Careers

If you are interested in working with us please email a CV and covering letter to maisie@stonemanfunerals.co.uk.

Please note that it is our preference for our funeral arrangers to have previous relevant experience, however, we are happy to train a suitable candidate. We do not hire funeral directors with no experience of directing a funeral, although we will train someone with suitable bearing and/or arranging experience.

Current Vacancies

We are currently looking to hire a ‘floating’ arranger to cover annual leave, illness etc. across our Redhill, Tadworth, Godstone, Crawley Down and Dorking sites. At times when cover isn’t required, this position will be based from our Tadworth branch. Experience necessary, possible flexible working hours.

Environmental Funerals

If you are arranging a funeral for someone who was environmentally conscious, or if you are yourself, there are a variety of options we can provide to assist you.

Firstly, we have a wide range of natural coffins available, including Willow, Seagrass, Cane and Untreated Pine, please ask our arrangers for more information, or to see our suppliers’ full catalogue.

We are able to seat six people in our limousines, the use of these, instead of multiple vehicles, can reduce the overall fuel emissions from the funeral.

There are many options for natural burial which are local to us, our team are able to provide you with more information on this. Please note that for a natural burial, a natural coffin must be used and embalming is not permitted.

When choosing flowers, we recommend that you ask your florist to provide sprays of locally sourced flowers.

We recommend the use of funeral and wake venues close to the committal venue.

We are able to supply gowns made from natural materials, or you can bring in bio-degradable clothing for us to dress your loved one in.

Farewells at the Barn

Farewells at the Barn provides you with the opportunity to say farewell to your loved one in a comfortable, relaxed and tranquil setting in the depths of the Surrey countryside.

Hookhouse Farm is a family run working farm tucked away in the beautiful rural village of Outwood, in Surrey, famous for it’s working Windmill.

It’s 17th Century threshing barn with it’s exposed oak beams, has changed very little from it’s original state, offering a beautiful and most unusual setting for your loved ones funeral and memorial service.

Stoneman Funeral Service was established in Redhill, Surrey in 1865 and is now a sixth generation family business providing funeral and memorial services to the wider Surrey and West Sussex community.

​Hookhouse Farm and Stoneman Funeral Service are family run. Both appreciate the importance of family and community, which they hope to reflect by providing funeral services which truly reflect the life of your loved one, taking place at your own pace, and unrestricted by time slots. Our recommended suppliers are all independent local businesses.

We recommend celebrant Mandy Cook for services taking place here, as she was integral in getting the barn set up for funeral services and is passionate about both the location and the service she provides.

Fees

MDTF Results Page

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Medical Examiner

general guidance

A new medical examiner system is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide greater scrutiny of deaths.

The stated purpose of the Medical Examiner system is to:

• provide greater safeguards for the public by ensuring proper scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths
• ensure the appropriate direction of deaths to the coroner
• provide a better service for the bereaved and an opportunity for them to raise any concerns to a doctor not involved in the care of the deceased
• improve the quality of death certification
• improve the quality of mortality data.

The involvement of the Medical Examiner should not cause a significant delay to registration, unless the deceased is referred to the coroner as a result.

The Medical Examiner will try to complete the ME scrutiny within three days of being notified of the death.

There is no cost for the Medical Examiner’s involvement.

further information

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9197/

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/25/section/20/notes?view=plain

https://www.england.nhs.uk/establishing-medical-examiner-system-nhs/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/documents/death-certification-processes-information-for-medical-practitioners-after-the-coronavirus-act-2020-expires/

Memorials

We order our memorials from Willcox Granite (click here) and Barham Stone (brochure below) and they are sandblasted or engraved by hand by our Memorial Masons. For more information and to find out which headstones are suitable for churchyards or cemeteries, please email reigate@stonemanfunerals.co.uk or call 01737 243164, where Sandra and Claire will be happy to assist you.

Natural Bamboo Eco

Bamboo Eco coffin, woven from sustainable split bamboo, with natural lining.

Natural Bamboo Lattice

Bamboo Lattice coffin, woven from sustainable split bamboo, with natural lining.

Natural Banana Leaf

Woven banana leaf coffin with rope handles. This coffin is also available in Traditional Shape.

Natural Cane

Handwoven cane coffin with rope handles. This coffin is also available in Traditional Shape.

Natural Seagrass

Handwoven seagrass coffin with rope handles. This coffin is also available in Traditional Shape.

Natural Somerset Willow

Handwoven Somerset Willow coffin. Available in Gold or Buff finish.

Natural Willow Cromer

Round ended, handwoven Willow Cromer coffin, with willow handles and natural lining.

Natural Willow Highstead

Traditional shape, handwoven Willow Highsted coffin, with willow handles and natural lining.

Natural Willow Teardrop

Handwoven, Willow Teardrop coffin, with willow handles and natural lining.

Our Local Registrars

Reigate

The Library
Bancroft Road
Reigate
Surrey
RH2 7RP

Office opening hours
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am – 4.30pm closed 12:40-1:40pm
• Wednesday: 10.40am – 4.30pm closed 12:40-1:40pm

Leatherhead

The Mansion
70 Church Street
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 8DP

Office opening hours
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am – 4.30pm
• Wednesday: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Crawley

Crawley Library
Southgate Avenue
Crawley
RH10 6HG

Office Opening Hours
Monday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – 9:00am – 5:00pm

Guildford

Artington House
42 Portsmouth Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4DZ
Office opening hours
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am – 4.30pm
• Wednesday: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Sherlock Funeral Service

Solid Mahogany Casket

Mahogany stained, solid mahogany casket, with luxury satin interior.

Solid Oak Casket

Solid oak casket with joinery framed panelled sides and ends.

Solid Oak Coffin

Solid oak coffin with high gloss finish and silk effect lining. Also available with dark stain.

TD 002

TD 003

The Barn

Arranging a funeral service for someone you love is never easy. Deciding where and how you host that farewell can seem like an impossible task. 

Farewells at the Barn provides you with the opportunity to say farewell to your loved one in a comfortable, relaxed and tranquil setting in the depths of the Surrey countryside.

Hookhouse Farm is a family run working farm tucked away in the beautiful rural village of Outwood, in Surrey, famous for it’s working Windmill.

The 17th Century threshing barn with its exposed oak beams, has changed very little from it’s original state, offering a beautiful and most unusual setting for your loved ones funeral and memorial service.

Stoneman Funeral Service was established in Redhill, Surrey in 1865 and is now a sixth generation family business providing funeral and memorial services to the wider Surrey and West Sussex community.

Hookhouse Farm and Stoneman Funeral Service are family run. Both appreciate the importance of family and community, which they hope to reflect by providing funeral services which truly reflect the life of your loved one, taking place at your own pace, and unrestricted by time slots. Our recommended suppliers are all independent local businesses.

We recommend Celebrant, Mandy Cook, for services taking place at this location. Mandy was integral to funerals taking place at the barn and is passionate about the location and the service she provides.

The Chapel

If you are looking to have a funeral with fewer time constraints, on a lower budget, or in a unique location, Doran Court Chapel may be the perfect venue for you. Located at our Redhill office, the chapel seats over 50 people and has a view of our peaceful memorial garden.

While waiting for the service to begin, our guests are invited into our lounge, where tea and coffee is provided free of charge. We are able to host refreshments in the lounge following the service and open our conservatory and garden during the summer.

For the service itself, we have a fully functioning organ, a sound system, the option to record the service for those who are unable to attend, and as of 2024, a screen in the chapel, where you can display photos and videos of your loved one during the service. We allow three hours for a service and refreshments, with the option to have additional time, should you need it.

Veneered Elm Coffin

Veneered elm coffin with high gloss finish and silk effect lining.

Veneered Mahogany Casket

Veneered mahogany casket, with silk effect lining and high gloss finish.

Veneered Oak Casket

Veneered oak casket, with raised lid and silk effect lining.

Veneered Oak Coffin

Veneered oak coffin, in light or dark finish, with raised lid, side panels and silk effect lining.

Veneered Sapele Coffin

Veneered sapele coffin with silk effect lining. We   recommend brass effect handles.

About Us

Stoneman Funeral Service was established in Redhill, Surrey in 1865 and is now a sixth generation family business. John Stoneman, together with his family, moved to Surrey from South Devon. He began trading as J. Stoneman and Sons, and the main roles of this business were funeral furnishers, cabinet makers, upholsterers and builders. The first J. Stoneman office was in Brighton Road, Redhill.

In the late 1870s, the firm moved to 100 Station Road, Redhill. Stables, workshops, a timber yard and stonemasonry works were situated in Cromwell Road, Redhill. In 1913, the first motor hearse in the borough was built in Stoneman’s coachworks.

In 1932, a funeral office and memorial showroom were opened at 49 Bell Street, Reigate. This office is now only for organising memorial work, which is either hand cut or sandblasted. The office at Bell Street is opposite Reigate Priory Car Park and within walking distance of The Reigate Registrar’s Office.

Twenty years later, in 1952, Doran Court, (Redhill, Surrey), was purchased and converted into a funeral home. This site provides extensive facilities, with ample free parking, to assist in providing a first class comprehensive service. The interior has been designed with a service chapel, three private rooms for families to make funeral arrangements and six private chapels of rest. The service chapel seats 56 people and services can be held for any denomination prior to interment or cremation. All families arranging a funeral at Stoneman Funeral Service are welcome to hold a service in the chapel. Our original promotional material for Doran Court stated “In the quiet spirit of this ancient homestead, those suffering great loss can find help and some lightening of their burden”, we still feel this sentiment strongly 70 years later.

It was also in 1952 that Stoneman Funeral Service started working with Mr Eddie Stephens at Galyer & Co. (Funeral Directors) in Godstone, providing staff, vehicles, materials etc. When Mr and Mrs Stephens retired in 2000, Stoneman Funeral Service incorporated Galyer & Co. 45 High Street, Godstone was purchased the same year and 47 High Street was purchased in 2003. A Chapel of Rest opened with a service of dedication in October 2003.

In May 2004, a premises at 11 Shelvers Hill, Tadworth was acquired and opened as Stoneman Funeral Service’s newest office in July 2004. A Chapel of Rest was added and the service of dedication on 24th November 2004. When 10 Shelvers Hill became available in 2009 the two shops were combined to add a further Chapel of Rest and a lounge area where funerals can be arranged with the feeling of home comfort around you.

In January 2010, Stoneman Funeral Service purchased Sherlock and Sons (Funeral Directors) in Dorking, now trading as Sherlock Funeral Service, also an established family business that has been serving the Community of Dorking and surrounding villages for over 100 years. The two families now work together, combining their vast experience and local knowledge to provide a first class service.

Sherlock Funeral Service
Trellis House, 190 South Street
Dorking
Surrey
RH4 2ES

T. 01306 882266

In October 2012, Stoneman & Sherlock Funeral Service purchased a brand new fleet of Jaguar Hearses and Limousines all with matching number plates. The new vehicles along with immaculate premises, staff and caring Funeral Directors make Stoneman & Sherlock Funeral Service an elite family run business.

In October 2013, Stoneman Funeral Service purchased the Old Village Stores in Crawley Down and, after restoring and refurbishing the building to include a private arrangement room and two Chapels of Rest, it was opened as a new office in January 2014.

On 24th November 2014, a service of dedication took place at Tadworth’s Chapel of Rest to celebrate 10 years of serving the local community and surrounding area.

On Saturday 9th May 2015, Stoneman Funeral Service held an Open Day in Memory of John Stoneman (8th May 1935 – 10th May 2012) to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Stoneman Funeral Service being established in Redhill. A horse drawn hearse and the new fleet of Jaguar hearses and limousines were on on display to reflect the change in vehicles the company has used from Victorian times to the present day.

As of 2015, we are now a sixth generation family business. Chris Stoneman (fifth generation) is the current managing director of the company. Chris’ daughter, Mollie, is a funeral arranger/director and his nephew, William, is a funeral director. Maisie Stoneman joined us full-time in 2021 as a memorial mason, after helping us through the pandemic in 2020, as a bearer, whilst at university.

Stoneman Funeral Service and Sherlock Funeral Service’s latest Jaguar hearse and matching limousines.

Stoneman Funeral Service: Memorial office

Coroners procedure

Coroner’s procedure.

There are occasions when it is necessary for H.M. Coroner to act or investigate any sudden or unexplained death. The Coroner and their officers are working in your interest and will keep you informed of their progress.

There is no need to wait for certificates to be issued before making preliminary arrangements with us. We will liaise with the Coroner’s officers and will ensure ample time is allowed for the Coroner’s enquiries to be completed in order for the funeral to proceed.

Death without an inquest

After a post-mortem examination has been held, a certificate will be forwarded by the Coroner to the Registrar concerned. This takes the place of the normal Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (the Doctor’s death certificate). If burial is to take place the death must be registered before the funeral.

If cremation is to take place, the Coroner will notify the Registrar and also issue a Certificate of Coroner (form 6) which we will need to pass onto the cremation office. Registration must then take place within 14 days of death, but not necessarily before the funeral.

Death with an inquest

Following the inquest, the Coroner will issue their certificate for either interment or cremation. Copies of the Death Certificate may be obtained from the appropriate Registrar’s office a few days after the inquest unless there is an adjournment when these will not be available until the case is finalised.

Stoneman Funeral Service: Crawley Down

Cremation procedure

Cremation procedure

We are able to deal with all forms and certificates required for cremation, with the exception of the green certificate which you will receive from the Registrar at the time of registering the death. We deliver all completed forms to the crematorium on your behalf.

Cremation 1 (Application for Cremation of the Body of a Person Who Has Died) is a statutory document usually completed by the nearest relative or executor of the will. We will help you to complete this when you come in to make arrangements. This document means that you authorise the cremation of the deceased and provides you with the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have regarding the cause of death, should this be the case.

Cremation 4 (Medical Certificate) is completed by the doctor attending the deceased. You are entitled to inspect this certificate, and can arrange to do so by contacting the relevant crematorium directly.

In some circumstances, there are different cremation forms required. The forms mentioned on this page are the most likely to be involved in any cremation. Should the need arise for any other forms to be completed, we will organise this for you. When the Coroner is involved they will issue a Cremation 6 which will take the place of Cremation 4 and the Registrar’s ‘green’ certificate (Registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation).

The cremation code of practice is strictly adhered to, particularly with the identification of the coffin which has to bear the deceased’s name. The cremation process is carefully monitored throughout. Only one coffin is cremated at a time and the ashes are carefully removed, labelled and stored before the next cremation can take place. The code also requires that nothing can be removed from the coffin once it has been received at the crematorium, and it must be placed in the cremator exactly as received.

You must decide at least two hours prior to the funeral service beginning whether items of jewellery and personal effects are to be removed. Legally, these cannot be recovered once the coffin has arrived at the crematorium.

Cremated remains

These can be dealt with at the crematorium where there will be facilities for scattering or interring, in addition to a variety of memorials. There may be a family grave where the ashes can be interred. Many churches have facilities for receiving ashes. It may be your wish to hold a Committal Service where the ashes are placed in a grave.

If an immediate decision is not made, the crematorium will hold the ashes, normally making a small charge after a month. Advice can be sought from either ourselves or the crematorium concerning the final resting place for the ashes. We are able to collect the ashes from the crematorium on your behalf, if desired, they are looked after by us until you choose to collect them – at no cost. We will keep in contact with you regarding when you would like to take the ashes away from our premises. We are able to arrange to have ashes transported to you, this is free within 10 miles of our Redhill/Dorking offices and then subject to a mileage fee for any distance further. We are able to provide ashes caskets, urns, scatter tubes, jewellery, keepsakes etc. for all or some of the ashes to be placed in. There are examples on our website and catalogues in all offices. Should you already have something that you wish the ashes to be placed in to, we will do this for you free of charge.

Stoneman Funeral Service: Tadworth

Find us

Stoneman Funeral Service and Sherlock Funeral Service have five offices in Surrey

Our funeral directors in your area are ready to offer friendly, sympathetic and professional advice relating to all aspects of conducting a funeral for your loved one. Please be advised that our offices are open 9am – 4:30pm. We provide a 24-hour line for emergencies. If you cannot reach us on our usual numbers at any time, please call 07787475372 and our team will be able to assist you immediately.

Stoneman Funeral Service: Godstone

Donations and Flowers

Donations

We are often asked to make a collection of donations in memory of the deceased, which are sent either in lieu of or in addition to floral tributes. We are able to process donations made by cash or cheque and provide a donations box for the service at a cost of £25.  Cheques should be made payable to the charity chosen and handed or posted to us, together with a covering letter. The donor’s names are listed for the family’s information and the final amount forwarded to the fund or charity.

As of 2017, we are able to set up obituaries on our website which generate a Just Giving page. This total is kept entirely separate from the donations we collect. Often, this can be a useful tool as people are able to donate very quickly. If this is something you would like us to do, just call or ask your funeral arranger during the arrangements. There is no additional charge for us setting up this service for you.

Floral tributes

We can help you to organise a wide range of high quality floral arrangements.

Download a copy of our floral arrangements brochure (PDF):

If you are arranging your funeral service through either our Reigate or Redhill branches then floral tributes can be arranged through:

• Greensleeves: Call Sam on 01737 766 911 or see their website: www.greensleevesonline.co.uk
• Willows: Call Clare or Shirley on 01737 248 484 or see their website: www.willowsreigate.co.uk
• Holborn’s Flowers: Call Russell on 07375520026 or email: russell@holborns.co.uk
• The Reigate Flower Hut: Call 07779 024250 or see their facebook page: www.facebook.com/reigateflowerhut

For Godstone, floral tributes can be arranged through:

• Pipers: Call 01883 712 000 or see their website: www.pipers.florist

For Tadworth, flowers can be arranged through:

• The Flowerpot: 01737 813 338 or see their website: www.theflowerpottadworth.co.uk
• Flowerwise: 01737 373 884 or see their website: www.flowerwiseepsom.co.uk

For Crawley Down, flowers can be arranged through:

• Bay Tree: 01342 713131

Some samples of floral tributes and casket sprays

Stoneman Funeral Service: Doran Court (Head Office)

Home

Stoneman Funeral Service Limited is owned by J. Stoneman and Sons, which is in turn owned by Stoneman Group Holdings. 

Providing funeral services since 1865

initial steps to take when someone passes away.

When you are ready to call us, we will ask preliminary details, such as whether the deceased has died at home, in a hospital or a nursing home, and advise on transferring them into our care. Our office team will be able to assist you with the initial required procedures, such as obtaining a Death Certificate and where to carry out registration. See also: What to do when a death occurs.

Please be advised that our office hours are 9:00am – 4:30pm. Our out-of hours line can be contacted (on our usual lines or 07787475372) when a death occurs outside of a hospital and the coroner is not involved. We cannot move anyone into our care until the death has been verified. Transfers of care from hospitals can only occur when the hospital has authorised release and the relevant paperwork has been completed. Hospital transfers are only possible during office hours, due to the opening hours set by the hospital.

bespoke funeral arrangements

We believe that a funeral service should be as individual as the person who has died, and therefore offer a wide range of services which can be tailored to suit the needs, wishes and requirements of the family of the deceased. We are pleased to offer services starting from direct cremation and meeting you for an attended committal service at your choice of crematorium, cemetery or church, and a multitude of personalised services, such as horse-drawn hearses, dove release and pipers. Our arrangers will be pleased to assist you in providing the perfect goodbye, while providing you with kindness and support.

Pre-paid Funeral Plans

About our pre-paid funeral plans

Click here to visit the website of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, our funeral plan provider, for information on our set plans and to purchase online: https://www.funeralplans.co.uk/buy-online/7DES3oa735BSH1amtUH4VH/

Planning ahead for your funeral is one of the most thoughtful and caring things you can do. Some people never get round to discussing funeral wishes with their loved ones, which can lead to all sorts of worry and anxiety when the time comes.

Taking out a funeral plan is a simple and straightforward way to remove this worry, and it can provide real financial benefits too. Some of the other benefits include:

• Pre-arrange the details of your funeral and record any special wishes, such as hymns, music choice and any other personal touches you would like your plan to include
• Make financial provision for your funeral
• Choose your funeral director in advance
• Ensure your family has access to expert help at what can be a difficult time.

Our funeral plan is available to UK residents and there are no complicated medical forms to complete. You can also appoint a nominated representative who we will keep informed about your plan, according to your instructions.

Our plans cover our costs (as specified in the plan paperwork) as long as we carry out the funeral and your requirements don’t change. You can also make a contribution towards third party costs, such as the cremation fees. These costs are outside of our control.

For more information, please download our funeral plans brochure.

How your funds are held

All funeral plan pre-payments are held in an individual whole of life assurance policy for your peace of mind.

Backed by a trusted, national provider

Our funeral plans are provided by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, which is part of a specialist, UK-based financial services group.

Flexible payment options

You can choose to pay for your funeral plan by lump sum or in instalments. There is an additional cost for paying over two or more years and eligibility criteria applies. Please refer to the Instalment Q&A and the Terms and Conditions for more information. Your funeral director will be able to provide you with a personalised quote.

Once your funeral plan is in place, you’ll receive a welcome booklet containing the details of your plan and your funeral plan certificate. Your nominated representative will also receive a copy if you request this.

Terms and Conditions apply to funeral plans – please ask us if you have any questions.

We are an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited Reg. No. 2644860, registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW, UK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates pre-paid funeral plans only.

Probate

Probate and Administration

Probate

When the deceased has left a will this needs to be proved at the Probate Registry. Once probate has been granted, the executors named in the will are then able to administer the estate. You can look for wills online, after probate has been granted here.

Letters of Administration

If the deceased has not left a will they are said to have died intestate. It is then necessary to apply to the Probate Registry for Letters of Administration for permission to administer the estate. The assets of a small estate are sometimes released to the next of kin without Letters of Administration or Probate being granted.

Solicitor

A solicitor’s expertise in dealing with all aspects of the deceased’s estate will of course save you a great deal of time, trouble and worry. The family solicitor may be holding a copy of the will and should be consulted as soon as possible. There may be important instructions in the will concerning funeral arrangements.

Registration

Registering a death

There is no need to obtain certificates before preliminary arrangements are made. We can advise on registration procedures.

A death must be registered by law in the district in which it occurred, and under normal circumstances, the doctor’s Medical Certificate of Death should be taken to the Registrar’s office with the deceased’s medical card if available. Click here to make an appointment to register a death or call 0300 200 100 2.

For a list of our local Registrars please click here.

The following persons are able to register a death occurring at home, hospital, nursing home etc.

1. A relative of the deceased who was present at death.
2. A relative of the deceased who was in attendance during illness.
3. A relative residing or being in the district where the death occurred.
4. A person present at the death.
5. The occupier of the house, if they knew of the happening of the death.
6. Any inmate of the house, if they knew of the happening of the death.
7. The person dealing with the disposal of the body (not the funeral director).

If a death occurs elsewhere

1. A relative of the deceased having knowledge of the required particulars.
2. A person present at the death.
3. The person who found the body.
4. The person in charge of the body.
5. The person dealing with the disposal of the body (not the funeral director).

When registering the death the informant must be prepared to state accurately the following particulars

1. The date and place of death and the deceased’s usual address.
2. The full names and surname and maiden name if the deceased was a married woman or widow.
3. The date and place of birth (town and country) if born abroad.
4. The occupation of the deceased and the name and occupation of her husband if the deceased was a married woman or widow.
5. Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds.
6. If the deceased was married, the age of the surviving widow or widower.

Details of the Registrar’s hours are available from our offices. The Registrar will issue a Green Certificate which we will require for either burial or cremation. A Certificate of Registration will be issued for the D.S.S.

Full copies of the Death Certificate, for insurance, bank, solicitors etc. can be obtained from the Registrar upon payment of the appropriate fee. If H.M. Coroner is involved, the Registrar’s procedure may differ, we can advise.

Tell Us Once

Tell Us Once is a government service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.

When you register the death the registrar will:

• let you know if the service is available in your area
• give you the phone number
• give you a unique reference number to use the Tell Us Once service online or by phone

How we can help

A Helping Hand at a Time of Need

We offer a comprehensive funeral service which includes:

Professional

• Providing professional attendance, supervision and guidance at all times.
• Providing a clear estimate of both our fees and disbursements (fees we pay on your behalf)

Legal & Medical

• Organising medical certificates for cremation and arranging their completion.
• Ensuring all relevant certificates and applications are complete.
• Forwarding all necessary documentation to the cemetery or crematorium authorities.
• Arranging for purchase of cemetery plot, if required.
• Liasing with H.M. Coroner and police as necessary.
• Contacting necessary authorities to arrange private autopsy, if required.

Administrative

• Liaising with the family and the cemetery or cremation authorities to arrange a convenient day and time for the funeral.
• Contacting a Minister (or alternative officiant) to officiate.
• Organising an organist.
• Confirming all details of the service with those involved.
• Writing death notices and dealing with all press announcements.
• Organising the design and print of service sheets and hymn sheets, by liaising with the family, officiant and printer.
• Dealing with donations and floral tributes.
• Providing Direct Cremation Services

Funeral Staff & Vehicles

• Coordinating necessary bearers and staff for the funeral.
• Providing a hearse, or suitable vehicle.
• Providing limousines, if required.
• Organising a horse drawn hearse, or alternative hearse, if required.

Transfer & Care

• Organising bearers and vehicle for the transfer of the deceased to Doran Court, Redhill.
• Making all arrangements with hospital, nursing home etc. to transfer the deceased into our care.
• Arranging last offices, hygienic treatment or embalming.
• Accommodating viewing of the deceased in one of our private chapels of rest.

Burials & Masonry

• Arranging preparation of the grave.
• Removing existing memorial, as necessary.
• Refitting existing memorials, when the grave is ready.
• Supplying, engraving and fitting new memorials.

Cremation

• Arranging and attending, if required, at interment or other disposal of ashes.
• Preparation of ashes plots for interments.
• Arranging and attending, if required, at interment or other disposal of ashes.

Other

• Supplying and fitting the coffin complete.
• Arranging Funeral Plans.
• Providing the main chapel at Doran Court for funeral service use.
• Assisting with repatriation to or from England.
• Assisting and advising on the exhumations of graves.

When a death occurs

What to do when a death occurs

Once the death has been verified by a trained healthcare professional, we are able to transfer the deceased into our care. We provide a 24-hour service for this.

At Home

Inform the doctor that death has taken place, as soon as possible.

The doctor may write out a Medical Certificate of Death when visiting the house or may request you to collect from the surgery. If cremation is to take place, the doctor should be informed as they may wish to arrange for an independent doctor to visit the house before the deceased is removed.

In a hospital

The Medical Certificate of Death will be made available to you by the hospital. The office dealing with these matters will inform you when this may be collected and indicate when and where you should attend the Registrar’s office.

We will deal with the hospital concerning cremation certificates and also arrange collection of the deceased from the hospital.

In a nursing home

The nursing home will probably seek the family’s permission for the deceased to be taken to our Funeral Home as soon as practicable.

The doctor will be informed by them and the Medical Certificate of Death will either be left at the home or collected at the surgery.

Coroner

If the deceased has not been attended by a doctor, dies suddenly, or was not being treated at hospital, then almost certainly the facts will be reported to the Coroner. The Coroner’s procedure is dealt with on the Coroner’s procedure page of this website. We will be able to advise you on all these matters, but early contact is recommended.

Notification of Death

Notifying organisations that someone has passed away

Government Organisations

Tell Us Once is a government service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.

When you register the death the registrar will:

• let you know if the service is available in your area
• give you the phone number
• give you a unique reference number to use the Tell Us Once service online or by phone

Other Organisations:

We recommend Life Ledger, as a comprehensive way to notify businesses that someone has passed away.

A check-list for your guidance

We have compiled a ‘to-do’ list to assist you through this difficult time, which can be downloaded or printed at your convenience, the second part of this contains a comprehensive list of who to notify: Your Funeral Checklist

Veneered Oak Coffin

Veneered oak coffin with high gloss, light finish and silk effect lining. Your choice of stain.