Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a car park ?
There are 56 spaces in our large car park and 4 disabled spaces. There are further spaces in our overflow car park which is positioned very close to the main car park.
Recycling of metals
At some time in our lives we, or someone we know, may need to have an operation to help repair a bone or to insert a metal implant joint. When we then die, these metal implants are often still within the body and do not melt down in the cremation process, therefore they will remain in the cremated remains.
Until only a few years ago it was the accepted practice at Crematoria that any metal implants that remained at the end of a cremation was placed with other implants until there was a sufficient amount of metal to be buried in the grounds of the Crematorium. This practice is deemed less acceptable and alternatives that are more environmentally friendly have been established.
Why should we recycle metal implants?
The metals used for implants are from non-renewable resources such as special medical grade stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome. If we do not recycle these metals, then they will become depleted and less available in the future.
By recycling the metal implants from the cremations, we at Breckland Crematorium feel we can lessen the impact on non-renewable resources so the metals can be recycled and reused in other industries.
The Recycling process
After each cremation, any metal is removed from the ashes and placed in containers. Instead of burying these metals, they are collected, melted down and sold back into the recycling stream for use in other industries.
All surplus money raised from the recycling process are donated to charity, Breckland Crematorium will gratefully receive suggestions of local charities which could benefit from these funds for consideration.
Do we have to recycle metal implants?
Although we hope you agree that recycling not only protects the environment and benefits local bereavement charities, here at Breckland Crematorium we will only recycle metal implants with your permission.
If you do not wish for the metal implants from your loved one to be recycled then we can return them to you.
What happens to other metals?
Other metals may also be present in the cremated remains such as ferrous metals, which is mainly from the nails in the coffin. These will also be taken out and recycled. Precious metals, such as gold and silver from jewellery will vaporise or melt in the cremator and so will be included in the cremated remains.
Further Information
If you require any further information, please contact us or your Funeral Director who will be able to help you.
Do you have toilets and a waiting room?
We have male, female and disabled toilets located near the entrance to the chapel. There is also a waiting room situated between the car park and the chapel. These facilities are open during our office hours 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Can I get a coffee?
There is a bean to cup coffee machine in our waiting room from which you can purchase a large range of hot drinks including hot chocolate and freshly brewed tea.
Is the chapel wheelchair friendly?
Our chapel is accessible for wheelchair users. All the entrances are level and the doors are all double width. Our chapel attendant can move a chair so the wheelchair can be situated with friends and family in the congregation.
When can we have a funeral service ?
Funeral Services take place Monday to Friday at Breckland Crematorium (excluding bank holidays). Services can be held on a Saturday morning but this is subject to a surcharge.
The first service of each day commences at 9.15am with a following service at 10.00am and then at hourly intervals on the hour throughout the day until 4.00pm.
Each service time from 10.00am allows 40 minutes inside the Chapel but a longer service within the Chapel can be booked if desired,
via your Funeral Director for a small additional fee. The 9.15am service is only 25 minutes at a reduced fee.
Due to our rural location, please note the release of balloons or sky lanterns is not permitted.
Do you have an Organist ?
Some people choose to have an Organist play hymns instead of having music played through the Crematorium music system. Our organ can be hired for an additional fee (see price information) and is provided with an Organist who can play a wide range of hymns and music.
Do you have a music system in the Chapel ?
Our Chapel uses the Obitus music system, which provides an extensive range of all types of music to meet all requirements.
Is it possible to record the service or have a live webcast ?
It is possible for the funeral service to be recorded on to an audio CD, DVD, USB stick or broadcast online. These options are ideal if family/friends are away or live in a different country and are unable to attend the service in person. If you would like this service please contact your Funeral Director.
Can we have a visual tribute during the service ?
In our Chapel we have wall mounted screens, giving you the option of having a photo, slideshow or video played during the funeral service. This can run in the background throughout the service or be played during a reflection time as part of the funeral service. If you would like this service please contact your Funeral Director.
Do you have a flower court ?
Our flower court is an oak-framed building, designed to hold and display floral tributes. The flowers from each funeral will be put on display after the service and can then be viewed by the family and friends. It is easily accessible by a covered walkway from the exit doors of the chapel. The flowers are displayed for 4 working days before being disposed of. You are welcome to take floral tributes away within these 4 days.
Do you have a Book of Remembrance room ?
Yes, there is a small building situated within the Gardens of Remembrance, where the Book of Remembrance is situated. This is an everlasting memorial which consists of a bespoke written tribute in memory of your loved one scribed in beautiful calligraphy. The book is always open at today’s date.
Can we have a memorial in memory of our loved one ?
Yes, please visit our memorials page.
Can we place flowers, plants, pots, cards, ornaments & toys next to our memorial ?
Items such as flowers in cellophane, plants, pots, cards, ornaments or toys placed within Breckland Crematorium grounds will be removed within 7 days. Perishable items will be discarded and non-perishable items are retained for 6 months should you wish to collect them.
We appreciate you helping us keep the high standard of grounds at Breckland Crematorium, making it a pleasant place for everyone to visit.
How much does a memorial cost ?
Each memorial is unique and is therefore priced independently. For prices please contact us.
How long will memorials be in situ for ?
The Book of Remembrance is an everlasting memorial, however all other personalised memorials within Breckland Crematorium grounds will only stay in place for the term you select. After which time, you can renew or remove memorials.