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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Latest Reviews

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Wonderful. It was so difficult losing my Mum just before Christmas but Julie and the team were so lovely. There was so much warmth and empathy. The funeral was a lovely and everything went so smoothly. We were in such good hands. Thankyou. Very highly…

Sarah Gorrell

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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

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Chris in the Horsley office was very understanding, helpful and professional

Nick Roberts

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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

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Julie at the Merrow branch was superb. She was organised, patient, knowledgeable and compassionate. She spent a lot of time answering my various questions and was very supportive. When Julie was on annual leave, Anne from another branch stepped in to help with the order…

Esme Spinks

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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

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