Harrogate Borough Council
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Cremation
The Crematorium at Stonefall
The Crematorium is situated centrally within the Stonefall grounds. Parking is available close to the original Garden of Remembrance and Cremated Remains section.
The use of the Chapel is included within the cremation fee and can be used for either a full service, committal only or for those not opting for a service. There is also an option for a Memorial Service, separate to the funeral. Adjacent to the Chapel entrance is a Waiting Room for mourners to view the approach of the funeral cortege.
Toilet facilities are situated opposite the chapel entrance (including a disabled toilet).
In the same area is the Book of Remembrance Room. Entrance to the Book of Remembrance Room, Chapel and Waiting Room are wheelchair compatible. A loop system is in place, in the Chapel for hearing aid users.
The
ChapelThe Chapel provides seating for up to 80 people, with removable ornaments to respect the different beliefs of the deceased and bereaved. Music is provided, with any special requests and family CDs welcomed. There is also an organ and organist available by prior arrangement. Once the coffin is placed on the catafalque (the raised platform) at the front of the Chapel, it will remain there until all the mourners have left the Chapel.
Following the Service, any floral tributes will be displayed beside the Chapel exit, available to be collected, otherwise they will be transferred to the flower island, remaining there for a period of one week.
How to get to Stonefall
From the A1(M) take the A661 to Harrogate from Wetherby, through Spofforth, until you come to the main roundabout connecting the A658. Continue straight across on the A661 into Harrogate until you see a set of traffic lights, and Sainbury's on the left hand side. The entrance to Stonefall Cemetery is just prior to the traffic lights on the right hand side. This is an entrance only. The exit is right onto Forest Lane, back onto the A661.
If you are coming up from the south connect with the M1 and A1(M) for Wetherby, rather than go through Bradford and Leeds. (see Map)
After the Cremation
Following the cremation, there are a number of options available for you to consider.
- Collection of the remains
Cremated Remains are available for collection the day after cremation. Please ensure that on collection there is a Disposal Certificate accompanying them; this is required if the remains are to be taken to another agreed Authority. Arrangements can be made for the Funeral Director or other agreed representative to collect the remains to take them elsewhere or to keep them until a decision can be made.
- Burial or Strewing
Strewing of cremated remains can take place at various locations. Remains can be interred within a dedicated cremated remains plot or in a full grave with other relatives. Please note that to do this requires written permission of the person who is the rightful owner of the grave.
- Garden of Remembrance
The original Garden of Remembrance at Stonefall Cemetery was opened in 1937 and provides a quiet tranquil area landscaped with trees and shrubs where ashes were strewn, until the opening of the Memorial Garden. Remains can still be strewn in this area, if specifically requested, although plaque availability is limited. Only fresh cut flowers or a small wreath are permitted to be laid on the ground areas.
- The Memorial Garden
Opened in 2000, the Garden which is accessed via a footbridge over a flowing stream and pond, is constantly developing through the careful planting of trees, shrubs and flowers. The unique design of the garden incorporates sculptures, a stream with a pond and bridge plus an informal wild flower area. The "Waterdrop"
sculpture, surrounded by a furrowed
grassed landscape simulating rippling water is a focal point of the
gardens. These features along with the high standard of maintenance
by our team of gardeners, provide a tranquil and comforting area to
visit and to sit. The Memorial Garden has been 
developed as the predominant
strewing area for cremated remains and for displaying Memorial
Plaques to the deceased.
- Ripon Memorial Wall
Within Ripon Cemetery, there is a Garden of Rest where cremated remains can be strewn. There are also memorial walls for which plaques can be purchased and affixed in memory of those who have passed away.
Please note
To maintain the Service's high standards of maintenance within the cemeteries, only officially recognised memorials are allowed. Any impromptu memorials will, regretfully be removed and attempts made to contact the applicant of the deceased person to whom the memorial refers so that they can be collected.
Flowers and articles should not be left on grassed areas to impede grass cutting maintenance at any time.