Arranging a Cremation Cremation is now more popular than burial in the UK but many people are not sure what's involved or how to make arrangements. Southwark's Bereavement Service manages the crematorium and we're happy to offer help and assistance on all aspects of this service to anyone wishing to arrange a cremation.
On this page we've provided information about making arrangements and what happens at the funeral service. Please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page if you have any questions.
Arranging the funeral and cremation - your options
Funeral Directors
Usually the 'Executor of the Will' or nearest surviving relative will approach a professional Funeral Director who will make all the arrangements for the funeral and cremation. These include completing the necessary forms, obtaining medical certificates, discussing funeral arrangements, moving the body, and advising on registering the death.
For more information about funeral directors and to find one in your area, click here to  visit the National Association of Funeral Directors website.
Independent funerals
You may prefer to organise the funeral and cremation yourself rather than employ a funeral director. This is referred to as an 'independent funeral'. Making the arrangements yourself may enable you to say goodbye to your loved one in a more personal way, but will involve more organising. We can offer help and advice if you choose to go ahead with an independent funeral, please contact us using the details below.
Charges
Cremation is generally a less expensive option than burial as burials normally involve a fee for the grave and headstone. Before a cremation can go ahead a medical certificate must be provided by a doctor and there is usually a charge for this. The only exception to this is where the death has been referred to the Coroner.
Funerals can be both expensive and unexpected. Help is available for those who may have difficulty paying, click the link to find information about funeral expenses and other charges.
 Location
Honor Oak Crematorium (pictured right) is situated in Camberwell New Cemetery and is the only crematorium in Southwark. The chapel seats up to 70 people and was built in 1939. It is surrounded by memorial gardens that are open every day of the year.
The funeral service and cremation
We will agree a set time and date of the service. When all the mourners are ready, the coffin is carried into the chapel and placed on a raised platform at the front. Everyone is shown to their seats for the start of the service.
The 'committal' of the coffin, when it is removed from sight for cremation, can take place towards the end of the ceremony or after the mourners have left the chapel. Most people choose not to include the committal as part of the service as it may be distressing.
The coffin is then taken into the committal room where the identity is carefully checked. An identity card will accompany the coffin and the remains until the ashes are finally returned to the family. You or any of the family or mourners can choose to witness the coffin entering the cremator. You or your Funeral Director can make arrangements for this with the Crematorium Registrar.
The cremated remains are then removed from the cremator and any metal materials, e.g. medical implants, are taken out. We reduce the remains to a fine consistency and enclose them in a carefully identified container. The cremated remains are normally ready to be collected the following day. They will be given to the person named on the application for cremation form, this is usually the next of kin or the Funeral Director.
Contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions or need any advice.
Bereavement Service
Tel: 020 7639 3121
Fax: 020 7732 3557
Cemeteries and Crematoriums
Camberwell New Cemetery
Brenchley Gardens
London SE23 3RD
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