Simple farewell,
close to home.
For families in Barkingside and Chingford considering a direct cremation, HL Hawes & Son offers a completely local service. With over 175 years of dedicated care, we serve our community with the quiet respect that has always defined our name.
Understanding Direct Cremation — We Will Guide You Through
A direct cremation, sometimes called an unattended cremation, is a simple cremation that takes place without a formal service or mourners present. Your loved one is cared for and cremated with the same dignity we bring to every funeral we arrange. The family then receives the ashes and may choose to gather, remember, and mark the occasion in whatever way feels right, in their own time, in their own way.
We know this is not a decision that comes lightly. If you are considering a direct cremation for someone you love, or thinking ahead about your own wishes, we would urge you to speak with us before making any final choice. We are here to guide and want to ensure you have every detail you need to make a choice that brings you peace of mind. A simple, attended funeral can sometimes cost less than people expect, and we want you to know all your options so you can move forward with complete confidence.
Whatever you decide, we will be with you.
The Difference a Local Name Makes
In recent years some national companies have invested heavily in advertising direct cremations. Many families have found, afterwards, that the service was not what was expected, for example, a loved one collected and taken far away, little personal contact, ashes returned weeks later from a facility they will never know.
When you arrange a direct cremation with HL Hawes & Son, your loved one remains with us, in our own chapel of rest at your local office in Barkingside or Chingford and cared for to the full standards of the SAIF code of practice. You will always know where they are. You will always be able to reach a real person who knows your family by name.
We have been serving our community since 1847, and the trust that families place in us is something we take very seriously.
What We Provide — Clearly and Without Hidden Costs
Every family deserves to know exactly what is included before they make any decision. Here is what our direct cremation service covers:
- A calm, unhurried conversation at any of our offices in Barkingside or Chingford or by telephone, explaining clearly what our service includes and what it does not, before any commitment is made.
- The dignified collection of your loved one from their place of death, at the earliest opportunity.
- Care in our own chapel of rest at 106 Tanners Lane, Barkingside or 153 Station Road, Chingford. Professionally maintained, and operated to the full SAIF code of practice. Your loved one will not leave our care.
- A simple, appropriate coffin, chosen with care.
- Transport by hearse to the crematorium. Most commonly Forest Park Crematorium, with our funeral director and staff in attendance throughout.
- Cremation at a local crematorium. We will confirm which one and provide the date and the time.
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The return of your loved ones ashes, handled exactly as you would wish.
- All paperwork, every form, certificate and authorisation, completed accurately, including guidance on registering the death at your local register office. Most commonly, the Register Office used in the local area are Redbridge Registrars at Ilford Town Hall or the Waltham Forest Registrars at the Walthamstow and Leytonstone libraries .
- Transparent pricing, published in full and provided in writing.
When You Are Ready — We Are Still Here
Many families who choose a direct cremation decide to hold a gathering at home, a celebration of life at a local venue, or a service at a place that holds special meaning. We deeply understand the importance of this farewell and are here to support you in the weeks or months that follow.
To help you create a lasting tribute, we offer a range of beautifully crafted urns, keepsakes, and memorials. Furthermore, our trusted probate partners are available to guide you through navigating the estate.
There is absolutely no pressure to arrange everything in the days immediately following a loss. We remain by your side for as long as you need us, including providing dedicated bereavement support.
When You Are Ready — We Are Still Here
Many families who choose a direct cremation decide to hold a gathering at home, a celebration of life at a local venue, or a service at a place that holds special meaning. We deeply understand the importance of this farewell and are here to support you in the weeks or months that follow.
To help you create a lasting tribute, we can guide you to a range of beautifully crafted urns, keepsakes, and memorials.
There is absolutely no pressure to arrange everything in the days immediately following a loss. We remain by your side for as long as you need us, including providing dedicated bereavement support.
Post funeral services and support
Urns
Designs range from classic and elegant to contemporary and personalised. Engraving is available on many styles.
Keepsakes
We have carefully select partners who provide thoughtful, elegant jewellery and unique keepsakes, crafted with care to help preserve cherished memories and honour loved ones.
Memorials
From traditional headstones to plaques, benches, or garden memorials, we can assist with a range of options crafted with care and guided by your wishes
Probate Support
Our Probate support partners provide expert legal and administrative guidance to those managing a loved one’s affairs or settling an estate.
Please, Speak With Us First.
Visit us in our offices in Barkingside and Chingford, or telephone anytime. If you are thinking about a direct cremation, for a loved one now, or as a wish for yourself, we are here to talk it through with you, providing honest, caring guidance.
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
