Planning a funeral is never easy but we’re here for you at every step.
Planning
Sadly we can never predict when we might die and it can be a time of great concern. Please call the Church Office if you would like a visit from one of the ministry team. They would be happy to pray for you and your family and help with the planning of any funeral at the church or crematorium. Today many people prefer to make plans for their own funeral, or choose to leave a paragraph in their Will, describing the sort of funeral they hoped for.
Church Office
01234 241721
Funeral Directors
When planning the service date and other provisions, a Funeral Director will help you to make all the practical arrangements. One of the clergy will always be ready to meet the deceased’s family to explain everything and to help you choose what is best for your family.
Included here is a list of local Funeral Director contacts and address details. The Parish church of St Peter and St Paul, Olney, has not approved these companies and therefore cannot make any recommendations. Please note that we do not accept any responsibility in relation to these companies and the services that they supply. When choosing a funeral director, you may prefer to use one that belongs to one of the two trade associations that operates within the funeral business. These are: The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).
- Arnold Funeral Service – Bedford, Tel: 01234 359529
- B Hollowell & Son – Northampton Tel: 01604 792222
- Churchill Funeral Services – New Bradwell Tel: 01908 313040
- Clarabut & Plumbe – Bedford Tel: 01234 354547
- The Co-operative Funeralcare – Wolverton Tel: 01908 311 355
- E Fennemore & Son – Bletchley Tel: 01908 586940
- Finch and Sons – Bletchley Tel: 01908 367777
- Funeral Company – Wolverton Tel: 01908 225222
- Heritage & Sons – Bletchley Tel: 01908 372700
- H W Mason & Sons – Newport Pagnell Tel: 01908 611112
Support for the bereaved
The death of someone close can affect you in several ways – emotionally, physically, socially and in many practical areas of your life. It can present you with one of the greatest challenges you will ever have to face. Support for the bereaved is offered by the clergy and members of the church family who have a special understanding of bereavement.
Sometimes we need further support or resources and the church has a Bereavement Box, which contains a broad selection of books and reference material for all ages. Please do ask if you would like to access this library.
Ensuring we can continue to help those in need
The church continues to work hard to support the local community in many ways. Gifts and legacies make a huge difference, especially to the work we do with those who are dying or who have been bereaved, spiritually and practically. The provision of bereavement boxes, listening ears, visits are just a small way we have and continue to help the people of Olney. For more information about supporting the work of the church, click here.
For more information…
If you have any questions, whether about practical arrangements or spiritual matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the Church Office. For more information about funerals, visit the Church of England website.
Frequently asked questions…
What will a funeral service be like?
A funeral service can be simple and quiet with only a few members of the family present, they can be an occasion of great solemnity or a great celebration with music, hymns and a packed church. The service may take place in the parish church or at a crematorium chapel.
Shared reflections, readings and music may form part of the service. We hope that the funeral service will reflect the person who has died. Feelings of grief, gratitude, joy and sadness often intermingle.
Can only regular churchgoers have a funeral service?
Contrary to what some people think, you don’t need to be a churchgoer to have a funeral in St Peter and St Paul, Olney. Everyone has a right to have a funeral in a Church of England church in their parish, whether or not they were a churchgoer. Our ministers believe it is an important part of their work and will gladly give their time to listen to and help all those who face the loss of someone they know and love.