Firstly, we would like to reassure our families that we are following the current guidelines from SAIF & NAFD, our professional bodies, Government and Public Health England.
They all confirm that Funerals can continue to going ahead but the latest advice is to reduce the number of attendees and restrict this to immediate family only. To comply with the recommendations re social distancing, number of attendees will be reduced significantly.
We still want to work with you during this time of uncertainty, so face to face appointments at one of our branches will be last resort, our preference is to offer families the option to make arrangements over the telephone or through Skype/Video Calling. If this is something you would be interested in doing, then please let our staff know in advance. We are also advising that no-more than 2 family members should attend the appointments, to limit any potential risks and comply with social distancing recommendations.
As time goes on and COVID-19 comes more widespread, we will update our families and the public as best we can. It is important to keep everyone updated with any new information and this will be achieved through our social media on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, which can be found here above.
We can also offer families the option of direct cremations or unattended burials followed on by memorial services in our Chapels once we are back to normal.
Crematoriums can offer webcasting or recordings of services if required.
Herongate Wood will only be Operational for Funerals, Ashes Interments (no new ones) & pre-arranged appointments.
We are complying with Government recommendations re movement of people, so please do not visit the cemetery. Gates will be locked early.
You should only leave the house for one of four reasons:
• Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
• One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
• Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
• Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
These four reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.
The cemetery is not an essential journey.
If anyone has concerns or would like to make arrangements with us, then please call us and we will guide your family in making the right decision for your loved one. – 25th March 2020