Lewis Cook Independent Funeral Home

23/04/2026

Do you or a family member have any questions to ask surrounding funerals? Talking about funerals is in most part a subject that we tend to bury our heads in the sand with.

This Saturday Reverend Julian and our family will be sitting down over a cup of tea and some cake to invite any funeral related questions. Perhaps clarification is needed on what to do when a loved one passes? We will be able to provide guidance on anything related from initial steps to the services we can offer and how we can offer farewells without the unnecessarily high costs.

From simple unattended goodbye's to the in's and out's of traditional funerals, join us for an informal get together this coming Saturday.

Booklets and information will be handed out to anyone who wishes to be more better prepared.

On Saturday 25th April at 10am Lewis and Rev Julian will be talking about different types and costs of funerals, memorial services and how to prepare for the future. This will be an informal time over coffee and cake with a time for questions. Not everything you hear on social media is true so come and find out. It's free to attend and there's no need to book.

07/04/2026

As a small family run business, every time a family pick up the phone to us in their hour of need we understand and fully acknowledge the weight of responsibility which has been placed in us.

No matter how long I’ve been in the profession, when we receive cards like this we know when we lock the door and go home at the end of the day that we have fulfilled our duty and obligation to every family we care for and receiving these cards makes us whole as a family.

Thank you
Lewis and Sarah

25/03/2026

What to do with flowers after the funeral?

On nearly every occasion we look after a family for a cremation funeral we are asked what happens to the floral tributes once the service comes to a close. It seems a real shame to leave them behind at the crematorium where nobody else sees them and where after around five days they are disposed of.

Is there a family grave where the flowers can be laid? Perhaps the care home where your loved one resided could display them in their memory for the residents to enjoy.

A family we recently looked after had a Christian service at the crematorium and our suggestion was to check with the minister and display them in the church window or typically they can be laid around the font.

There’s lots of ways to ensure a family maximise the use of the floral tributes and we will always make suggestions of ways to keep every aspect of their memory alive.

19/03/2026

Funerals and talking about death in general has always been a conversation we tend to avoid.

Heads are kept firmly in the sand and it’s all to easy to keep putting it off. Until of course, it’s too late and that time comes. Loved ones left behind are then caught in the midst of web of confusion of what to do, what decisions to make for the best, all at a time they are feeling grief and loss.

We have teamed up with some of our local churches within our communities to offer free advice and information gatherings on the initial steps to take when losing a loved one and how to best be prepared for the inevitable!

Feel free to join Rev. Julian Bryant and our family for an open, relaxed conversation with Q&A at the end of April with refreshments and drinks on offer.

Once this has been discussed,
it can be forgotten about giving those nearest and dearest time to focus on the importance of grieving with family and saying farewell in their own way. You are able to then be at peace knowing your wishes are being carried out exactly as you wish with no quibbles or uncertainty at the time by your family.

Everyone and anyone are welcome, near or far.

06/03/2026

Look who came by the funeral home today to check that his daddy was working hard.

Nearly seven weeks old, Rowan feels ready to have his tailcoat measured and his top hat fitted!!

04/03/2026

Registering the death of a loved one.

When a loved one passes away, if this is of natural causes and the coroner is not involved then the Medical Examiner’s office will contact your family by telephone around 7-10 days following the death.

Once any queries have been satisfied and the cause of death has been agreed, the Medical Examiner then emails the paperwork directly to the registrar to then enable registration to take place at a local office of your choice.

If your family are unable to register due to distance, mobility issues or if you would just prefer for this to be taken care of, our family can register on behalf of your family as a personal representative.

We can obtain the death certificates for your family taking all of the added stress away. Death certificates cost £12.50 per copy.

As long as the death is registered at least 5 days prior to the funeral date, this is adequate time to allow the funeral to be held.

Doctors fees are no longer applicable for cremations which has helped families financially and registering within 5 days of the date of death is no longer required.

Whatever the request of your family is, I will ensure that our family accommodate your wishes professionally, sensitively and in a timely manner, with all the warmth and care you'd expect from a family run business.

All of this guidance and more can be viewed on our website page ‘Initial Steps’

www.lewiscookfunerals.com

23/02/2026

Recently as a previous post has mentioned, I contacted the NAFD to apply to be a member and following this had a visit from the National Association of Funeral Directors where a conclusive inspection of our processes, premises, procedures and care of the deceased were carried out.

After being accepted verbally and via email, we have just received our certificate through the post enrolling us into membership which we are very proud of.

This acceptance acknowledges that Lewis Cook Independent Funeral Home upholds the highest standards of care and integrity to be enabled to be a NAFD inspected member.

20/02/2026

Distance is never an issue…

Recently we were entrusted with the funeral arrangements of a family member who resided in Norfolk but his family lived in Bexhill On-Sea.

We conducted the funeral locally and then the family wished for their loved ones ashes and memorial stone (which we arranged through our local stonemason) to be taken back where the family lived to enable a service at the committal.

We comfortably accommodated this covering the 400 mile round trip in a day for the family.

The message from our family is simple, no matter the distance whether it’s a funeral or something a little different, we are only ever a call away and our personal care will be provided with a steady hand and comfort.

Near or far, never hesitate to call us

06/02/2026

🟡🟢On the ball city,
never mind the danger,
Steady on, now’s your chance
Hurrah we’ve scored a goal..🟢🟡

This is what a Direct Cremation can look like provided by our family.

Despite having a simple unattended service, when I spoke with the community at Stratton Hall Park, they were immensely pleased that their dear friend of 15 years could be brought home to the place she loved surrounded by the many friends who meant so much to her.

I opened the hearse door and played OTBC via our P.A system before giving some words of farewell.

This meant the world to the many who gathered and a round of applause was given as they gave a guard of honour upon leaving.

These touches make all the difference. We will always find ways of making every single farewell unique

(Pictures posted with permission granted)

04/02/2026

Our personal service knows no measures at Lewis Cook Funeral Home.

From the initial phone call to our family, to collection of your loved one, a familiar voice is here for your family every step of the way, night and day.

From arranging the funeral with your family, Lewis prepares your loved ones coffin (as can be seen pictured) ready for chapel visits and the funeral.

Every staple, tack and pin is looked after by our family before Lewis places loved ones into their coffin respectfully.

A family business through and through which makes all the difference at such a trying time.

29/01/2026

Last week our son Rowan was born weighing 8lb 1oz.

As a family we are thankful beyond measure for the amount of messages received, the cards that have been sent and the gifts that the families we have served have brought in for us.

Your kindness is so very much appreciated and both Sarah and myself wish to thank you all.

Sarah is doing really well and was amazing throughout the whole process. Eva and Fletcher are so proud to have a little brother. Rowan says thank you to everyone for the knitted blankets and cuddly toys!

We are overjoyed, a family business in every sense and appreciate everyone’s kindness and love.

24/12/2025

Our family wish all of those we have cared for and are currently caring for a very peaceful Christmas.

A time for family, a time for celebration of course but we are very aware that this is also a time for reflection. We know as a family how difficult this time of year is for those who have lost loved ones, especially those facing the first Christmas without them here.

Sarah, myself and our family have you all in our thoughts. Peace and love to each one of you.

Christmas in heaven,
what do they do?
They come down to earth
to spend it with you
So save them a seat
Just one empty chair
You may not see them
but they will always be there...