A5 brochure.indd - Breakspear Crematorium

A Guiding Light
Telephone: 01895 556560
About Breakspear
Contact information & Opening Hours............................ 4
Directions by Car, Bus, Tube & Taxi ............................. 5-6
Breakspear History & The Chapels ...................................7
Facilities for Disabled Persons & Memorials ................... 8
Local Area & Crematorium Map ...................................... 9
Memorial Facilities
The Book of Remembrance .............................................10
The Book of Remembrance Example .............................. 11
Remembrance Cards & Miniature Books........................12
Memorial Roses ...............................................................13
Ornamental Trees & Shrubs ............................................14
Cloister Wall Plates.......................................................... 15
Garden Niche ...................................................................16
Memorial Vase ................................................................. 17
Garden Memorial Scheme & Additional Memorials ......18
Memorial Window & Hall of Memory Window ..............19
Frequently Asked Questions
27 common questions answered ...............................20-26
New Technology
Website, Virtual Tours & Services Online .......................27
Virtual Tours now available
see page 27
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Contact Information
Directions
All enquiries and comments should be addressed to:
By Road (M25)
The Manager and Registrar
Breakspear Crematorium
Breakspear Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 7SJ
Telephone: 01895 556560
Email: bcrematorium@hillingdon.gov.uk
Website: www.breakspearcrematorium.org
Opening Hours
The grounds are open to the public as follows:Summer Months (April - Sept)
Monday - Saturday
9:00am - 6:30pm
Sundays
10:00am - 6:30pm
Winter Months (Oct - Mar)
Monday - Saturday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Sundays
10:00am - 5:00pm
Christmas Day
Bank Holiday
10:00am - 2:00pm
10:00am - 4:00pm
* Please note main entrance gates are closed 15 minutes
before closing times and also the Chapel and Hall of
Memory to enable visitors to leave the Crematorium
grounds at the appointed closing times.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:30pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
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Leave the M25 at junction 16 (M40) towards Uxbridge and London
(W). The M40 will change at Junction 1 to the A40.
At Swakeleys Junction turn left, sign-posted Harefield and
Ickenham, into Swakeleys Road. At the first mini roundabout take
the second exit, then at the next mini roundabout take the first exit
into Breakspear Road South. Proceed straight on until reaching the
Breakspear Arms public house which is on your right. Turn right, in
front of the Breakspear Arms, into Breakspear Road, and proceed
straight on until reaching Breakspear Crematorium which is on the
left hand side.
Parking is inside the crematorium grounds where there are three
car parks.
Local Area
At the north end of Ruislip High Street, by the Parish Church, take
the first exit from the mini roundabout into Bury Street. Continue
for about one mile to the next mini roundabout , BP petrol station
on the left hand side. Turn left into Breakspear Road and the
crematorium is fifty yards on the right.
Those travelling from the south and east can reach Bury Street by
leaving the A40 Western Avenue at the signpost for Ruislip. On the
roundabout take the third exit into West End Road which runs into
Ruislip High Street. From Harrow to Pinner via the Uxbridge Road
join the Eastcote Road which runs into the mini- roundabout by
Ruislip Parish Church. Take the second exit into Bury Street.
From the north approach from Rickmansworth via the A404,
passing Mount Vernon Hospital on the right. At the traffic lights
turn right into Ducks Hill Road and continue to the bottom of the
hill. At the petrol station, mini roundabout, turn right into
Breakspear Road and the crematorium is fifty yards on the right.
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By Bus
Breakspear History
The number; H13 bus stops on Bury Street within fifty yards of the
crematorium (except Sundays). Descend from the bus and turn left
into Breakspear Road; the crematorium is on the right.
Breakspear Crematorium was opened on the 14th December 1957
and subsequently extended in 1972 when a second chapel was built.
The number; 331 bus stops near the crematorium entrance on
Breakspear Road.
Both these buses are available at the bus station located outside the
entrance to Ruislip Underground Station.
By Tube
The nearest underground station is Ruislip, which is served by both
the Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines. In inner London the
Metropolitan line can be caught at Baker Street and the Piccadilly
line from either Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus.
By Taxi
The nearest London Underground station served by Licensed Taxis
(capable of transporting persons in wheelchairs) is Uxbridge.
There is also a Licensed Taxi rank at Harrow-on--the-Hill
Station. Alternative minicabs may be ordered by telephone from
other underground stations in the area, including Ruislip which
is the nearest.
The crematorium is administered by the London Borough of Hillingdon
on behalf of the London Borough’s of Hillingdon and Harrow.
Beautifully situated in the Green Belt zone between Ruislip and
Northwood, Breakspear Crematorium lies in undulating country,
bounded by fields and woodlands sweeping away to the north. It
is a pleasant and peaceful location and those who have planned its
growth have made the most of its natural advantages. The grounds
of Breakspear Crematorium, comprising of over 26 acres, are a
combination of natural beauty and formal gardens, and provide
a peaceful resting place for cremated remains and for the many
memorial features available.
The Gardens of Remembrance, contain two areas that have been set
aside for the strewing of cremated remains, are situated to the left
of the main entrance drive and at the side of the Solitude Garden, to
the north-west of the crematorium. In these areas cremated remains
are strewn, the location being recorded, so other members of the
same family may be strewn in the same area.
The Chapels
Breakspear Crematorium has two chapels: the East Chapel, which
is of the traditional style, and the West Chapel, which has a circular
modern design. The chapels are interdenominational, catering
for all religious needs, and religious symbols may be displayed or
removed according to the persuasion of the bereaved. Both chapels
can seat upwards of eighty persons with sufficient space to allow
standing room for a similar number in each chapel. Both chapels are
carpeted throughout which, together with the oak seating and floral
displays, combine to give a feeling of warmth and serenity.
Each chapel is equipped with an electronic organ and an extensive
range of music can be played at services, ranging from religious
through classical to more popular pieces of light music. In addition
a sound system and loudspeaker system is installed in each chapel
so that CD’s and tape cassettes can be played.
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Facilities for Disabled Persons
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Toilets for disabled persons are provided adjacent to the West
Chapel cloisters and each chapel contains a loop system for the
hard of hearing. Ramps have been provided on each side of the East
Chapel to allow entry and exit for wheelchairs and also a ramp is
located outside the Hall of Memory.
SUMMER
HOUSE
OAKVIEW
GARDEN OF
REMEMBRANCE
In addition many kerbs have been dropped to allow wheelchair
users to negotiate the paths around the crematorium buildings.
Parking spaces for disabled persons are available in each of the
three car parks with one space located on the left of the East
Chapel entrance.
WATERSIDE
GARDEN
KNOLL
GARDEN
THE
HAVEN
SOLITUDE
LEA SIDE
DELL
GARDEN
Memorials
The whole of the grounds are a collective memorial and, whatever
the season, are pleasing to visit where a few moments of thought in
tranquil surroundings can bring comfort and peace.
For those bereaved who do not feel the need for a personal
memorial, yet have expressed a desire to make a small contribution
towards maintaining and enhancing the floral beauty of the gardens
and woodlands, a Garden Memorial Scheme has been provided.
This allows bereaved persons to make donations to a fund set up to
purchase bulbs and other plants for random planting throughout
the grounds.
Many persons however feel the need for a more tangible link with
the bereaved, who have meant so much to them, by having an
individual memorial to the memory of their loved one. To meet this
need Breakspear Crematorium has provided various memorials
for dedication.
PEACE
GARDEN
FORMAL
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ROSEWAYE
FLORAL
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CHAPEL
MEADVIEW
CAR
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CAR PARK
FLORAL
TERRACE
WEST
CHAPEL
GARDEN OF
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CAR
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OFFICE
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The Book of Remembrance
The Book of Remembrance is on display within the Hall of Memory,
adjacent to the East Chapel, and is comprised of several volumes,
one for each quarter of the year. The Book is on view throughout the
year, displayed in a protective case, always open to the current date
so inscriptions may be seen on each anniversary of the date of death
or other specified date.
The Book’s are composed of leaves of the finniest hand-made
paper with richly tooled binding and the memorial inscriptions are
executed by hand, by professional scribes, which offers the same
degree of permanence and artistic excellence as the best medieval
manuscripts.
The minimum entry is two lines consisting of the name of deceased
on the top line, with a personal inscription on the second. Entries
of five, eight or ten lines can include a floral emblem, animal, bird,
badge, crest or shield, which may be of significance to the family.
To ensure memorial entries are inscribed for the first
anniversary or requested date, applicants are to be submitted by
the following dates;
January, February and March by the preceding September
April, May and June by the preceding December
July, August and September by the preceding March
October, November and December by the preceding June
Also located within the Hall of Memory, is the visual display unit
which allows any entry that has already been inscribed in one of
the books, to be viewed on any day of the year. The computerised
system is operated by touching the screen and following the simple
instructions. A “zoom” facility allows a particular entry to be
selected from the full page and shown in close up.
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Remembrance Cards & Miniature Books
Memorial Roses
These are replica entries of the Book of Remembrance for families
and friends to have as a keepsake.
Standard rose trees and bushes are located within the gardens.
They are available for dedication for an initial period of five years,
with the option to renew.
The cards and miniature books are in the same style as the Book of
Remembrance and contain beneath the anniversary date a copy of
the original inscription as it appears in the Book. The cards are for
individual entries; miniature books can be inscribed with up to
ten entries.
The memorial plate can accommodate up to 125 characters of
inscription and can include a motif. This is placed in-front of the
rose during the lease period; each rose may have up to two plates.
From placing your order it can take approximately 3-4 months to
complete and will be posted directly to your address.
A large selection of roses in varying colours are pre-planted within
the grounds, therefore it may be possible to select a preferred colour
of rose or a particular garden from those available. We will try our
utmost to accommodate your request.
Both memorials are hand written and illustrated by the same
Craftsmen who inscribe the Book.
Examples are available for viewing at the Crematorium Office.
During the lease period, we accept full responsibility for the care
and upkeep of the rose, including replacement should this be
necessary. During the lease period the Authority accepts no
responsibility for the upkeep of the plate.
It takes approximately 6/8 weeks from placing the order to delivery.
Upon completion a letter will be forwarded to the applicant advising
them of the location.
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It must be understood, that unless a memorial is renewed at the end
of the lease period, it will be removed from its location two months
after the expiry date.
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Ornamental Trees & Shrubs
Cloister Wall Plates
Where a more individual type of memorial is desired,
Ornamental Trees and Shrubs will fulfil such a need and provide
a dignified tribute.
The single and double metal wall plates are located on the East and
West Chapel Cloisters; these are leased for an initial period of ten
years, with an option to renew.
Ornamental Trees are dedicated for an initial period of ten years,
the Shrubs for five years. You have the option to renew for a
further period.
The plates are manufactured from cast aluminium, the single plate
measures 7” X 5” and can accommodate up to 150 characters
including a motif. The double plate measures 11” X 7” and can
accommodate up to 300 characters including a motif.
During the lease period the Authority accepts no responsibility for
the upkeep of the plate.
Unfortunately, due to the availability of space, it will not be possible
to personally select the fixing location of the plate.
It takes approximately 6/8 weeks from placing the order to delivery.
Upon completion a letter will be forwarded to the applicant advising
them of the location.
The memorial plate can accommodate up to 125 characters of
inscription and can include a motif. This is placed in front of the
Ornamental Tree or Shrub during the lease period, each tree or
shrub may have up to four plates.
It must be understood, that unless a memorial is renewed at the end
of the lease period, it will be removed from its location one month
after the expiry date.
Unfortunately the Trees and Shrubs are in limited supply and
it is advisable to check availability before deciding on this form
of memorial.
It will take approximately 6/8 weeks from placing the order
to delivery.
Upon completion a letter will be forwarded to the applicant advising
them of the location. It must be understood, that unless a memorial
is renewed at the end of the lease period, it will be removed from its
location one month after the expiry date.
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Garden Niche
Memorial Vase
The Niche is made of Grey Granite with a black fascia and has gold
(gilded) lettering. They are situated in front of the covered walkway
(East Chapel) facing the main lawn and can accommodate two sets
of cremated remains.
The Memorial Vase is available in Blue Pearl or Dark Grey Granite
and has gold (gilded) lettering. They are leased for an initial period
of 5 years, with an option to renew.
They are leased for an initial period of 10 years, with an option to
renew. Once we have received your order a letter plan will be sent,
this will enable you to see what the wording will look like and for
any amendments to be made, prior to the plaque being inscribed.
Additional items such as photoplaque, gilded or hand painted motif
can also be added.
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Once
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received
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d a letter
l
plan
l will
ill be
b sent, this
will enable you to see what the wording will look like and for any
amendments to be made, prior to the vase being inscribed.
Additional items such as photoplaque, gilded or hand painted motif
can also be added.
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Garden Memorial Scheme
Memorial Window
Many visitors to the Crematorium have expressed a desire to
contribute towards maintaining and enhancing the floral beauty of
the gardens and woodlands.
Located on the exit of the West Chapel adjacent to the pond.
The Authority welcomes and appreciates this interest and has
introduced a scheme whereby persons may make donations to a
fund for the purchasing of flowering bulbs and other plants.
Since the gardens are designed as a whole in order to preserve their
beauty it is not practicable to allow private planting of any kind.
All ordering and planting will be carried out by the Crematorium
staff. It must also be understood that such planting cannot be in any
special position and will not endow claim to any particular portion
of the grounds.
The panel is made of clear glass with approximately 60 letters of
black inscription fitted in-between plain coloured panels to give the
effects of a stained glass window.
They are leased for an initial period of ten years, with the option to
renew. It takes approximately 8/12 weeks from placing the order to
delivery. Upon completion a letter will be forwarded to the applicant
advising them of the location.
It must be understood, that unless a memorial is renewed at the end
of the lease period, it will be removed from its location one month
after the expiry date.
Planting will be carried out at random throughout the year and
donations are welcome at any time.
Additional Memorials
We have two other memorials at Breakspear Crematorium.
Memorial Benches - subject to availability.
Columbarium (Indoor Niche).
If you require further information regarding these memorials,
please contact the Crematorium office.
Full payment must accompany any application. Please make your
remittance payable to London Borough of Hillingdon. We are able
to accept most credit & debit cards.
The Authority reserves the right to alter any application that is
deemed unsuitable and to change the design of any memorial
without giving prior notice.
Hall of Memory Window
Located in the Hall of Memory, this allows approximately 60 letters
of inscription together with a motif.
The window is a transfer between two panes of glass and comes in
frosted colours.
Leased for an initial period of ten years, with the option to renew.
It takes approximately 8/12 weeks from placing the order to
delivery. Upon completion a letter will be forwarded to the applicant
advising them of location. It must be understood, that unless a
memorial is renewed at the end of the lease period. It will be
removed from its location one month after the expiry date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many of the deaths which occur in Great Britain each
year result in cremation?
Cremation has become the preferred method of disposal in Great
Britain. Approximately 72% of all recorded deaths are now
followed by cremation.
Are there any religious groups which forbid cremation to
their members?
All Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic
Church, allow cremation. Cremation is also acceptable to Sikhs,
Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists but is forbidden to Orthodox Jews
and Muslims.
Is cremation more expensive than burial?
Generally the cost of burial is much higher than the fee charged
for cremation. Cremation usually necessitates the production of
medical certificates for which fees are payable to the doctors
concerned. These certificates are not required when the death has
been referred to and investigated by the Coroner (Procurator
Fiscal in Scotland) or where burial is required. Where burial is
to take place fees for grave purchase, excavation, memorials and
grave maintenance may be incurred.
What service arrangements are available at
the crematorium?
A full religious service may be conducted at the crematorium
within the time allowed for each funeral. If it is thought that the
service will take longer than the half hour allocation, an extra
half hour period may be booked for which a fee would be charged.
Alternatively a service may take place in any separate place of
worship followed by a brief committal ceremony at the
crematorium. Families may arrange for their particular Minister
to conduct the service or when required their Funeral Director may
secure the services of a suitable Minister on behalf of the family.
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Is it necessary for the cremation to be associated with a
religious ceremony?
The deceased’s family can make any service arrangements which
they consider to be appropriate. Secular services can be conducted
at the crematorium or, if required, no ceremony need take place.
Memorial services can be conducted separately from the
cremation ceremony in local places of worship by arrangement
with the Minister concerned.
How is a cremation arranged?
A number of arrangements need to be made following a death. The
responsibility usually falls on the Executor or the nearest surviving
relative who may wish to approach a professional Funeral
Director who will undertake some of the various tasks on their
behalf. The Funeral Director will need to discuss with the family
their requirements concerning the service arrangements and will
assist in completing the necessary statutory and non-statutory
forms. The Funeral Director will make the practical arrangements
for the collection of the deceased and will obtain the necessary
Medical Certificates. It will be necessary to register the death and
information will be provided by the Funeral Director to assist in
completing this duty.
Do relatives need to decide at this stage about the disposal
of cremated remains?
The Funeral Director will discuss with relatives the alternative
arrangements which may be adopted for the disposal of cremated
remains. It is likely that a form of authority will be required to be
signed advising the crematorium of the wishes of the family. If
they are undecided it will be possible for the cremated remains to
be retained either at the crematorium, for a limited period or at the
Funeral Director’s premises, pending a decision.
What are the normal options for disposal
of cremated remains?
All crematoria provide a Garden of Remembrance where cremated
remains can be dispersed. Cremated remains can be removed from
the crematorium in a suitable container for disposal elsewhere.
This may include interment in a grave in a cemetery or
churchyard, dispersal at another crematorium or disposal
privately in a particular area selected by the family. Suitable
permission should be obtained from the appropriate Authority in
these cases.
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What is a Garden of Remembrance and what facilities may
be provided there?
The Garden of Remembrance consist of special areas, often
adjacent to the crematorium, set aside for the strewing or burying
of cremated remains. They are used continually for this purpose
and as a result it may not be possible or appropriate to mark or
identify the exact location of individual cremated remains. The
Gardens are normally arranged to provide a focal point for
visitors and may include a variety of memorial facilities.
What memorial facilities are available at
the crematorium?
All crematoria have some form of memorial facility. The most
usual form of permanent memorial is the Book of Remembrance.
This book is usually displayed in a special memorial chapel and
entries are available for viewing on the anniversary of the date
of death. Some crematoria provide wall or kerb mounted plaques
in metal or stone although these are normally leased for a limited
period only. Roses, trees, shrubs and seats may be dedicated for
periods which may be extended by agreement. The Funeral
Director will be aware of the memorial options available but direct
enquiries to the Crematorium Office will ensure that full details
are provided together with a scale of charges.
What is the procedure followed at the crematorium on the
day of the funeral?
The mourners will normally gather at the crematorium in the
waiting room or close to the entrance of the chapel a few minutes
before the appropriate time of the funeral service. It is not usual
for the ceremony to commence before the publicised time. When
the principal mourners are ready to proceed, the coffin will be
conveyed into the chapel by the Funeral Director unless family
bearers are used by request. The coffin will be placed on the
catafalque and mourners will proceed into the chapel. At the
moment during the service when the committal of the body takes
place the coffin may be obscured from view by curtains or
withdrawn from the chapel. At the end of the service the mourners
exit the chapel and may then inspect the floral tributes.
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What happens to the coffin after the committal?
The coffin is withdrawn into the committal room where the name
plate is carefully checked by crematorium staff to ensure the
correct identity. An identity card will then accompany the coffin
and the resultant remains until their final disposal or removal
from the crematorium.
Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin
into the cremator?
The reception of the coffin in the committal room and its
introduction into a cremator can be witnessed by arrangement
with the Crematorium Manager. It is preferable to advise the
Funeral Director of these requirements as early as possible when
making the funeral arrangements.
Is the cremation of a body governed by a code of ethics and
working practices?
Cremation Authorities who are members of the Federation of
British Cremation Authorities or the Institute of Crematorium and
Cemeteries Management, and are required to operate in
accordance with a Code of Cremation Practice.
How soon after the service will the cremation take place?
The cremation will usually be commenced shortly after the service.
The Code of Cremation Practice specifies that the cremation is
always completed on the same day as the service.
Is the coffin cremated with the body?
The Code requires that the coffin be placed in the cremator in
exactly the same condition as that in which it was received at the
crematorium. Crematorium regulations require that the coffin and
all its fittings and furnishings be made from materials suitable
for cremation. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 has placed
a new responsibility on Cremation Authorities to ensure that the
process is completed under controlled conditions which will
minimise the impact on the environment. In these circumstances it
will be necessary for any items included in the coffin for
presentation or viewing purposes to be removed by the Funeral
Director before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium.
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Should items of jewellery be left on a body for cremation?
It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the
body before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. The Funeral
Director should ascertain your wishes in respect of this matter
when the funeral arrangements are being discussed. It will not be
possible to recover any items of jewellery after the coffin has been
received at the crematorium.
Can more than one body be cremated in a cremator at the
same time?
The Code insists that each cremation is carried out separately.
Exceptions may be made in the case of mother and baby or twin
children providing the next of kin has made a specific request in
this regard.
What happens to the cremated remains after cremation?
At the conclusion of a cremation the cremated remains are
removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in
a special container. Ferrous metals used in the construction of
the coffin or metals used in medical implants are extracted and
retained for separate disposal within the crematorium grounds.
Non- ferrous metals which may include an unrecognisable element
of precious material will not be salvaged for any purpose and will
be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Code
of Cremation Practice and this will invariably be by burial in the
crematorium grounds.
What procedures are followed to ensure that cremated
remains are kept separate?
A cremator can physically accept only one coffin at a time and
all remains are removed before the unit can be used again. The
identity card referred to previously accompanied the coffin and
cremated remains throughout the process until final disposal. The
Code of ethics and practical necessity are complementary and
combine to ensure that the separation of cremated remains
is achieved.
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How are cremated remains treated at the crematorium?
Cremated remains are removed from the cremator only when no
further reduction is possible. The remains are withdrawn into a
cooling area and finally into a special container for transfer to a
purpose made unit which, after removal of ferrous metals, will
reduce the residue to a fine consistency suitable for storage and
eventual disposal. The remains are enclosed in a suitable and
carefully identified container to await dispersal or collection.
What quantity of remains will there be following
a cremation?
The cremation of an adult will normally result in the presentation
of cremated remains weighing between 2 and 4 kg (4-8 lbs).
What happens to the cremated remains strewn
on the ground?
The cremated remains, which have assumed a granular form,
are normally distributed over a wide are of ground. Chemical
reactions resulting from exposure to the elements quickly break
down the remains so that eventually little trace of them can
be observed.
Can cremated remains be interred and marked
with a memorial?
The Gardens of Remembrance attached to a crematorium do not
provide for the erection of permanent memorials. At crematoria
where the burial of cremated remains is practised, it is not usual
for them to be buried in a container of any kind. If it is required
to inter cremated remains in a grave with traditional facilities for
memorialisation, suitable enquiry should be made to the Manager
responsible for the selected cemetery.
Can cremated remains be retained by the family pending
final disposal?
The Applicant for cremation may collect and retain the cremated
remains if required. Cremated remains can be retained at the
crematorium for a limited period although a charge may be made
for this facility.
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What arrangements can be made to ensure that cremation
is the selected method of disposal following death?
Clear instructions in writing should be given to the person who will
be responsible for making the funeral arrangements. Such
instructions are not binding in law and it will therefore be
necessary to ensure that the person instructed is someone who is
likely to carry out the wishes of the deceased. The final decision
will rest on the executors.
Website, Virtual Tours & Services Online
Many visitors to the Crematorium have expressed a desire to
contribute towards maintaining and enhancing the floral
beauty of the gardens and woodlands.
Can more information be obtained concerning cremation
and if required can a crematorium be visited by members
of the public?
The matters referred to previously may be discussed in more detail
with the Manager of the local crematorium. The Manager will be
pleased to answer further questions and make arrangements for
any member of the public to be accompanied on a visit to
the crematorium.
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A Guiding Light
Breakspear Crematorium
Breakspear Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 7SJ
Telephone: 01895 556560
Email: bcrematorium@hillingdon.gov.uk
Website: www.breakspearcrematorium.org