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Original poster

Crematorium Technician here

686 replies

CodLiverOil556 · 31/05/2018 13:11

I see lots of threads about cremations and Crematoria. I'm currently a crem tech so please ask me questions and I will endeavor to answer them.

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alphajuliet123 · 01/06/2018 20:38

I've got a couple of questions, one relevant, one a bit random!

How long do you keep cremated remains for if they are not collected by the family?

Also, there is a missing persons case - Corrie McKeague - who vanished after possibly being tipped into a bin lorry. Landfill has been searched and there's a possibility he went to an environmental incinerator. Google tells me it should but about the same as your cremator, 850c. Should his remains have been found if he was erroneously cremated there?

Laiste · 01/06/2018 20:34

If i had something like that made i'd be so terrified of losing it that i don't think it would bring me much comfort at all! Totally irreplaceable after all.

Each to their own of course.
Great thread.

TrickOrRuddyTreat · 01/06/2018 20:34

This thread has been so interesting and informative OP, thank you for starting it.

I am comforted to think that the people who cremated my grandfather might have had the same approach as you, you sound lovely.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 20:22

@TinkerbellSparkle this is something we offer and to be honest it's really nice. You can have necklaces/rings and pandora charms. I can see how it would freak you out though

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TinkerbellSparkle · 01/06/2018 20:18

Thank you for a fascinating thread. No one has mentioned the jewellery yet. When my mum was cremated I had to go to the office to sign something. There was a display case in the corner containing jewellery that you could have made which included some of your loved ones ashes. Necklaces, rings and earrings. I was pretty freaked out by the whole thing as it was but that nearly sent me over the edge.

IDrinkAndISewThings · 01/06/2018 20:14

This is fascinating!

ilovecardigans · 01/06/2018 19:49

I just want to say a massive 'thank you' to you, Kermit. My mum is nearing the end (could be tomorrow, could be next month) and she has opted for cremation in her funeral plan. I had so many questions about cremation before you started this thread and I am so very grateful for your thoughtfulness and professionalism.

MrsSarahSiddons · 01/06/2018 19:39

@IloveKermit - thank you so much, that's really amazing. I will contact them.

Mazzini · 01/06/2018 19:28

When I was young child, some ‘kind’ person told me that bodies sit up, make a noise or move about during cremation due to gas expanding within the body. It frightened me. Is there any truth in it?

DucksOnThePond · 01/06/2018 19:28

MrsMorton I am sorry I offended. It was just something that was said to me many years ago, probably as a kid in the yes, slightly ghoulish way, kids do and it stuck with me as one of those weird myths.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:27

@MrsSarahSiddons contact the Crematorium or funeral director and they will be able to tell you as records are kept. They might be in big dusty books but they will be there.

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Icanttakemuchmore · 01/06/2018 19:26

Ah I see IloveKermit thankyou.

Redissuereader · 01/06/2018 19:26

I’m only up to page 2 but I would to thank you ILoveKermit as this thread has been comforting

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:26

@TSSDNCOP a coffin is classed as being committed when it comes into the crematory.

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Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:25

@DucksOnThePond can confirm that the head does not explode. Not sure where you heard that from.

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Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:23

@fcekinghell I think they are removed the same as a pacemaker.

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MoosMummy11 · 01/06/2018 19:22

Wow! This thread has been an amazing read. You’ve helped me make my mind completely up for when my time comes. I wanted to be cremated anyway as (I know I probably sound ridiculous) I’m terrified of the dark, spiders and bugs so wouldn’t lay underground in life, so why would I once I’ve passed? You’re amazing as is this entire thread. Thank you for being open and honest & thank you for doing the job you do with such obvious love, respect & doing the ‘small’ things. I blubbed when you said you say cheerio to the people before you cremate them. I couldn’t do your job, I couldn’t bare the thought of working with dead children/babies. So thank you again, for doing such a difficult job.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:21

@Jux no one is ever removed from a coffin so you probably have a tiny percentage of willow in with your families ashes.

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Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:20

@ladymelbourne1926 yes there is a separate form for cremating body parts. They are treated like a normal cremation and ashes are either returned to family or scattered according to the families wishes.

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YearOfYouRemember · 01/06/2018 19:19

@mikeyssister I assumed Kermit was male too.

Dh and I are going to be cremated.

Excited101 · 01/06/2018 19:19

Following

Mrsmorton · 01/06/2018 19:18

@DucksOnThePond pretty crass question there. By what mechanism do you imagine any body part (not containing a battery) would explode? I'll wager you've not RTFT.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:18

@DesignStatement if that was the persons wish then so be it. I have no opinion on jewelry being wore then cremated with the person.

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Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 19:16

@Catrina1234 yes you can use a cardboard coffin...perfectly legal but personally I don't like them

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MrsSarahSiddons · 01/06/2018 19:16

Thank you for this informative and lovely thread. My grandfather was cremated in 1970 at the same burial ground where his wife was buried 14 years previously. I have no idea what happened to his ashes. Is there any way of finding out? I do have the invoice from the funeral director and it doesn't mention anything about what was done with the ashes.