Arranging A Funeral
A Funeral can be as elaborate or simple as you wish and completely unique. We will advise you about the different options available when we meet with you in person, but in preparation, you may wish to consider some of the things below.
Cremation
Cremation has been the most popular family choice in this country for the past sixty years. Locally, we are served by the following Crematoria:
Cannock Crematorium, Hammerwich Crematorium, Streetly Crematorium, (a choice of two chapels)
Bushbury Crematorium, (a choice of two chapels)
Mercia Forest Crematorium
Naturally, we are more than happy to make arrangements for the service to take place in any Crematoria nationwide. Cremated remains (‘Ashes’) may be retained at our funeral home until you have decided your wishes, scattered or buried and there is an option to incorporate a small portion of ashes in jewellery items or keepsake urns.
Burial
Burial, seen as the ‘traditional goodbye’, is still available in some churchyards, Local Authority cemeteries, and ‘Green Burial’ sites around the county. Our team can advise you of local availability and costs.
Funeral Venue
We will help you to create a unique and befitting funeral for your loved one. This may take the form of a traditional service in a religious building or crematorium, or a more contemporary ceremony in a village hall, hotel or even outdoors.
Our local Crematoriums are in Cannock, Hammerwich, Streetly, and Fradley.
Style Of Service
We understand that each family is unique, and so are their needs during a difficult time. We offer a range of services tailored to honour the memories of your loved one. Whether you choose a traditional burial, providing a timeless resting place that can be visited for generations, or opt for cremation with its flexibility and personalisation, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our compassionate team is dedicated to assisting you in crafting a service that reflects the life and values of the life you are remembering. From planning the ceremony to selecting meaningful tributes, we offer comprehensive support, ensuring that your journey through this process is marked by comfort and understanding.
Our Fleet
We operate an immaculate fleet of Mercedes vehicles, which are housed in a purpose-built premises.
At John Short & Son, you will be able to choose the vehicles of your choice for the day of the funeral. Our fleet are driven by our experienced chauffeurs, providing you comfort and trust on the day of the service.
Choice Of Coffin Or Casket
We are here to help you choose a coffin or casket that is befitting of your loved one. Our range reflects both tradition and ecological consciousness, from veneered and solid woods to eco-friendly options created with sustainability in mind.
Music
Music transcends language and has a real effect upon the ‘feel’ of the funeral service. Therefore, great care should be taken in the choice of music, hymns and songs; each choice being uplifting, or perhaps calm and contemplative. Perhaps the person that has died made known their personal choices; if not, read more to establish your way forward.
- If your loved one did not make known their personal wishes regarding music, it may be that they knew and trusted you to make the right choices
- Was there a specific genre of music they followed?
- Is there a military history? Would music from times of national mourning be appropriate? ‘Nimrod’ by Sir Edward Elgar is a slow, gentle and widely recognised piece; played on the organ, or by a Brass or Military Band – possibly performed by your loved one’s former regiment? Would ‘The Last Post’ followed by ‘Reveille’ be appropriate? Which section of the armed forces were they involved with: Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force? It might be appropriate to choose a recording by the relevant Band – but not necessarily. You may choose a combined forces band
- Are there any other musical tastes followed by your loved one? The worlds of: Opera, Ballet, Classical, Musicals, Country, Jazz, Rock, Easy Listening (‘The Crooners’ – Sinatra, Bennett, Crosby, or more modern artists), Cinema, Sport, Television theme tunes (eg; ‘Last of the Summer Wine’), preferred instruments (piano, organ, brass , violin, guitar, etc.)
- You may want to look at their own records, CD’s or playlists to find a common denominator or an obviously favourite performer. Check what may be currently resting in their audio device
- Can you remember what they listened to whilst driving? What concerts they attended? What they watched on television? What radio programmes they listened to?
- Ask amongst your family and friends for their thoughts on the matter, or discuss possibilities with us
- If you are still short of ideas, ask the Priest, Minister, Celebrant or ask our dedicated team at John Short and Son to assist.
Live Streaming
Crematoriums now offer to ‘Live-stream’ or ‘Webcast’ for the funeral service which benefits those who might be unable to attend the service.
- Live webcasting enables someone who cannot travel, to see and hear the service as it happens.
- There will usually be a fee to pay for these services – fees may vary dependant on the supplier.
- Some crematoria, for a fee, offer a method of ordering a memory stick or ‘DVD’ with video and sound of the service to watch at a future time
- Ask us about costs – or, visit the crematorium’s own website, which should detail the costs and services available
- If you think of a family member using their mobile ‘phone to live-stream there are considerations: if there is no signal to stream / if it fails, how will the person feel about that, afterwards? / there may be an element of pressure upon an individual that takes this on / if the recording device is on a stand or tripod and someone stands in front blocking the view, the results may be a disappointment
Printed Orders Of Service
A very visual and commemorative aspect of any funeral is the individually designed order of service (otherwise; ‘service sheet’).
Our appointed specialist graphic designer produces excellent results, which will be a lasting memory and dedicated tribute to your someone special. It becomes a future source of reference and something very special to keep.
Visual Tributes
Most crematoria offer the opportunity to display a fixed photograph throughout the service, or even to view a slide-show or professional tribute set to music during the service. This can add a new dimension to the service – especially where music replaces the spoken word. We can assist you with this.
Floral Tributes
We are able to assist with the choice and provision of Floral Tributes, our florist brochure has an extensive range to choose from
Donation To Medical Science
After liaising with the School of Anatomy, documents for completion and return will be sent to the person choosing to donate their body for research. These must be witnessed and Executors or next of kin informed.
It is most important that professionals are made aware of the deceased’s wish to donate their body as soon as they pass away. This will ensure that they commence the necessary administrative procedures promptly, to meet the timescale required by the medical school.
It is worth noting that, even if approval is initially forthcoming from the School of Anatomy, there are factors which may prevent the donation, for example:
- Too much time elapsing between death and donation, there is a 3 day window in place for transference
Medical reasons not suitable to the School - No actual current need – the school has enough donors at the time
- The person has suffered from certain medical conditions or transmissible diseases prior to death or recently undergone surgery.
This will inevitably result in a funeral having to be financed by the Executors or family (which may not have been foreseen or provided for).
Repatriation
We have extensive experience of repatriating loved ones both into and out of the United Kingdom, either on behalf of the family or an Insurance Company.
From your initial call, we will guide you and keep you informed throughout the process, liaising with the Funeral Director abroad, together with all relevant authorities.
