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Independent Funeral Directors
Serving Dorset for over 110 years

Dorset Council recognises the needs of formal and informal rituals when the bereaved mourn the loss of a loved one. They fully appreciate that current restrictions are extremely tough on the bereaved families and friends during this global emergency crisis and the personal sacrifices being made in order to comply with current guidance. However, they are in place to protect as many lives as possible and it remains important that they continue to be adhered to. 

In consideration of recent Government advice and recommendations issued by the Death Management Advisory Group on the easing of restrictions in place, the following changes are to take place: 

Service Attendance

. Alongside the Funeral Director, Officiant and Chapel Attendant – who are not included in the 10 – the following may attend:

Members of the deceased’s household Close family members OR If the above are unable to attend, close friends

Mourners are also reminded that they should follow the advice on social distancing at all times. This includes travelling to and from the funeral, whilst gathering, during the service and immediately following the service in the flowered courtyard.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are mandatory inside the Crematorium chapel. This means that anyone entering the chapel (an enclosed space) must wear a face covering. Anyone leading the service is permitted to remove their face-covering in order to take the service. This includes any friend or family member standing at the lectern to take a reading. Exemptions apply.

Please keep in mind face coverings are not a substitute for any other measures in place at the Crematorium and a distance of at least 2m between individual households or bubbles is required at all times.

Although you are expected to wear a face-covering during the service if you become emotionally distressed at any point you are permitted to remove your face covering. For example, you may need to remove your face covering to wipe your eyes nose or face; we completely understand and will adopt an understanding approach to this.

Live Streaming and Recording of Services

Live webcasting of services together with a ‘watch again’ option will continue to be offered to families. The cost of these services had been met by Dorset Council since late March, however we are now reintroducing the normal fee for this service. From 1 July 2020, the following fees will apply:

 £88 for a live webcast – including 7 days on demand viewing

Wesley Media are still unable to provide DVD or USB recordings of services, so we cannot yet offer this service, however we will be offering service recordings to download and keep:

 £40 for a service recording – download and keep

Witness Scatters and Interments of Cremated Remains

Bookings for witness scatters and interments can be booked at Weymouth Crematorium. Published fees for this service will apply.

No more than 6 people in total are to be in attendance at a witness service. Please Note this includes any other person such as the Funeral Director or an officiant – the total number of people cannot exceed 6, in line with government guidance on public gatherings.

Social Distancing of those not in the same household or bubble will apply at all times.

Please Note – Crematorium staff are currently not available for assistance with the scattering of ashes or interment of ashes in to a plot. The office remains officially closed, so any arrangements for scattering or interments will need to be made in advance.

Crematorium Grounds

The crematorium grounds and the surrounding Weymouth Cemetery are open to members of the public for visiting graves, memorials and reflection. Vehicular access points together with pedestrian gates are open at all times.

Social distancing measures must be complied with at all times including when travelling to and from the grounds.

Access to Weymouth Crematorium Burial Ground for memorial stonemasons is permitted to carry out memorial stone installation, fixing and cleaning with full compliance of their relevant association COVID-19 working safety protocols. Memorial permits to be applied for by post or by email.

Book of Remembrance and Waiting Room

The Book of Remembrance Room and Waiting Room at Weymouth Crematorium remains closed.

Memorials

With immediate effect we will begin processing applications for memorials. These should be applied for via post or email as currently the office onsite is closed. Currently we are unable to provide times frames of when the work will be completed. Should demand increase again cremations and burials will be treated as a priority over memorial applications.

The Office

The admin office at Weymouth Crematorium remain closed to public access with restricted access provided to funeral directors as and when necessary.

For further updates on restrictions to funeral arrangements during Covid-19, follow this link