Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society.

James & Thomas Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

James & Thomas Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Get a quote

Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

View all

Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

View pricing

Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

View plans

Need advice?

James & Thomas Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Contact us

Latest Reviews

Google

Although a very sad and difficult time, much of the worry and uncertainty was lifted from my shoulders by the extremely caring and efficient Liz at Cobham office. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she helped craft the perfect funeral for my late…

Elizabeth Thurston

Google

We recently used Julie and her team for my mother’s funeral and they couldn’t have been kinder or more professional. At every step Julie walked us through the process with so much warmth and understanding. She was always available for any questions, from the initial…

Frances Barker

Google

James and Thomas Funeral Directors were beyond wonderful in every aspect of under-taking the role of managing both a death and the bereaved. Staff were kind, empathic and gave us time to make important decisions. They were knowledgeable and gentle in presenting options yet allowing…

L

Google

We had a really lovely experience with James and Thomas’ arrangements for our Mother’s funeral. Julie was sensitive, professional, thorough and thoughtful throughout. Everything on the day went like clockwork. And while it was a sad time we really felt that our Mother would have…

James Watson

Google

Chris Bertram was extremely helpful and communicated clearly and sensitively. The staff who were present at the funeral/committal were very professional. We would have no hesitation recommending James & Thomas to others.

Tim Pullen

Google

Feeling very vulnerable after the passing of our dear mother, we felt extremely fortunate to meet Julie at James & Thomas Merrow. In the hands of these funeral directors, our family found peace and dignity. Their service was marked by grace, professionalism, and empathy. I…

Kim Shackleton

Google

We were entirely satisfied with the services provided by the Merrow branch of James and Thomas Funeral Directors. We found dealing with Julie Brown, the director, extremely reassuring and she provided us with excellent professional service that was both compassionate and well managed. She was…

Alison Wilson

Google

I cannot thank Liz enough for making the whole process so easy, she was absolutely fantastic and helped us through every step and was there for us whenever we needed her. I am so so happy we had Liz to do the whole process, we…

tallmansam

Google

Chris was so helpful, calm and professional with his advice and guidance throughout the planning of the whole funeral for my grandmothers death last year, suggestions for celebrant, flowers and printing of order of service. Always ready to have a conversation and to listen when…

Charlotte Cooper

Google

Our Funeral Director, Chris, was absolutely outstanding throughout the whole process, on all levels, and created the most beautiful ceremony. He is an exceptional person and we are very grateful to him. He helped us tremendously at a very difficult time. We would highly recommend…

Amanda Brazier-Galbe

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

Learn more

Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

muchloved

View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

View funeral notices

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01932 862 009 visit branch or arrange a home visit