A Burial

Traditionally within the UK a burial is observed after a religious ceremony. It may be the case that following a service in a religious building the burial will take place within the graveyard of that place of worship. If there is no provision for this then those invited to the burial whether this be the full congregation or a private gathering of family members and close friends, will travel the normally short distance to the cemetery. Following a short service the interment will take place.

A burial can also take place in a cemetery without a religious service. The British Humanist Association can provide an officiate to preside at an interment and at a gathering prior to the burial. Alternatively, the funeral may be officiated by someone no affiliated to any religious or non-religious organisation.

An Alternative Burial

If the requirements are such, an environmentally friendly burial can be arranged. A coffin or casket can be made using environmentally friendly materials and the Rose Hill Natural Burial Ground in Huddersfield is an ideal location for such requirements.

The burial ground has become increasingly popular since its opening on 28th April 2004. Surrounded by mature oak, ash and beech trees, the the site is a secure and idyllic place both for a burial and for family to visit afterwards. And, although not exclusively an environmentally friendly burial ground, the proprietors do encourage environmentally friendly materials to be used.

As with other cemeteries, Rose Hill Natural Burial Ground also has provision for the interment of cremated remains.

On the day of the funeral it is common to begin proceedings with a gathering of family and close friends at the home of the person who has died. At the arranged time the funeral cortege will arrive at the home of the deceased. In accordance with prior arrangements, a service is held or moment of quiet reflection observed before preparing to travel to the location of the funeral ceremony. This could be a religious place of worship or non-religious location. Alternatively, it may be the case that the next stage of the funeral be the interment at a cemetery or burial ground.

It may be decided by the family of the deceased not to have a service or gathering at home and begin proceedings at the Chapel of Rest. A direct meeting at the main funeral service location can also be arranged, it is an entirely free decision and we will do our utmost to carry out these wishes wherever possible.

A Cremation

Cremation is becoming increasing popular as a chosen type of funeral within the UK. Cremation is observed within various religions and is an alternative to burial.

It is common for a service to be held at the home of the deceased or a moment of quiet reflection observed to begin the funeral process. This is not compulsory and the cortege can proceed from the Chapel of Rest or the gathering can take place directly at the crematorium or, where applicable, the place of worship if preferred.

With a cremation, it is common to commence the main funeral ceremony at the crematorium rather than a service at a place of worship. This however depends on religious requirements and personal preference.

The funeral service does not necessarily have to be officiated by a religious leader or minister. The British Humanist Association can provide an officiant to offer advice and to act as the congregational leader at the funeral ceremony. Alternative arrangements can also be made for specific requirements involving a ceremony lead by neither a religious leader nor a non-religious organisation.

Religious and legal requirements often provide guidelines at a cremation. We will attempt, wherever possible to accommodate personal requirements within these restrictions.

The religious aspect of each funeral, where applicable, will govern the order of proceedings. For instance, one denomination may have a different method of funeral service and requirements to another denomination within the same faith. Similarly, this is more evident between different religions. However, we will accommodate individual requirements wherever possible within the religious and legal constraints.