Burials

Traditional or informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you would like – and it’s entirely up to you as to how religious the service is depending on your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

James & Thomas Funeral Directors can organise the funeral and a burial at your chosen cemetery, graveyard or burial ground and purchase a grave on your behalf where necessary. Most burial grounds have a chapel or room where the service can take place, but you may decide you want the service to take place in a particular church or other venue that has meaning for you. 

If you already have a family burial plot we may be able to arrange for it to be reopened before the burial. If you would like burial plots which are next to each other, you’ll need to talk to the local authority about the possibility of purchasing or reserving multiple plots and again, we can help you with this.

What happens at a burial?

On the day of the funeral, depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside the burial ground awaiting the arrival of the cortege with 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.

A funeral service usually lasts around 20 to 60 minutes and can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings.

Following the funeral service (should you choose to have one) the committal service usually takes place at the graveside with the minister, clergy or other non-religious officiant conducting the service. This can be tailored to your requests with readings, songs and prayers. 

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

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Memorial Masonry

We offer a masonry service for new pieces, additional inscriptions or renovations to existing memorials.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Featured Reviews

Google

Thanks Julie and the team at James & Thomas for a really thoughtful and lovely funeral for our Mum. We felt really cared for throughout.

DAVID HICKS

Google

Upon my father's passing, I popped in to do see Julie at James and Thomas funeral directors I didn't give her much notice for my appointment but she did her upmost to make me feel very welcome and she made me feel assured that my…

dan chandler

Google

Everyone at James and Thomas acted very professionally and with compassion. Chris Bertram at the Horsley office catered for all my needs and diligently went through my music requests with me for the tribute.

Chris Clark

Google

we cannot commend julie & sue our celebrant highly enough for the beautiful funeral they crafted for my husband.using our input they put together the perfect send off we had hoped for.thank you ladies.

Michael Coppinger

Google

At such a very sad time, the service provided was thoughtful, personal. Chris Bertram at the Horsley Branch was particularly helpful and supportive.

Judith Brewster

Google

Made my wife's funeral a celebration of life that will be remembered and commented on by all who attended as a fitting tribute to a life well lived. Rest in Peace Susan

Adrian Whyte

Google

I had never had to organise a cremation or funeral service before. I chose James & Thomas (Horsley in my case) based on positive reviews that I saw online. Chris was first class, helping me and my father to navigate the cremation process, order of…

Nick Wilson

Google

James & Thomas and particularly Anne Rowe could not have been more helpful, caring, organised and efficient in arranging both of my parents funerals. Anne helped with all aspects of the funeral from start to finish and Sam and his team looked after us all…

Mark Batterson

Google

I cannot fault the service that I received from Anita and her team after my father's death. Her compassion and efficiency were a huge help and comfort at a very sad time. Update - Nearly ten years on from my father’s funeral, we again used…

Tim Martin

Google

Aileen was just wonderful - so helpful, kind and understanding. I couldn’t have had my mum (and dads) funeral the way I wanted without her. Thank you so much Aileen - you are the best!…

vanessa tait

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.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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

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We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01932 862 009 visit branch or arrange a home visit