When someone dies, there’s so much to think about and so much to organise. We understand how difficult this can be, but St Mary’s and the Church of England can help you say your final goodbye in a way that really helps.

After the initial news of the death of someone you knew and loved, there are some important things that need to be done like registering the death and talking to a Funeral Director. One of the first questions a Funeral Director will ask is whether you’d like a burial or a cremation. You might like to discuss this with other family members if you’re not sure what the preference was of the person who died.

If you decide on a burial, the service will be in church and with the committal following at the graveside. If you decide on a cremation, then you can have a service in church first before travelling to the crematorium. Or you can have the whole service at the crematorium with one of the St Mary’s ministers. Remember you don’t have to be religious or a churchgoer to have a Church of England funeral – it is open to all.

Burials and interments of ashes in the church yard

Residents of Hardwick are entitled to burial in the church yard at St Mary’s, Hardwick’s parish church, whilst there is space. There will be space for full-size burials for a few more years. We also inter ashes in an area specially set aside on the north side of the church. There will continue to be space for ashes plots well into the future. If your family already has a grave or an ashes plot in the church yard it may be possible to re-open it for a new burial or interment. Please do ask and we will see what is possible.

Organising the service

If you choose to have a Church of England funeral, then let the Funeral Director know and ask them to get in touch with St Mary’s Hardwick. They will then help us all work out a date and time, and they will help you choose a coffin, and plan practical things like the cars.

Once we have a date to work to, someone from the church will visit you to listen to the story of the person you knew, and will help you design the service with your choice of music and readings, and by including any other special ideas to reflect the life of the person you knew.

From the moment you are in touch with us, throughout the funeral service, and afterwards, we’re here for you. The St Mary’s church community as part of the Church of England, has been helping people mark the end of life for generations.

The Church of England funerals pages have more information about arranging a funeral and going to a funeral, planning your own funeral and living with grief.