Funeral Services
Gowards
The Only Independent Funeral Director in Fakenham
Your Choice Of Funeral
We firmly believe that every funeral should be as individual as the deceased and that the choices made should truly reflect their life, personality and character - making it a unique celebration of their life - this is why it is our policy not to impose urgency or apply undue pressure on you to make arrangements.
You will find links within the information given on this website, please use these links to other resources to assist you
with some of the queries you may have whilst making the funeral arrangements but please remember we are always here
to answer any queries personally.
The Funeral Service
The first decision we usually ask people to make, unless wishes are known, is whether or not the service shall be a burial or cremation and also where the service is to be held - church, graveside, crematorium chapel or an alternative venue.
Whatever your decision we will liaise on your behalf and make all the arrangements for you.
You may wish to browse some of the sites below for further information before making a decision
Mintlyn Crematorium - Cromer Crematorium - St. Faith's Crematorium / Earlham Crematorium
Colney Wood Burial Park - Norfolk Bluebell Wood - Norwich Diocese
Registering the Death
A death occuring in England and Wales should be registered within 5 days. Changes in the Norfolk Registration system now
mean that a death can be registered at any Registration office.
Appointments can be made for any Norfolk registration office by calling 0344 800 8020 or online at
www.norfolk.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths
Please click on this link for a list of Registration Office Addresses
It is advisable to ascertain how many certificates you require for solicitor, banks, insurances etc, before you attend the Registrar
as copies required later demand a higher fee. The fee is currently £ 11.00 per certificate.
Further changes have seen the introduction of the 'Tell Us Once' scheme which will assist you in informing other government departments ie DWP and DVLA of the death. The Registrar will again provide you with the information you need for this.
Alternative Transportation / Services
As well as the traditional hearse and following limousine, if required, we are able to offer and organise for you a range of
alternative modes of transport such as
Horse Drawn Hearse - Motorcycle Hearse - Trike Hearse - Vintage Lorry - Volkswagen Vehicles - 4x4
other services we can organise on your behalf include:
Civil Celebrants / Humanist Ministers - Orders of Service - Keepsakes - Dove Releases - Highland Piper or Bugler
Hymns and Music
Increasingly families are choosing musical elements, be it a favourite hymn or song, that reflect the life and times of the deceased.
There are generally few restrictions on the choice of music allowed but out of courtesy choices should be discussed with the minister/celebrant leading the service. We can help source both sheet and CD music and if required can provide a music system
for use in church. Please be aware if looking for music on YouTube that not all tracks are commercially released.
Please use this links to access Obitus where you will find comprehensive lists of both hymns and contemporary music choices.
Funeral Stationery
Personalised and professionally designed stationery is a wonderful way of providing a lasting tribute to the life of a much loved relative or friend. The whole process of creating an Order of Service, or some of the other memorial items, allows families to reflect, contribute and collaborate. This can help you come to terms with your loss and can help turn a sad event into a celebration of life.
Please use this link to access the latest brochure of designs from Gateway Publishing - our chosen printer
view.htmlhttps://www.flipsnack.com/CDFBFAAA9F7/gateway-brochure-flip-book-h5270yq95e/full-view.html
Floral Tributes or Donations
A floral tribute is the traditional way to pay tribute and express sympathy.
The range available is comprehensive and most varieties of flowers are available all year round. Choosing a tribute will not only bring comfort to you but will reflect your remembrance of your loved one. We are happy to arrange your flowers for you but you may wish to look at some of the designs available from
Many families are now choosing to receive charitable donations in lieu of flowers. There are many worthy causes and it is sometimes an additional comfort to know that your generosity has helped others in need. Donation monies are accepted on your behalf,
administered and in due course forwarded onto the chosen charity(ies).