Funerals

Funerals and memorial Services
Local ministers are available to conduct funerals at any of our 6 Churches across the Ivelmeads Benefice or at a local Crematorium.

Booking for a funeral service is usually made via one of the local Funeral Directors. The minister conducting the service will meet with the family to discuss the arrangements and help shape the service in response to the family’s wishes. 

The churchyards at Tintinhull, Chilthorne Domer, Yeovil Marsh, Limington and at Podimore (the parish church for Yeovilton and Podimore villages) are open for burials ofanyone living in the parish, those on the church electoral roll, and those who die within the parish boundaries. 

Memorial Services are a possibility when a Direct Cremation has taken place for the deceased and it has become apparent that you may not have been able to grieve fully, or to have said farewell in a way that is very natural for all of us as human beings.  Or it may simply be the case that at the time of the funeral significant members of the family were unable to be in attendance.  A memorial, possibly held on the anniversary of the loved one’s death, might be welcomed by many. For an initial enquiry you may like to contact the rector or talk to one of the Church wardens.

Arrangements to install a Headstone or a Tablet over cremated remains are usually made via a stone mason and in accordance with the  Churchyard Regulations as set by Bath and Wells Diocese; the Stone Mason will guide you through these. This is to maintain a dignified and respectful space for all. 

Fees

Fees are set by the Church of England through the Diocese of Bath and Wells. These include:

  • Funeral Services within a Church or at the Crematorium. In 2026 £244 for either option. For a committal at the Crem after a service in church there is an additional cost of £37. There is an extra fee for an Organist.
  • Memorial Services. In 2026 £244
  • Burial of a body in a churchyard. In 2026 £390 if combined with the service in church. If the burial is on another occasion the cost is £425.  Please note the cost of a gravedigger is separate and will be arranged for you by the funeral directors.
  • Interment of ashes. In 2026 £206
  • Headstone Permission £179 plus the Stone Mason’s costs
  • Memorial Tablet over cremated remains £96 plus the Stone Mason’s costs

A Note on Churchyards

Our churchyards have limited space and so ordinarily only residents of the parish are eligible to be buried or interred in the churchyard. However, if the person used to live in the parish, or had a strong family connection to the parish, the PCC may be willing to consider making an exception. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss this.

Ongoing Support

As a church family in Ivelmeads Benefice we seek to be here for you long after the funeral. We are developing a small team to help provide a listening ear as you navigate this tough journey of grief.  Every autumn, at the festival of ‘All Souls’ we hold a reflective and celebratory service to which all and any who have suffered the loss of loved ones in previous years are welcome to attend (even if we did not take the funeral service).

You may also find the following links useful.

CRUSE helping people through bereavement. A helpline is available 0808 8081677

Care for the Family supporting families through bereavement  www.careforthefamily.org.uk

Child Bereavement Helping children and young people rebuild their lives when a child dies or when a child grieves. A helpline is available 0800 0288840

SANDS A charity supporting those bereaved following a stillbirth or neonatal death. Helpline. 0808 164332