In which areas is your Direct Cremation service available? This service is available around the M25 Area

Are you an experienced funeral director? I was first involved with funerals in 1986, and have experienced all aspects of the profession since then. I have arranged and conducted hundreds of funerals during that time.

Are you independent or part of a group? Very much an Independent concern, though I do call upon the assistance of other carefully chosen and established funeral directors from time to time.

Can we come to see our loved one in your Chapel of Rest? Sorry, but no. The direct cremation choice specifically excludes that, and some other more traditional options.

Can I hold any form of service ? Certainly. A casket containing the Deceased's ashes can be almost as poignant a focus at a service or gathering as the coffin itself. The "softer nature" and greater flexibility allowed by this approach is arguably no less reverent than many traditional arrangements. It is, very much a matter of personal choice.

Do you provide full funeral facilities? Well, the whole concept of being able to offer a Simple Direct Cremation at such an acceptable cost revolves around not having to provide several unnecessary facilities to Clients. The very fact that you are reading this on the web saves on expensive advertising costs. Because there is no viewing, our Chapel of Rest would not be utilised, and because there is no traditional church or secular service, the costs of hearse and limousines and additional staff are also not necessary. All professional facilities are, however, available to us.

How do you manage to charge so little for this service? Simply by concentrating on this ever more popular choice of arrangement. By providing exactly what is required to conduct a dignified simple departure, and by not transferring the financial burden of irrelevant vehicle fleets, staff, and large premises to the client via their account. Quotations, Terms and Conditions

Our terms and conditions and charges are proudly transparent, and available on request. Quotations are always given in writing prior to any commitment by you to engage our professional services.

How does the cremation take place? All the medico-legal forms have to be completed as normal, and I will assist you in this process. All aspects of receiving the deceased at the crematorium, and the cremation itself are conducted in private. The crematorium utilised will be fully licensed in accordance with all current requirements. The date and place of cremation is entirely at our discretion and is chosen on the grounds of cost and availability. The Code of Crematoria Practice is followed, requiring cremation of the Deceased on the same day as arrival wherever possible.

How soon are the ashes available? This will vary depending upon crematorium, however it is usual for them to be available within 48 hours following the cremation. Ashes from the Simple Direct Cremation are usually strewn in the crematorium grounds. Where the Direct Cremation Plus arrangement has been chosen, the ashes are returned to the family. I would prefer to conduct this privilage personally, however where speed is of the essence, a trusted next-day courier service will be utilized.

Can you provide a traditional service? Yes, but onlyin the Hillingdon/ Staines area. If I routinely provided the same wide choice of funerals throughout the UK, I would incur most of the same unnecessary overheads, and the cost savings of my simple, no-frills approach would be whittled away.

How do I make payment? As the costs of the arrangement are fixed, I am able to provide the funeral invoice prior to my assuming care of, and thus, responsibility for the Deceased. All my charges, and doctors / crematorium fees must be received in full, and in advance of provision of my professional services. Payment may be made via cash, cheque, bankers' draft, or bank transfer, or the following credit/debit cards - Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Electron or Solo.

Can you facilitate payment by the DWP (Social Fund)? Usually, Yes, but a deposit will be required. The DWP payment allows for a greater range of services than the Simple Direct Arrangement provides, however, if an eligible person sucessfully applies for this social fund payment, then a reduced claim may be met. Please be aware that you cannot claim for elements allowed for under this scheme that have not physically been provided as part of the funeral arrangements. Additional mortuary and other charges relating to care of the deceased may be incurred by delays often encountered via this payment route. Additional professional charges are liable to be added to our account for these reasons. If you intend to make such a claim, please advise me immediately.