Funerals at St Mary's

A funeral marks the end of a person’s earthly life. Family and friends can come together to express their grief and to give thanks for the person’s life as we commend the person into God’s keeping. This service can be adapted according to the wishes of the deceased or the needs of the bereaved.

Everyone is entitled to a burial service or their ashes buried in their local parish churchyard regardless of whether they attended church or not.

If you need advice on planning a funeral or would like to speak to a vicar about bereavement please use our Get in Touch page on this website.

In the first instance, a funeral is normally handled by the Funeral Directors who can then liaise with the clergy on your behalf.

Useful links

Planning a funeral – churchofengland.org

The Funeral Service – churchofenglandfunerals.org

For practical advice and information What to do after a death - Citizens Advice

Bereavement - Find support with coping | Age UK

Online Bereavement Support | Sue Ryder


Children and Young People

A bereavement can be difficult to come to terms with at any age. Children in particular can find it hard to understand or process what has happened. 

Here are some helpful links for families, parents and carers:  

Children and bereavement - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Grief support for young people | Winston's Wish (winstonswish.org)

Supporting bereaved children and young people | Child Bereavement UK