Services

When planning a funeral for a loved one there are a lot of things to think about, we are here to help provide and organise as many of these as possible to help take as much stress away from you at what is already a very difficult time.

Floral Tributes

We are more than happy to recommend a local florist if you are unsure of where to start. We ask that all floral tributes are delivered to our office approximately two hours before the funeral. If the funeral is a burial, flowers usually remain on the grave, however they can be collected by you after a cremation. Tribute cards can be removed, collected, and returned to you if you wish.

Orders of Service and Mourning Stationary

When arranging the funeral, decisions will be made regarding prayers, poems and readings that can be used in the service. We can offer guidance should you wish and the officiant taking the service will also assist with this. Bournes Funeral Service can arrange to design and print the Order of Services for you. This guides the congregation throughout the service, illustrating words to any hymns, music, or prayers and perhaps most importantly, provide a lasting keepsake for those who attend. A wide range of other funeral stationery including memorial, thank you and acknowledgement cards can also be produced. Please discuss any requirements with us.

Obituaries

It is not always possible to contact all relatives and friends who may wish to attend the funeral service or send a donation or floral tribute. Therefore, you may wish for us to place an announcement in a local or national newspaper on your behalf giving details. We also offer a free online obituary which enables donations to be made remotely and funeral details to be easily shared online should you wish.

Donations

Donations in memoriam for the family’s chosen charity, can be sent to Bournes Funeral Service, preferably made payable to the charity. Please note the family will not be advised of the names of donors until the list is closed approximately four weeks after the funeral. At that time, the amount of donations received will be forwarded to the selected charity and the family advised of the names of donors and the total amount received. Donations can also be made via an online obituary if you choose to have one.

Additional assistance

You may be able to obtain help from the Department of Work and Pensions to contribute towards the cost of the funeral. In most cases it is unlikely that the amount paid will cover the total cost of the funeral.

A claim should be made within six months after death but it is advisable to lodge the claim as soon as possible even if all the documents are not available. Any payment from the fund will normally be paid direct to the Funeral Director

Clients should check with the DWP as to which benefits apply. The Registrar will provide you with a White Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8) which is required to claim any Social Fund Benefit and should be taken to your local DWP Office, together with the following documents (if they are to hand or can be obtained easily):-

  • The Deceased’s Birth Certificate
  • Social Fund Claim Form (SF200)
  • The Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • National Insurance Contribution Card
  • Any DWP Pension or Allowance Books
  • The final bill for the funeral - issued by us

Sittingbourne Office

4-6 East Street
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 4RT

01795 424423 (24h)

Office Opening Hours

9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday
9:00am to 1:00pm on Satuday

Get in touch

Faversham Office

84 Preston Street
Faversham
Kent
ME13 8NU

01795 515212 (24h)

Office Opening Hours

9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday
Weekends by appointment only

Get in touch

Once we have been notified of your wishes everything can be safely left in our care.