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About cremation

Cremation is recognised by Public Health Authorities as the most hygienic method of disposal of the dead. It has no religious significance and therefore its adoption does not conflict with Christian Doctrine and other beliefs.

The procedure to be followed is simple and normally quite straight forward. The Funeral Director, together with the Superintendent and Registrar, will make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Upon arrival, the family mourners alight from the cortege under the porte cochere which affords some protection against inclement weather. Ample parking facilities are conveniently provided near the Chapel for relatives and friends who travel to the Crematorium by private cars.

The Main Chapel (which has seating for 150) is available for all denominations, and Service Books, together with a comprehensive selection of English and Welsh hymns, are specially provided for use at the Crematorium. The Duty Organist will co-operate in playing suitable selected music or hymns by arrangement. Particular musical preferences may also be catered for with the use of C.D. or cassette.

For the first part of the service the coffin rests on the catafalque at the front of the Chapel. During the committal it is silently lowered below the level of the charcoal/blue slate surround and final respects to the departed may be paid as the mourners and friends leave by the exit nearby.

A family chapel with seating for 12 mourners can be arranged for the quiet and intimate farewell where there is no large gathering of people attending. The facilities of this small chapel have from our experience given added comfort.

Following the service in the Crematorium Chapel, the mourners may either return to their cars or be conducted by the Superintendent (or his/her Assistant) to where the floral tributes have been arranged along the covered way of the Garden of Rest. When the Ashes are to be interred at Margam the relatives attending may also confirm the instructions already given or consider their preference for lawn or woodland section for the dispersal of the cremated remains (seeĀ plan of Garden).

The Gardens of Remembrance are part of an area of natural parkland on the 17 acre site. The retention of many majestic oak and elm trees together with well-established flowering rhododendrons provide a peaceful setting of natural beauty. This has been enhanced by additional trees, shrubs and bulbs in harmony with the haven of rest.

The cremated remains are interred (i.e. buried loosely) into the selected section and this procedure brings to many a peculiar comfort that here amongst the shrubs and flowers, the trees and birds, are the mortal remains of our loved ones returned to the earth from which they came. It is respectfully pointed out that the ashes cannot be retrieved or removed after burial.

The cremated remains may alternatively be transported with little trouble and expense to another Crematorium, Cemetery or Churchyard where the final disposal is desired. A selection of suitable Urns and Caskets are available from the Crematorium Office; arrangements for packing and postage may also be made if required.

Members of the public are invited to visit the Crematorium during the hours of opening when they will be impressed with the beauty and sense of peace in the Chapels and Gardens of Remembrance. Inspection of the Crematorium is welcome by appointment with the Superintendent. Open Days are arranged. Further details are available from the Crematorium Office.