Direct Cremation
Understanding Direct Cremation & Unattended Funerals
We strongly believe… As your local family funeral directors, we have a responsibility to stand up and provide a better understanding of the concept of direct cremation and unattended funerals, to make clear the facts and dispel the myths.
Our role as a Funeral Director
We are here to
care for and support families at every step,
providing both practical assistance and compassionate guidance during difficult times. Our service operates
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is delivered in accordance with the professional code of practice set by SAIF.
We offer expert advice and help families plan a funeral that reflects their wishes, values, and beliefs, with options to suit all religions, preferences, and budgets. Throughout the process, we ensure your loved one remains in trusted local care, giving families reassurance and peace of mind.
Change is Ever Present BUT Values Should Remain
Change is a natural part of life and society. However, when it comes to funeral care, high standards, respect, and personal choice should always prevail. Families deserve transparency, local care, and clear, honest information — especially at a time of loss. Concerns around the minimalisation of death and the unknown emotional impact of simplified funeral options make it more important than ever to understand what is truly being offered.
The Importance of a Funeral Ceremony
The funeral ceremony plays a vital role in the grieving process. It provides an opportunity for family, friends, and the wider community to come together, share memories, and support one another. This collective acknowledgement of loss helps individuals process grief in a healthy and meaningful way.
We are not opposed to direct cremation. If a family chooses this option, it does not affect the care, dignity, or respect they receive from us. Every family is treated with the same compassion and professionalism, regardless of the service selected.
No Hidden Extras
We provide comprehensive information about all aspects of our funeral services, including funeral arrangements, so there are no hidden surprises.
NAFD and SAIF Certified,
A Guarantee of Quality
As members of the NAFD - The National Association of Funeral Directors - and SAIF - The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors we adhere to the very highest standards of professionalism in our industry. If a Funeral Director is NAFD certified, and SAIF you are guaranteed these exceptional standards of service.
CMA Order
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intervened in the UK funeral market sector following a two and a half year investigation. From 16 June 2021, the CMA published a set of requirements, in the form of a legally binding Order under the Enterprise Act 2002, that ALL UK funeral businesses must abide by.
What is a direct unattended cremation from Barthram Funeral Services?
- No funeral service or ceremony
- Unable to attend the crematorium
- We will tell you the date or time
- You will have the option to view your loved one
- The deceased will be transported in one of our hearses
- Ashes will be returned to you as soon as is possible
- You can visit us any time of day.
- Arrangements are offered in person, over the phone or via email
- Your loved one will be looked after and cared for locally.
- The cremation will take place locally.
STANDARDISED PRICE LIST
All funeral directors are legally required to publish this Price List for a standardised set of products and services for funeral arrangements.
This is to help you think through your options and make choices, and to let you compare prices between different funeral directors (because prices can vary).

Memorial Collection
After the cremation, you will receive your loved one’s ashes in a temporary container. The remains can be buried, interred or scattered, but for many of us, keeping a loved one at home can be comforting. We can help with providing a more permanent container to keep your loved one close.
Alternatively, you might want to share the ashes, and for this, small keepsakes and jewellery mean you can always keep them close. See the following brochure via the button below, to take a look the options available to you.
Floral Tributes
Here are some pointers about flowers:
- Flowers are a simple, beautiful and heartfelt way to pay your respects.
- For a funeral, it can sometimes be confusing to know which flowers to send and which styles are appropriate.
- We supply selected designs which convey your loving sentiments combined with the skills of the florist.
- We offer an excellent choice of colour options and design styles to select from, including loose, natural designs and more formal tributes.
- Each funeral tribute is specially designed by our florists and delivered by hand. You can take a look at the flowers available for a funeral by Hutton Flowers HERE.
- You have our assurance that your chosen design will be created and handled with care.
Flower Selection
Bespoke designs are available upon request
All Floral Tributes are supplied by
Hutton Flowers of Northallerton
Coffin Selection
Why Choose Our Services?
Leading Funeral Director
We are the Leading Funeral Director in Northallerton and the surrounding areas.
Bespoke Choices
We offer choices bespoke to your needs, whether you want a traditional or modern ceremony.
Support From Us
You receive support from us at every stage of the process.
NAFD and SAIF Members
We are NAFD and SAIF Members which means the highest standards of professionalism in the funeral industry.
Match All Budgets
We provide an excellent choice of flowers, caskets, hearses and other items to match all budgets.
Why Choose Us?
✔︎
We deliver Compassion, Warmth and Kindness and the personal touch in all that we do.
✔︎ We truly listen to what you want and we are friendly and approachable.
✔︎ We are non-judgmental and open minded; whatever your choices, we will respect that.
✔︎ We have collective experience in our team of over 87 years.
✔︎ We are a Family Funeral Directors serving other families
✔︎ We have been in this business for 100 years!





































































