To download the Funeral Checklist as a PDF, please click here.
Choosing a coffin
Any coffin chosen needs to be biodegradable, soft wood is best e.g. simple pine, willow, cardboard, bamboo, recycled pulp board or wool and should NOT have any veneer, varnish or metal handles or rings. Any liner should be cotton, linen or jute, not plastic. Burial in a shroud with base board is perfectly acceptable. Embalming is not permitted. No Oak coffins the reason being that solid Oak takes too long to biodegrade. Your funeral director can usually source the coffin you require for our burial ground - please tell them what you want.
Many coffins can be ordered online or direct from the makers e.g. cardboard coffins from Greenfield. A fantastic guide to biodegradable coffins can be found on the Good Funeral Guide website.
Choosing a funeral director
Decide whether to instruct a funeral director. You do NOT have to use one. A good one will do as much OR AS LITTLE as you want. We can advise you if you wish to do most things yourself.
Choosing a date
Funerals cannot take place on Wednesdays because this is the advertised open day.
Deciding if you want to use the Lodge
The Lodge at Barton will be open for 45 minutes before the start time and remain open for a short time afterwards so that toilets are available. If you would like to use the Lodge for a service and/or a gathering after the funeral, the Lodge can be booked. Fees will apply.
If yes, what might you want to use the Lodge for?
The family may bring photos and mementos, but these must be brought as early as possible on the day and collected up promptly. The chairs may be moved into a circle for a Quaker service but must be replaced afterwards.
Music can be played in various formats using the Lodge audio system. It is advisable to check in advance that their choice of music format plays correctly on our system. Other gadgets (phones, tablets, laptops etc) must be operated by a designated person. Please tell the staff if the electric keyboard is required so it can be set up in advance.
If anything else is wanted, such as photograph display boards, data projectors and screens, video recording, Skype links etc, this must be discussed with the Administrator in advance.
Choosing a burial plaque
Plaques must be wood, must be the correct size (please look at plaque maker’s form) and not be varnished or painted. If you'd like to see more details and a list of makers please click HERE
Choosing your burial space
All new burials are in the North Glebe and plot choice will be assigned by staff.
Arriving at Barton & parking on the day
There are parking spaces by the Lodge but please leave those immediately in front of the Lodge for any disabled badge holders. Additional cars may follow the hearse to the graveside if there are mourners who are disabled or to frail to walk the distance. Please say if lots of cars are expected so that the overflow car park can be made available.
Choosing appropriate footwear
Wear appropriate footwear for a wooded and grassy area. This is particularly important in the winter when the glades can be extremely muddy
Choosing flowers or wreaths for the burial
Please avoid all arrangements using oasis, cellophane or plastic trays. Florists can produce handtied arrangements which are much more suitable for a Woodland setting. They will be removed once the flowers have died. Ornaments, vases, balloons, ribbons and other such items are not allowed and will be removed immediately.
Download the PDF detailing the types of flowers allowed at the Glebe, here.
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