Funeral Cremation
The crematorium was opened in Carlisle in 1956. Over 78,000
cremations have occurred since then, and around 1400 cremations
take place each year.
Cremation services occur Monday to Friday from 9.40am to 3.40pm,
with 40 minutes reserved for each ceremony. This is to enable each
funeral to arrive, the ceremony to occur, and everyone to leave
without seeing another funeral. Extra time can be requested without
further charge.
A religious or non-religious (civil)
service can be arranged. Music is relayed into the Chapel
via an automated music system, and some people bring musicians or
singers, or perhaps read poetry. It is important to note that
you can do whatever you wish. There is no legal necessity to hold a
service and some people entirely dispense with this.
During the ceremony, the coffin rests on the "catafalque" (a
stage upon which a royal coffin used to be placed) and a committal
usually occurs. We have both a net and velvet curtain which can be
drawn as part of the committal. Alternatively, if you find the
committal upsetting, the curtains can be left open and you can see
the coffin, for the final time, just before you leave the
chapel.
Two cremators are operated that comply with the Environmental
Protection Act 1990, in order to reduce air pollution. In view of
our concern , we ask people not to use plastics, PVC and any
materials that causes pollution. The deceased can be dressed or
shrouded in clothing of natural materials, but rubber soled shoes
should be avoided.