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

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So impressed. Christopher struck just the right level of compassion and practicality. Definitely recommend.

Meryl Hayes

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A really wonderful company. Treated us with such kindness and understanding and guided us through the whole process clearly and smoothly. Highly recommended.

Sarah Colenso

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I couldn't have asked for better support and help from Julie at Merrow branch. She made everything a little more bearable at such an unbearable time after losing my precious daughter who I felt she took great care of

SUSAN COATES

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I couldn't have asked for better support and help from Julie at Merrow branch. She made everything a little more bearable at such an unbearable time after losing my precious daughter who I felt she took great care of

SUSAN COATES

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Excellent caring and very helpful during this difficult time

athena kally

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At short notice, and on the recommendation of the parish priest, we contacted James & Thomas in respect of our late father’s death. Julie Brown of J&T was enormously helpful and responsive, making arrangements immediately and seeing us the same day and then taking care…

Gordon Dawes

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I just wanted to thank Chris and the team at East Horsley with their help and guidance over the past month. A truly great team with Chris dealing with the organisation and the team on the day helping us through. The day went exactly as…

Nick Taylor

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I want to thank Julie Brown for her compassion and unwavering professionalism

Viacheslav Rapoport

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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

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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

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