– Would your loved one want a burial or a cremation?
– Where will the funeral be held?
– Should it be in a church, crematorium, natural burial grounds or somewhere else?
– What type of service is appropriate?
These are some of the decisions you will need to make.
From the most elaborate bespoke send-off to a no fuss direct cremation, being an independent funeral director enables us to meet your needs whether you choose a traditional, modern, simple or low cost direct service. We will work with you to create a fitting farewell for your loved one.
A direct cremation is essentially a funeral that is unattended by mourners. It is held at a time of our choice, and usually takes place at The Vale in Evesham. You can still come for a viewing at any of our premises, by arrangement, and funeral director and a pallbearer from R. Locke & Son will personally accompany your loved one to the crematorium in the hearsette. Music can be played at the committal and you will have peace of mind knowing when and where it will take place, and that R. Locke & Son will be there on your behalf.
Find out more about Direct Cremation funerals.
Usually based on a Direct Cremation, a simple funeral may be an ideal choice for families who are thinking of a direct cremation but would also value an opportunity to gather and remember. Our Chapel of Rest in Brailes is the ideal setting for a small gathering. We can guide you to more simpler and cost effective options for coffins, with the choice of either the hearse or hearsette for your loved one to travel to the Crematorium.
Burial at a natural burial ground and nature reserve gives the choice of a more ecological option in a tranquil location, with graves often marked by trees and sometimes with a memorial plaque for family and friends to visit and remember. Locally, there are natural burial grounds at Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground which is located between Banbury and Stratford upon Avon, Oakley Wood at Bishop's Tachbrooke near Leamington Spa, and Alne Wood Park in Alcester as well as other venues across the UK. A natural burial can be arranged either with or without a service beforehand at the venue or elsewhere.
A traditional full service funeral can be religious or non-religious, and a burial or cremation. Some families may prefer a church or crematorium service, and we can work with ministers and celebrants to personalise your loved one’s funeral with music, readings, hyms, flowers and your choice of coffin, order of service and other details meaningful to your loved one and family. Funerals can be live-streamed, if you wish for others to watch the funeral remotely who cannot attend in person.
Our Brailes office is set in a most beautiful and peaceful area on the edge of the Cotswold countryside. Our reception rooms are relaxing and comfortable where we can sit down with a cup of tea or coffee,
to chat and make arrangements. The light and airy chapel overlooks the rolling fields and is decorated with fresh flowers.
The chapel of rest can seat up to 22 people and the chairs can be configured to suit your individual requirements. This enables us to hold your funeral service in Brailes, rather than a local crematorium or church, in a small and intimate setting overlooking beautiful countryside with waiting room, toilet facilities, disabled access and parking all on one site. There is parking for up to 8 cars available right outside our door and it is not unusual to see rabbits in the driveway, or a squirrel scampering past!
Recorded music can be played or you can have a live musician, and we have an electric piano available for your use. It is possible to have the service livestreamed if you wish.
You are welcome to take time to reflect amongst nature and wildlife when you visit, sitting on a bench and enjoying the view towards Shipston and across
the Cotswolds.
View details of forthcoming and recent funerals and make an in-memory donation.
On behalf of our families, thank you for your support.
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