Independent Funeral Services
Spalding, Lincolnshire
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Mark Forth Direct Cremation
A direct unattended cremation is a funeral service without a ceremony and offers a simple, dignified option.
With Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services you can rest easy knowing that your loved one will receive a personal and caring service. And you’ll have the flexibility to commemorate their life in a way that feels right for you.
Direct unattended cremation – a simple, dignified choice
Thinking about having a direct cremation? With Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services, you can rest easy knowing your loved one will receive a personal and caring service. And you’ll have the flexibility to commemorate their life in a way that feels right for you.
Want to feel cared for at this difficult time?
Large, national cremation providers operate on a volume basis, often handling thousands of direct cremations every year. While this can make their services appear low-cost at first, it can also mean a more impersonal experience, with minimal contact and limited flexibility.
Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services takes a different approach. Experience a service based on care, respect and attention to detail. Feel supported by dedicated, compassionate professionals who will guide you through every step of the process.
Want to spend time with your loved one before the funeral?
Many national providers transport the deceased long distances to centralised cremation facilities, which are often far from the family’s home. This can add unnecessary delays and mean you have little control over where and when the cremation takes place.
It also means you lose the opportunity to spend precious moments with a loved one before the funeral. That’s not the case with a local independent funeral director. By choosing a provider like Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your relative is being cared for in a dignified, respectful way, prior to cremation at a trusted nearby crematorium.
Clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees
Some national providers advertise low-cost direct cremations, but additional fees for things like collection outside normal hours and the return of ashes can quickly add up. What seems like an affordable option initially can end up costing far more than expected.
A nasty surprise on fees is the last thing you want when you’re grieving. Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services direct cremations are offered at a fair, fixed price with no hidden costs. With a clear breakdown of what is included, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your purchase.
Ongoing support for you and your family
A funeral is more than just a final farewell—it’s an important step in the grieving process. Many families who choose direct cremation later decide to hold a private memorial or celebration of life to honour their loved one.
Having someone you can turn to for advice and guidance is hugely reassuring – whether you’re thinking about a small family gathering, choosing a meaningful resting place for the ashes or need help with memorial options.
A service built around your needs
While direct cremation is a simple option, it doesn’t have to feel rushed or impersonal. And it’s comforting to know that every detail is handled with care and sensitivity by a team committed to accommodating your wishes with respect and professionalism.
What’s included in a Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services direct cremation?
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Transfer of your loved one from a hospital, care home or private residence
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Dignified care and preparation at our local funeral home
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The option to visit your loved one in our chapel of rest
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A simple, eco-friendly coffin suitable for cremation
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Cremation at a trusted local crematorium
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Ashes returned to you in a biodegradable box or scattered at the crematorium (as per your wishes)
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All necessary paperwork included
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Dedicated support and guidance throughout the process
Additional options include arranging a small farewell at our funeral home before cremation or helping to plan a memorial service at a later date.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing direct cremation doesn’t mean compromising on care, respect, or professionalism. With a local, independent funeral director, you ensure that your loved one is treated with dignity every step of the way.
Want to learn more about caring, compassionate and professional direct cremations? Contact us today for no-obligation advice.
Mark Forth Direct Cremation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a funeral without a service. The deceased person is taken into the care of the funeral director, who undertakes the cremation and returns the ashes or cremated remains to the family.
Why do people choose a direct cremation where nobody attends?
There are many reasons people opt for a direct cremation. And it’s not always about saving money. Although direct cremations are typically cheaper than a funeral with a ceremony, some families choose them because they are seen as being ‘no fuss’.
What are the benefits of a direct cremation?
Aside from the money-saving potential, direct cremations require much less planning, as there’s no need to consider transport, floral tributes, public notices, coffin types etc. They also offer flexibility in allowing family and friends to arrange a unique tribute at a time and date that suits them.
What are the risks of a direct cremation?
A direct cremation isn’t for everyone and families should think carefully before making their decision. A funeral service with mourners is an important part of the grieving process for many people. If they are denied this opportunity, it could exacerbate any related mental health problems. It can also create conflict within families. Additionally, some direct cremation providers don’t allow relatives to visit their loved one before the funeral takes place, which again could cause suffering at a time of distress. There’s also the risk that a delayed gathering in memory of mum or dad gets put on hold indefinitely, as life gets in the way.
If you are considering a direct unattended cremation for yourself, it is always best to speak with your family and friends first. This will enable you to ask for their opinions and, crucially, establish whether they would want a funeral service to remember you.
Where can I get a direct cremation?
Many local independent funeral directors offer direct cremation, including Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services.
Why is a local funeral director the best choice for a direct cremation?
By choosing your local independent funeral director to arrange a direct cremation, you can be sure of several things
What’s included in a Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services direct cremation?
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Your loved one will be cared for locally in a professional grade mortuary, rather than being transported half-way across the country in a van full of bodies.
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Your loved one will be cremated at a local, trusted crematorium – which will be either a local authority or privately run site, such as Westerleigh.
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You will be able to spend precious final moments with your loved one in a chapel of rest before the cremation.
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You will have an option to customise the package, for example by dressing your loved one in their own clothes or arranging a witnessed committal.
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The money you spend will benefit local employees and your community.
Additional options include arranging a small farewell at our funeral home before cremation or helping to plan a memorial service at a later date.
What if I change my mind?
If you choose a direct cremation provided by a local funeral director, it is possible to make changes right up to the day of the funeral itself. This is why it’s always sensible to make plans for the kind of funeral you want before the time comes, involving loved ones at every step of the way.
Our Funeral Costs
We offer flexibility to tailor our pricing very much to the family's requirements or to reflect the instructions or wishes left by the person who has died.
A funeral cost will vary according to the location, type of funeral service, transport, type of casket, funeral director fees, and any extras such as flowers and catering for the wake. The final price of a funeral will ultimately depend on the arrangements you choose to make. After we've made the funeral arrangements with you, we'll give you a full breakdown of costs, so you'll know what you're going to pay.
Funeral costs comprise of two parts, the Funeral Director fees and other third party fees called 'Disbursements'. These third-party fees are paid on your behalf by the Funeral Director.
Our Standard Funeral Costs
Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services Ltd Standardised Price List
All funeral directors are legally required to publish this Price List for a standardised set of products and services. This is to help you think through your options and make choices, and to let you compare prices between different funeral directors (prices can vary).
£2245.00
This is a funeral where family and friends have a ceremony, event or service for the deceased person at the same time as they attend their burial or cremation.
Taking care of all necessary legal and administrative arrangements
£995.00
Collecting and transporting the deceased person from the place of death (normally within 15 miles in office hours of the funeral director's premises) into the funeral directors care
£240.00
Care of the deceased person before the funeral in appropriate facilities.
The deceased person will be kept at the funeral director's premises
£250.00
Providing a suitable coffin – this will be made from Oak veneer
£450.00
Viewing of the deceased person for family and friends, by appointment with the funeral director within office hours (where viewing is requested by the customer)
No Charge
At a date and time you agree with the funeral director, taking the deceased person direct to the agreed cemetery or crematorium (normally within 20 miles of the funeral director’s premises) in a hearse or other appropriate vehicle
£300.00
ATTENDED FUNERAL (funeral director’s charges only)
UNATTENDED FUNERAL
This is a funeral where family and friends may choose to have a ceremony, event or service for the deceased person, but they do not attend the burial or cremation itself.
Burial (funeral director’s charges only)
£995.00
Cremation (funeral director’s charges plus the cremation fee)
£1350.00
FEES YOU MUST PAY
For an Attended or Unattended burial funeral, the burial fee.*
In this local area, the typical cost of the burial fee for local residents is:
For a new grave, you will also need to pay for the plot; for an existing grave with a memorial in place, you may need to pay a removal/replacement fee. In addition, the cemetery may charge a number of other fees.
£1069.00
For an attended cremation funeral, the cremation fee.
In this local area, the typical cost of a cremation at South Lincolnshire Crematorium is:
£990.00
Please discuss any specific religious, belief-based and/or cultural requirements that you have with the funeral director.
ADDITIONAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The funeral director may be able to supply a range of optional, additional products and services, or to arrange (on your behalf) for a third party to supply them. Examples include: Additional mileage (price per mile)
£1.80 p/m
Additional transfers of the deceased person’s body (e.g. to their home, to a place of worship etc.) (price per transfer)
From £300.00
Collection of ashes from South Lincolnshire Crematorium
No Charge
Funeral officiant (e.g. celebrant, minister of religion etc.)
Approximately £200.00
The funeral director can give you a full list of what they can supply. They are likely to charge for these additional products and services, so you may choose to take care of some arrangements without their involvement, or you can use a different supplier.
* This fee (which is something called the interment fee) is the charge made for digging and closing a new grave, or for reopening and closing an existing grave. (Spalding resident interred in Spalding Cemetery)
Mark Forth Independent Funeral Services Ltd.
Printable Standardised Price List
Click PDF icon to download a printable copy of our Price List.
Mark Forth Funeral Plans
We currently offer the Ecclesiastical Funeral plans:
About our pre-paid funeral plans
Planning ahead for your funeral is one of the most thoughtful and caring things you can do. Some people never get round to discussing funeral wishes with their loved ones, which can lead to all sorts of worry and anxiety when the time comes.
Taking out a funeral plan is a simple and straightforward way to remove this worry, and it can provide real financial benefits too. Some of the other benefits include::
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Pre-arrange the details of your funeral and record any special wishes, such as hymns, music choice and any other personal touches you would like your plan to include
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Make financial provision for your funeral
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Choose your funeral director in advance
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Ensure your family has access to expert help at what can be a difficult time.
Our funeral plan is available to UK residents and there are no complicated medical forms to complete. You can also appoint a nominated representative who we will keep informed about your plan, according to your instructions.
Our plans cover our costs (as specified in the plan paperwork) as long as we carry out the funeral and your requirements don’t change. You can also make a contribution towards third party costs, such as the cremation fees. These costs are outside of our control.
For more information, please download our funeral plans brochure.
How your funds are held
All funeral plan pre-payments are held in an individual whole of life assurance policy for your peace of mind.
Backed by a trusted, national provider
Our funeral plans are provided by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, which is part of a specialist, UK-based financial services group.
Flexible payment options
You can choose to pay for your funeral plan by lump sum or in instalments. There is an additional cost for paying over two or more years and eligibility criteria applies. Please refer to the Instalment Q&A and the Terms and Conditions for more information. Your funeral director will be able to provide you with a personalised quote.
Once your funeral plan is in place, you’ll receive a welcome booklet containing the details of your plan and your funeral plan certificate. Your nominated representative will also receive a copy if you request this.
Terms and Conditions apply to funeral plans – please ask us if you have any questions.
We are an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited Reg. No. 2644860, registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW, UK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates pre-paid funeral plans only.
