Scattering Ashes Guest Blog – Mala Brinsden @ No Regrets Why we need to talk about the end of life I know it isn’t easy or the most popular topic of conversation to be talking about death and the end of life, for so many reasons – too morbid, too painful, why would I?! But as […]
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A Survey of Best Places to Scatter Ashes … really?!
Always on the hunt for Scattering Ashes news and alerts: a recent ‘survey’ got some press coverage – of the best places to scatter ashes in the UK. Actually, to be fair to them they called it an analysis, but as it got picked up by the media they then labelled it a survey. So […]
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 TagGlastonbury Abbey no longer allows scattering ashes
Glastonbury Abbey – Policy on 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 […]
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 TagSouth Devon: Salcombe South Hams
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Salcombe South Hams Location Salcombe, South Devon. Area of operation Salcombe Estuary and Coast Type of boat Rib Duration of trip Up to 1 hour Capacity of boat 2 boats can take up to 20 people 1st rib – 11 passengers, 2nd rib 7 passengers Refreshments Available on request Ceremony […]
Continue readingMore TagHave I been wrong about Resomation / Alkaline Hydrolysis
Burial and Cremation are the time-honoured ways to dispose of a body, since prehistoric times cultures have been either been burning or burying them (some have been leaving them on the top of mountains for the vultures – but let’s not go there). Well there /is a new kid on the block – Alkaline Hydrolysis […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Soulton Long Barrow: Shropshire
Situated within the Shropshire Landscape close to Wem, and Shrewsbury is the Soulton Long Barrow. This is the third Long Barrow to be built in the UK in the last couple of Millenia, Lovingly replicated and handcrafted the longs barrow sits with nature and is an absolutely beautiful way to inter a loved one ashes. […]
Continue readingMore TagTraining Course: Scattering or Interring of Cremated Remains
Training Course: Scattering or Interring of Cremated Remains Training Course. There is a growing trend for funerals to focus on the ashes element of the ceremony which is a very positive development. However, often those doing the scattering will have received little or no formal training. A small investment in staff training will have two […]
Continue readingMore TagRegional variations in our relationship with ashes
By and large us Brits are of a mind when it comes to cremation and the scattering of ashes – across age, political persuasion, gender and locality we are broadly similar in outlook. With one notable exception – The older we get the more we would prefer to be cremated. However, the recent YouGov survey on […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes Service across the UK and overseas
Scattering Ashes Service Scattering Ashes Service across the UK and overseas. Are you looking for your loved one’s ashes to be scattering at a particular destination within the UK or overseas but are unable to do this yourself? We can help. Many of us will have a place in mind that we want our ashes […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering ashes at Bournemouth Football Club’s Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth has been one of the football league’s success stories, qualifying and managing to stay in the premiership in the face of very stiff competition. So we thought we better find out whether they permit the scattering or bury of ashes at the Vitality stadium. Bad news I am afraid this is what they say: […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering or interring ashes at Brighton and Hove Football club’ American Express Community Stadium
As part of our quest to find the which football clubs and sports grounds allow you are scatter or bury ashes at we have asked the new promoted Brighton and Hove Albion. However it is not good news, this is what they say: “Good Afternoon, Thank you for taking the time to contact Brighton and […]
Continue readingMore TagFree Ashes Guide: What to do with Ashes now – available to people working with bereaved families
Free Ashes Guide. Free Ashes Guide. We have been blogging and writing on the subject of ashes for a several years now, and we have produced a lot of guidance on what people could do with ashes. However, until now we have only had this information available on the website and our guide book*. The […]
Continue readingMore TagKent: The River Medway – Tonbridge
Scattering Ashes on the River Medway Tonbridge Location Big Bridge, Tonbridge High Street TN9 1DR Area of operation River Medway in Kent Type of boat Modern electric launch Duration of trip Any to suit, minimum 30 minutes Capacity of boat 12 passengers Refreshments Located in the centre of Tonbridge with many café, restaurants and pubs […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes is the nation’s favourite choice!
Fact: 79% of those wishing to be cremated want their ashes scattered. Which means about 2/3rds of us in total (80% of people are cremated). The result of a recent YouGov survey confirmed what we have believed for years, if you want to be cremated then most of you want your ashes to be scattered. The […]
Continue readingMore TagWondering what to do with his wife’s ashes
The following is a cut and paste from the Saturday Guardian (I am never quite sure if I am allowed to do that, but I have fully referenced it!) It concerns deliberation from a husband on what to do with his wife’s ashes, it is interesting and moving. It also adds a real voice , […]
Continue readingMore TagAshes into Fireworks: Self-fire or an organised display?
Ashes into fireworks Are you considering going out with a bang? Putting cremation ashes into fireworks – what are the things you need to think about… There are two main options for you: Having your ashes in a firework display or having the ashes placed in a rocket or a self-firing fireworks box. There are advantages […]
Continue readingMore TagDo they burn the coffin when you get cremated
Do they burn the coffin when you get cremated? The question, do coffins get cremated with the body is a frequently asked. To those in the funeral industry this often met with a surprised or bemused look, the answer is: yes, of course. However the fact the question is asked on such a frequent basis […]
Continue readingMore TagA ceremony in the Sirhowy Valley
It is not often a family scattering ceremony is reported unless there is some mishap or there is a celebrity involved. This story appeared in the South Wales Argus, a family from Gwent scatter the ashes of their relative on Sirhowy River in near Blackwood. Apparently, they were the first to be granted permission by […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes – Radio Controlled Helicopter: Yorkshire and beyond
If you want a send off with a difference. Something a bit special, then consider a aerial dispersal with the aid of a highly modified radio controlled helicopter. Your loved one is elevated making a 360 degree viewing over their favourite place before taking a last look at friends and family before climbing away. At an […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering Ashes at Sea – East Devon: Beer
Scattering Ashes at Sea – Beer in Devon Location Beer, East Devon. Area of operation Within a three mile radius of Beer (Branscombe, Seaton, Beer) Views across Lyme Bay.. Type of boat: 25’ working fishing boat Duration of trip: As long as client requires, further charges if longer than 1 hour Capacity of boat: 11 […]
Continue readingMore TagPensioner failed to get exhumation order on the grounds of access
A pensioner from Norfolk has failed in her attempt to get the ashes of her mother exhumed. She had partitioned the Church of England’s Consistory Court but to no avail. Mrs Queenie Ivy Gooch wanted the ashes of her mother moved from the Churchyard in Gunton to the nearby Kirkley Cemtery so that she could […]
Continue readingMore TagColumbarium – coming to a Parish Church near you!
Modern takes on the concept of Columbaria are springing up in a number of places from the Long Barrow in All Canning in Wiltshire to the Secure Haven (one rented by the day) in Essex. However these are away from traditional places of worship and there a members of society who feel a very deep connection with their parish […]
Continue readingMore TagDon’t put Scatter Tubes in the water!
Scatter tubes are not designed to be placed in the water. They are made of a thick dense card, which also has an semi impervious layer of ink, the result is they are likely to float and will not sink for some considerable time: meaning that you loved ones ashes may end up on shore or […]
Continue readingMore TagA strangers ashes buried in your garden – spooky
When Bill Stephenson of Cherter-le-Street noticed something odd under the rose bush in his garden he went to investigate – he discovered a plaque beneath that was an urn. Now you may jump to the conclusion that Bill had unearthed a previous resident of the house. But this is not true, Bill had lived in […]
Continue readingMore TagChoose to inter ashes at a family grave, but whose family?
Cremation is the common choice in the UK and becoming so in Canada and the US, therefore you can fit more ash caskets onto a family plot. But whose family? I came across an interesting think piece by Ken Gallinger in the Toronto Star about where you choose to inter your ashes. Ken’s mum is […]
Continue readingMore TagMaldon: Essex
Scattering Ashes on the Thames Estuary Maldon, Essex Location Maldon, Essex Area of operation Blackwater Type of boat Thames Sailing Barge Duration of trip 2-4 hours Capacity of boat 50 Refreshments Lunches, Afternoon Teas or self-cater. Licensed Bar. Additional info The whole barge can be hired privately. Ceremony Scattering ashes directly onto the water can […]
Continue readingMore TagForestry Commission Scotland policy on scattering ashes
Good news, Forestry Commission Scotland has a more progressive and enlightened view of dealing with those who wish to scatter the ashes of a loved one compared to their neighbours south of the border. Scotland’s National Forest Estate covers nearly 9% of Scotland and comprises forests, woodland and open ground. And in their words ‘It’s […]
Continue readingMore TagConiston Water: Lake District
Scattering Ashes on Coniston Water in the Lake District Location Coniston Area of operation Coniston Water, Lake District, South Cumbria Type of boat Traditional – Beautiful wooden launch Duration of trip 1-2 hours after last sailing of the day or early morning Capacity of boat 63 persons Refreshments Available from Waterhead Hotel and delivered on […]
Continue readingMore TagTemporary ashes storage: Essex
Not yet ready to scatter, bury or inter your loved ones ashes permanently, yet do not feel able or comfortable keeping them at home? Now you have the option of storing the ashes in a dignified, tasteful and secure environment. However instead of needing to sign up to for fifteen or twentyfive year lease on a […]
Continue readingMore TagWho gets the ashes: funeral directors caught in the crossfire
The law is not the most dynamic of tools and the law regarding cremation is not at the top of the legislators agenda. It is not set up to find the ‘right home’ for the ashes, it looks at it from the point of view of correct and efficient disposal. However there are two […]
Continue readingMore TagMoney raised for charities from metal reclaimed from a crematoria to top £2m
Now this is good news. The money raised for charities from the recycled metals the arise from cremation is set to reach £2m. When a body is cremated the non-combustible parts are left behind: the bones (the ashes) and any metal which arises. This metal was historically just the ironwork used to make the coffin […]
Continue readingMore TagBurnley FC says no to Radio 5 presenter
Burnley FC has number of famous supports perhaps the the most famous is Prince Charles (I was a little surprised to read this too) anyway among the faithful is Radio 5 Presenter Tony Livesey. In a discussion about the Brazilian club Corinthians offering burial plots for their fans Mr Livsey, proclaimed that he was going […]
Continue readingMore TagQueens Park Rangers a Prince among Clubs
QPR have a great policy… The details of ashes scatterings and memorial services at Loftus Road are: We would be delighted to carry out your wish for the ashes of your loved one to be scattered at QPR. The procedure starts when you contact the club chaplain, Rev’d Cameron Collington (details below). He will arrange a […]
Continue readingMore TagCome on the Tigers: Hull City FCs policy on scattering ashes at the KC Stadium
Hull City FC, known affectionately as the the Tigers, a have good positive policy on scattering of ashes at the club. They allow ashes to be scattered at the KC stadium. They informed us of the following: The ashes are normally scattered on a weekday as long as they don’t have any matches that day. […]
Continue readingMore TagLong Barrow: Burial Chamber in Wiltshire
A fantastic Long Barrow columbarium where ashes can be buried for ever. Do you like tradition? Do you like the ancient Britain? If so we have found the right place for you. A history expert has built the first Long Barrow in England for maybe over a thousand years. This Long Barrow* is situated in […]
Continue readingMore TagScattering mum at Gibraltar point
This is a lovely piece about a daughter, her siblings and offspring returning their mum to the area where she grew up, at Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire in the UK to scatter the ashes. From the BBC magazine online: ‘Who said scattering ashes was easy?‘ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6542207.stm The lady’s emotions are those shared by many, rather than cut […]
Continue readingMore TagScottish Wildlife Trust Policy on cremated remains
This is there policy summary: Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) will not permit burials of bodies or ashes on its wildlife reserves. However, SWT is happy to consider the scattering of ashes in a sensitive manner on reserves, and in exceptional circumstances will also consider memorials. You are supposed to contact the relevant Scottish Wildlife Trust […]
Continue readingMore TagThe changing face of municipal memorialsation
It would seem councils are waking up to the fact that people are general cremated and now that people no longer scatter their loved ones ashes at the crematoria that they may have changing role in relation to public memorialisation. I came across this from Kelso in Scotland. A councillor has been petitioning Scottish Borders […]
Continue readingMore TagAshes in Fireworks: a lovely Guardian article
I suppose it is because we get regular enquirers about putting ashes in fireworks that I don’t think there is anything unusual or strange about it, but I suppose we are a bit more exposed to it than most, so when the Dearly Beloved passed the Family Section of the Guardian across the breakfast table […]
Continue readingMore TagSite in the Welsh Valleys used for scattering ashes has been vandalised
The well-known White Cross of Trealaw has been vandalised. The cross in the heart of the Rhondda valleys has been partially dismantled by a group of mystery climbers. The cross was built by Glyn Thomas, of Trealaw, in 2005 as a final resting place for those who wanted their ashes scattered on the mountainside. For […]
Continue readingMore TagPeaches Geldof’s ashes to be scatter near her childhood home
Peaches Geldof the late date daughter of Bob Geldof and Paula Yates is to have her ashes scatter in the gardens of Davington Priory, Kent close to the families home where she grew up. The family source said: “Peaches’ happiest memories were there. There would be no other place for her to have her ashes […]
Continue readingMore TagBritain’s first and only Memorial Reef
For lovers of the sea: Divers, Sailors, Fishermen and anyone one else with a passion for wildlife and the sea. Now there is a new way to have a truly fitting memorial. The first and only Memorial Reef in the UK. Situated off the famous Jurassic coast, near Weymouth in Dorset. The ashes of a […]
Continue readingMore TagProfessional Photographer needs your help on scattering stories – ‘HERE I AM’
Can you help me? I am looking for stories of why and where ashes have been scattered. ‘Here I am’ is a photographic project I started a couple of years ago based around the themes of memory and loss. I had been working with the NHS on an End of Life project, which entailed talking […]
Continue readingMore TagNational Memorial Arboretum’s policy on cremation ashes
The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, England is a national (as in UK wide) site of remembrance for members of all armed forces. It gives its purpose as – “The National Memorial Arboretum honours the fallen, recognises sacrifice and fosters pride in our country. It is a spiritually uplifting place and is emerging as a world-renowned […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Crown Estate policy on scattering ashes
Well done the Crown Estate: They allow scattering on their property subject to a few caveats… The following is a reproduction of A Guidance Note for People Wishing to Scatter Ashes in The Royal Landscape The Crown Estate does permit the scattering of ashes within The Royal Landscape, for which no charge is levied. […]
Continue readingMore TagRSPBs policy on scattering ashes at their nature reserves
If you are a bird lover then it is good news. We have asked The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) whether you are allowed to scatter cremation ashes at their natures reserves, they even have an ‘In-Memoriam’ Co-ordinator who was very kind and provided the following response – The RSPB do say […]
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