Questions and Answers
All UK areas are serviced from our base at Lytham
In which areas is your Direct Cremation service available?
We provide service throughout mainland England and Wales: Avon, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cleveland, Clwyd, Cornwall, Cumbria, Denbighshire, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Dyfed, East Sussex, Essex, Flintshire, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Gwent, Gwynedd, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Merseyside, Mid Glamorgan, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Powys, Rutland, Shropshire, Somerset, South Glamorgan, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Tayside, Tyne and Wear, Warwickshire, West Glamorgan, West Midlands, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire.
Are you experienced funeral directors?
Our proprietor was first involved with funerals in 1970, and has experienced all aspects of the profession since then. He has arranged and conducted thousands of funerals during that time.
Are you independent or part of a group?
Very much an Independent concern, though we do call upon the assistance of other carefully chosen and established funeral directors from time to time.
Are you providing a cheap, low-cost, budget funeral?
Absolutely not. We provide a high standard direct cremation service, not a minimal standard budget funeral.
Can we come to see our loved one in your Chapel of Rest?
Sorry, but no. The direct cremation choice specifically excludes that, and some other more traditional options. Viewing is often possible, however, in the hospital or hospice chapel of rest, prior to us assuming care of the Deceased.
Can I hold any form of service ?
Certainly. A casket containing the Deceased's ashes can be almost as poignant a focus at a service or gathering as the coffin itself. The "softer nature" and greater flexibility allowed by this approach is arguably no less reverent than many traditional arrangements. It is, very much a matter of personal choice.
Do you provide full funeral facilities?
Well, the whole concept of being able to offer a Simple Direct Cremation at such an acceptable cost revolves around not having to provide several unnecessary facilities to Clients. The very fact that you are reading this on the web saves on expensive local advertising costs. Because there is no viewing, our Chapel of Rest would not be utilised, and because there is no traditional church or secular service, the costs of hearse and limousines and additional staff are also not necessary. All professional facilities are, however, available to us.
How do you manage to charge so little for this service?
Simply by concentrating on this ever more popular choice of arrangement. By providing exactly what is required to conduct a dignified simple departure, and by not transferring the financial burden of irrelevant vehicle fleets, staff, shareholders and large, plush premises to our clients via their account.
Quotations, Terms and Conditions
Our terms and conditions and charges are proudly transparent, and available on request. Quotations are always given in writing prior to any commitment by you to engage our professional services.
How does the cremation take place?
All the medico-legal forms have to be completed as normal, and we will assist you in this process. All aspects of receiving the deceased at the crematorium, and the cremation itself are conducted in private. The crematorium utilised is fully licensed in accordance with all current Ministry of Justice requirements, and operates the very latest, environmently friendly, cremation equipment. The date and place of cremation is entirely at our discretion and is chosen on the grounds of cost and availability, we will, however, advise you in advance of the date and time of the cremation. The Code of Crematoria Practice is followed at all times.
Where is the body held prior to the cremation?
Our private, purpose-built mortuary facilities are situated within the grounds of Park Crematorium, Lytham. The newly refurbished Westpark Chapel combines a simple non-denominational Rest Room, together with modern refrigerated mortuary facilities. Beautifully sited in leafy parkland, with woodpeckers, foxes and abundant wildlife quite literally on it's doorstep, this is a most fitting last resting place prior to cremation.
How soon are the ashes available?
This will vary depending upon circumstances, however it is usual for them to be available within 48 hours following the cremation. Ashes from the Simple Direct Cremation are usually strewn in the crematorium grounds. Where the Direct Cremation Plus arrangement has been chosen, the ashes are returned to the family. I would prefer to conduct this privilage personally, however where speed is of the essence, a trusted next-day courier service will be utilized.
Can you provide a traditional service instead?
Yes, but only on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. If we routinely provided the same wide choice of funerals throughout the UK, we would incur most of the same unnecessary overheads, and the cost savings of our simple, no-frills approach would be whittled away.
If you desire a more traditional arrangement elsewhere in the UK, we openly and sincerely advise you to contact a local funeral director who has been recommended by family or friends. Please be thoughtful in your choice, as it is so important that your wishes are carried out with both efficiency and sensitivity. We would personally recommend a firm with affiliations to either the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) or SAIF (The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors). However, many other unaffiliated firms nationally provide an equally caring, professional service.
How do I make payment?
As the costs of the arrangement are fixed, We are able to provide the funeral invoice prior to our assuming care of, and thus, responsibility for the Deceased. All our charges, and doctors / crematorium fees must be received in full, and in advance of provision of our professional services. Payment may be made via cash, cheque, bankers' draft, or bank transfer, or the following credit/debit cards - Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Electron or American Express. We charge no transaction fees.
Do you offer a Pre-paid Plan?
Yes. We are proud to offer our "nofuneral" pre paid plan. Designed to be the most transparent, simple, direct cremation plan currently available, this is the plan for those people who have decided that they positively, definitely, do not want a funeral. It's flexible format allows you to choose to cover all possibilities, or just the essential elements, and payment options allow for up to 5 years to pay.
Our plan partners, Ecclesiastical Planning Services, are registered with the Funeral Planning Authority. The Ecclesiastical Group was established in 1887.
Visit the dedicated website HERE.
Can you facilitate payment by the DWP (Social Fund)?
Usually, Yes, but a full deposit will be required if the cremation is to proceed without delay. The DWP payment allows for payment of our direct cremation arrangement, however please be aware that individual eligibility may not allow for payment of a full or even partial claim. The decision whether a claim can be met may take some weeks to decide by the DWP.
Alternatively, and where a deposit is not possible, the cremation can be delayed until the DWP has decided the claim. As additional mortuary and other administrative costs relating to the ongoing care of the Deceased will accrue during the delays often encountered via this payment route, supplementary charges are liable to be added to our account for these reasons. We may not assume responsibility for the arrangements until after the DWP has deliberated.
If you intend to make such a claim, you must advise us immediately.
Privacy Policy:
We do not share information regarding customers' details with any other individual, business, or entity other than that required by Law.
Where payment for services is made via credit or debit card, we do not retain the client's card details once the transaction has been completed, and any paper record of card details is immediately and securely destroyed. No electronic record is kept at any time.
Data Protection Information:
Simplicita Cremations is registered as a data controller with the Information Commissoner's Office (ICO) registration number ZA234282
Cancellation Policy:
Should you wish to cancel our services for whatever reason, and have paid by credit or debit card, we will return payment to your card for those portions of the service that we have not provided, and can be reasonably identified and costed. If no service has yet been provided, then a refund of the full amount will be promptly made, minus any transaction fees that we have been charged. Any appointment with, or telephone calls made on behalf of the family or their agent or representative will be regarded as provision of service.
Customer Service Information:
All correspondence should be directed to:
Nick Gandon Funeral Services / Simplicita Cremations
Westpark Chapel
Park Cemetery
Regent Avenue
Lytham St Annes
FY8 4AB
United Kingdom
Contact by telephone:
0800 689 0343 24 hours
(01253) 399806
~or~
(01253) 734405
By e-mail:
info@simplicita.co.uk
Nick Gandon Funeral Services is an independent, British owned firm.
Simplicita Cremations is a trading style of Nick Gandon Funeral Services.
Service is available throughout mainland areas of England and Wales.
Our proprietor was first involved with funerals in 1970, and has experienced all aspects of the profession since then. He has arranged and conducted thousands of funerals during that time.
Are you independent or part of a group?
Very much an Independent concern, though we do call upon the assistance of other carefully chosen and established funeral directors from time to time.
Are you providing a cheap, low-cost, budget funeral?
Absolutely not. We provide a high standard direct cremation service, not a minimal standard budget funeral.
Can we come to see our loved one in your Chapel of Rest?
Sorry, but no. The direct cremation choice specifically excludes that, and some other more traditional options. Viewing is often possible, however, in the hospital or hospice chapel of rest, prior to us assuming care of the Deceased.
Can I hold any form of service ?
Certainly. A casket containing the Deceased's ashes can be almost as poignant a focus at a service or gathering as the coffin itself. The "softer nature" and greater flexibility allowed by this approach is arguably no less reverent than many traditional arrangements. It is, very much a matter of personal choice.
Do you provide full funeral facilities?
Well, the whole concept of being able to offer a Simple Direct Cremation at such an acceptable cost revolves around not having to provide several unnecessary facilities to Clients. The very fact that you are reading this on the web saves on expensive local advertising costs. Because there is no viewing, our Chapel of Rest would not be utilised, and because there is no traditional church or secular service, the costs of hearse and limousines and additional staff are also not necessary. All professional facilities are, however, available to us.
How do you manage to charge so little for this service?
Simply by concentrating on this ever more popular choice of arrangement. By providing exactly what is required to conduct a dignified simple departure, and by not transferring the financial burden of irrelevant vehicle fleets, staff, shareholders and large, plush premises to our clients via their account.
Quotations, Terms and Conditions
Our terms and conditions and charges are proudly transparent, and available on request. Quotations are always given in writing prior to any commitment by you to engage our professional services.
How does the cremation take place?
All the medico-legal forms have to be completed as normal, and we will assist you in this process. All aspects of receiving the deceased at the crematorium, and the cremation itself are conducted in private. The crematorium utilised is fully licensed in accordance with all current Ministry of Justice requirements, and operates the very latest, environmently friendly, cremation equipment. The date and place of cremation is entirely at our discretion and is chosen on the grounds of cost and availability, we will, however, advise you in advance of the date and time of the cremation. The Code of Crematoria Practice is followed at all times.
Where is the body held prior to the cremation?
Our private, purpose-built mortuary facilities are situated within the grounds of Park Crematorium, Lytham. The newly refurbished Westpark Chapel combines a simple non-denominational Rest Room, together with modern refrigerated mortuary facilities. Beautifully sited in leafy parkland, with woodpeckers, foxes and abundant wildlife quite literally on it's doorstep, this is a most fitting last resting place prior to cremation.
How soon are the ashes available?
This will vary depending upon circumstances, however it is usual for them to be available within 48 hours following the cremation. Ashes from the Simple Direct Cremation are usually strewn in the crematorium grounds. Where the Direct Cremation Plus arrangement has been chosen, the ashes are returned to the family. I would prefer to conduct this privilage personally, however where speed is of the essence, a trusted next-day courier service will be utilized.
Can you provide a traditional service instead?
Yes, but only on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. If we routinely provided the same wide choice of funerals throughout the UK, we would incur most of the same unnecessary overheads, and the cost savings of our simple, no-frills approach would be whittled away.
If you desire a more traditional arrangement elsewhere in the UK, we openly and sincerely advise you to contact a local funeral director who has been recommended by family or friends. Please be thoughtful in your choice, as it is so important that your wishes are carried out with both efficiency and sensitivity. We would personally recommend a firm with affiliations to either the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) or SAIF (The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors). However, many other unaffiliated firms nationally provide an equally caring, professional service.
How do I make payment?
As the costs of the arrangement are fixed, We are able to provide the funeral invoice prior to our assuming care of, and thus, responsibility for the Deceased. All our charges, and doctors / crematorium fees must be received in full, and in advance of provision of our professional services. Payment may be made via cash, cheque, bankers' draft, or bank transfer, or the following credit/debit cards - Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Electron or American Express. We charge no transaction fees.
Do you offer a Pre-paid Plan?
Yes. We are proud to offer our "nofuneral" pre paid plan. Designed to be the most transparent, simple, direct cremation plan currently available, this is the plan for those people who have decided that they positively, definitely, do not want a funeral. It's flexible format allows you to choose to cover all possibilities, or just the essential elements, and payment options allow for up to 5 years to pay.
Our plan partners, Ecclesiastical Planning Services, are registered with the Funeral Planning Authority. The Ecclesiastical Group was established in 1887.
Visit the dedicated website HERE.
Can you facilitate payment by the DWP (Social Fund)?
Usually, Yes, but a full deposit will be required if the cremation is to proceed without delay. The DWP payment allows for payment of our direct cremation arrangement, however please be aware that individual eligibility may not allow for payment of a full or even partial claim. The decision whether a claim can be met may take some weeks to decide by the DWP.
Alternatively, and where a deposit is not possible, the cremation can be delayed until the DWP has decided the claim. As additional mortuary and other administrative costs relating to the ongoing care of the Deceased will accrue during the delays often encountered via this payment route, supplementary charges are liable to be added to our account for these reasons. We may not assume responsibility for the arrangements until after the DWP has deliberated.
If you intend to make such a claim, you must advise us immediately.
Privacy Policy:
We do not share information regarding customers' details with any other individual, business, or entity other than that required by Law.
Where payment for services is made via credit or debit card, we do not retain the client's card details once the transaction has been completed, and any paper record of card details is immediately and securely destroyed. No electronic record is kept at any time.
Data Protection Information:
Simplicita Cremations is registered as a data controller with the Information Commissoner's Office (ICO) registration number ZA234282
Cancellation Policy:
Should you wish to cancel our services for whatever reason, and have paid by credit or debit card, we will return payment to your card for those portions of the service that we have not provided, and can be reasonably identified and costed. If no service has yet been provided, then a refund of the full amount will be promptly made, minus any transaction fees that we have been charged. Any appointment with, or telephone calls made on behalf of the family or their agent or representative will be regarded as provision of service.
Customer Service Information:
All correspondence should be directed to:
Nick Gandon Funeral Services / Simplicita Cremations
Westpark Chapel
Park Cemetery
Regent Avenue
Lytham St Annes
FY8 4AB
United Kingdom
Contact by telephone:
0800 689 0343 24 hours
(01253) 399806
~or~
(01253) 734405
By e-mail:
info@simplicita.co.uk
Nick Gandon Funeral Services is an independent, British owned firm.
Simplicita Cremations is a trading style of Nick Gandon Funeral Services.
Service is available throughout mainland areas of England and Wales.
