Cremation remains the most popular choice for funerals and we are pleased to help guide you in your arrangements. There are different ways of personalising the funeral service to make it special.

There are 3 crematoria in Cornwall at Truro, Camborne and Bodmin.

For a normal service, each crematorium allows one hour – 15 minutes to arrive and settle, 30 minutes for the service and 15 minutes to leave before the next funeral attendees need access. Whilst 30 minutes is often sufficient time, some families like to have extra time to allow for a more personal feel, rearranging the seating and more contributions, slideshows etc. For this there is an extra fee which varies with different crematoria.

It is not obligatory to have a formal service or ceremony at the crematorium and some people choose to hold the service or ceremony at a different venue before or after the cremation and just to attend the crematorium for a simple committal or blessing. Generally a celebrant or a minister will lead the service or ceremony but there are a growing number of people who want to have more involvement and organise it themselves. We can accommodate whatever you choose and have a range of celebrants that we can suggest if you do not have a celebrant or minister in mind.

For families not wanting to attend there is the option of a Direct Cremation or, for those not wanting as long, there are off-peak funerals which are significantly shorter and allow the family and friends to attend but does not allow for much of a service other than some accompanying music and a poem, prayer or blessing.

Penmount Crematorium, Truro  

Penmount Crematorium is in the grounds of an old stately home on the outskirts of Truro and has extensive, beautiful gardens. There is a choice of two chapels – Kernow Chapel which seats about 60 people with some additional standing room and Trelawny Chapel which seats 100 and can accommodate a further 100 under cover. Both chapels have the facilities to play virtually any requested music as well as to play a visual tribute or slideshow and to webcast the service live to anywhere in the world with internet access. Each chapel has a waiting room for family and friends.

Covid-19 restricted numbers – In both Kernow Chapel and Trelawny Chapel the normal number of seats are allowed but standing in the chapels is not allowed – other attendees will need to stand outside or in the waiting room.

Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne

Treswithian Downs Crematorium is just off the A30 near Camborne and is a purpose-built crematorium with a beautiful spacious and light chapel with picture windows on one side overlooking the valley. The chapel can seat around 100 plus around 100 people standing. It has the facilities to play virtually any requested music as well as to play a visual tribute or slideshow and to webcast the service live to anywhere in the world with internet access. There is no waiting room.

Glynn Valley Crematorium, Bodmin

Glynn Valley Crematorium is just off the A30 and A38 at Bodmin and looks out over the Glynn Valley. The chapel seats 46 people with covered standing for another 50 or so. Again, it has the facilities to play virtually any requested music as well as to play a visual tribute or slideshow and to webcast the service live to anywhere in the world with internet access. There is a waiting room for the family and friends.

£1,460

As well as our bespoke services, we offer Direct Cremations which often suit families for reasons such as distance, finance or simply because they would like a simple, no fuss funeral. The deceased and their families receive the same level of professionalism and care as those that choose a more traditional service, the only difference is that there is no service, no music or flowers and no attendees. Should you wish to visit your loved or have them one washed and dressed, this can be arranged.

Unlike some direct cremation services, we do not transport the deceased for miles upcountry to a cheaper crematorium.

The funeral arranging and requirements are exactly the same as for an attended funeral:

• Collection of the deceased from their home, nursing home, hospice or hospital once the required paperwork is complete (within 20 miles and normal working hours)
• Care for the deceased in our Resting Place until the day of the cremation
• Meeting at our premises with the family to complete the necessary paperwork – this can also be done by post
• The family / executor registers the death of the deceased
• Booking the cremation, providing a shroud, paying for the doctors’ medical certificates and processing all necessary paperwork
• Transport of the deceased to the crematorium
• Collection of the ashes from the crematorium for you to collect from our office.

£1,460 inclusive of all basic costs* –

(Cremation fees; doctors’ medical fees; shroud; collection, care and transport of the deceased; our professional fees)

*Additional costs may be charged when

• The collection of the deceased is over 20 miles
• The collection is out of normal working hours
• In the case of bariatric cases a larger coffin and additional help is required
• A pacemaker needs to be removed
• The family would like to purchase an ashes container other than the basic biodegradable one

Please feel free to call us on 01872 521172 if you have any queries about Direct Cremations.

Burial remains a popular option for many people and we can guide you through the necessary arrangements, enabling you to choose your own level of involvement.

There are many graveyards and cemeteries in Cornwall as well as four natural burial sites. A natural burial aims to return a body to the earth in as natural a way as possible generally in the countryside – wildflower meadows and woodlands. In order to minimise the environmental impact, you are not meant to use the embalming process or non-biodegradeable coffins. Some natural burial sites will allow graves to be marked by engraved slate or a tree while others do not permit any identifying features.

Due to weather considerations and comfort, the burial usually takes place after a service or ceremony that has been held inside (in a church or other venue) where family and friends are able to gather and be seated in the warm and dry.  However, it is also possible to simply have a graveside committal service or blessing.

Generally a celebrant or a minister will lead the service or ceremony but there are a growing number of people who want to have more involvement and organise it themselves. We can accommodate your choice and have a range of celebrants that we can suggest if you do not have a celebrant or minister in mind.

We are happy to help you arrange a memorable day and encourage you to participate as much as you would like to with aspects such as bearing and lowering the coffin into the grave.

Covid-19 Restrictions

Please note that due to Covid-19 mourners must wear face masks, be socially-distanced within their bubbles and there are limited numbers allowed to attend a funeral depending upon the location and if it is inside or outside.

PENTIDDY NATURAL BURIALS – near Liskeard 

Found on the edge of Bodmin Moor near the village of Pensilva, Pentiddy Natural Burials is a small family-run site which provides a nature-rich, informal environment and an ecological option for burials in South-East Cornwall.

The site is gradually being transformed into a woodland of native trees which will be a lasting and living tribute to all who rest there. It is a quiet reflective place surrounded by woodland with a lot of bird life and beautiful views towards Dartmoor and the coast.

Pentiddy Natural Burials opened in 2009 and is proud to be a member of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds.

PENWITH WOODLAND BURIAL – near Newlyn 

Situated within the tranquil grounds of Rose Farm in West Cornwall, the Lally family have created a peaceful final resting place for both people and pets.
This area of outstanding natural beauty has a strong spiritual and healing resonance, with a history of human settlement dating back to the Iron Age, if not before.

The beautiful, wild memorial garden has a wonderful variety of trees and flowers, providing ever changing and regenerating flora and fauna throughout the seasons. In the spring the fruit orchard is a spectacular mass of blossom while the winding pathways are surrounded by abundant flowers. The garden is open to visit whenever you wish.

PENMOUNT NATURAL BURIAL GROUND – Truro 

A natural burial site that onpened on land at Penmount Crematorium in May 2013.

The natural graves are in the existing Wildflower Meadow beyond the overflow car park. All burials are single depth only.

There is a dedicated area for scattering of cremated remains but cremation plots are not available.

The area will be disturbed as little as possible at the time of each interment. They actively encourage wild flowers and wild life to become established in the area. No pesticides are used. Grass cutting is only done as part of a planned conservation programme. We cut pathways so that mourners and the local community can use and appreciate the area.

ATLANTIC REST NATURAL BURIAL – near Bude  

Set in Penlow field and approached by a green lane leading to the field through banks of wildflowers. Penlow field is at the top of a valley, south facing, and offering, on a clear day, a glimpse of the sea – hence the name “Atlantic Rest”.

Arranging a do-it-yourself funeral

We are pleased to help families who choose to do a funeral themselves. Organising a DIY funeral can be incredibly rewarding and provide family and friends of whatever religious or spiritual persuasion with a memorable, warm and personal experience. Whilst there is a significant amount of co-ordination required for the relevant paperwork, coffin and funeral service, this can be reduced by dividing the work between family and friends.

Main considerations:

• Legal paperwork
• Death certificate
• Medical certificate for cremation signed by 2 doctors (1 doctor only during Covid-19)
• Release of body form 
• Booking and payment for burial or cremation and grave digging where required
• Booking minister, celebrant or orator
• Notifying other mourners of funeral – date, time and place
• Ordering coffin
• Collection and transport of deceased
• Order of ceremony and music
• Arrange – music, transport for mourners, flowers, orders of service, donations
• Wake – venue and refreshments where required

Suggestion for Order of Ceremony

Every funeral is unique and can be arranged to suit you.  Below we suggest how a ceremony might be structured but this is open to your own personal choice:

• Introductory music
• Words of welcome
• Thoughts on life and death from a religious, spiritual or non-religious perspective
• The eulogy and/or tributes – an outline of the life and personality of the person who has died
• Music
• Readings of poetry and prose
• Reflection – a few moments for private thoughts about the person who has died, either in silence or accompanied by music
• The committal – when the curtains are closed or coffin lowered
• Closing words – including thanks on your behalf
• Final music

Need a little help?

Some people want to do a DIY funeral but may need help in some areas.  We are happy to help with any of the following and to quote a price depending on mileage etc:

• Collection of the deceased from your home, a hospital, hospice or nursing home and subsequent care for them in our Resting Place.
• Washing and dressing.
• Visiting your loved one or vigils.
• Purchase of a coffin from our range of environmentally-friendly coffins.
• Transport of the deceased to the funeral in our sliver Volvo estate.
• Supply of orders of ceremony.

Covid-19 Restrictions

Please note that due to Covid-19 mourners must wear face masks, be socially-distanced within their bubbles and there are limited numbers allowed to attend a funeral – see individual crematorium for details.

Useful information:

For further information we cannot recommend enough the Natural Death Centre www.naturaldeath.org.uk and the Good Funeral Guide www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk. 

Other useful information is to be found through the British Humanist Association www.humanism.org.uk, whilst music selections at the crematorium can be made easier by visiting Obitus at https://www.obitus.com/ .

We hope to add a lot of further information as we develop the website, specifically regarding the different venues available.

“Home funerals empower families and friends to begin the beautiful journey of mending the tear in the fabric of their community that is caused when someone they love dies.

ZENITH VIRAGO

Primarily seeing ourselves as “funeral facilitators”, one of our aims is to help empower and support families with the knowledge of how to look after their loved ones after death when they feel called to be more personally involved. Hopefully the information on this website will help to inform you and give you the confidence to do what we as family and friends had done for centuries until death and funerals became medicalised and separated. 

It is so important not to rush into decisions and we welcome your calls at any stage of your journey. Many families call us prior to a loved one’s death at home so that can discuss the options with us and then have the information to work out how much they would like to do themselves and if they need any support from us.

A home funeral is a gentle and loving way to say goodbye in your own way, at your own pace. Your personal involvement and that of family and friends brings you together, helping you to grieve and heal.

Home Funerals are a growing international movement. More information is available at the links below:

Home Funeral Network UK http://www.homefuneralnetwork.org.uk/

National Home Funeral Alliance https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/

PRICE LIST

Our Bespoke Services

To help you understand our prices we break the prices down in the following ways:

1. Professional fees
2. Third party costs
3. Choices to make the funeral special

1. Professional fees which cover the following:                              £1,710

• Meeting in person with you in your home or our office or via telephone or video conferencing such as Zoom or FaceTime
• Completing a written funeral arrangement plan in agreement with you that is supported by a clear and transparent estimate
• Collection of the deceased during normal working hours (9am – 5pm) within a 20-mile radius (additional miles are charged at £1.75 per mile). 
• Collection out of hours costs an additional £60 per member of staff attending.
• Help with the paperwork and administration needed to arrange the funeral
• Arranging and booking the venue, celebrant or minister, music, webcasts and orders of service
• Our support and attention throughout the process through further meetings, telephone calls or video conferencing
• Transport of the deceased in our silver Volvo estate to the funeral venue
• Attendance of up to 3 staff on the day of the funeral at a single location (attendance cost at an additional varies depending upon location of venue)
• Collection and delivery of the ashes within a 20 miles radius
• Administering donations

Possible additional costs

• Bearers – £65 per bearer for funeral at one venue
• Removal of pacemaker for cremation – £80
• Bariatric cases – extra cost for collection

2. Third party costs

Third party costs include crematorium or burial fees and doctors’ medical certificates.  

• Crematorium fees vary depending upon the time and location but the standard current prices for the three crematoria in Cornwall are as shown below –

• Burial fees vary significantly depending upon the type of cemetery or burial ground, if the deceased is a local resident and the cost of digging of the grave.
• Doctors’ Medical Certificates x 2 are required for cremation at £82 each (since the Coronavirus pandemic, only 1 medical certificate is required).

3. Choices to make the funeral special

These include the elements that help to make the funeral special and memorable.

• Coffin and ashes container
• Washing and dressing the deceased (female only if desired) – £90 for an average-sized person. You are welcome to help us to wash and dress in our sympathetic premises
• Visiting your loved one at our premises – £90
• Vigil – price is dependent upon how long for, numbers attending and any special refreshments or arrangements
• Celebrant or minister to take the ceremony – around £220
• Orders of service – prices vary but a guide price of £125.34 for 100 copies
• Transport other than our silver Volvo estate – prices vary depending upon choice
• Music (no charge at crematoria)
• Webcast or live streaming – prices vary
• Visual tribute or slideshow – prices vary
• Flowers

Direct Cremation                  £1,320

As well as our bespoke services, we offer Direct Cremations which often suit families for reasons such as distance, finance or simply because they would like a simple, no fuss funeral. The deceased and their families receive the same level of professionalism and care as those that choose a more traditional service, the only difference is that there is no service, no music or flowers and no attendees. Unlike some direct cremation services, we do not transport the deceased for miles upcountry to a cheaper crematorium.

The funeral arranging and requirements are exactly the same as for an attended funeral:

• Collection of the deceased from their home, nursing home, hospice or hospital once the required paperwork is complete (within working hours)
• Care for the deceased in our Resting Place until the day of the cremation
• Meeting at our premises with the family to complete the necessary paperwork – this can be done by post, telephone or video conferencing
• The family / executor register the death of the deceased
• Booking the cremation, ordering the coffin / shroud, paying for the doctors’ medical certificates and processing all necessary paperwork
• Transport of the deceased to the crematorium
• Collection of the ashes from the crematorium

£1,320 inclusive of all basic costs* –

(cremation fees; doctors’ medical certificates; cardboard coffin; collection, care and transport of the deceased; our professional fees)

Where doctors’ medical certificates are not required due to coroner involvement there will be a reduction of £82 (currently only one certificate is required).

*Additional costs may be charged when

• The collection of the deceased is over 20 miles – we charge £1.75 per mile for additional mileage
• The collection is out of normal working hours – we charge an additional £60 per member of staff
• In the case of bariatric cases where a larger coffin and additional help is required – price on request
• The family would like to purchase an ashes container other than the basic biodegradable one.

DIY Funerals

Some people want to do a DIY funeral but may need help in some areas.  We are happy to help with any of the following and to give you an estimate depending on mileage etc:

• Collection during normal working hours and care of the deceased for 14 days £440
• Washing and dressing (average-sized person) £90
• Visiting your loved one at our premises £90
• Vigil – price is dependent upon how long for, numbers attending and any special refreshments or arrangements
• Purchase of a coffin from our range of environmentally-friendly coffins
• Transport of the deceased with two staff members to the funeral in our Volvo estate within 20 miles £350
• Supply of orders of service – prices vary but a guide is £125.34 for 100 copies
• Support and recommendations – priced at £45 per hour per staff member

Terms of Payment

Please note that for attended funerals all third party costs need to be paid a minimum of two days before the day of the funeral and the remaining balance needs to be settled within seven days of the funeral. For Direct Cremations we ask that you pay in full two days before the day of the cremation.

There are so many things to consider when trying to arrange a funeral. Please see below a couple documents that we have designed to help you to work through what you may or may not like for the funeral you are arranging. This can also simply be used a wish list for your family if are thinking about your own funeral.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CREMATION

A comprehensive document that includes the various aspects to consider when planning a cremation.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR BURIAL

A comprehensive document that includes the various aspects to consider when planning a burial.

Making your funeral wishes known can be very helpful to those left behind, relieving them of decision-making at a difficult time. Please feel free to download this pdf form to help you do this, remembering that you need to let others know where to find the document.

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Limits on numbers and social distancing rules have meant that we have been unable to arrange funerals which fully recognised the life of a loved one or enabled a meaningful goodbye. Now that we can meet in greater numbers, many families are considering holding a Memorial Service or Ceremony, a Celebration of Life, a time when more people can come together, a gathering to honour the life of a loved one, to give thanks and celebrate their legacy.

Ceremonies can be informal, for example a meeting on a beach or in a more formal setting such as a hotel. When choosing a date, you might consider important milestones such as a birthday or the anniversary of the death.

Once you have an idea of the number of people who might attend, choose a suitable place, somewhere meaningful and convenient. There are limitless options, for example a village hall, a beautiful garden, the local surf club or pub, a hotel or your own home.

There may be family members and friends who would like to speak about the person who has died, you might like to play music or organise visual tributes, perhaps a time of quiet reflection or the inclusion of a simple ritual, with candles, drums or flowers, which will help express complex feelings.

Children often like to be included and participation in the ceremony helps them say goodbye and recognises the importance of their relationship. It can help them manage their feelings and may be an important part of the process of recognising their loss and grieving.

A Memorial Service or Ceremony can be both sad and a joyful event, it can be both moving and comforting. If we can help, please get in touch.

Information to follow