When someone we love dies, it is important to mark the occasion properly. A church funeral is an opportunity to give thanks to God for the person who has died, for all that was good in their lives and for the way in which our lives have been enriched by them.
It’s also important for us as those who continue to live in this world. For our own health and the importance of the grieving process, it is vital that we have a chance to say goodbye properly.
Everyone is entitled to either a burial service (funeral) or to have their ashes buried in their local parish churchyard by their local parish priest regardless of whether they attended church or not while they were alive.
The churchyards at West Malling and Offham are both still open should you require a burial or an interment of ashes, and our Vicar is available for services at the crematorium should you require a cremation.
Where do I start?
When a loved one dies, it can feel overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with your own loss, but there’s the need to organise a funeral service and deal with a mountain of paperwork.
We would encourage you to appoint a Funeral Director as quickly as you are able. They will be able to provide you with important help. Usually the Funeral Director will contact the Vicar for you but please do feel free to approach our Vicar directly if you wish to speak with him; you don’t have to wait to make contact.
The following Funeral Directors are all local to West Malling and Offham:
- Viners & Sons Ltd, West Malling, phone 01732 842485
- Clarkes Funeral Service, Snodland, phone 01634 240458
- Doves Funerals, Larkfield, phone 01732 871188
- Sears Funeral Service, Barming, phone 01622 725035
- Welham Jones Funeral Directors, Sevenoaks, phone 01732 742400