Unattended cremation services
Today there is more choice when it comes to funeral services and some families – or the deceased person themselves – might decide not to have a traditional funeral service but, instead, to have a separate memorial event. Others – particularly in these difficult times – are attracted by a more cost-effective funeral.
There are plenty of adverts in the media these days for low-cost funerals or ‘direct to cremation services’ and these can sound tempting from a cost point of view – but it’s not always clear what you are signing up for and what will actually happen to your loved one. Many claim to have an existing arrangement with your local funeral director - but this is rarely the case.
If you sign up from a TV advert, you’ll be dealing with a faceless person in a call centre. If you opt for our service, you know your loved is being looked after by your local well-regarded independent funeral director.
When you chose our Local Unattended Cremation, you can be assured that our high standards of care and respect at all times. Your loved one will be looked after by us at our premises and we will ensure you understand each step of the funeral pathway.
In addition to a Local Unattended Cremation, we are also able to offer the Distinct Direction Cremation – here we explain the differences:
Local Unattended Cremation
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A Local Unattended Cremation is a package we have created here at Tester & Jones for families who want a simple cremation, with no funeral service or ceremony at the crematorium. The cremation will take place at a local crematorium, Kent & Sussex Crematorium, and we personally take your loved one to the crematorium on the day.
A Local Unattended Cremation also gives the additional options of coming to pay your respects as your loved one leaves our premises in our Jaguar hearse, perhaps laying flowers on the coffin, or following the hearse to the crematorium entrance. If you wish to spend time with your loved one, our viewing room is available to book for a closed coffin sitting for up to four people. *​
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The Local Unattended Cremation will be booked at Kent & Sussex Crematorium, Tunbridge Wells, once the death has been registered, using the 9.00am or 9.15am slots. Should you wish for the cremation to be booked at a later time, from 9.30am, the crematorium will make an additional charge of £54.
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A Local Unattended Cremation includes:
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Tester & Jones to collect your loved one and bring them into our care.
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Care of your loved one at our premises throughout including transportation to the crematorium on the day of the cremation in our hearse.
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Completion of all statutory cremation forms including doctor’s papers.
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Assistance with death registration as required.
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Arranging the cremation date and time with our local crematorium.
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A simple coffin (which can be changed to a coffin of your choice for an additional cost).
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Scattering of ashes in the garden of remembrance or the safe return of ashes to the family open request.
Total cost: £1,990.
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* Single use of viewing room to sit with a closed coffin for up to four people - £100.
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A Distinct Direct Cremation includes:
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Tester & Jones to collect your loved one and bring them into our care.
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Completion of all relevant statutory cremation forms including doctor’s papers.
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Assistance with death registration as required.
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Booking the Distinct Cremation with Westerleigh.
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A simple coffin and name plate.
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Transportation by Direct Cremations to a known Westerleigh crematorium.
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Scattering of ashes in the gardens of remembrance or the safe return of ashes to the family upon request.
Total cost: £1,640.
At Tester & Jones Funeral Services, we would encourage you to talk to us if you are considering a low-cost funeral or an unattended cremation service, before signing up with an online provider. We can then fully explain how we can provide these options to you ourselves.
Do call us with any questions on: 01892 611811 or drop into our office.