As we begin to see the end of the mercury abatement programme, with the remaining crematoria now facing much tougher requirements by 2029, I have been wondering whether the policy was actually a good one. My conclusion is: not entirely. Before anyone starts sharpening their pencils, I am not criticising CAMEO – the Crematoria Abatement […]
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Kate Mukungu Community Celebrant
Celebrant for Funerals and Memorials, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies – Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Co. Durham Who I am and What I Do Hello, I’m Kate a trained, qualified and insured independent celebrant in North East England. I create deeply personalised, inclusive ceremonies that truly capture the people being honoured. I focus on facilitating […]
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The Seven Futures of Funerals: A Glimpse into 2036
What follows isn’t market research. It isn’t based on AI modelling, demographic projections or hours spent staring at spreadsheets trying to extrapolate trends into colourful graphs. It’s based on conversations, joining up dots and a healthy sprinkle of imagination. In other words, it’s the professional equivalent of licking your finger and sticking it in the […]
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How to Fill a Journey Water Urn
tro to the Journey Water Urn Video If you’ve bought one of our Journey Water Urns, you might now be looking at it and thinking: right, how exactly do I get the ashes into it? It’s actually very straightforward, but there are a couple of little things worth knowing — particularly if you want the […]
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How Direct Cremation Funeral Plans Could Reshape the Funeral Industry
There Is a Storm Coming — Not Tomorrow, But It Is Coming Then I read a very brief snippet in the Funeral Service Journal. The article said that 68,886 funeral plans had been sold in the first quarter of 2026 and that around 70% of those were for direct cremation. I read it once, then […]
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How Direct Cremation Is Changing the Funeral Sector
A Fault Line Is Forming The Funeral Sector Is Changing, and Things Are Starting to Crack The old equilibrium The plates are shifting in the funeral sector, and I don’t think they are shifting back. Ask me ten years ago whether a crematorium would stock my memorial items and the answer would almost always have […]
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Scattering Ashes Abroad: Why Respect Matters
A Santorini ashes scattering video shows why families must think about law, culture and local people before scattering ashes overseas. Scattering Ashes Abroad: Meaningful, But Please Think First A video has been circulating of tourists scattering a loved one’s ashes while walking through the streets of Santorini in Greece. They appear relaxed, even joyful, singing […]
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Claire Vickery – All Your Love Celebrant
Ashes & Memorial Ceremony Celebrant – Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, North Hampshire I’m Claire, a professionally trained and qualified independent celebrant based in Berkshire, creating deeply personal ashes and memorial ceremonies for families who want something meaningful, considered, and truly reflective of the person they’re remembering. Alongside funeral services, I regularly support families with ash scattering […]
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Clare Spiers — Independent Celebrant
Who I am and what I do I’m Clare an independent celebrant specialising in funerals, celebrations of life and bespoke ashes scattering ceremonies across Warwickshire and the West Midlands. I help families create meaningful, comforting farewells in settings that truly reflect the person they love that held special meaning. Every ceremony I create is […]
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What Ashes Really Mean: A More Honest Way to Understand Grief
What Arundhati Roy’s Memoir says so brilliantly that allows the complex emotion of grief the space to breathe. I was walking our dog Mabel when Arundhati Roy stopped me in my tracks. I’d borrowed her memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me from my local library through BorrowBox — the kind of accidental discovery that reminds […]
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Asia’s Columbarium Culture: Ancestors, Altars, and Architecture
Columbarium Cultures Across Asia – and Why They Feel So Different I’m not a death tourist. Admittedly, when I travel I do take an interest in graveyards, burial grounds, and how different cultures care for their dead. Visiting Vietnam this year, I was struck by how distinct its approach felt compared with other parts of […]
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Law Commission Report: Dealing with Ashes After Cremation
What Chapter 14 Means for Uncollected Ashes and Crematoria Chapter 14 Summary – Dealing with Ashes After Cremation Right then — where do we start? The Law Commission has finally landed the long-awaited conclusions on this middle section of its burial and cremation work. It is no skimpy effort either, weighing in at close to […]
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Scattering Ashes at Sea from Rye Harbour
Boat for Ashes Scattering Ceremonies in Rye, East Sussex There is something quietly fitting about scattering ashes at sea. The tide carries memory, the horizon offers perspective, and the moment often becomes one of the most meaningful parts of saying goodbye. We’re pleased to announce a new partner vessel operating from Rye Harbour, offering families […]
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John Craven’s Yorkshire Farewell – and a Monty Python Twist
How famous farewells reflect the lives behind them It’s always striking when well-known names share their thoughts about what should happen when they go. For some, it’s a grand memorial or a lavish tomb. For others, it’s far simpler – and all the more touching for it. Countryfile’s John Craven recently revealed where he’d like […]
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No Resting Place: How Sikh and Hindu Traditions See Life After Death
No “Rest in Peace”? – How Sikh and Hindu Traditions See the Journey After Death We say it without thinking: rest in peace.It’s on sympathy cards, headstones, and meaningless comments on social media (that’s the one that annoys me). The phrase assumes something very Western and very Christian – that the person who has died […]
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What the Court Says: A Legal Perspective on Burial disputes
Ashes, the Law, and Family Disputes – what happens when no one can agree? This piece is mainly about burial, but it matters just as much to those dealing with cremated remains. In the eyes of the law, ashes are treated in much the same way as a body until they are scattered or finally […]
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A Brief Candle – A Poem About Freedom and Farewell
A Brief Candle By Charlie Daniels Sometimes the most powerful words are the simplest. A Brief Candle by Charlie Daniels is a short, beautiful reflection on life’s journey — its friendships, its fire, and the peace that comes at the end. It speaks of connection, of being “part of everything,” and of the moment when […]
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Celebrant: Jodie Jones Ceremonies – Sussex, Hampshire and Beyond
Ceremonies that feel personal and true to your personI’m Jodie, a celebrant who creates ceremonies for funerals, celebrations of life and the scattering of ashes. I write bespoke scripts that are shaped entirely from your stories and the way you want the moment to feel. Nothing generic, just something that sounds like your person.Living so […]
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Wroxham – Norfolk Broads
Private Boat Hire and Peaceful Ashes Scattering on the River Bure Wroxham, often known as the “Capital of the Norfolk Broads,” offers one of the most peaceful and picturesque settings in the UK for scattering ashes. Located on the beautiful River Bure within the Norfolk Broads National Park, this tranquil landscape of winding waterways, reed […]
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Portsmouth, Hampshire: Solent
Departing from Gosport in the heart of the Solent, this ashes scattering service offers a calm and dignified way to say farewell at sea. The sheltered waters of the Solent, combined with wide open horizons and views towards the Isle of Wight, create a setting that feels both peaceful and timeless. Families are welcomed aboard […]
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Celebrant: Tina at Camomile Ceremonies – Devon and Dorset
Experience the warmth, skill and dedication of a Celebrant who is also a nurse. I’m Tina an independent Celebrant who specialises in creating, inclusive, personalised and unique ceremonies for my clients and when we work together it will truly be all about you. But for a moment let me tell you about me so you […]
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Ash Scattering by Boat from Upton-upon-Severn
Upton-upon-Severn, a charming riverside town in Worcestershire, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for scattering ashes on the River Severn. Known for its historic buildings, serene countryside, and gentle flow of the river, Upton provides a reflective and dignified location to say goodbye in harmony with nature. Departing by boat from this quiet stretch of […]
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Direct Cremation: What Is Going On? Thoughts for Funeral Directors
Why the rise of direct cremation is reshaping the funeral sector — and what the industry must do next Direct Cremation: What Is Going On? Direct cremation is now around 20% of all funerals. And around 60% of all prepaid plans, this seismic shift has taken the industry by storm. For some, direct cremation represents […]
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The process of making a glass memorials from ashes
1. Collection and preparation of ashes Only a very small amount of ashes is required. Families usually keep the majority of the ashes for scattering, burial or safekeeping. The portion used for glass is carefully prepared and handled with care throughout the process. 2. Choosing the form and colours Families choose the type of memorial […]
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Ash Scattering by Boat from Liverpool Docks
Liverpool’s historic docks provide a unique and dignified setting for scattering ashes on the River Mersey. Departing by boat from the city’s famous waterfront, families can say goodbye in the calm waters just beyond the docks, with iconic views of the Liverpool skyline as a backdrop. The River Mersey, with its deep maritime heritage and […]
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Carrying Cremation Ashes on a TUI Flight – What You Need to Know
Carrying Cremation Ashes on a Thomson & First Choice Flight (Now TUI) – What You Need to Know Scattering a loved one’s ashes in a place that held meaning for them — or somewhere they always dreamed of visiting — is a very natural choice. For many families, that place is overseas. As British holidays […]
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Do you have Ashes in the Cupboard? – Help Needed
Do you have the ashes of a loved one that you are still not sure what to do with? Maybe because you are waiting for a special moment/to find the right place, or because you and your family just can’t decide. The Sunday Times Magazine is writing a long, sensitive article about the scattering of […]
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Policy: Isle of Man Authority
Scattering Ashes on the Isle of Man: What the Law Says Just between Britain and Ireland sits the Isle of Man — an island with a long and layered history. Vikings settled here over a millennium ago, leaving behind place names, symbols and traditions that still shape the landscape today. In more modern times, the […]
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You Will See Them Someday – A Poem About Love Beyond Loss
You Will See Them Someday By Stephan Banks Some poems don’t need fine words — they speak straight from the heart. You Will See Them Someday by Stephan Banks is one of those. It captures what so many people feel after loss: that mixture of pain, memory, and the quiet belief that one day, we’ll […]
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Firth of Forth, South Queensferry: East Scottish Coast
Scattering Ashes at Sea Edinburgh The Firth of Forth, with its iconic bridges and stunning coastal scenery, offers a memorable and serene setting for scattering ashes near Edinburgh. This expansive waterway, framed by the historic city and rolling Scottish landscapes, provides a peaceful and reflective environment for a dignified farewell. Its breathtaking views and connection […]
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Taking Ashes from the UK to India — The Full Low-Down
If a family wants to take cremated ashes from the UK to India (for scattering or immersion in a sacred river, or ritual in India), there are multiple layers of paperwork, airline/transport regulations, consular formalities and practical logistics. Let’s walk through it step-by-step. To be honest it is a bit of a headache – so […]
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Kingston and Richmond: River Thames
Scattering Ashes on the River Thames at Kingston and Richmond The historic and tranquil stretch of the River Thames in Kingston provides a beautiful setting for scattering ashes. Surrounded by leafy scenery and quiet waters, it’s a peaceful and memorable location. This location is very popular with Hindu ad Sikh communities and offers probably the most […]
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Chatham and Rochester: River Medway
Scattering Ashes on the River Medway in Kent The River Medway in Chatham offers a peaceful and historic setting for scattering ashes, surrounded by the rich maritime heritage of Kent. Flowing through picturesque countryside and past iconic landmarks such as Chatham Dockyard, the Medway provides a serene and reflective atmosphere for a heartfelt farewell. The […]
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South Devon: Salcombe South Hams
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Salcombe South Hams Salcombe, located on Devon’s stunning south coast, is an idyllic location for scattering ashes. Known for its calm estuary waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, Salcombe offers a serene and reflective setting for a farewell ceremony. The golden beaches and rolling hills create a tranquil […]
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Scattering Ashes on Water – Lake Windermere Cumbria
Boat Hire for Scattering Ashes at Windermere in the Lake District Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, offers a breathtaking and serene setting for scattering ashes. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, this iconic location is surrounded by rolling hills, tranquil woodlands, and picturesque villages, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere for a […]
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Scattering Ashes Oxford: River Thames
Scattering ashes on the River Thames at Oxford The River Thames in Oxford offers a serene and historic location for scattering ashes. Meandering through this iconic city, the tranquil waters are surrounded by picturesque meadows and historic architecture. This reflective and peaceful environment ensures a heartfelt and meaningful ceremony in one of England’s most beautiful […]
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South Devon: Teignmouth, Torquay, Torbay & Brixham
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Torquay, Brixham, Paignton and Teigmouth Torbay and Teignmouth offer a stunning setting for scattering ashes at sea, with departures by boat from harbours including Torquay, Brixham, Paignton, and Teignmouth. The calm, sheltered waters of Lyme Bay provide a peaceful and private environment for families to gather and say goodbye. Surrounded […]
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River Cam: Cambridgeshire
Scattering Ashes on the River Cam Cambridgeshire The tranquil waters of the River Cam provide a peaceful and reflective location for scattering ashes. Surrounded by the historic beauty of Cambridge, this is a truly dignified and serene setting. This is a great location for Hindu and Sikhs in the locality, the flowing water is ideally […]
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Skydive and Scatter!
Skydiving Ashes: Scatter Ashes During a Tandem Skydive Scattering Ashes – Tandem Skydiving, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, England A Truly Unforgettable Farewell For those seeking something extraordinary, we’ve found a unique and breathtaking way to say goodbye — scattering ashes during a tandem skydive. It’s a powerful, emotional, and truly unforgettable tribute that combines exhilaration with deep […]
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Cardiff Bay: South Wales Coast
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay offers a modern and tranquil setting for scattering ashes, surrounded by the beauty of South Wales’ waterfront. With its calm waters, iconic landmarks such as the Senedd and the Millennium Centre, and sweeping views of the bay, this location provides a serene and reflective atmosphere for […]
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Hindu Celebrant – Sonal Dave – Ashes Puja Ceremony
A compassionate, personalised farewell guided with care and understanding Losing a loved one is one of the hardest journeys we face in life. Alongside grief, there can be expectations, advice, traditions, and many voices telling you what should happen and how it should be done. At times, this can feel overwhelming — especially when you […]
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Kent: The River Stour
Scattering Ashes on the River Stour in Kent The River Stour in Kent provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for scattering ashes, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful waters. Flowing through the historic countryside and charming towns such as Canterbury, the river offers a serene and reflective atmosphere for a heartfelt farewell. The River Stour’s […]
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Hindu Priest – Ashes Water Ceremony – Greater London
Hindu Priest for Ashes Water Ceremony A traditional Sanatan (Hindu) ashes ceremony guided by an experienced Hindu priest If you are a Sanatan (Hindu) family seeking a priest to carry out the sacred Asti Visarjan ritual — the immersion of ashes in flowing water — we are able to support you with care, experience, […]
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Dorset: Weymouth the Jurassic Coast
Boat for Scattering Ashes at Sea – Weymouth Devon Weymouth, located on the Dorset coast, is a picturesque location for scattering ashes. Its golden sands and calm harbour offer a serene and reflective environment for a ceremony. The surrounding views of the Jurassic Coast and the gentle waves of the sea create a meaningful and […]
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Dartmoor National Park Authority: Policy on scattering ashes
Dartmoor National Park Authority Scattering Ashes Policy The Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) can fairly be described as a reluctant acceptor when it comes to the scattering of ashes. There is no clearly published or promoted policy on the DNPA website, and the Authority does not actively encourage the practice. However, despite the absence of […]
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Cornwall: Penzance Harbour
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Penzance in Cornwall Penzance, located on the stunning Cornish coastline, offers an unforgettable setting for scattering ashes. With its breath-taking views of Mount’s Bay and the open sea, this charming town provides a peaceful and reflective atmosphere for saying goodbye. The natural beauty of Penzance creates a dignified and heartfelt […]
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Steam Railway: an Ashes send off with a Toot Toot!
All Aboard: A Steam Railway Send-Off for Ashes For lovers of steam railways, there’s something utterly timeless about the hiss of steam, the whistle at a rural station and the rhythmic clank of wheels on iron rail. For many, these machines aren’t just transport — they are symbols of history, craftsmanship and pure passion. So […]
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English Heritage’s Policy on Scattering Ashes
Scattering Ashes at English Heritage Sites: What’s Allowed and What to Expect English Heritage is an arm’s-length body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with a wide-ranging remit to care for England’s historic environment. It is responsible for more than 400 historically and archaeologically significant sites, ranging from prehistoric monuments to medieval castles and […]
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