Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society.

G E Hartley & Son can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

G E Hartley & Son can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

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Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

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Need advice?

G E Hartley & Son can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Latest Reviews

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They are very good at what they do, and I have blessed the fact that my folks set up a funeral plan with them several years ago. My mum died 4 weeks ago - not unexpected as she was very frail, but it still has…

Anne-Marie Grafton

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Rob was excellent throughout, professional, helpful and a credit to his profession

Shaun O'Gorman

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Nothing was too much trouble and everything was perfect on the day.

Michael Frankel

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Russell and his team were so considerate and kind during such a terrible time for our family. We thank him for dealing with all of my grandparents with such grace and respect. G E Hartley & Son funeral directors are such professional and kind people…

Emily

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Excellent service and compassion showed by all staff…

Sharon Gilbertson

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From start to finish, it was a pleasure to deal with GE Hartley & Sons Funeral Directors. We didn't really know what to do or where to start, but from the moment we made contact with them, they basically took all the worry and stress…

Claire Baxter

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I thought Jane was excellent, very professional and understanding of the situation above and beyond what was expected of her.

Lesley Yates

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I was very impressed with the service provided by Stewart. We saw him in person and he also spoke to us on the phone. He helped us arrange the whole process. I was particularly impressed with the floral tribute, order of service and the catering…

CATHERINE REGAN

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Russell and his team made a difficult time much easier to handle. Lots of people commented on how well the funeral went.

Walt Treloar

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Was treated with respect and kindness throughout by Robert Bond

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Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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