Bereavement service changes

Following the Government’s measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, our cremation services and burials are still taking place with certain restrictions.

Funeral services

Funerals, both cremation services and burials, are still taking place, but we will be asking Funeral Directors to ensure only close family attend.

Those attending need to be as few as possible, but up to a maximum of 20.

We are also asking people to follow the Government guidelines of social distancing by keeping a minimum of 2 metres apart in the chapel or at the graveside.

Funeral Directors are contacting their customers to inform, support and advise them of the restrictions in place.

Funeral Directors will be able to help bereaved families to access the Obitus system webcast and funeral recording facilities.

We understand that this is very difficult for people during such a sad time, but we hope everyone understands that our decision is to ensure the safety of both mourners and our staff.

The Cemetery

Following an update to Government coronavirus legislation, the cemetery is open to visitors.

To ensure the safety of yourself and our staff, please follow social distancing guidelines and stay at least two metres apart from others.

Room closures

The Book of Remembrance room and the Prayer Room remain closed until further notice.

The following advice for funeral services is in place:

• Families should restrict attendance to close friends and family to keep the number of people in the chapel to a maximum of 20.
• Staff will seat groups at respectful distances from each other inside the chapel, keeping people 2 meters apart.
• Stringent cleaning measures are in place.

Read more on Government guidelines here

Places of worship

Places of worship are currently closed. 

Due to Government legislation, large social gatherings are banned to prevent the spread of coronavirus, therefore events such as faith festivals will not be going ahead in the near future.

Video apps can be used to pray with friends and loved ones, or there are a number of prayer services you can join online.

Ashes

If you had previously arranged to collect them from the crematorium yourself, please arrange with your funeral directors for them to collect them for you instead.

The scattering or burial of ashes are postponed until further notice.

Appointments to choose memorials are postponed until further notice.

Information and advice

If you need burial and cremation service information you can find out more here.

If you need to speak to a member of our friendly team for advice, please email cemetery@colchester.gov.uk or call 01206 282950.