At Forest of Dean Crematorium we are very proud of our facilities and the high standards of care that we provide for the bereaved.
On the day of a funeral or when visiting a loved ones resting place, families and visitors will only ever see our grounds and gardens, or the chapel.
This dedication to providing the highest standards of care is further demonstrated behind the scenes at the crematorium. These are the areas that are not normally accessed by the general public.
Once the curtains close and everyone leaves the chapel the coffin is carefully transferred to the crematory where the name plate is checked again. The deceased details are provided on a name card and this card will follow the deceased throughout the entire process. Once all checks are recorded the coffin is charged into the cremator and the cremation process commences.
At Forest of Dean Crematorium we have a modern computer controlled cremator that was installed during the recent refurbishment of the crematorium. The cremator is connected to a sophisticated filtration system which removes any toxins harmful to the environment together with any waste combustion gasses. This will ensure mourners and visitors will never see any smoke released into the atmosphere.
At the end of the cremation process the remains are collected and cooled. The final stage is the reduction of the remains to a fine ash that is suitable for scattering. The ashes are placed into an urn or casket where the name card will be attached for identification.
Forest of Dean Crematorium has an open door policy whereby members of the public may by appointment view the facilities behind the scenes during an operating day. This policy will help dispel any myths and answer any questions. On seeing the cremation process the viewer can be reassured that all cremations take place individually, coffins are cremated with the deceased and that identity is maintained throughout the process so that a family can be sure that they receive the correct remains. We also accommodate Hindu and Sikh funeral rites whereby the charging of the coffin into the cremator may be witnessed.
For further details about the cremation process please refer to the ‘Code of Cremation Practice’ which Forest of Dean Crematorium adopts in full.
For a few images from "Behind The Scenes" Click here for our Gallery...