Adapted extracts from a letter to The Natural Death Centre.
We have purchased a plot of land in South Yorkshire, at Ulley, between Sheffield and Rotherham, and are planning to open a woodland burial ground serving this area towards the end of September or beginning of October '95. The site is very pleasant and quiet and is located on a country lane not far from Ulley Country Park. Exclusive burial rights for plots will cost £250 each.
We hope to establish a woodland burial ground in the South East, but developments on this front have gone on the back burner for the time being whilst we get the Sheffield site established. (We were glad to hear that people in London will be able to have green burials at Hillingdon, although we understand that the setting of the cemetery is very built-up.)
As well as the woodland burial ground, both Mary and I are very interested in alternative funerals. We are therefore launching a funeral planning service from September and a funeral arranging service from the middle of August '95. These services are designed primarily for those people who don't want all of the trappings (and, in some cases, none of the trappings) of the traditional funeral.
On the funeral planning front, a video and questionnaire will be available in September to assist people in the process of planning their own funeral arrangements. The video will present lots of alternative options that people may want to consider and advice on how to make sure that they get their wishes met. The video will be available for purchase on its own at £13 or with the full planning pack for approximately £30.
Regarding funeral arranging, we will be able to offer, from the middle of August, a nationwide service to those people who want alternative funerals (or parts thereof) arranged on their behalf. We are providing this service in conjunction with a number of independent funeral directors.
Round the corner there are a few other developments planned, but we'll keep you posted on those nearer to the time of their introduction. However, I think you'll be fascinated at some of the alternative types of funeral we are trying to make practicable for people who don't want the standard package.
We will be offering these services under the name of 'Peace Burials'. Mary is launching the business.
John and Mary Mallatratt, Peace Burials Limited, St Peter's Villa, Ridley Lane, Mawdesley, Lancs. L40 3SX (tel and fax 01704 821900).