Civil funerals welcomed in East Sussex

East Sussex County Council's Registration Service started the ceremonies in December, providing local people with an alternative to a religious service.

Civil funerals have now been available for almost four months and have been well received with positive feedback both from people who have booked ceremonies and from funeral directors and hospital bereavement staff.

In the first three months of this year, registration staff carried out 17 ceremonies across the four registration districts of Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes. The Council has three fully trained 'funeral celebrants' who work closely with people booking the ceremony and with funeral directors, cemetery and crematoria staff to deliver a personal and dignified service.

Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services, said: "A civil funeral or remembrance ceremony arranged by our Registration Service offers a unique and sensitive alternative to a traditional funeral. The feedback we have received so far about this service confirms that our registrars are cementing their reputation for excellence, sensitivity and professionalism."

The funeral ceremonies are another new service available through the Council's Registration Service. Together with the registration of births, deaths and marriages, the service also offers civil partnerships, citizenship ceremonies, a nationality document checking service, naming ceremonies, renewal of vows ceremonies and copies of certificates available to buy online or through one of the local Register Offices.

To book a civil funeral or remembrance ceremony, contact your nearest register office. To find out more about the ceremonies and about the work of the registration service go to eastsussex.gov.uk/community/registration.