The following is a brief summary of what you will need to do and think about when a death occurs or is expected. Please note, this is not an exhaustive guide but some practical pointers for you to consider.

Ideally, you would phone Colin Dean who will be able to discuss every aspect of arranging a funeral. Please ring 0115 924 3327 or 0781 293 1432.

If you are unable to get through, please ring David Lipman on 0115 966 4690 or 0785 582 2708

We only use Funeralcare when arranging funerals. Their number - on a 24 hours basis - is 0115 978 5171. If you speak directly to Funeralcare, please make sure they are aware that your intention is to use our services. Funeralcare will advise you on the legal procedures that must be followed.

A number of decisions will have to be made quickly:

• If a cremation is required, Funeralcare will need to be told as soon as possible.
• Our custom is to arrange a funeral very quickly following death.
• You will have the alternatives of a standard burial or a "green" burial. The latter takes place at our cemetery but within a small copse. Only a small headstone flush with the ground is then possible.
• You may wish to choose someone close to the deceased person to give a eulogy.

Usually, after the funeral, at least one night of "sitting shivah" will take place at a private home. This will be a matter for the bereaved although we will take the service for you.

A stone-setting usually takes place around a year after the funeral.

We do have a special wall at the cemetery for those who have no headstone, perhaps due to cremation, perhaps the Holocaust.