I don’t tend to write about spiritual matters very often, mainly because I don’t feel qualified. However, a phone call from a customer the other day got me thinking, the conversation went something like this: Are you still operating boats for scattering through COVID-19? Yes, but with reduced number of attendees. Is it true the […]
Continue readingMore TagI don’t want my funeral at a Crematoria or Church what can I do?
We are asked the following on a very frequent basis: “What can I do if I don’t want my funeral at a crematoria?” or “I am not religious but the crematoria seems so depressing what can I do?” They all follow the same theme – The church seems fitting but I/they were not religious The […]
Continue readingMore TagUsed Tupperware – Now that is a conundrum?
Ashes dilemmas pop up in every walk of life. I have just finished Richard Osman’s best seller – The Thursday Murder Club about a group of septuagenarians living in a retirement village, who are engaged upon solving a crime that is in their vicinity. A brilliant novel, twists and turns with the most excellent characterisation. […]
Continue readingMore TagCouncil ponders the profit from a Columbarium
What should a council charge someone for a niche in their Columbarium? An interesting question, the Henley Standard reported on this giving us a rare insist into the machinations of a local authority in such matters. The town council has spent around £90,000 to fix up and convert a disused non-conformist chapel into a columbarium […]
Continue readingMore TagKey Dates for Attendance at Scattering Ceremonies – Covid 19
Covid restriction on scattering ashes ceremonies At the present time due to the Coronavirus continuing to impact the way we live our lives the numbers allowed to attend a scattering ashes ceremony is restricted – there is no exceptions for different religions and breaking the number could result in a fixed penalty notice, and disruption […]
Continue readingMore TagLockdown, Walks and Scattering
I think most people will consider this third lockdown at best tedious and depressing. However it did mean the enforced circumference of activity meant that I have gone out and explored my locality more enjoying the joys on the doorstep. I am relatively fortunate that we are base on the edge of Dartmoor, with all […]
Continue readingMore TagRiver Aire: Leeds Yorkshire – Scattering Ashes on Water
Location Leeds Dock Area of operation River Aire / Leeds Dock Type of boat Dutch water taxi / Vintage life boat (picture below) Duration of trip 30-45 minutes Capacity of boat 12 or 30 for the larger boat Refreshments Can arrange drinks/ snacks with Northstar Coffee Ceremony Scattering Ashes (not the boat company) can supply […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Government’s review of the funeral industry in a nutshell
As you know the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have been having a close look at the Funeral Industry in the UK and their findings have finally been released. Here is my short and candid summary of what I believe they said: People don’t shop around for funerals because dealing with the death itself is so traumatic (amongst other things), […]
Continue readingMore TagMinehead North Somerset: Bristol Channel
Scattering Ashes on the Bristol Channel from a Boat Location Minehead Somerset Area of operation Bristol Channel Type of boat 10m Cougar Catamaran Duration of trip Up to 3hrs Capacity of boat 11 persons Refreshments None Ceremony Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. […]
Continue readingMore TagSaying Goodbye to all This- Podcast, Not letting go of the ashes
I have just read a lovely piece on loss on the BBC website entitled – ‘My husband’s ashes are still unscattered, but we’re doing OK’ The author Sophie Townsend talks about going on holiday a year after her husband passes away, leaving her a young widow with two children. She decides not to take the […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat is the definition of an Urn?
There are various definitions on an Urn, let’s ignore those specifically referring to a large receptacle for tea and such like and focus on those that contain ashes, oops have I just given the game away? Let’s see… Urn (noun: urn; plural noun: urns)So Google pops up with the following: a tall, rounded vase with […]
Continue readingMore TagAshes on a Road Trip – Indian Movie
There has not been much in the way of films and film festivals this year, however Tokyo manged to have theirs and there was one entrant from India. Karkhanisanchi Waari – Ashes on a Road Trip Synopsis: The Karkhanis family is the last joint family in Pune. When the eldest patriarch in the family passes […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes on the River Clyde, near Glasgow
Scattering Ashes on the River Clyde, near Glasgow If you want a water ceremony for scattering your loved ones ashes in the Thames, this skipper will provide an excellent service. We have worked with him for over 5 years and we always get great testimonials. Location River Clyde Area of operation River Clyde Type of […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes from Swanage Pier in Dorset
You can scatter ashes from the pier in Swanage, this is what the charity who maintain the pier have to say: The scattering of ashes is permitted off Swanage Pier, however we ask that you contact us to talk about your requirements, including if you would like this to happen on a particular date and […]
Continue readingMore TagShrewsbury, Shropshire, River Severn: Scattering Ashes on Water
Boat for scattering ashes on the River Severn in Shrewsbury Location Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury, SY1 1HH Area of operation Shrewsbury, the River Severn Open March 1st to October 31st. Type of boat Passenger boat or Small boat (Picnic Boat) Duration of trip 45 minutes (or 1, 2, 3 hours if you prefer) Capacity of boat […]
Continue readingMore TagHow do I work out how much ashes I have?
Calculating the litres of Ashes from the weight Cremation ashes urns come in all shapes and sizes, but will the one you want contain all the ashes you have? This is what you do… If you know the weight of the ashes you can estimate the volume – because 1 Litre of ashes weighs just […]
Continue readingMore TagCremation Ashes as a Marketing Ploy
Nothing new in the world they say. Well perhaps, but this is certainly different. There is a famous restaurant in the Las Vegas called the Heart Attack Grill. Its whole method of promotion is entirely paradoxical. It is famous for telling you that their food is very very bad for you. They are in the […]
Continue readingMore TagIs a Scattering Ashes Ceremony part of a Funeral?
Is a Scattering Ashes Ceremony part of a Funeral? This might seem like a glib question, but it is not. The question has had a light shone on it by Covid and the rule of six (the number of people who can meet together). The rule of six does not apply to people attending a […]
Continue readingMore Tag12 Special Ideas for Scattering Ashes
There is a wide range of special ideas for scattering ashes here are some we like: Plant and memorial tree and scatter them around the tree or or bury them underneath Put them in to some fireworks and blast then into the night sky Place them in a memorial reef off of the coast of […]
Continue readingMore TagSky Burials in Japan
Sky Burials in Japan The Japanese have caught onto the idea of Sky Burials: ashes taken high into the sky and scattered on the edge of the stratosphere. I spotted this article in the Times, it is interesting for a few reasons. The article says that Balloon Kobo the company came up with the idea, […]
Continue readingMore TagAnn Bates – Individual Urn Ceramicist
Ann makes individually hand built ceramic funerary urns using stoneware clay. Inspiration for decoration and often the shape of an urn comes from the natural world – seed heads, leaves and shells being a favourite choice. An interest in ancient standing stones with their carved decoration and symbols can also be evidenced in her work. […]
Continue readingMore TagAgony Aunt: My Mum Wants to Steal Her Ex-Boyfriend’s Ashes
Agony Aunt: My Mum Wants to Steal Her Ex-Boyfriend’s Ashes Dear Prudence, Question: My mum’s first love died recently. The plan for his remains is for them to be cremated and then for his current wife to keep them in an urn. My mum wants to take some of his ashes from the urn and […]
Continue readingMore TagNow where did I leave that bag?
Well David Cameron forgot to take his kids back from the pub if you remember, so I suppose leaving cremation ashes behind is understandable? A dog walker reported a bag left near a busy road in Paignton in Torbay, Devon at around 8am on 1- September morning. It turned out to be a bag containing […]
Continue readingMore TagGlastonbury Abbey no longer allows scattering ashes
Glastonbury is a magical place, steeped in myths and traditions. It holds a special place in the imagination for many people. The tor that looks out over the Somerset levels, the town itself and its ancient Abbey. As the story goes the abbey was founded by Joseph of Arimathea in the 1st century. And continued […]
Continue readingMore TagI stumbled across an Ash Scattering Ceremony
I have been writing about this for years, hundreds of blogs on the subject and attended a few scattering ashes ceremonies, I have seen evidence of where people have scattered ashes – both well and not so well. However, I had not witnessed one as a third party before. Sunday just gone was the longest […]
Continue readingMore TagIf Lockdown stopped you from having the funeral you wanted for them…
Lockdown has caused so many problems for so many people, one of the worst hit are the bereaved. Not only have they lost someone they love, but they had to suffer the trauma of severely restricted funeral. Not being allowed to say ‘goodbye’ in the way you wish can hurt and not just at the […]
Continue readingMore TagWishes if for your ashes are impacted by Coronavirus – one lady’s qiuestion
So I have been keeping an eye out for covid-19 ashes stories, and came across this question that was sent to the ITV helpdesk Diane – l am British and my son lives in the USA. l have always wanted my ashes to be scattered at sea there – on the beach where my […]
Continue readingMore TagCovid-19 & crematoria – should councils be banning families from funerals?
Covid-19 Dear Councils Please could you reconsider your stance on Cremations during Covid-19 outbreak. A number of councils have banned mourners from attending the cremation in order to protect their staff. I want to make it absolutely clear how I feel about this – this is wrong: plain and simple Here are the reasons why […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes Covid-19/Coronavirus advice
These unprecedented times have led to a huge amount of confusion on social do’s and don’t. The following is merely our opinion based on Government advice and has no legal standing. Scattering Ashes in a lockdown situation: What we know – Funerals are to go ahead, but mourners are to be limited to immediate […]
Continue readingMore TagLancaster Coast and River Lune
Scattering Ashes at Sea and River – Lancaster Location Lancaster Area of operation River Lune, Lancaster, Whitehaven, Isle of Man Type of boat Various Duration of trip Dependant on customer needs Capacity of boat 12 People Refreshments Available on some boats Cost On application Disabled Access On the Catamarans Parking Yes Free Parking Average time […]
Continue readingMore TagLancashire: Fleetwood Fylde Coast
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Fleetwood on the Fylde Coast Location Fleetwood, Lancashire Area of operation Irish sea Type of boat Aquastar 38 Duration of trip Up to 1 hour Capacity of boat 12 People Refreshments Not Available Ceremony Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may […]
Continue readingMore TagCarrying Ashes on a KLM flight: Airline Policy
If you are carrying cremated remains / ashes on a KLM airline then you should be aware that this is there policy: An urn can be taken as part of hand baggage, or as check-in baggage. • The urn’s crematorium certificate must be brought and be shown during security check, so the urn will not […]
Continue readingMore TagAshes in the Wind by Robert Challans
We have had a lovely poem submitted by one of our visitors, we thought we should share it, we hope you like it… Ashes in the Wind. Mourn me not as I dance upon the wind Be not sad as I go my way Now is the time to be my friend On my […]
Continue readingMore TagMother’s Day Competition
Mother’s Day Competition Want to treat your mum to a fabulous Devon Cream tea at @GlazbrookHouseHotel on us? Enter our Mother’s Day Competition. We’re on the hunt for a mother and daughter to feature in our new brochure. If you and your mum/daughter would like to have your hair and makeup professionally done, be photographed […]
Continue readingMore TagCan someone scatter ashes for me? Yes
Can someone scatter ashes for me? A lot of people leave last requests regarding where they want their ashes to be scattered, as family member or friend this may turn out to be quite an onerous task. People’s choice of locations for the final resting place of their ashes can be hugely varied – a […]
Continue readingMore TagCan you scatter ashes anywhere?
Can you scatter ashes anywhere? The answer is no you can’t. The law in UK is very relaxed compared to many countries but you need the landowners permission. Someone landowners are fine and others are not. As a general rule of thumb the more open and spacious the more likely you are to get permission. […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes at Sea Ferryside Carmarthen Bay, Wales
Scattering Ashes on Ferryside Carmarthen Bay, Wales If you want a water ceremony for scattering your loved ones ashes in the South Coast of Wales. Location Ferryside, Carmarthen Bay Area of operation Carmarthen Bay (Ferryside, Llansteffan, Kidwelly, Laugharne, Pendine, Burry Port, Carmarthen, Llanelli) Type of boat Amphibious partially enclosed vessel with seats Duration of trip […]
Continue readingMore TagLosing Ashes Jewellery – Steps to take to keep it safe
Ashes Jewellery is one of the most precious items you’ll own. We know because people tell us. We even have some people order a piece then don’t where it because they get so worked up about losing it. We also know what happens when people who do lose items, and how they try to get […]
Continue readingMore TagHow to plan a spreading of ashes ceremony – 5 thoughts for 2020
First thing – DON’T RUSH. Here are five points when considering how to plan a scattering of ashes ceremony Firstly, decide where you want the ceremony. The choice of locations is huge and impossible to list, but here are a few things you should consider: Do you want to be able to visit frequently? Do […]
Continue readingMore TagDoes scattering the ashes of a loved one bring closure
We are often asked “Does scattering the ashes of a loved one bring closure?”. The answer is complicated, closure on what? What is it you want closure on? After many discussions with grief specialists I have have come to agree that the term closure is unhelpful. It conjures up thoughts “Right that’s him sorted, time […]
Continue readingMore TagNew Survey – Return of Ashes from the Crematorium
Crematorium hand over 400k crematoriums in the UK every year, the average price of a price of a cremation is £850 It don’t need a Nobel prize winning mathaniciacan to work out this is a sizable industry. It is a caring industry too, over the past few years we have been polling the public to […]
Continue readingMore TagHindu Ashes Immersion Ceremony in the UK – 2020
The population of Hindus and Sikhs in the UK is over 800k. Many of the second-generation Indian diaspora are now in the position of having to arrange funerals. They may not be versed in Hindu and Sikh funeral rights, below is brief guide to help those want to respect their relative’s tradition, but do not […]
Continue readingMore TagI want a Viking Funeral – What can I do?
Viking Funeral UK “Dad said he wanted a Viking funeral: can it be done?” – This is becoming and increasingly popular question: films, novels, TV series like Game of Thrones or Vikings (amongst other things) triggers a powerful urge in our imagination. There is something about a Viking send-off that is really potent and symbolic. […]
Continue readingMore TagSplitting the ashes – How many Scatter Tubes are needed?
Splitting the ashes – How many Scatter Tubes are needed? Splitting the ashes? Do you want or need to split the ashes amongst family and/or friends? More and more people want to split ashes, there are a number for reasons for this, here are two of the most common: The person wanted to be scattered […]
Continue readingMore TagVeteran’s Ashes Parachuted in for a final farewell
Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday is an important time of reflection. It has been 101 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the ‘Great’ War, 75 years since D-Day and this year also saw the 75th anniversary of the ill-fated operation Market Garden, the offensive to capture strategic bridges in the Netherlands, that […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes at Sea: Newhaven: Sussex
Scattering Ashes on the Newhaven, Sussex If you want a water ceremony for scattering your loved ones ashes in the South Coast on the Channel Location Newhaven Marina W Quay, Newhaven BN9 9BY Area of operation Category 6 3 miles from Newhaven Marina Type of boat Luxury Mediterranean rib Duration of trip Any time Capacity […]
Continue readingMore TagDoes your family need more time at the Crematorium?
Does your family need more time at the Crematorium? Does your family need more time at the Crematorium? A rushed service is not a good experience for anyone. In fact, our research shows, when you feel you have not had enough time to say goodbye – it can upset, enrage, distress even traumatize someone. BUT, […]
Continue readingMore TagAshes incorporated in wedding fingernail design
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, the old phrase that brides refer to when hoping to bring luck to the marriage. So once you have checked these off the list the next obvious request would be to have your nail design incorporated a sprinkling of you fathers ashes, right? Well okay not […]
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