Non-Religious Funerals

Can you arrange non-religious funerals?

Absolutely. Please ask us for advice. For example religious symbols can be temporarily removed from certain crematoriums and chapels if you so wish.

What happens in non-religious funerals?

The ceremony is tailored to your wishes. Music is often included. For inspiration please take a look at our funeral music ideas page.

Often an officiate or family member begins and ends the ceremony with a welcome and a thank you. Sometimes there are readings and opportunities for others to speak about the deceased. If you wish to say a prayer then please ask.

What is a humanist funeral?

A humanist funeral celebrates the life of the person who has passed away. In a humanist funeral there is no reference to religion or to an afterlife. Instead the ceremony concentrates on the connections the deceased made throughout their life.

Such funerals, or memorials, allow you to share memories and express your feelings. Please ask if you wish to include a prayer.Please ask us for more details. You may also find the Humanist Ceremonies website helpful.

For immediate help or advice please call us on 01723 859 279 at any time. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced team. We’re here to help you through every stage of the process. If you have any questions, please just ask.

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Civil Funerals

A Civil Funeral ceremony can be a completely non-religious funeral. Alternatively, it can include some religious elements. You can hold one for a cremation or burial.

It can be held in many locations, apart from churches and religious buildings.

There is more information at the Institute of Civil Funerals.

For options around Scarborough and the surrounding area, please contact us.

What arrangements

can you help make?

We can help you with all aspects of traditional funerals. Click the links below to find out more:

Arranging the service
Transport
Flowers
Music
Refreshments
Memorials and donations

Free counselling for those who have used our services

We are a partner of SAIF Care. Their friendly Associate Counsellors help bereaved people over the age of 18. They are trained to listen, help you understand your experience of grief and develop self-care and coping strategies to deal with the challenges you may be facing. Find out more in Bereavement Support.

Call us any time

We are on hand at any time to give help and advice. Please call us with any questions on 01723 859 279.
You can also email us at office@stockillandsonfunerals.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Do you dress the deceased?

Yes we can dress the deceased for you, you need only hand over the belongings to us. Otherwise they are carefully shrouded in a silken gown.
Can we view the deceased?

Yes. We just need appropriate notice to ensure absolute privacy for you.
Will the deceased need to be embalmed?

Embalming is not usually necessary given the advancement in storage facility technology. However, we can arrange for embalming if requested.
Do you have coffin bearers?

Yes, we have trained coffin bearers. We pride ourselves in being able to offer pallbearers who carry the coffins on their shoulders rather than using a trolley. Family members may carry, but here at F A Stockill we will always ensure there are enough bearers on hand on the day, just in case. Please note we never allow family to lower coffins on a burial.
How many coffin bearers will be needed?

This depends on the size and weight of the coffin. Usually there are between four and six bearers.
Do funeral directors re-use coffins?

No, most definitely not. The coffin is cremated or buried with the deceased.
Can I touch the coffin as I leave the ceremony?

Yes, absolutely.
As a member of the congregation, can we take away the Order of Service or should we leave it there?

Please take it with you. An Order of Service can provide a lovely memento of your family member or friend for quiet contemplation later.
Do crematoriums cremate more than one person at a time?

No. The only exception is if the next of kin have requested it for a mother and baby or small twin children.
What happens when the curtains shut at the crematorium?

Nothing happens until the congregation have left the building. The coffin is removed from behind the curtain after the service has taken place.
When do we collect the ashes?

They are usually available two to three days after the service. In case of urgent matters such as limited time or travel they may be available on the same day.

We will never hassle you to collect the ashes from us. Some families wish different things and maybe wish to wait until the other parent has passed to scatter both. We have stored some ashes for over 25 years. However, we do encourage family to arrange a resting place for them as soon as they feel able so as not to cause further upset later.

You may find our cremations section helpful.
Do funeral directors expect a tip?

We’ve included this as it’s a frequently asked question on the internet. The answer is no. Although Claire has never met a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates she didn’t like!
I have a question that isn’t answered. Can I ask you anonymously?

Absolutely – we welcome any feedback or questions. Just fill in this online form and we will post the answer on this page.

Plan ahead with golden charter pre-paid funeral plans

A funeral plan is an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan. As customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family. A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as the cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.

At F. A. Stockill & Son we work in partnership with Golden Charter to provide you with a simple way to plan ahead. As one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers1, Golden Charter has helped over 900,000 people to plan ahead2, so we’re completely confident in offering their plans to you.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible. When you get in touch, we’ll be happy to discuss your funeral requirements and tailor a plan to suit you. Rest assured a plan from Golden Charter is available to all UK residents regardless of age or state of health.

F. A. Stockill and Son Funeral Directors trading as F. A. Stockill and Son Funeral Directors is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).