DMN Front of Hearse

Burial or Cremation?


One of the first choices to make when planning a service for your loved one is whether they should have a burial or a cremation.

Cremation services have become more popular in recent years as often they are more affordable than traditional burial services.

Cremation

We are fortunate to have three crematoria in Cornwall, two of which are local to our Funeral Homes.

All three have fully integrated music systems allowing virtually any music to be played. They are also able to offer live webcasts as well as audio and/or video recording should this be required.

Treswithian Downs Crematorium

Opened in 2010 and situated on the outskirts of Camborne; the Chapel can seat 96 people with room for a further 50 standing.

The chapel has a beautiful view across the valley, and Church Organ in addition to the inbuilt music system.

Penmount Crematorium

Opened in 1956 and situated on the outskirts of Truro. There are two chapels at Penmount:

Kernow Chapel, which can seat 60 people with some room for standing.

Trelawny Chapel, which can seat 109 people with room for an additional 100 under cover.

Glynn Valley Crematorium

Opened in 1989 and situated on the A38 just outside of Bodmin, the chapel has a stunning view across the Glynn Valley and seating for 56 plus some standing room.

Treswithian Downs and Penmount Crematoria both have Church Organs as well as the inbuilt music system.

There are a number of things to consider if you decide on a cremation:

  • The service can take place in a church, chapel or other location prior to going to the Crematorium
  • The funeral service can also be held at the Crematorium itself
  • It can be less expensive than a burial
  • You can scatter the ashes at a wide variety of locations, perhaps at the deceased’s favourite spot
  • You can bury the ashes
  • You can both scatter and bury the ashes at the crematorium
  • You can keep the ashes in an urn
  • There are many options for keepsakes to be made with some of the ashes – have a look at our After the Service page for some ideas

Click for up-to-date prices below:

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Burial

The main consideration if you require a burial is which cemetery to choose (if this has not already been decided by the deceased). Often people/families buy a burial plot but this is not always the case. We will help with all enquiries as to availability of burial plots at your chosen cemetery.

Cemeteries are owned either by the Church, Parish Council, County Council or in the case of some Natural Burial Grounds, private companies – in all cases we will make all the necessary arrangements for you.

Here are some things to consider about burial:
  • When deciding upon a grave plot you may consider reserving space for other members of your family so they can be buried nearby
  • Maybe you already have a family grave or plot
  • Woodland burials are now popular and are available nearby: Penwith Woodland Burial is a popular choice
  • The service can take place in a church, chapel, graveside or other location
  • Following the burial you will need to decide if you want a memorial headstone; or if you are using a family grave whether you want a new inscription added to an existing headstone
The Service

Choosing the venue for the funeral is often, but not always, predetermined by someone’s previous connection with a local church or chapel.

A funeral ceremony can be held in a wide variety of places prior to the actual committal, and we will work with you to facilitate the service at any venue.

Celebrants

You may know exactly who you wish to lead the ceremony or you may have no idea at all, in which case we will gladly guide you.

When a religious funeral is desired and the deceased person has not been directly connected to a church, it is best practice to ask the priest or minister for the area in which they lived. Making this initial contact is something we do on your behalf and is part of the service we provide.

If you would prefer a non-religious or a humanist service, we hold a list of respected celebrants to support you in this way.

As soon as the arrangements for the date and time of the service have been agreed, we will put the priest, minister or celebrant in touch with you to discuss the full details of the service.