Coronavirus Information
Coronavirus Critical Update
Updated 14/12/2021
From Friday 10th December 2021 the use of face coverings in chapels became mandatory by law. Unless exempt all persons attending funerals must wear a face covering whilst in the premises. Visitors to offices must also wear a face covering.
Mourners are encouraged to take a lateral flow test before attending a funeral.
Our grounds and public spaces are open to the public at our usual advertised times (or restricted times as per the below information).
Please find links below for information, guidance and for restrictions currently in place at this time.
Each section has a list based on frequently asked questions and printable guidance where applicable.
This is a list based on frequently asked questions.
For North East Surrey Crematorium and gardens please visit their website click here
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date effective |
Last updated |
| Grounds opening times | Normal advertised times | 20 July | 20 July 2020 |
| Public toilets | Normal advertised times | 20 July | 20 July 2020 |
This is a list based on frequently asked questions.
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date effective |
Last updated |
| Grounds opening times | Normal advertised times | 20 July | 20 July 2020 |
| Public toilets | Normal advertised times (crematorium building only) |
20 July | 20 July 2020 |
This is a list based on frequently asked questions.
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date effective |
Last updated |
| Building opening times | Daily 10am to 4pm (last admittance at 3:45pm) |
20 July | 22 July 2020 |
| Use of face coverings | Required by law | 10/12/21 | 14/12/21 |
| Public toilets | Normal advertised times (crematorium building only) |
20 July | 22 July 2020 |
This is a list based on frequently asked questions. For more information and advice on arranging a funeral you should speak with your funeral arranger.
Restrictions change from time to time so please revisit this page a few days before a funeral in case any of this information has changed.
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date effective |
Last updated |
| Permitted number of mourners | Up to 80 in chapel. This is based on a general risk assessment
Unlimited at graveside |
19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| How long is permitted for the service in chapel | Our usual policy applies. For early slots before 10am 20 minutes is allowed. For Slots 10am onwards it is 30 minutes. Please stick to these times as we need to hygienically clean the chapel between services. If you require more time you may, for a fee book an additional slot which will allow for a service of up to one hour | n/a | n/a |
| What measures are in place to protect the public from the virus in the chapel | Throughout the day our chapel attendant disinfects the pews paying particular attention to pews used at each service. All touch points are sanitised between services. We have hand sanitiser available in the chapel and ask that mourners sanitise on entering and leaving the building. Face coverings must be worn to minimise the spread of the virus, This became mandatory (by law) from 10/12/21. Families must inform other attendees. | 10/12/21 | 14/12/21 |
| Test and trace | We ask that the lead mourner (usually the person organising the funeral) compiles a list of mourners and their contact telephone numbers. This list should be kept by the lead mourner for 21 days. If we are contacted by Public Health England or the NHS suspecting that someone on that day may have the virus, we will contact the lead mourner to advise them what to do | 13 July | 13 July 2020 |
| Use of face coverings | Required by law | 10/12/21 | 14/12/21 |
| Is singing permitted in chapel | Singing is permitted in chapel however families should consider the risk of transmission. Hymn books were removed from chapels at the start of our response to the pandemic and will not be reinstated until further notice | 19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Are floral tributes permitted | Yes. Our usual policy applies and your funeral arranger will be able to arrange these for you. Any tribute placed on the coffin will be removed after the service and placed on the floral terrace. Please note that tributes are not able to be cremated for environmental reasons with the exception of a handful of fresh flowers if you wish | n/a | n/a |
| Can we witness the coffin being placed in a cremator | Unfortunately due to building works we are unable to offer this at this time | 19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Car parking | Ample free car parking is available at Putney Vale Crematorium. Parking for burials is around the cemetery but not too near to the area where the burial is taking place | 5 August | 5 August 2020 |
| Burials: Backfilling of graves by mourners | Back filling of a grave by mourners is now permitted however this will be managed by the attendant and grave digging staff. A limited number of mourners will be permitted to back fill at any one time and any request by staff to move away from the grave/social distance must be followed | 19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Burials: Family lowering of a coffin into a grave | Our usual policy still applies but subject to any policy the funeral director has in place at this time. If permitted two members of a family may assist the lowering of a coffin with four trained funeral staff taking the corner positions. | n/a | n/a |
| Public toilets | Normal advertised times (crematorium building only) |
20 July | 23 July 2020 |
This is a list based on frequently asked questions.
Restrictions change from time to time so please revisit this page a few days before a funeral in case any of this information has changed.
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date implemented |
Last updated |
| Permitted number of mourners | Putney Vale – Up to 80 in chapel based on general risk assesment
Wandsworth Cemetery – is now open for use |
19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Can I watch a service online | This is an option for services in chapel. If you are able to, you should contact the immediate family. If they have taken this option they will be able to provide you with the details. The office is not able to provide this to you. | 23 March | 23 March 2020 |
| Can I send flowers to a funeral | Yes. You can arrange for flowers to be sent directly to the crematorium on the morning of a funeral. The florist will place them on the floral terrace where a name card will have been placed. For burials please ask the florist to visit the office and staff will advise them where to leave them – usually next to the grave. Alternatively if you know who the funeral director is, you may send the tributes to them. | n/a | n/a |
| What measures are in place to protect the public from the virus in the chapel | Throughout the day our chapel attendant disinfects the pews paying particular attention to pews used at each service. All touch points are sanitised between services. We have hand sanitiser available in the chapel and ask that mourners sanitise on entering and leaving the building. Face coverings must be worn to minimise the spread of the virus, This became mandatory (by law) from 10/12/21. Families must inform other attendees. | 19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Test and trace | The lead mourner (usually the person organising the funeral) should compile a list of mourners and their contact telephone numbers. The lead mourner will keep these details for 21 days and if we are contacted by Public Health England or the NHS suspecting that someone on that day may have the virus, we will contact the lead mourner to advise them what to do. | 13 July | 13 July 2020 |
| Use of face coverings | Required by law | 10/12/21 | 14/12/21 |
| Car parking | Ample free car parking is available at Putney Vale Crematorium. Parking for burials is around the cemetery but not too near to the area where the burial is taking place | 18 May | 18 May 2020 |
| Public toilets | Normal advertised times (crematorium building only) |
20 July | 22 July 2020 |
This is a list based on frequently asked questions.
For information and advice on planning a burial of cremated remains please click here
For information and advice on planning a scattering of cremated remains please click here
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date effective | Last updated |
| Maximum attendees | Unlimited | 19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Appointment limitations | Burial of cremated remains – Any day. Please note that there is an extra fee for weekend appointments
Scattering – Any day. Appointments limited to 11am and 2pm. Please note that there is a fee for weekend appointments |
19 July | 15 July 2021 |
| Use of face coverings | Advisable | 24 July | 23 July 2020 |
| Public toilets | Normal advertised times (crematorium building only) |
20 July | 22 July 2020 |
This is a list based on frequently asked questions.
| Frequently asked questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Question | Current position | Date implemented | Last updated |
| Is the office open to the public | Yes – We are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding public holidays) | 20 July | 20 July 2020 |
| Can I have a face to face consultation | We are only able to speak with you at the reception desk which has a ‘sneeze screen’ in place to protect staff and visitors.
~ You should consider emailing us at bereavement@enablelc.org |
20 July | 20 July 2020 |
| Use of face coverings | Face coverings are required by law | 10/12/21 | 14/12/12 |
| Public toilets | Public toilets (including disabled facilities) are not available in the office building. Toilets are available at the crematorium building during normal advertised times | 20 July | 20 July 2020 |
If you are in need of support during these challenging times, the below websites may be of some comfort:
Mental Health UK – Here you’ll find lots of tips and ideas to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing
MIND – Information on the coronavirus and advice on how to manage your wellbeing
Anxiety UK – Advice on health and other forms of anxiety and coronavirus
Mental Health – Variety of guides and advice on looking after your mental health
Place 2 Be – Improving Children’s Mental Health
Mental Health Apps from the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/big-white- wall/
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/catch-it/
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/feeling-good-positive-mindset/
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/my-possible-self/
Annual Memorial Service 2021
This years memorial service was held on Sunday 12th September.
Find out more