PENMOUNT

CREMATORIUM

Bereavement

Services

Penmount Crematorium

Contents

1. Brief introduction 9. Cremated Remains Continued

2. What to do when someone dies? 10. Gardens of Remembrance

3. Registering a death 11. Memorial Options

4. Explanation of some of the forms 12. Memorials Options Continued

5. The Chapels 13. History of Penmount Crematorium

6. The Service 14. Additional Information

7. Cremated Remains -your choice 15. Site plan

8. Cremated Remains Continued 16. - 22. Local services

Introduction

Penmount crematorium provides a caring, sensitive, professional service to bereaved families

and their loved ones offering support and advice.

This brochure contains information regarding Penmount crematorium, the history, funeral

arrangements and memorial options.

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The first steps - registering a death

What must you do when someone dies?

When someone dies, you will need to inform a

number of people and organisations and

complete certain documents needed by law.

If you are a relative or friend you can do some

of these things yourself. Others might need to

be done by the Executor or administrator of

the estate. There is plenty of support to help

you through this difficult time.

• Tell the family Doctor

• Contact a funeral director, if you intend to use one

• Obtain a medical certificate of cause of death signed by the doctor, or if the

Coroner is involved take instructions from the coroner’s officers regarding

registration of death

• Register the death at the Register Office.

Registering a Death

In most cases a medical certificate of cause of death will be issued to the next of kin so that you

can make an appointment and register the death. Deaths must be registered within 5 days from

when it occurred. This period can be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the Coroner

is involved. If the death has been referred to the Coroner for further investigation then there is

likely to be a delay before the death can be registered.

All deaths occurring in Cornwall must be registered in Cornwall but if it is difficult for you

to get to an office in Cornwall, you may visit your local register office and declare the

necessary information. In this case the registration by declaration may result in a delay

in the issue of the documents needed for the funeral arrangements.

To make an appointment to register a death please contact The Customer Services

Team on 0300 1234 181.

Their hours are:

• Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm

• Saturday from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

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Who can register a death?

• A relative

• Someone present at the death

• An occupant of the nursing/residential home or a senior official from the hospital where the

death took place

• The person arranging the funeral

• The person in charge of the body

What information will you need to give the Registrar about the deceased?

• The date and place of death

• The full names of the deceased and any other names they have been known by, including the

maiden surname

• Their date and place of birth

• Their last occupation ( if the deceased is married, widowed, or has a formal civil partnership,

the full name and occupation of their spouse or civil partner).

• Their usual address

• The date of birth of the surviving spouse or civil partner

• Details of any public sector pension, e.g. civil service, teacher or armed forces

What information will you need to give the Registrar about yourself as the person registering?

• Your relationship to the deceased e.g son, daughter, surviving civil partner

• Your full name

• Your usual address

What documents will you need when registering a death?

• When you attend to register a death you must take with you:

• Medical certificate of cause of death signed by a Doctor, unless the Coroner is issuing the

paperwork. In those circumstances the paperwork will already be at the Register Office.

It would also be helpful but not essential if you could bring:

• The deceased birth certificate

• The deceased marriage certificate/ civil partnership certificate

• NHS medical card

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Some of the forms and certificates you may be given by Doctors or Coroners are listed below.

The list explains when and where you get each form.

When someone has died Document to be issued You will get this from the fol-lowing

The death is not referred to the

Coroner

Medical Certificate Doctor

A baby is stillborn Medical Certificate of stillbirth Doctor or Midwife

The death is referred to a

Coroner, but there is no Inquest

and no post-mortem

Notification by the Coroner. This

form is sent to the Register Office

but a medical certificate will also

be issued

Coroner (the Coroner sends this

direct to the Registrar). The

medical certificate of cause of

death is normally given to the

informant by the Doctor or

Bereavement Office

The death is referred for further

examination and a post mortem is

held

Notification by the Coroner (pink

form 100B)

Coroner (the Coroner sends this

form direct to the Registrar)

There is an Inquest and the body

is to be buried

Order for Burial Coroner (the Coroner sends this

direct to the Funeral Director)

There is a post mortem or an In-

quest and the body is to be

cremated

Coroner's certificate for cremation Coroner (the Coroner sends this

direct to the Crematorium)

The body is to be removed out of

England and Wales

Removal notice Coroner (the Coroner sends this

direct to the Funeral Director)

The body is to be brought into

England and Wales

Evidence that the death has

occurred elsewhere. The death is

not registered here but a

certificate must be issued for a

cremation or burial to take place

in England and Wales

Coroner or Registrar. Usually the

paperwork is issued by the

Coroner but sometimes the

Registrar will issue a certificate of

no liability to register

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The chapels

Penmount provides a choice of two Chapels, either of which is open for use by any denomination

or sect. Both Chapels have electronic organs.

Facilities are also provided to play virtually any piece of requested music through a downloadable

music system providing enough notice has been given prior to the service taking place.

Induction loop systems are fitted as an aid to the hearing impaired and service handbooks in

Braille are available on request for those who need them. Wheelchairs are available at each chapel

by prior arrangement.

Trelawny chapel seats

approximately 100 people

with additional standing

capacity for at least another

100 under cover.

A speaker system relays the

service to the waiting areas.

There are no fixed religious

artefacts and the seating is

not permanent so that with

sufficient prior warning it

can be rearranged to suit

individual requirements.

Kernow chapel is the

original and smaller of the

two, with permanent

seating capacity for

approximately 60 people

and some additional

standing room. There is a

fixed wooden cross on the

wall and a modern

electronic organ concealed

in the organ loft.

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The service

The type of funeral service and the manner in which it is to be conducted is entirely a matter of

personal choice.

A Floral Tribute bay is provided for each Chapel

where wreaths and large displays may remain on view for up to a week following a funeral. Waiting

rooms and toilets, including facilities for the disabled and a baby changing room, are located in close

proximity to both chapels and water fountains are located in the waiting areas.

Access to a telephone is also available in the main administration office at the top of the driveway.

Staff fully trained in providing first aid are present if needed.

Penmount has adopted the ‘Charter for the

Bereaved’ and aims to provide a service

which meets the social, ethical and

environmental needs of the community and

offers choices which enable every individual

to arrange a meaningful funeral. The staff at

Penmount are available during office hours

to offer support, advice and assistance if

required.

On arrival at the Chapel door the coffin is

transferred from the hearse to the panelled-oak

wheeled bier, which precedes the mourners into

the Chapel and rests within the catafalque. At

the moment of committal there is the option of

the curtains to be drawn slowly around the

catafalque and the coffin hidden from view until

the service has concluded and all the mourners

have left the Chapel. Or they may be left open

leaving the coffin on view. It is then transferred to

the Crematory.

If it is intended to hold a religious ceremony

prior to the cremation, the service may be held in

either of the Chapels or, if so desired, may take place

in the deceased’s regular place of worship with only

the committal being held at the Crematorium. For

those who wish to carry out a non-religious or secular

service the religious artefacts can be removed from

Trelawny Chapel upon prior request.

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Cremated remains -your choice

What options are available for resting Cremated Remains following a funeral at Penmount?

Following the funeral the Cremated Remains may be either laid to rest in the Gardens of

Remembrance or removed for resting elsewhere.

What should I do if I wish to remove the Cremated Remains?

If you have decided that you would like to remove the remains for resting elsewhere the Funeral

Director will have discussed your wishes with you and advised on the provision of a suitable

container. Normally the Funeral Director would remove them on your behalf for you to collect at

your convenience but you may, of course, remove them yourself or send a nominated representative

to do so (photo ID will be requested). There is provision for this on the ‘Form of Authority’. If at a

later date, you wish to send someone other than your named representative you must supply them

with a signed letter of authority. Regulations do not permit Cremated Remains to be issued to any

unauthorized party. It is important to bear in mind that it may be an offence to rest Cremated

Remains in water courses or on public land (without consent). Permission must be sought if you

intend to rest Cremated Remains on a grave in a cemetery or in a crematorium Garden of

Remembrance. You are not permitted to rest the remains yourself without the required

authorization.

If the Cremated Remains are rested in the Gardens of Remembrance when will this be done?

All Cremated Remains that are left for resting at the Crematorium will be retained for a period of 28

days from the date of the funeral to allow time for relatives to alter the decision made prior to the

service, should they so wish.

What exactly does ‘strewn at the discretion of the Crematorium Authority’ mean?

This means that the Cremated Remains will be scattered with due reverence in a designated area of

the Gardens by the Crematorium staff on your behalf. A record will be kept of the location but there

will be nothing to mark the exact place. You do not need to be present and there is no additional fee

to pay.

As the nearest relative or executor of the deceased you will have

been asked by the Funeral Director to sign an official form applying

for the cremation to take place. Included on this form is a section

containing the ‘Authority for the disposal of Cremated Remains’. This

must also be signed by the applicant.

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Can I choose where the remains are to be rested?

Yes. If you have a favourite area this may be added to your instructions on the ‘Authority for

Disposal’. If you are not familiar with the Gardens you are welcome to visit at your convenience

and may then advise the administration office of your decision. Our Senior Gardener is usually

available during office hours to accompany you and offer advice.

What is an appointment to witness and is there a fee for this service?

An appointment is a short ceremony that takes approximately five minutes and which may be

made at a mutually convenient time between 9am and 4pm Monday to Thursday. There is a

small fee for this service and, should you wish it, one of the Penmount Chapel Attendants

would be available to say a brief prayer or read a favourite piece of poetry or prose.

Alternatively, you may prefer to arrange for your own minister to be in attendance. A minimum

of 24 hours notice is required.

Can the cremated remains be rested with a memorial should I choose to dedicate one?

Yes. There are a number of different memorials available in the formal gardens, which have

been laid out to include extensive rose beds with woodland walks and shrub borders. Many of

the latter are edged with kerbstones which may be dedicated to a loved one. If you would like

to consider something more individual, a specimen tree or a garden seat for example, the

garden and the administration staff are available to support and advise you when making your

choice.

Do I have to dedicate a memorial?

No. Whether or not to dedicate a memorial is entirely a matter of personal choice. If you prefer

not to do so please feel free to ignore all the relevant information. No further literature will be

sent to you unless requested on the Form of Authority.

Can I arrange for a memorial for a loved one who was cremated elsewhere?

Yes. You may also dedicate a memorial after the Cremated Remains have been rested or

removed, even if you originally decided not to do so. There is no time limit for this. The

administration staff will be pleased to advise you.

Are the memorials at Penmount dedicated in perpetuity?

The only memorial that does not have a limited tenure is an entry in the Book of Remembrance.

The majority of other memorials carry a limited tenure with an option to renew at the end of

the period. The administration office can advise on tenure periods.

Can I be present when the remains are laid to rest?

Yes. There is provision on the ‘Form of Authority for Disposal’

to indicate that you would like to attend an appointment to

witness the resting or you may contact the office during the

twenty eight day period following the funeral, to make the

necessary arrangements.

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Can the cremated remains be rested in the same place as a relative or friend?

Yes. If you are able to supply the full name and an approximate date of death of the relative or

friend concerned the register of cremations can be checked to ascertain the resting place.

Is there a charge for this?

Not unless you would like to have an appointment to witness the resting or there is a memorial

for which you wish to purchase a subsequent dedication. If there is a memorial which was not

owned by either the immediate deceased or yourself, it may be necessary to obtain permission

from the owner before proceeding.

What happens if I am unable to make a decision?

Following the funeral all cremated remains which are to be rested in the Gardens of

Remembrance will be held for a minimum period of 28 days. In addition to this there is

provision on the ‘Form of Authority’ to request that they be placed in temporary deposit at the

crematorium, where they will be retained free of charge for a further month (a total of 2 months

from the date of the cremation). Should you wish for them to be retained beyond this time a

small retaining fee will be payable for each subsequent month or part thereof.

Can I change my mind even if I have signed for a particular method of disposal?

Yes. At any time within the 28 day period you can contact the office to say that your plans have

changed. A new form of Authority will be required which must be signed by the person who

signed the original.

Can I return cremated remains which have been removed?

Yes. As with the previous question a new Form of Authority will be required.

Can I subsequently remove cremated remains that have been strewn in the Gardens of

Remembrance?

No. The strewing of cremated remains constitutes their final resting and they are not

recoverable. The only exception to this is where the remains have been placed in either the

Columbarium or the Memorial Vault.

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Gardens of remembrance

The formal gardens have been laid out to include extensive rose beds containing over 6,000

bushes around which are woodland walks bordered by shrubberies in which a wide variety of

shrubs and plants are displayed. Trees, garden seats, and bird baths all add to the overall

attractiveness of the area.

The quiet acres is an area of natural woodland in a valley on the southern edge of the Gardens of

Remembrance. It is particularly attractive in the spring when, in addition to the many wild

flowers that flourish there, it becomes covered with a carpet of bluebells. Many forms of wildlife

make their home there. The quiet acres is particularly attractive to those who prefer an area of

undisturbed natural beauty as a resting place for the cremated remains of a loved one.

The baby garden is an area which was formally set aside as a baby memorial garden in April 1995

when it was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and dedicated by the Bishop of St

Germans. This garden is especially designated for the resting of very young children and babies

and the presence of animal pottery figures and dolls, together with many spring bulbs and

flowers, is in keeping with its unique purpose.

Memorials

Whether or not to dedicate a memorial is entirely a matter of personal choice and other than the

supply of some initial information following the funeral no further literature will be sent unless

requested. However, for those who wish to commemorate a loved one in this way, Penmount

provides a wide range of memorials from which to choose.

The arboretum, which was

opened and dedicated by

the Bishop of Truro in

June 1994, is an extension

to the formal part of the

gardens. Bound by rolling

countryside and woods,

this area features

specimen trees and island

shrubbery beds.

Following the cremation, the cremated remains may,

if desired, be returned to the earth in the gardens of

remembrance which have been so designed as to

offer both areas of formal arrangement and unspoilt

natural beauty. All combine to give an atmosphere of

peace and life, rather than death, and are a source of

comfort to those whose loved ones rest in the

gardens.

Those seeking the solace of quiet contemplation

and those who appreciate the beauty of well

maintained gardens are very welcome to visit. The

gardens are open throughout the year and the

crematorium staff will be pleased to assist visitors

with any enquiries they may have.

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Gardens of remembrance

Many of the walks and borders in the formal part of

the gardens are edged with special kerbstones to

which a commemorative plaque may be affixed.

Each kerbstone has space to accommodate two

plaques and these are held on twenty year tenures.

Rose bushes, shrubs and seats are also offered

as memorials subject to availability. Cremated

remains may, of course, be rested in the gardens of

remembrance with or without a memorial.

The columbarium

An alternative method of resting of the cremated

remains is by placing them in a casket in a niche in

the columbarium. These are of two types, open or

sealed, and carry a tenure of twenty years with a

renewal option. In the open niche the casket is in

view and an inscription to serve as a memorial is

engraved upon its face. The caskets are made of

Cornish granite, slate, or marble. For the sealed

niches a casket of wood is placed in the niche and

this is covered by a stone tablet upon which the

memorial inscription is cut.

Sanctum 12 granite columbaria

The sanctum 12 columbaria is similar to the

columbarium, in that the remains are rested in a

niche, but it is situated outside near the Floral

Tribute bay for Kernow chapel. Each niche can

contain two sets of cremated remains. It is

constructed of light granite with dark granite tablets

on which a dedication is inscribed in gold lettering.

The memorial wall

Located in the same area, the memorial wall provides an

alternative for those who wish to commemorate a loved

one with a plaque but prefer not to dedicate a shrub or a

kerbstone. Tablets of slate, available on a ten year

tenure, are engraved with the chosen inscription by a

monumental mason and fixed in the desired position.

Copper vases (floral tributes)

Although flower vases and commemorative cards

are provided for the display of fresh flowers in the

floral tribute room situated adjacent to the

columbarium, there are some who feel they would

like to leave a more individual token of esteem and,

for this purpose, small copper vases with name

plates are available on an annual rental basis.

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Granite vase blocks

Granite mushrooms

The book of remembrance

The books are composed of leaves of the finest hand-made paper with richly tooled binding and the

memorial inscriptions are executed by hand by professional scribes. A separate book of

remembrance room houses the glass covered cabinets in which these valuable volumes are

displayed. A book specifically for babies is also on display.

Memorial cards and miniature books of remembrance are available for those wishing to retain a copy

of the inscription at home or for sending to relatives or friends who live at a distance. Also located in

the book of remembrance room are blue leather panels, hand tooled in gold, which are displayed in

wall frames and are available on a ten year tenure.

Visual book of remembrance

The visual display units are available to view in the book of remembrance

room and in the administration office. This allows an entry that has already

been inscribed in the books (with the exception of the baby book) to be

viewed on any day of the year. The computerised system is operated by

touching the screen and following the simple instructions. A ‘zoom’ facility

allows a particular entry to be selected from the full page display and shown in close-up. The visual

book of remembrance can also be accessed through the Penmount crematorium web page,

www.cornwall.gov.uk/penmount.

Situated in the arboretum, close to the entrance to

Penmount, each of these granite memorials has an

integral vase for floral tributes and a tablet on which a

dedication in memory of a loved one can be inscribed.

Cremated remains may be strewn in front of the vase block.

Sited in the baby memorial garden and available to dedicate in

memory of babies and young children.

The inscription is engraved on a circular tablet.

This is a relatively inexpensive and perpetual form of memorial

which allows the name of the deceased and a suitable epitaph

to be recorded. A page is turned each day of the year, thereby

being open for viewing on each anniversary of the date of

death. Provided the book is not with the calligrapher for

updating, pages can be turned for viewing at other times by

request.

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The history of Penmount crematorium

Penmount crematorium is a publicly owned facility administered by Cornwall Council. It is

situated two miles from the city centre of Truro on a secluded country estate of twenty-eight

acres, eleven of which having been developed as gardens of remembrance.

The original eighteenth-century mansion was retained and adapted to its present use being

dedicated by the Bishop of Truro on 21st November 1956. Faced with growing cremation

numbers the need to add a second chapel to extend the crematory became apparent in the

1970s and these extensions were completed and opened on 25th July 1978. It is now possible

to allow two services to take place simultaneously, each chapel being sited at opposite ends of

the main building. During 1997 the crematory equipment was updated to include the latest

advances in technology and to meet all requirements of the Environmental Protection Act

1990. In 2010 work will be undertaken to comply with additional legislation to ensure that we

operate to the highest environmental standard.

Penmount has a long and interesting history. The land upon which it stands was a part of the

Doomsday Manor of Moresk until the year 1337 when, with the foundation of the Duchy, two

parcels of land were named Penhellick Vean and Penhellick Mur. The latter became the

crematorium and the adjoining property has retained the name Penhellick to this day.

The mansion house was built in 1745 and its second owner, General William Macarmick, M.P,

named the house ‘Penmount’ in the late 1700s. A number of highly placed dignitaries owned

and occupied the property before it was acquired just after the 1914-18 war by Major

J.S.Henderson. His son, Charles, who became a renowned Cornish historian, nurtured fond

memories of his childhood days at Penmount and the main avenue into the gardens of

remembrance is named Charles Henderson Walk in his memory.

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Additional information

Penmount Crematorium is situated on the Truro to Newquay road two miles north of the city of

Truro. It will be seen from the map, that it is served by major roads and is easily accessible from

any direction in the County. A bus service (Truro to Newquay) passes the entrance and visitors

using this service should alight at Penmount Lodge.

Visiting hours

The gardens, book of remembrance room and columbarium/flower room are open to the

public daily at the following times:-

Summer months: 8.30am. to 6.00pm

Winter months: 8.30am. Till dusk

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am. to 5.00pm. (except Bank Holidays)

How to contact Penmount

By telephone: 01872 272871

By Fax: 01872 223634

By letter to: The Bereavement Services Manager, Penmount Crematorium, Newquay Road,

Truro, TR4 9AA

e-mail: penmount-info@cornwall.gov.uk

Personal visit to the office Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except Bank Holidays)

Further useful information may be viewed on our website at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/penmount

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Local Services for Cornwall Bereavements

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Penmount crematorium

Bereavement Services Penmount Crematorium, Newquay Road, Truro, TR4 9AA

Telephone: 01872 272871

Fax: 01872 223634

e-mail: penmount-info@cornwall.gov.uk

The office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except Bank Holidays)

Further useful information may be viewed on our website at:

www.cornwall.gov.uk/penmount

Published by Brochures UK, 40 Rockburgh Crescent ,Preston, PR4 5RD

Tel: 01772 498366

The Distributor does not endorse or support any of the products or services advertised in this Publication

and is in no way liable or responsible for any such products and services.