Independent Funeral Directors in Hampshire
24 Hour Service, 7 Days a Week

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SITUATION IS CHANGING DAILY/ HOURLY, WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP ALL FAMILIES INFORMED

6th August 2020

With effect from 8th August 2020 all mourners attending both Portchester Crematorium and The Oaks, Havant Crematorium MUST wear a face covering at all times when in the chapel.

13th July 2020

Restrictions at Funeral Services (update)

THE OAKS, HAVANT CREMATORIUM

The Oaks have now increased the number of mourners attending a service to a MAXIMUM of 30 consisting of close family and friends.

Activities such as singing, chanting, requiring raised voices or playing of instruments that are blown into are not permitted.

To aid NHS Test and Trace we will require the telephone number to be completed on the cremation paperwork at all times. Should the applicant not be able to provide a telephone number then another nominated contact and telephone number must be given.

Webcasting of the service is now also available

 

10th July 2020

Restrictions at Funeral Services (update)

PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM

Alongside the Funeral Director, Chapel Attendant, and funeral staff only a modest number of close family and friends of the deceased may attend.

Activities such as singing, chanting, requiring raised voices or playing of instruments that are blown into are not permitted.

In order to restrict the number of mourners who attend so that a safe distance of at least 2 metres between individuals can be maintained, the following restrictions apply for the maximum number of attendees in our chapels:

South Chapel - The number of mourners is restricted to a maximum of 20. They need to be seated no more than 2 people to a bench, unless they are from the same household, and only every other row of seating should be used.

North Chapel - The number of mourners is restricted to a maximum of 10. They need to be seated no more than 2 people to a row of seats, unless they are from the same household. Seats in this chapel have been reduced and distanced to accommodate this.

The limits on the number of mourners are the maximum numbers that should be attending the site for the service. It is not just a maximum number for entering the Chapels as anyone outside of these numbers then becomes a public gathering which is not permitted at the crematorium. Mourners are not permitted to stand and gather in the lobby/entrance to the chapels, these need to remain clear while services are taking place.

To aid NHS Test and Trace we will require the telephone number to be completed on the cremation paperwork at all times. Should the applicant not be able to provide a telephone number then another nominated contact and telephone number must be given.

 

1st June 2020

Restrictions of Funeral Services (update)

THE OAKS, HAVANT CREMATORIUM

Having reviewed their current seating arrangements the mourners attending a service are now restricted to a maximum of 20, which should be members of the persons household and close family only. 

 

22nd April 2020

Restrictions of Funeral Services (update)

PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM - with immediate effect

Alongside the Funeral Director, Chapel Attendant, and funeral staff only the following should attend:

1.     members of the person's household

2.     close family members

3.     or if the above are unable to attend, close friends - please note that this only applies if there is no one from the household or close family of the deceased able to attend

4.     attendance of a celebrant of choice, should the bereaved request this

In order to restrict the number of mourners who attend so that a safe distance of at least 2 metres (6 ft) can be maintained between individuals we have taken in to account the size and circumstance of the venue to determine the maximum number that can be accommodated in our chapels whilst also facilitating social distancing. As a result the following restrictions will now apply in our chapels:

South Chapel - The number of mourners is restricted to a maximum of 15. They need to be seated no more than 2 people to a bench, unless they are from the same household, and only every other row of seating should be used.

North Chapel - The number of mourners is restricted to a maximum of 10. They need to be seated no more than 2 people to a row of seats, unless they are from the same household. Seats in this chapel have been reduced and distanced to accommodate this.

The Crematorium and Grounds remain closed to members of the public, except for mourners attending a funeral service.

Please refer to Portchester Crematorium's website for further information.

 

26th March 2020

Restrictions of Funeral Services (update)

THE OAKS CREMATORIUM, HAVANT - with immediate effect

They are limiting the attendees to the following list of IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY:

Spouse/Partner

Parents/carers

Brothers/Sisters

Children (and partners)

They also do not currently have the facility to webcast the service for those that cannot attend. Instead, they are offering to record the service and you will be sent a link to watch at a later date.

 

24th March 2020

Unfortunately, we can no longer offer any Limousines on the day of the funeral (as recommended by SAIF and NAFD).

Restrictions of Funeral Services (update)

PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM - with immediate effect

Both chapels are limiting attendees to the following list of IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY:

Spouse/Partner

Parents/carers

Brothers/Sisters

Children (and partners)

______________

23rd March 2020

Restrictions of Funeral Services

PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM - Limitation of congregation size immediately 

South Chapel - 40 people (no standing)

North Chapel - 25 people (no standing)

Speakers will be available in chapel lobbies for people outside.

Witnessing of cremated remains scattering suspended.

Webcasting of service is available.

THE OAKS CREMATORIUM, HAVANT - Limitation of congregation size from Wednesday 25th March 2020

Service Hall - 10 people (no standing)

Witnessing of cremated remains scattering suspended.

Webcasting service is available.

 

All local cemeteries have now closed their chapels for service but will permit a graveside service, restrictions and/or cancellation of interment of cremated remains.

 

Due to COVID-19 guidelines set by our government and The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, we would like to inform all clients of slight changes to our services.

 

We. as always will provide the best professional service to our clients, however, in light of the current situation we feel to protect our staff and our clients we, when possible limit all non-essential visits to our premises at Cosham and Havant, any visits are by appointment only. We request that all visitors adhere to our hygiene policy and use the hand sanitisers provided.

• Funeral arrangements when possible will be made by telephone and email.
• Limit non-essential contact with the minister or celebrant.
• Limit the use of one limousine for immediate family.
• Will not provide a donation box for collection of cash donations after a funeral service, donations can either be made online or by post.

Restrictions are being made daily with regards to church services, funeral services at cemetery, and all local crematoria, we will try to advise clients of these changes as they arise.

 

It is important for us to be able to provide the best possible service for our clients, during the most difficult period. We are often working closely with family members who currently are vulnerable and susceptible to contracting the COVID-19 virus and therefore trying to limit the opportunity of cross-infection.

We are being advised that funeral service gatherings are to be kept to a minimum, although numbers are not restricted, yet.

Facilities are available to host the funeral service at local crematoria via webcast, for those family members who are unable to attend through illness or self-isolation, during this current situation, we as a company will pay this charge.

DURING THIS PERIOD OUR OUT OF OURS TELEPHONE SERVICE WILL NOT BE COMPROMISED