A Quiet Goodbye, Delivered with Care.
Our private, unattended funerals (direct cremation) are delivered with respect, dignity with a personal trust. That is why we have been trusted by families for over 100 years.
Unattended funerals for £1315*
*Additional charges will apply for out of area and out of hours services.
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Simple. Affordable. But always Respectful.
We are a small, family-owned funeral directors based in Oldham and Manchester. We believe every life matters and every goodbye should be handled with care, even if it's simplistic and fuss free.
Whilst the national companies have the bigger budgets for marketing, we believe our local community knows what they get when they use our service and our reputation speaks for itself. But here are just three reasons why you should look for us when it comes to unattended funerals...
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We only use local services and facilities, meaning you or your loved one will always be cared for locally. Unlike national companies who have facilities and use services hundreds of miles away.
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Because we use our local crematorium, there is the possibility you will be able to be in attendance to see your loved one going into the crematorium itself.
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There is no hidden fees, we are up front, transparent and honest from the first engagement with you. Your family, our priority.
Unattended Funerals: The Rise In Popularity
Unattended funerals or direct funeral service has become a
popular alternative to a traditional funeral.
20%
RAPID RISE IN POPULARITY OF UNATTENDED FUNERALS
From 3% of funerals to over 20% in 3 years.
30k
TENS OF THOUSANDS FIRST OPTION
Over 30,000 funeral plans live right now are unattended funerals.
53%
HALF OF ALL ADULTS
More than 50% of adults in the UK would consider an unattended funeral.
67K
10% OF ALL DEATHS
More than 67,000, equivalent to 10% of all UK deaths will be unattended funerals by 2030.
Unattended Funeral: Who? What? And How?
Who are unattended funerals for?
Unattended funerals may be ideal for:
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Those who don’t want a traditional ceremony
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Families planning a private memorial later
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Individuals who expressed the wish for a simple farewell
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Keeping costs affordable while maintaining dignity
How do they actually work?
The usual process is:
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Contact a member of our caring team
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Meet with one of our experienced funeral directors
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We will arrange everything; legally, professionally, and respectfully
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The cremation takes place at a local crematorium, unattended
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The ashes are returned, or they can be scattered in a garden of remembrance
What is an unattended funeral?
An unattended funeral, also known as direct cremation or pure cremation, is a cremation that takes place without a service, ceremony, or mourners present.
It’s a practical, low-cost option for those who prefer simplicity or wish to hold a separate memorial at a later time.
Our service compared to others...
This comparison graphic is a tool to help you compare our service to those of the 'leading national provider'. It allows you to compare what we believe to be important factors when choosing. When looking below, it is worth noting our unattended funerals services start at £1315 where as the online / leading national provider start at £1,750!
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Choosing us means opting for a service that is rooted in the community values of support, integrity and personal touch. Unlike larger corporations, our focus is on providing a respectful and dignified farewell to each individual, reflecting their unique life and your family wishes.
We also offer Unattended Burials and Unattended Pre Paid Funeral Plans via our partnership with Golden Charter.
If your loved one is resting at a private address or care facility and is able to come into our care call us on 0161-624-1209 where a member of staff will be available to guide you on the next steps – we are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
What is actually included?
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24 Hour Care and Support
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Face to Face meeting with an experienced Funeral Director
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Taking care of all legal and administrative arrangements
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Third party disbursements (cost of cremation)
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Conveyance from place of death to our chapel of rest during office hours
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Your loved one is cared for by us at all times and kept within the local area
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Option for you and family to gather in our private service chapel (additional charges will apply)
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Cremation held at Oldham (Hollinwood) Crematorium
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Coffin suitable for cremation
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Conveyance of your loved one direct to Oldham Crematorium in an immaculate Hearse accompanied by Funeral Director
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Choose from Collection of ashes and safe storage at our premises for upto 3 months waiting on collection or dignified scattering of the ashes on the garden remembrance at Oldham (Hollinwood) Crematorium.
We handle everything behind the scenes with respect and professionalism.
Did you know, you can pre-plan your unattended funeral using one of our pre-paid funeral plans from £1640 in partnership with Golden Charter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Harold P. Heywood, T. Collins & Son and Wild & Brierley are an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).
© 2025 by Oldham Independent Funerals.