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G Harries ~ and Sons ~ a'i Feibion ~

Funeral Directors

Care • Compassion • Choice

Frequently asked Questions

These are some of the questions we are frequently asked when somebody dies. If you don't see the answer to your question please give us a call and we will be happy to help you.

What do when death occurs?

If death occurs at home

Telephone the doctor, who will need to visit to certify death. Contact G Harries & Sons; we will call to convey the deceased to one of our conveniently located Chapels of Rest, any time at your request and convenience. We will then visit you at home, to discuss the funeral arrangements and advise you of the registration procedures (below).

If death occurs in hospital or Nursing Home

We will arrange to convey the deceased to our Chapel of Rest. We will either visit you at home, or you can call at our office, to discuss the funeral arrangements and advise you of registration procedures.

Registration Procedure

A death must be registered in the district in which it has occurred, within 5 days. The doctor's Certificate of Death should be taken to the Registrar's Office with, if possible, the Medical Card and Birth Certificate of the Deceased. An appointment must be made to attend registrar where the following information will be required:

  • Death Certificate
  • Whether it is to be cremation or burial
  • Date of death
  • The full name and surname (and the maiden surname if the deceased was a woman who had been married)
  • Medical Card or NHS number and NI number or a Photo ID
  • Date of birth and place of birth
  • Last occupation of deceased
  • Their usual address
  • If the deceased was married, the name, date of birth and occupation of the surviving widow/widower
  • If deceased was a widow/widower then the name and occupation only

In return the Registrar will issue a GREEN FORM which is required by us before the funeral can take place, a White Form to cancel state pension and copies of Death Certificate as required (extra copies are chargable at £11.00 each)

If the death is referred to the Coroner, it would be advisable to contact us so that provisional arrangements can be made prior to the Coroner giving permission for the registration and funeral to take place.

Where do I collect the medical death certificate?
If the death has occurred at home, the GP will issue the medical death certificate. They will either give this to you directly or you may need to collect it from the surgery. If the death occurred in a hospital you will be given the certificate by the bereavement office.
Where do I register the death?
The death will need to be registered in the area where the death occurred, even if the death occurred a distance from home. The hospital and/or the funeral director will be able to advise you on this.
How many copies of the death certificate will I need?
The Registrar will issue you with one copy. You will need another 4-5 copies to be able to send to the bank, solicitors etc. They cost approx. £11.00 each.
When do I have to register by?
Deaths in England and Wales or Northern Ireland should be registered within 5 days - if this is not going to be possible, you should inform the Registrar. In Scotland, deaths must be registered within 8 days.
Can I bring in clothing for the deceased to be dressed in?
Yes you can, alternatively we can dress the deceased in one of our gowns.
Am I able to put personal items into the coffin?
Yes, you can put personal items in the coffin, however we cannot allow any metal and glass items.
Burial or Cremation? Some facts:
In the UK about 75% of funerals involve cremation. Cremation is generally cheaper. Cremations are carried out one at a time and the ash (called cremated remains) which consists of crushed dried desiccated bone fragments is collected before the next coffin is introduced into the cremator. The three main crematoria in our area require 4 hours to complete the process. Cremated remains can be scattered in the Garden of Remembrance at the crematorium, strewn (poured under a turf), buried loose or in an urn or casket in a grave or taken away by the family.
Do I have to have a religious ceremony?

Most funerals in the UK follow traditional religious practices with a typical service taking approx. 20-30 minutes. In some cases this may extend to over an hour.

However there is also the option of a secular service which would include poetry, music and an appreciation of the deceased’s life. We are able to arrange a secular officiant for you.

Can I get help with funeral expenses?

Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) maybe available if you get certain benefits. For more information please Get help with funeral costs from the Government website.