Nearly all of us have lost someone close to us in recent times. And yet often we face bereavement alone with no-one we can really talk with. At Stoke Minster we look to support individuals and families facing grief. We lead funeral services in church or the crematorium chapel. We believe each person is precious in God's sight and each of us - in life and in death - deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If you're faced with planning a funeral, the Church of England has helpful resources here.

If you're looking to arrange a funeral for someone you love then we suggest in the first place you speak with a funeral director who will be best placed to arrange the booking with ourselves and the crematorium or cemetery. Details of our fees (in 2023) are available to view here.

You may wish to light a candle to remember someone. Whenever the church is open you're welcome to drop in quietly. You can also light a candle online.

For information on bereavement support feel free to contact us or visit www.ataloss.org

Interment of Cremated Remains at Stoke Minster

Although the churchyard has been closed for burials for many years, it is possible for cremated remains to be interred in the garden of remembrance. This is located on the north side of the church around the rose garden.

Families should be aware that we only have facility for ashes to be poured into a prepared plot rather than the interment of a casket. Our neighbouring funeral directors, Harold H. Leese, can assist with preparations for this (tel. 01782 744433) and should be contacted in advance. Please note that there are no memorial plaques in the garden; instead the garden is marked with a single, common stone to commemorate all those whose remains are interred within it.

A short service is conducted at the interment led by a member of the clergy team, generally held at the garden of remembrance. Please contact us for further information.