British Funeral Service to Offer Low-Cost Cremations

Co-op Funeralcare reports a growing interest in simple cremation, a less expensive and simpler ritual than traditional funerals. The cremation ceremony is conducted without the presence of mourners and is usually followed by scattering of ashes and a memorial service, but only after a period of time has elapsed. At the same time, the Co-op is preparing a major national survey on death in the UK to break down the social taboo surrounding the preparation of final farewells and to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are carried out.

In the Co-op\’s first survey, 50% of respondents said that discussing death more openly would help them cope with bereavement. The Co-op is working with a number of charities, including the British Red Cross, Child Bereavement UK, and Dying Matters, to find solutions on this topic.

“Conversations about death are some of the most difficult that people experience, and we know that many people try to avoid them. However, being forced to make a decision under pressure can increase stress and add to the pain of losing a loved one. That\’s why we like to encourage people to discuss and write down their wishes,” says David Collingwood, director of Co-op Funeral Care

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Collingwood also noted that many people did not ask because they did not know simple cremation existed. However, more people have become interested in this option after the death of musician David Bowie, who died in January 2016 and was cremated without family or friends present after telling his loved ones he did not want a memorial service. His ashes were later scattered in Bali. Co-operative Funeral Care is the largest funeral service provider in the UK with a network of over 1,000 funeral directors who perform around 100,000 funerals each year.