Cremated Remains
Deciding about the disposal of cremated remains
The Funeral Director will discuss with relatives the alternative arrangements, which may be adopted for the disposal of cremated remains. A form of authority will be required to be signed advising the crematorium of the wishes of the family. If they are undecided it is possible for the cremated remains to be retained, either at the crematorium or at the Funeral Director's premises, pending a decision.
Disposal of cremated remains at Poole Crematorium
Cremation interment plots are available within the Borough cemeteries where a formal headstone can be erected, these plots will take up to four sets of cremated remains in caskets.
At Poole Crematorium cremated remains may be laid to rest in Sanctums, which are available to lease. Alternatively there are two areas within the grounds for the scattering and resting place of cremated remains.
- The Woodland Glades consists of four areas, each named after the four seasons, and are within a natural setting in amongst the trees with only woodland flora and a few memorial seats.
- The Formal Lawn is the interment area where each plot can be dug to a depth that is then able to take two sets of cremated remains if required. The second set can be interred at a later date without disturbing the first set. There is a small fee chargeable for the interment lawn.
Both areas are part of the gardens and as such no individual plots are marked. We do however offer a wide variety of memorials available within the grounds to remember loved ones. Flowers may also be placed on the shelves provided in the Book Room.
A complete record of all scatterings and interments of cremated remains are kept and this information is available upon request at the Crematorium Office.
Our scatter glades and memorial gardens are situated in a natural woodland area, which is constantly re-used and visited over the years. For this reason we ask visitors to respect this environment and refrain from:
- Placing personal memorial tributes (other than loose flowers in no wrapping), especially tying items to trees and seats in all areas of the grounds
- Putting vases onto the interment lawn and scatter glades
- Placing ornaments or installing fencing or stones to mark out borders in all areas of the grounds
- Leaving artificial flowers, glass/pottery containers, ornaments, toys or cards in all areas of the grounds
- Planting bulbs, annuals or perennials around memorial shrubs or trees as this encroaches on neighbouring areas
- Removing or displacing the bark-chipping around the shrub beds - this mulch is used to retain the fertiliser and moisture content
- Bringing dogs (except for guide dogs) into the grounds for reasons of hygiene
These rules are to ensure that long-term maintenance can be properly and efficiently undertaken in order to maintain the feeling of peace and dignity as befits grounds of this type.
We understand that people may feel the need to place a tribute during their visit but please be aware that these will be removed periodically and stored by staff. We regret however that any items not collected within one month of removal will be disposed of.
Disposal of cremated remains at elsewhere
Cremated remains can be removed from the crematorium in a suitable container for disposal elsewhere. This may include interment in a grave in a cemetery or churchyard, dispersal at another crematorium or dispersal privately in a particular area selected by the family. Suitable permission should be obtained from the appropriate Authority in these cases.
What happens to the cremated remains after the cremation
At the conclusion of a cremation the cremated remains are removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in a special container. Ferrous metals used in the construction of the coffin or metal used in medical implants are extracted and retained for separate disposal. Non-ferrous metals, which may include an unrecognisable element of precious material, will not be salvaged for any purpose and will be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Cremation Practice.
What procedures are followed to ensure that cremated remains are kept separate
A cremator can physically accept only one coffin at a time and all remains are removed before the unit can be used again. An identity card accompanies the coffin and cremated remains throughout the process until final disposal. The code of ethics and practical necessity are complementary and combine to ensure that the separation of cremated remains is achieved.
How are cremated remains treated at the crematorium
Cremated remains are removed from the cremator only when no further reduction is possible. The remains are withdrawn into a cooling area and finally into a special container for transfer to a purpose made unit, which, after removal of ferrous metals, will reduce the residue to a fine consistency suitable for storage and eventual disposal. The remains are enclosed in a suitable and carefully identified container to await dispersal or collection.
What quantity of remains will there be following a cremation
The cremation of an adult will normally result in the presentation of cremated remains weighing between 2 and 4 kg. In the case of a body of an infant it may not be possible to guarantee that any remains will be collectable. This is due to the cartilaginous nature of the bone structure.
What happens to the cremated remains strewn in the ground
The cremated remains, which have assumed a granular form, are normally distributed over a wide area of ground. Chemical reactions resulting from exposure to the elements quickly break down the remains so that within a few days little trace of them can be observed.
Retaining cremated remains by the family pending final disposal
The Applicant for cremation may collect and retain the cremated remains if required. Cremated remains can be retained at the crematorium for a limited period although a charge may be made for this facility.
Code of ethics and working practices for the cremation of a body
The Borough of Poole is a member of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities and is therefore required to operate strictly in accordance with a Code of Cremation Practice. This code is freely available from staff at the crematorium.
How soon after the service the cremation takes place
The cremation will usually be commenced shortly after the service. The Code of Cremation Practice specifies that the cremation is always completed on the same day as the service.
Cremating the body with the coffin
The Code requires that the coffin be placed in the cremator in exactly the same condition as that in which it was received at the crematorium. Crematorium regulations require that the coffin and all its fittings and furnishings be made from materials suitable for cremation. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 has placed a new responsibility on Cremation Authorities to ensure that the process is completed under controlled conditions, which will minimise the impact on the environment. In these circumstances it will be necessary for any items included in the coffin for presentation or viewing purposes to be removed by the Funeral Director before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. It will not be possible for any floral tributes to be included with the coffin for cremation.
Items of jewellery
It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the body before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. The Funeral Director should ascertain your wishes in respect of this matter when the funeral arrangements are being discussed. It will not be possible to recover any items of jewellery after the coffin has been received at the crematorium.
Cremation of more than one body in a cremator at the same time
The Code insists that each cremation is carried out separately. Exceptions may be made for instance in the case of mother and baby or twin children providing that the next of kin has made a specific request in this regard.
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