You do not need to have anything ready, or to know what you want. If it is easier, ask your funeral director to ring on your behalf.
Most people ring their funeral director first, and that is quite right. The director will then contact us and we will work out the arrangements between us. But you are very welcome to ring the Rector directly, at any point, including before a death when someone is very ill.
Where a funeral can be held
A funeral led by one of our ministers can be held in any of our six churches, at the graveside, at the crematorium, or in some combination: a service in church followed by a committal elsewhere is common. There is no single right answer, and what suits one family will not suit another.
Burials and ashes
Our churchyards are peaceful, tranquil places, and all six are open for burials and for the interment of ashes. Rights to burial depend on the parish and on the space remaining, so this is something to ask about early rather than assume.
Churchyard memorials are governed by the Diocese of Winchester's churchyard regulations, which set out what stone, shape and wording are permitted. We will guide you through it.
What it costs
For funeral pricing, contact Phili or Abby, our administrator. The main fees are set nationally by the Church of England. Your funeral director will normally collect them along with their own charges, and will give you a written estimate. There is no fee at all for the funeral of a child.
If money is a worry, please say so early. It is a very common worry and there are usually options.
Afterwards
Grief does not keep to the timetable of a funeral. We hold services of remembrance through the year, and Phili is glad to visit or to talk long after everyone else has stopped asking how you are.