Funerals and memorial Services
Local ministers are available to conduct funerals at any of our Churches across the benefice or at a local Crematorium.
Booking for a funeral service is usually made via one of the local Funeral Directors. The minister conducting the service will meet with the family to discuss the arrangements and help shape the service in response to the family’s wishes.
All of our churchyards are open for burials of anyone living in the parish, those on the church electoral roll, and those who die within the parish boundaries. See New Burials and Memorials for more information.
Memorial Services are held sometime after the funeral and often on a particular anniversary. Memorials are sometimes held when signifcant members of the family were unable to be in attendance at the funeral. This has happened quite often during the pandemic and we are here to assist you in any way we can. For an initial enquiry you may like to contact the relevant church warden
The following link to the Church of England website is a good source of information. Arranging a funeral
Arrangments to install a Headstone are usually made via a local stone mason and in accordance with the Churchyard Regulations as set by Bath and Wells Diocese. This is to maintain a dignified and respectful space for all.
Fees
Fees are set by the Church of England through the Diocese of Bath and Wells. These include:
- Burial of a body in a churchyard
- Interment of ashes
- Memorial permissions
You can find the latest fees here:
Bath and Wells Diocesan Fees for Burials and Ashes
We’ll confirm what applies in your situation when you contact us.
A Note on Churchyards
Our churchyards have limited space and so ordinarily only residents of the parish are eligible to be buried or interred in the churchyard. However if the person used to live in the parish, or had a strong family connection to the parish, the PCC may be willing to consider making an exception. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss this.
Ongoing Support
As a church family in Beckington Benefice we seek to be here for you way beyond the funeral. We are developing a small team to help provide a listening ear as you navigate this tough journey of grief. Please contact funerals.monuments@beckingtonbenefice.org
You may also find the following links useful.
CRUSE helping people through bereavement. A helpline is available.0808 8081677
Care for the Family supporting families through bereavement
Child Bereavement Helping children and young people rebuild their lives when a child dies or when a child grieves. A helpline is available 0800 0288840
SANDS A charity supporting those bereaved following a stillbirth or neonatal death. Helpline. 0808 164332