'Tokenistic symbolism'
Under the Cremation Act, the burning of bodies in England and Wales is restricted to designated crematoriums. Similar acts are in force in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This has resulted in some UK Hindus sending the bodies of deceased relatives to India for a ceremony which dates back some 4,000 years.
In South Asia, most cremations for Hindus and Sikhs are held outdoors, often on the banks of a river regarded as holy. Hindus in particular see open-air cremations as the best way to liberate the soul from the body.
At the High Court, lawyers for Mr Ghai intend to argue that open-air cremations are not "necessarily unlawful".
The funeral pyre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Allahabad, India , February 2008
The rituals at a Hindu cremation date back some 4,000 years
They will cite past cases that were not subject to prosecution, including the 1934 open air cremation of the Nepalese ambassador's wife in Surrey.
According to Andrew Singh Bogan, the AAFS's legal adviser, parts of the 1998 Human Rights Act covering freedom to practise religious beliefs could also be relied on.
At a Hindu cremation, the corpse is bathed, usually dressed in traditional white clothes and decorated with sandalwood and flowers.
"There can be some tokenistic symbolism at a crematorium but really it's just disposal of a body," Mr Bogan said.
So what are the objections to open-air cremations?
According to the AAFS, past opposition on health and environmental grounds no longer applies.
Mr Bogan said government tests after the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak and an AAFS-commissioned report found no harm to health or the environment from pyres.
The AAFS is proposing open-air cremations take place in designated sites in rural or semi-rural locations away from public areas.
Mr Bogan said Hindu cremations were only now becoming an issue as the immigrants of the 1960s and 1970s reached old age.
But he expects lawyers for Newcastle City Council and the government to portray the practices as "abhorrent".
"In the end this case could come down to the nebulous issue of whether this is seen as 'British' or not," he said.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Can Britain accept funeral pyres? Pt 1 of 3
The High Court is being asked to rule on the legality of open air funeral pyres.
If Davender Ghai gets his way in the case due to be heard on Tuesday, traditional Hindu cremations could become commonplace across England and Wales.
In 2006, Newcastle City Council blocked Davender Ghai's attempt to establish the UK's first approved site for open-air funeral pyres.
It maintained the burning of human remains anywhere outside a crematorium was prohibited under the 1930 Cremation Act - a ruling the Ministry of Justice agrees was correct.
Now Mr Ghai, a Hindu campaigner and founder of the Anglo Asian Friendship Society charity, is seeking a judicial review of the decision.
"I believe a person should live and die according to his own religion," said the Uganda-born 70-year-old, who has been living in the UK since the 1970s.
"Local authorities routinely provide separate Muslim and Jewish burial grounds and out-of-hours registration and immediate or weekend burials.
"Hindus should cremate before the following sunset too and yet we, along with the general public, wait for up to a week."
Monday, 9 March 2009
The Co-op on the telly!!
Has anyone seen the ad yet?
To be honest its not bad really but............
It must have cost a fortune..and we know who ultimately pays for that don't we!
Oh and........Why have they used and paid for actors and not used actual staff??? Mmm
I think they may have made a mistake there.!
To be honest its not bad really but............
It must have cost a fortune..and we know who ultimately pays for that don't we!
Oh and........Why have they used and paid for actors and not used actual staff??? Mmm
I think they may have made a mistake there.!
Sunday, 25 January 2009
What a send off..........ashes in a firework!!!
HEAVENS ABOVE FIREWORKS
Heavens Above Fireworks provides a truly memorable event where friends and family can celebrate the life of someone special to them by dispersing their funeral ashes within a spectacular fireworks display or through our other services.
Traditionally a wake provided an opportunity for a vigil, often more of a party, before the burial service. Increasingly people are choosing to have their remains cremated, often leaving friends and family with the question of how best to disperse the ashes. Importantly, research shows most people now wish to make their passing more of a ‘celebration of life’, and a happier occasion where family and friends can remember someone special to them.
We believe it is most important to respect the wishes both of the person and the family and friends to create an event which the person would have wished for themselves; as a great way to celebrate their life and to say goodbye.
If you would like to learn more about a Heavens Above Fireworks celebration we can send you more information together with a complimentary DVD. This film contains the special piece about us shown on Channel 4’s ‘Richard and Judy’ TV program.
For more information, or to request a copy of the complimentary DVD, please visit our ‘Contact Us’ page.
Heavens Above Fireworks provides a truly memorable event where friends and family can celebrate the life of someone special to them by dispersing their funeral ashes within a spectacular fireworks display or through our other services.
Traditionally a wake provided an opportunity for a vigil, often more of a party, before the burial service. Increasingly people are choosing to have their remains cremated, often leaving friends and family with the question of how best to disperse the ashes. Importantly, research shows most people now wish to make their passing more of a ‘celebration of life’, and a happier occasion where family and friends can remember someone special to them.
We believe it is most important to respect the wishes both of the person and the family and friends to create an event which the person would have wished for themselves; as a great way to celebrate their life and to say goodbye.
If you would like to learn more about a Heavens Above Fireworks celebration we can send you more information together with a complimentary DVD. This film contains the special piece about us shown on Channel 4’s ‘Richard and Judy’ TV program.
For more information, or to request a copy of the complimentary DVD, please visit our ‘Contact Us’ page.
I was only moaning the other day that motorists don't stop for the funeral cortege anymore.....then I read this!! It Just gets worse doesn't it.
Thief grabs charity cash at funeral
Sue Carr
14/ 1/2009
A CHARITY collection was stolen from a church — while the funeral was still taking place.
The box had been put out so mourners, instead of buying flowers, could donate money to Willow Wood Hospice and Christie Hospital.
But hundreds who had gathered to pay their respects were left horrified when they discovered it had been taken in a ‘heartbreaking’ burglary at Christ Church in Ashton.
The service took place on Saturday for the 36-year-old woman, a member of the Hindu community.
A family member, who did not wish to be named, said: "Does this person realise how much people have lost, how much this has hurt people? We wanted to raise money for Willow Wood and Christie’s because that’s where she spent a lot of her time. We saw how good they were, how much they made her feel at home, and we wanted to give something back. That extra bit of money is now not going to go there and I think that’s really sad."
The box, which was at the back of church close to the door, is thought to have contained hundreds of pounds and the culprit is now being urged to return the money.
Information is also being sought about an unknown male who was seen acting suspiciously.
Ray Mistry, who organised the funeral, said: "It’s terrible, it’s upsetting for everyone. We would say to the thief, if you have a conscience, please go and give it back."
The Reverend Lee Longden, of the Oldham Road church, said: "I find it heartbreaking that a funeral service has been targeted in this way and I appeal to whoever has done this to return the money."
Hospice head of fundraising John Fellowes added: "We are distressed and shocked to learn of the theft. This is a very sad time for the family and to cope with this incident on top of their recent loss is something they shouldn’t have to experience. Obviously, we join with others in urging those responsible to examine their consciences and return the money."
Sue Carr
14/ 1/2009
A CHARITY collection was stolen from a church — while the funeral was still taking place.
The box had been put out so mourners, instead of buying flowers, could donate money to Willow Wood Hospice and Christie Hospital.
But hundreds who had gathered to pay their respects were left horrified when they discovered it had been taken in a ‘heartbreaking’ burglary at Christ Church in Ashton.
The service took place on Saturday for the 36-year-old woman, a member of the Hindu community.
A family member, who did not wish to be named, said: "Does this person realise how much people have lost, how much this has hurt people? We wanted to raise money for Willow Wood and Christie’s because that’s where she spent a lot of her time. We saw how good they were, how much they made her feel at home, and we wanted to give something back. That extra bit of money is now not going to go there and I think that’s really sad."
The box, which was at the back of church close to the door, is thought to have contained hundreds of pounds and the culprit is now being urged to return the money.
Information is also being sought about an unknown male who was seen acting suspiciously.
Ray Mistry, who organised the funeral, said: "It’s terrible, it’s upsetting for everyone. We would say to the thief, if you have a conscience, please go and give it back."
The Reverend Lee Longden, of the Oldham Road church, said: "I find it heartbreaking that a funeral service has been targeted in this way and I appeal to whoever has done this to return the money."
Hospice head of fundraising John Fellowes added: "We are distressed and shocked to learn of the theft. This is a very sad time for the family and to cope with this incident on top of their recent loss is something they shouldn’t have to experience. Obviously, we join with others in urging those responsible to examine their consciences and return the money."
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Ashes Into Glass
James Watts and Bill Rhodes have been glassblowers for the whole of their working lives. They have thrived in their profession for the past 20 years by providing the very best quality products and service to their customers.
In 1996, they founded Barleylands Glassworks in Billericay, Essex. In 2006, they founded Ashes into Glass, based at Barleylands Glassworks
James explains, "When a client asked if we could add her mother's cremated ashes to glass as a memorial to her life, we knew straight away that it was possible. We also thought that it was a wonderful idea that others could benefit from. We just wondered how they would look - ashes don't exactly look like something you would want to display!"
After going through their polished process of design and prototyping, they finalized on three stunning designs. The ashes can be seen within the glass as a soft white powder rather like snow. They have certainly achieved their aim of making the ashes look beautiful.
Bill is very clear about why clients come to them; "Ours is not just a product, it is a bespoke service. Clients commission us to make their loved one's ashes into glass because they trust in us. From first seeing our mini-brochures and website, to receiving our Ordering Pack, to knowing where they have sent the ashes, to the attention we give our clients throughout the whole process, to the finest quality finished product, beautifully packaged. Clients know exactly what happens to the ashes, where they are kept and how and by whom pieces are made. We are very open about our service and families have the option to come along to our workshop to see their glass being made. We do these things because we want clients to talk positively about their experience with us. In this way, word will spread."
Ashes into Glass has won awards for this unique service.
In 2007, they won The Basildon Business Awards for Manufacturing.
In May 2008, they were Winners at The Essex Countywide Business Awards.
A judge commented, "When I visited Bill & James at the Glass works, it was very clear for me to see that they deliver a very worthwhile service with great passion and a real commitment to quality."
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
What To Do When Someone Dies
When the death occurs in hospital
Unless present when death occurs, the relatives will be notified by the nursing staff as soon as possible. Arrangements can then be made with the Hospital Patient Affairs office staff to deal with the formalities. These will include collecting the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by a Hospital Doctor) and personal possessions of the deceased. The Hospital may also issue a 'Release Form', which needs to signed by the next of kin, releasing the deceased into our care.
When the death occurs at home
If the death was expected, as the deceased had been ill for some time, it would be normal to contact their Doctor or the on call Doctor who would then visit to certify that death had occurred and determine the cause of death. This may not happen immediately as the Doctor may be in his/her surgery or the death may happen in the middle of the night in which case you may decide to wait until morning before calling out the Doctor.
Later that day or the next, the Doctor will issue the relatives a form called the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This contains a list of who can register the death, known as Informants, at the local Registry Office and what information the Registrar will require. For the details of the Bury St. Edmunds registrars office click here.
If you are uncertain whether someone has passed away then call the Doctor or dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. If the cause of death cannot be determined then the Doctor will refer the death to the coroner.
If the death occurs in another area
If death occurs away from home then the initial formalities listed above will be completed by the Doctor or Hospital staff in that area. If relatives wish to bring the deceased home for the funeral then the arrangements in both areas, including transport, can be taken care of by ourselves. Should death occur abroad then our staff can advise accordingly as to what options are available.
How to Register a Death
Who can register?
1. A close relative of deceased
2. A relative in attendance during last illness
3. A relative living in the district where death occurred
4. A person present at death
5. The person arranging the funeral
Documents required
1. Medical Certificate of Death (from Dr's or hospital/hospice)
2. Medical Card if available, or
3. Birth Certificate & information regarding date of birth
Information required to Registrar
1. Date and place of death
2. Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
3. Date and place of birth
4. Occupation and home address
5. If married, full name and occupation of spouse.
Certificates
1. Disposal Certificate (green form) for the funeral director
2. Social Security Certificate (white form) to be handed in at the D.S.S. Offices with any pension books
3. Copies of Entry of Death (death certificate) for bank, insurance, solicitors.
N.B. You have to make an appointment with the registrars.
For the details of the Bury St. Edmunds registrars office click here.
It is worth getting a few copies of the death certificate from the registrars when you are there. If you run out you will have to make another appointment to get some more.
Unless present when death occurs, the relatives will be notified by the nursing staff as soon as possible. Arrangements can then be made with the Hospital Patient Affairs office staff to deal with the formalities. These will include collecting the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by a Hospital Doctor) and personal possessions of the deceased. The Hospital may also issue a 'Release Form', which needs to signed by the next of kin, releasing the deceased into our care.
When the death occurs at home
If the death was expected, as the deceased had been ill for some time, it would be normal to contact their Doctor or the on call Doctor who would then visit to certify that death had occurred and determine the cause of death. This may not happen immediately as the Doctor may be in his/her surgery or the death may happen in the middle of the night in which case you may decide to wait until morning before calling out the Doctor.
Later that day or the next, the Doctor will issue the relatives a form called the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This contains a list of who can register the death, known as Informants, at the local Registry Office and what information the Registrar will require. For the details of the Bury St. Edmunds registrars office click here.
If you are uncertain whether someone has passed away then call the Doctor or dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. If the cause of death cannot be determined then the Doctor will refer the death to the coroner.
If the death occurs in another area
If death occurs away from home then the initial formalities listed above will be completed by the Doctor or Hospital staff in that area. If relatives wish to bring the deceased home for the funeral then the arrangements in both areas, including transport, can be taken care of by ourselves. Should death occur abroad then our staff can advise accordingly as to what options are available.
How to Register a Death
Who can register?
1. A close relative of deceased
2. A relative in attendance during last illness
3. A relative living in the district where death occurred
4. A person present at death
5. The person arranging the funeral
Documents required
1. Medical Certificate of Death (from Dr's or hospital/hospice)
2. Medical Card if available, or
3. Birth Certificate & information regarding date of birth
Information required to Registrar
1. Date and place of death
2. Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
3. Date and place of birth
4. Occupation and home address
5. If married, full name and occupation of spouse.
Certificates
1. Disposal Certificate (green form) for the funeral director
2. Social Security Certificate (white form) to be handed in at the D.S.S. Offices with any pension books
3. Copies of Entry of Death (death certificate) for bank, insurance, solicitors.
N.B. You have to make an appointment with the registrars.
For the details of the Bury St. Edmunds registrars office click here.
It is worth getting a few copies of the death certificate from the registrars when you are there. If you run out you will have to make another appointment to get some more.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Nick On Radio Suffolk Today
Nick was on Radio Suffolk today commenting on the story below about scattering ashes.
You can listen to the interview along with others on our web site at:-
http://www.funeralhelp.co.uk/Radio.html
Where can't you put human ashes?
The ashes of Hunter S Thompson had a colourful send-off
Keith Richards joked that he snorted his father's ashes. So can you put cremains anywhere you like?
A green field, a favourite hilltop or a football pitch.
Across the UK, the remains of loved ones are being discreetly scattered in private ceremonies, usually in a beauty spot with some personal meaning to the deceased.
But up a son's nose? Keith Richards' drug-taking past has been well-documented but his apparent admission that he snorted his father's ashes gave his reputation for excess a new dimension. His agent later said the guitarist had been joking.
So are there any places out of bounds to mourners?
There are no banned areas enshrined in law, and that includes the nostrils, says a spokesman at the Department for Constitutional Affairs.
"There's nothing in the Cremation Act 1930 to restrict people in disposing of the ashes," he says.
"There are physical environmental concerns, so if someone dies and his house is under new ownership and his loved ones spread the ashes on the vegetable patch, there would be an issue.
"But that comes under the same legislation as if litter was thrown on someone's property."
People can deposit them where they wish, says Leonie Kellaher, a professor of anthropology who is working on a study of the scattering of ashes.
"But there are warnings about not putting them on private land without the owner's permission, and people are expected to be 'sensitive'. But no-one is watching, or censoring this activity with ashes."
Some clergy are opposed to the remains being divided up among family members, she adds.
And although not backed by legislation, some popular locations have moved to warn bereaved relatives off their sites.
Last year, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland said the soil on some of the summits was being damaged.
And boaters who cruise along the River Soar in Leicestershire have said if mourners continue to sprinkle ashes in the water - particularly popular among Hindu and Sikh mourners - the river will become unusable.
Some football clubs have opened special memorial gardens for the ashes of fans, to stop the pitch being used.
Tighter regulations exist in other parts of northern Europe, says Prof Kellaher. And there are some EU rules restricting scattering in the sea, especially along the North Sea coast.
The scattering of ashes is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the 1970s, only about 12% of ashes were taken away by loved ones, the rest staying at the crematorium. But by 2005 that had risen to nearly 60%.
Over that time cremations have risen sharply, but the figure is now pretty steady at about 70%.
Most are buried or scattered in a garden at the crematorium but personal ceremonies are becoming more off-beat as people think ahead to plan their own funerals.
The ashes of gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson were put in fireworks and launched from a 150ft tower in Colorado. And in 1997 the remains of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry were fired into outer space aboard a Spanish research satellite due to orbit the Earth for six years.
It's even possible to get a loved one's remains made into a diamond, or even a vase, says Caron Staley of the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath.
"People are talking a little bit more about it and TV programmes like Six Feet Under and Desperate Housewives means it's more in the minds of people."
You can listen to the interview along with others on our web site at:-
http://www.funeralhelp.co.uk/Radio.html
Where can't you put human ashes?
The ashes of Hunter S Thompson had a colourful send-off
Keith Richards joked that he snorted his father's ashes. So can you put cremains anywhere you like?
A green field, a favourite hilltop or a football pitch.
Across the UK, the remains of loved ones are being discreetly scattered in private ceremonies, usually in a beauty spot with some personal meaning to the deceased.
But up a son's nose? Keith Richards' drug-taking past has been well-documented but his apparent admission that he snorted his father's ashes gave his reputation for excess a new dimension. His agent later said the guitarist had been joking.
So are there any places out of bounds to mourners?
There are no banned areas enshrined in law, and that includes the nostrils, says a spokesman at the Department for Constitutional Affairs.
"There's nothing in the Cremation Act 1930 to restrict people in disposing of the ashes," he says.
"There are physical environmental concerns, so if someone dies and his house is under new ownership and his loved ones spread the ashes on the vegetable patch, there would be an issue.
"But that comes under the same legislation as if litter was thrown on someone's property."
People can deposit them where they wish, says Leonie Kellaher, a professor of anthropology who is working on a study of the scattering of ashes.
"But there are warnings about not putting them on private land without the owner's permission, and people are expected to be 'sensitive'. But no-one is watching, or censoring this activity with ashes."
Some clergy are opposed to the remains being divided up among family members, she adds.
And although not backed by legislation, some popular locations have moved to warn bereaved relatives off their sites.
Last year, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland said the soil on some of the summits was being damaged.
And boaters who cruise along the River Soar in Leicestershire have said if mourners continue to sprinkle ashes in the water - particularly popular among Hindu and Sikh mourners - the river will become unusable.
Some football clubs have opened special memorial gardens for the ashes of fans, to stop the pitch being used.
Tighter regulations exist in other parts of northern Europe, says Prof Kellaher. And there are some EU rules restricting scattering in the sea, especially along the North Sea coast.
The scattering of ashes is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the 1970s, only about 12% of ashes were taken away by loved ones, the rest staying at the crematorium. But by 2005 that had risen to nearly 60%.
Over that time cremations have risen sharply, but the figure is now pretty steady at about 70%.
Most are buried or scattered in a garden at the crematorium but personal ceremonies are becoming more off-beat as people think ahead to plan their own funerals.
The ashes of gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson were put in fireworks and launched from a 150ft tower in Colorado. And in 1997 the remains of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry were fired into outer space aboard a Spanish research satellite due to orbit the Earth for six years.
It's even possible to get a loved one's remains made into a diamond, or even a vase, says Caron Staley of the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath.
"People are talking a little bit more about it and TV programmes like Six Feet Under and Desperate Housewives means it's more in the minds of people."
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
How to save your family a lot of upset.......in 5 minutes!!
It’s amazing to think that the majority of us leave it to our loved ones to “guess” what type of funeral we would have wanted! You would not believe the stress and heartache that this can cause the ones we leave behind……during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
I’ve lost count of the number of arguments, tears and the upset caused to families by having to make such huge decisions at this most difficult time.
A lot of this can be relieved by simply taking 5 minutes and filling out an Advance Funeral Wishes Forms.
Isn’t saving your loved ones some of the upset worth 5 minutes of your time?
You can even complete our advance wishes form on-line in the comfort of your own home giving you time to think about your send off and also involving family members if you wish.
This can be done simply via our web site at www.myfuneralwishes.co.uk
The form has been used by many people to leave wishes for the type of funeral they would like. It is popular because it saves your family having to guess about the arrangements when the time comes.
This is not a Pre-Payment plan just a Pre-Arrangement copy of your wishes, the funeral itself can be paid for at the time by your family or from your estate in the usual way.
Simply complete the form and click on the submit button at the end. When we receive your completed form we will check what your wishes are and keep the details on our files. We will then send you two free packs, one for you and one for your relatives or executor. This will give them all of the information needed when the time arises so all it takes is one phone call to us to take care of all of the arrangements.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Bury In Bloom
Armstrongs were proud to receive a gold award in the Bury In Bloom competition last night.
We have spent a great deal of time looking after our displays and only had one act of mindless vandalism this year which believe me is something to be happy about!!!
We are looking forward to recieving our judges comments in the post to see how we can do even better next year.
We have spent a great deal of time looking after our displays and only had one act of mindless vandalism this year which believe me is something to be happy about!!!
We are looking forward to recieving our judges comments in the post to see how we can do even better next year.
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