visit and we therefore offer a wide choice of memorials, including plaques, living memorials and stone memorials. We will keep a record of where the ashes are buried which means we can lay the ashes of other family members close together if you wish.