W est S treet , M idhurst , W est S ussex , GU29 9NQ 01730 816245 · www . merrittsofmidhurst . uk
Some of the kind words we have received from families Welcome to Merritt’s of Midhurst Funeral Service We are a small independent funeral directors, providing a traditional funeral service with a modern approach incorporating financial & environmental considerations. Our business prides itself in professionalism and providing families with a “I just wanted to say an enormous thank you to you and all your team. Last Thursday went so well all due to tailored service suitable for their loved one. your meticulous care and planning. Toby, our principal funeral director, arranges and conducts all funerals to support, dignity and care that was I can’t thank you enough for the make sure you have the continuity throughout our service. “We called Merritt’s and after our brief conversation with Toby we knew we were going to use them for my Mother’s funeral. The whole experience from the first phone call was perfectly managed.” put into everything.” “If you have recently lost a loved one then I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time”. Toby Merritt Principal Funeral Director Our Service Starts from the Moment you Contact us On your initial contact we will ask you for preliminary details, once the Doctor has given permission, we can then transfer your loved one to our Chapel of Rest where we can care for them. You can of course visit whenever you wish, all we ask is that you make an appointment so we can keep the Chapel of Rest private for “Thank you to you and your team for managing my mothers funeral. From my first contact with you I felt assured by your knowledge and “Toby, we cannot thank you and your team enough for caring and looking after Dad, His funeral was exactly what he would of expected, We felt that professionalism.” you dealt with everything extremely “We are so grateful we chose Merritt’s “Toby I can not thank you enough, you professionally.” each family. How To Contact Us We hope you put your trust in us to go that extra mile and help you give your loved ones the send-off they truly deserve and we will be there for you 24 hours a day. Visit us Merritt’s of Midhurst Funeral Service Ltd, West Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9NQ Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm · Saturday by appointment only If we are not in our office it is most likely we are helping our community please call us before coming to see us. 01730 816245 Your Only Independent Funeral Service In Midhurst Owned & Run By A Midhurst Family to look after our Mother’s cremation turned a daunting experience in to an and burial arrangements. Toby is calm, experience that I wouldn’t mind having polite, efficient and always on the end to do again. You certainly stand out of the phone.” from the rest.”
The Procedure to follow after a death will depend on the circumstances surrounding the death. A Medical Certificate and cause of death must be obtained from a doctor. This Certificate will enable you to register the death and obtain the Death Certificate. Documents & Information You Will Need Inform the family Doctor as soon as possible that death has occurred. He or she will complete a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death enabling the death to be registered. Information you will need to tell the Registrar: When registering a death you will need the following: • The person’s full name at time of death • Any names • Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death previously used (e.g. maiden name) • The person’s date And if available: When The Death Occurs At Home Documents and place of birth • Their last address • Their occupation • Council Tax bill • Driving Licence • Passport • The full name, date of birth and occupation of a • Proof of Address • Birth Certificate • NHS Medical Card surviving spouse, late spouse or civil partner • Whether • Marriage / Civil Partnership Certificate they were receiving a State Pension or any other benefit Tell Us Once When The Death Occurs In A Hospice Or Nursing Home The staff of the hospice or nursing home will support you in obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and will care for your loved one until they are conveyed to our funeral home in a dignified and caring manner. Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go. Tell Us Once will notify: • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) • Passport Office • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) • The Local Council • Veterans UK Life Ledger When The Death Occurs In Hospital The bereavement services department of the hospital will assist you in obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death via the hospital doctor enabling you to register the death. Your loved one will remain in the hospital mortuary until the death has been registered. Once this has taken place we will make arrangements to convey your loved one into our care. Life Ledger is a free, easy-to-use service that notifies 750 companies of a death from one place simplifying the admin for bereaved families. The Life Ledger platform allows families to contact all of the businesses connected with the deceased from a single point, removing the need to have the same difficult conversation over and over. From banks and utilities; to insurance companies and loyalty cards. They help families to simplify the administrative burden around the death of a loved one. They also offer an estate planning process to encourage individuals to list all their lifetime accounts and information to make it easy for loved ones to handle the administration when they die. Please visit www.lifeledger.com for more information. When The Death Is Referred To The Coroner Sometimes the Coroner will need to be informed when a Doctor cannot issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In these circumstances the Coroners Office will most likely produce a certificate once the cause of death has been established. This will then enable the funeral arrangements to proceed and the death to be legally registered. Documents You Will Receive If a post-mortem is not being held, the Registrar will If a post-mortem is being held to determine the cause issue you with: of death and the deceased is to be cremated, the • Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form) Coroner will issue a Form 6 Certificate to the Given to the funeral director as soon as possible Funeral Director. • Certificate of Registration of Death (White Form) Registering A Death – Who May Register? If the person died in a house or a hospital, the death can be registered by: Deaths occurring anywhere else can be registered by: • A relative A certified copy of the entry into the register • Someone present at the death • An official from the hospital • Death Certificate • A relative • Someone present at the death Known as a BD8, this form is for DWP purposes • The person who found the body • The person arranging the Funeral • The person in charge of the body • The person arranging the Funeral Registration must take place within 5 days of the death. Most deaths are registered by a relative. The Registrar would normally only allow other people if there are no relatives available. Hold your camera over the QR Code to view a digital version of this publication.
Funeral Options In our opinion there is no such thing as a normal funeral. Each and every funeral is individual to the family concerned. It is up to that Not too long ago, there was really only one type of funeral service. With Britain being more diverse than ever, family to pay their last respects and say their last farewell in the manner that is most suitable for them. The following information funeral formats are far less rigid than previously. is there to help answer questions that we are most often asked about the funeral and services associated with it :- (Q). What are Doctors Forms ? (Q). Does The Coffin Move After The Funeral Service At The Crematorium ? (A). When a funeral is a cremation, a doctor must attend & certify death. The doctor must be the individual who attended the deceased during his/her last illness. For this service, the doctor makes a separate charge, which we usually pay on behalf of the deceased’s family. (A). No. After the service has ended, the coffin does not move until all relatives and friends have left the Crematorium Chapel. At some Crematoria there are curtains that close at the head of the coffin, but this is only done at the request of the relatives. (Q). How Many People Can Be Seated In The Limousine ? (Q). Are The Handles On The Coffin Removed Before The Cremation Takes Place ? (A). In each limousine there is room for six people in the rear compartment and room for one in the front. (Q). How Do We Know What To Do At The Funeral ? (A). On the day of the funeral we are there to help and guide you, your family and friends. If you are unsure of anything please tell the Funeral Director. (Q). Can The Family Carry The Coffin ? (A). Yes, although we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure that it is safe to do so. (Q). Can We Visit The Deceased And Pay Our Last Respects ? (A). Yes, our Funeral Home is available to you by appointment. If you wish to visit our private chapel, please ring and inform us when you would like to come and we will be pleased to arrange for a member of staff to meet you. (A). No. There are strict laws regarding cremation. Nothing may be removed from the coffin before cremation without the permission of the Home Office. (A). Yes. The identity of the coffin name plate is checked by the Crematorium Attendant before it is placed in the Cremation Chamber. This only holds one coffin or casket at a time and again there are rules that must be abided by. (Q). Do I Get The Cremated Remains Back That Belong To Me ? (A). Yes. Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remains are removed and left to cool before being placed in an urn. This urn is clearly identified as to whose remains they are. (Q). What Can I Do With The Cremated Remains ? (A). Yes, we can bring the deceased home either on the evening before the service or the morning of the service. 1. If you are unsure on what kind of funeral you would like to arrange, here are the most popular types to help you decide. Traditional Funerals Most funerals taking place in the UK would be considered as traditional. A traditional funeral service can either be held in a local church or a crematorium and then either followed by a burial or cremation. Broadly speaking, a traditional funeral service will be a religious service taken by either a Church of England vicar, a Catholic father, a Methodist minister or any other religious denomination. You can place them in the Garden of Remembrance Celebrant or Humanist Funerals A celebrant or humanist funeral, is a non-religious ceremony for either a cremation or burial service which is becoming increasingly common. This can be more appropriate for those who neither believed or lived according to religious principles, nor accepted religious views of life or death. Direct Cremations Direct cremation funerals are for families or individuals who want a very simple, straight forward funeral that requires minimal organisation and is less expensive than other types of funerals. Following initial contact with your funeral director, the coffin will be transported to a crematorium on a date and time arranged on your behalf. No family members will be present at the cremation due to no service being held. place a headstone with them. 2. You may wish to purchase a grave just for the purpose of interring the cremated remains. This allows you to Green Funerals have a headstone and have other members of the Green funerals are becoming increasingly popular, as families or individuals consider a more environmentally family buried there in the future. friendly way of arranging a funeral. You may keep them at home in a special urn or This can range from planning a whole green funeral or considering certain aspects of a green funeral to memorial. incorporate into a traditional funeral, such as the choice of coffin or having a green burial. 4. You may scatter them in a special place. The goal of a natural burial is to return the body to the earth in the most efficient natural process. Green burials 5. The remains may be buried in an existing family grave. are intended as an environmentally sustainable alternative to existing funeral practices such as cremation piece of music playing either as you walk into or out of the Crematorium Chapel, please let the Funeral Director know. (A). Yes, if donations to charity are requested in lieu of flowers, we will accept and list donations on your behalf and forward them to the charity of your choice. opportunity to have a more bespoke send off. but you may not know where they are and you can not (A). Yes, If you have a special request or would like a particular (Q). Can We Request Donations To Charity ? the individual rather than dictated by tradition. There’s a much wider variety of funeral options today, giving you an (Q). Is Each Cremation Carried Out Individually ? (Q). Can We Have The Deceased Brought Home ? (Q). Can We Choose What Music Is Played At The Crematorium ? From dress codes to music, flowers to vehicles, the type of funeral you have has become much more a reflection of 3. which is very carbon intensive.
Our Prepaid Funeral Plans When it comes to planning a funeral, it can be a sensitive topic to navigate – especially if you are a loved one planning a service or ceremony for the deceased. That’s why it may be beneficial to consider the option of a prepaid funeral plan – as you can help to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens from your family and loved ones by planning and paying for a funeral ahead of time. Prepaid Funeral Plans from Open Prepaid Funerals We at, Merritts of Midhurst Funeral Service Limited have chosen to become an Introducer Appointed Representative of Open Prepaid Funerals, who offer fair, clear and transparent funeral plans. The experienced team at Open will guide you through the process of taking out a prepaid funeral plan and look after the financial aspects of the plan, whilst keeping us on hand to ensure your personal preferences can be met and that we maintain our relationships with the families we serve. This relationship allows Merritts of Midhurst Funeral Service Limited to provide Open with our expertise and guidance on how the funeral is conducted whilst they set up a plan to suit your needs and preferences. About Open Prepaid Funerals Open Prepaid Funerals Limited was formed in 2003 with the aim of providing a financially secure and ethical method of planning a future funeral by specialising in prepaid funeral plans. We offer a range of prepaid funeral plans, from a low-key unattended cremation to attended services designed to suit a variety of requirements. You can also create almost anything you require in our very detailed and unique bespoke plan. The cost of your prepaid funeral plan depends entirely on the plan you choose, your personal preference and the level of service that you require. The expert team of Open Advisers will talk you through this on the telephone, online using a webcam, or if required, face to face. Once set up, your payment is made into The Open Prepaid Funerals Trust Fund, where it is managed by professional fund managers, overseen by a board of trustees and independently audited annually. The trust deed has been created in such a way that its purpose is to offer greater protection to you the plan holder and your family or estate. We here at Merritts of Midhurst Funeral Service Limited will have the responsibility for the provision of your funeral on behalf of you through Open Prepaid Funerals. By choosing a local independent funeral director with Open Prepaid Funerals, you can receive a high-quality experience along with the expertise required – allowing you to be safe in the knowledge your funeral is taken care of when the time comes. Simply get in touch with us and we will arrange an appointment with an Open Adviser or you can contact Open directly on 0330 660 0072 to get the process started. Merritts of Midhurst Funeral Service Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Open Prepaid Funerals Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 962403 Notes
The Swan Inn, Midhurst PUB · RESTAUR ANT · HOTEL Nestled in the heart of The South Downs, we invite you to experience a perfect blend of timeless sophistication, warm hospitality and fine dining. to b e c o n f i r m e d Tradition with a Twist - Re-imagining the classic pub. We love tradition & all things old. Our vision behind The Swan was to bring the past up to date by bringing a 15th century coaching inn in to the 21st century. Traditional Tudor oak beams & wonky floor boards meet vibrant colours in a warm and inviting environment. We can cater for all occasions including funeral wakes. Useful Contacts Our fully stocked bar has a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and we can also serve coffee and tea. Our team will work with you to create a menu that will meet all of your requirements. For guests travelling from a far, we have well appointed accommodation. Whether you’re drawn to the quaint allure of low ceilings and creaky floorboards or prefer the elegance of tall ceilings and four-poster beds, we have a room to suit every taste. Chichester Registry Office Record Office, 3 Orchard Street Chichester PO19 1DD Tel: 01243 642122 Petersfield Registry Office Petersfield Library, 27 The Square Petersfield GU32 3HH Tel: 0300 555 1392 If you would like further details on what we can offer, please contact us via telephone, email or visit our website. University Hospitals Sussex Bereavement Offices St Richard’s Hospital: 01243 831668 Worthing Hospital: 01903 285261 Royal Sussex County Hospital: 01273 696955 Ext: 64611 Princess Royal Hospital: 01444 441881 Red Lion Street Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9PB T: 01730 859557 info@swanmidhurst.com www.swanmidhurst.com visit us online
BeingThere… ip. FC. LIVE STREAMING VIDEO FOR FUNER ALS INDEPENDENT FUNER AL CELEBR ANT We service funerals in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and further afield by arrangement I am sympathetic, attentive to your wishes, and professional. My naturally calm demeanour, my life experience and my compassion all contribute towards enabling me to help and support you at this saddest of times. I will help you to create a loving and caring, unique, person-centred ceremony to celebrate the life of your loved one whilst respecting individual views and spiritual beliefs. You, the family and friends, can participate in any aspect of the ceremony and its preparation that you wish to. As little and as much as you would like to be involved. Working alongside you, listening to your wishes, offering advice and guidance if needed I will help to ease the challenges of what could be a daunting process. Together we will focus upon and highlight the attributes and characteristics of your loved one, weaving together the memories and thoughts of those left behind to give a comforting, moving, and respectful farewell. An important part of my role, is to impart a sense of reassurance and composure to proceedings; a guiding hand where needed. When friends and family are too distant or frail to be there at the funeral of a loved one, live-streamed video allows them to participate in the service, and also provides a permanent reminder for the family, of the tributes made and of the people who made them. We use multiple high quality remotely controlled cameras and lenses to discreetly capture the funeral service from a number of angles for an engaging viewing experience, without compromising the service for the rest of the congregation. Live-streams are broadcast in HD quality (4k on request) and are accessible via a private link, sent to you via email, to distribute to whom ever you wish to invite to the livestream. We know how important your loved one’s funeral service is, so we can utilise our own satellite internet to ensure a stable live-stream connection regardless of location or mobile phone coverage - Guaranteed. I get immense professional fulfilment and huge personal rewards from this work which I consider to be my vocation. Please see my website for testimonials and more information. T: 07939 544318 www.beingthere.live welcome@beingthere.live Jintana Flowers PUB & DINING · PRIVATE FUNCTIONS · HOME COOKED FOOD Karen Nash EXPERT FLOR AL DESIGN BY JINTANA The Bricklayers Arms INDEPENDENT FUNER AL CELEBR ANT Let our beautiful flowers express your feelings at this difficult time A historic village pub with a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere located in the heart of beautiful Midhurst. I can help you create an uplifting and memorable service from helping you to choose the music, readings, or poetry to writing a meaningful tribute for your loved one. Having lost loved ones in the past, I know how important it is to create that special day. Each ceremony that I plan will be unique and individually written with care and a commitment to help celebrate the life of your loved one by providing a meaningful and touching tribute, and to be the best celebration and farewell ceremony as possible. We serve a traditional home-made pub menu with lots of classic favourites all freshly prepared to your individual requirements. We have a wide range of local real ale, cider and lager as well as a great wine list, quality spirits and soft drinks. We can cater for large and small gatherings. Our friendly team are on hand to assist you in anyway we can at this difficult time. T: 01730 812084 wwwbricklayersarmsmidhurst.co.uk mr_montys@yahoo.co.uk Wool Lane, Midhurst West Sussex GU29 9BX We understand that organising a funeral can be overwhelming and we aim to provide a seamless experience. We are here to assist you in choosing the perfect floral arrangements, ensuring they are delivered promptly and with the utmost care. Rumbolds Hill Midhurst Sussex GU29 9DG T: 01730 887655 enquiries@jintanaflowers.co.uk www.jintanaflowers.co.uk
The Royal Oak A FRIENDLY, FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS A BEAUTIFUL 17TH CENTURY PUB John Nicholson’s We offer a complete print service where all our facilities and services are under one roof giving you the customer a reduction of overall costs with a fast and responsive turnaround. At this difficult time we understand the importance of creating the right atmosphere to remember your loved one. FINE ART AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS Specialists in the South of England since 1980 We can offer a variety of memorial, printing services, including, order of service booklets, memory books, books of condolence and also memory banners. For a full list of services, please give our friendly team a call or we can be contacted via email. Unit 12 Wyndham Business Park Wedglen Industrial Estate Bepton Road Midhurst West Sussex GU29 9RE T: 01730 816809 www.nrsprint.com nick@nrsprint.com ray@nrsprint.com We have a variety of spaces available to cater for gathering from 10 - 150 people, including a beautiful outdoor marquee in summer months, and an array of buffet style or sit down menus to suit all tastes and budgets. The Royal Oak Oaklands Lane Midhurst West Sussex GU29 0EP T: 01730 817 478 info@royaloakmidhurst.co.uk www.royaloakmidhurst.co.uk National Property Experts The Greyhound OUR CLIENTS ARE AT THE CENTRE OF ALL WE DO COUNTRY PUB · FREEHOUSE · RESTAUR ANT Our conservatory restaurant can be hired for wakes and exclusive use events. A COMPREHENSIVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Our team of valuers and consultants offer a complete valuation service to homeowners and occupiers of commercial premises such as offices, hotels and other institutions, throughout the UK and overseas. We prepare detailed inventories of selected items or complete contents. This may include furniture, works of art, ceramics, glass, rugs and textiles, silver, jewellery, paintings, furniture, together with household items, personal effects and office equipment. PROBATE At a time when you and your family may be coping with bereavement, we take the worry out of your hands in helping you value a loved one’s estate. VALUATIONS VIA EMAIL If you have a lot which you are interested in receiving a valuation on via email, please send us as much detail as possible. We will then reply within 48 hours with a valuation where possible. Please Note: All valuations are given for estimated prices at auction only unless specifically stated in writing otherwise. From beginning to end, our knowledge, advice and exceptional service will steer your purchase or sale to a successful completion. Jackson-Stops Midhurst Market Square Midhurst GU29 9NJ T: 01730 812357 www.jackson-stops.co.uk midhurst@jackson-stops.co.uk The conservatory restaurant is the perfect space for your private function. The room supports groups of between 25-70 people. We have a fully stocked bar and will work with you to create a menu tailored to your requirements. The Greyhound Cocking Causeway Midhurst West Sussex GU29 9QH T: 01730 814425 info@thegreyhoundpub.com www.thegreyhoundpub.com Longfield, Midhurst Road Fernhurst, Haslemere Surrey GU27 3HA T: 01428 653727 www.johnnicholsons.com sales@johnnicholsons.com This brochure was produced by Horizon Publishing Company • www.horizonpublishingcompany.co.uk • info@horizonpublishingcompany.co.uk
W est S treet , M idhurst , W est S ussex , GU29 9NQ 01730 816245 · www . merrittsofmidhurst . uk
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