An important question for a family of a bereaved person, or a client organising a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is their wishes for Cremated Ashes.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland we have the freedom to choose from a variety of ideas without a set timeframe, unlike countries such as Italy where it is illegal to scatter cremated ashes without written authority from Local Municipalities.
The two most popular choices currently offered in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area are to bury the ashes in a wooden urn, this can be in a family grave or a new grave or columbarium in cemeteries like Kernan Cemetery, Portadown. The second choice would be to decant the ashes into a scatter pod, as seen in the attached photo and taken to a place of personal meaning where family and friends can gather to scatter the cremated remains together.
Some people wish to have a keepsake close to them, this could be a wooden keepsake urn or flower as seen in the photo or an Ashes to Glass hand blown tea light holder. Local jewellery designers such as KL Jewellery Design in South Belfast can make bespoke jewellery pieces to be worn. KL Jewellery Designs Handmade Memorial Jewellery Northern Ireland
Those fortunate to own land or access to land may plant a memory tree, burying the cremated remains with a newly planted tree which can grown and be a lasting memorial and place to visit.
Other ideas include using ashes in the making of fireworks, adding ashes to ink to be tattooed and scattering cremated remains at a garden of remembrance, often provided by councils.
For people who choose direct cremations, also known as unattended funerals, ashes may play an even more significant part in the grieving process and may be present at memorial or thanksgiving service often held as a celebration of life after a cremation, allowing families and friends an opportunity to gather and share memories and grieve together.
If you would like to discuss any of the above options, have questions about options you may have seen online or wish to discuss your own Pre-Paid Funeral Plan please contact Andrew via 07702496267 or andrew@milnefuneralservices.co.uk
Milne Funeral Directors are an appointed representative of Plan with Grace which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, ref 961832
