Crematorium Information
Poole Crematorium, Gravel Hill, Broadstone, Poole BH17 9BQ
Service arrangements at the crematorium
A full religious service may be conducted at the crematorium within the time allowed for each funeral. Alternatively, a service may take place in any separate place of worship followed by a brief committal ceremony at the crematorium. Families can arrange for their particular Minister to conduct the service or when required Funeral Directors may secure the services of a suitable Minister on behalf of the family.
The deceased's family can make any service arrangements, which they consider to be appropriate. Secular services can be conducted at the crematorium or, if required, no ceremony need take place. Memorial services can be conducted separately from the cremation ceremony in local places of worship by arrangement with the minister concerned.
Service times
Our service times are set at 30 minute intervals although the length of each service is generally kept to a maximum of 20 minutes to allow time for the chapel to be prepared for the following service and help minimise any congestion as services begin and end. We also offer the flexibility of 45 minute extended services; double services and Saturday services - all of which enable a choice to be made when planning a funeral.
Fire regulations
Fire Regulations state that the maximum capacity for Chapel is 120 (including staff members). There is seating for 80 people. If you feel that a large number of people may be attending a service we recommend that you consider extending the service time to allow people plenty of time to pay their individual respects.
Parking
Vehicle parking is limited to 110 spaces. Due to the number of casual visitors to the crematorium as well as mourners at previous/subsequent services we suggest that you allow yourself plenty of time for parking and wherever possible share transport.
Procedure on the day of the funeral
The mourners will normally gather at the crematorium in the waiting room or close to the entrance of the chapel a few minutes before the appointed time of the funeral service. It is not usual for the ceremony to commence before the publicised time. When the principal mourners are ready to proceed, the coffin will be conveyed into the chapel by the Funeral Director unless family bearers are used by request. The coffin will be placed on the catafalque and mourners will be directed to their seats after which the service will proceed. At the moment during the service when the committal of the body takes place the coffin may be lowered in the catafalque. At the end of the service the mourners leave the chapel and may then inspect the floral tributes.
What happens to the floral tributes
Immediately following a service floral tributes are always moved to the wreath court, via the cloisters, to enable family and friends to gather together to talk and view the flowers. The wreath court is located directly next to the exit from the cloisters and on the way to the car park. Flowers placed in the Floral Court area normally remain in situ for three days (including the day of service). This is primarily to prevent potential overcrowding of the wreath court but also serves to provide a consistent guide for visitors. After three days the floral tributes are removed and disposed of, alternatively the family may wish to make arrangements for the floral tributes to be removed during this time themselves.
What happens to the coffin after the committal
The coffin is withdrawn into the committal room where the nameplate is carefully checked by crematorium staff to ensure the correct identity. An identity card will then accompany the coffin and the resultant remains until their final disposal or removal from the crematorium.
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