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A misty dawn over the river evokes a calm celebration of life.

Celebration of Life for a Meaningful Farewell in Paignton

Torbay based Stockman & Loram can help with eco-friendly funerals across our local areas. 

At Stockman & Loram, we understand that every funeral is a deeply personal moment to celebrate a life cherished. Our celebration of life services in Paignton are designed to honor your loved one in a meaningful way while also being mindful of the environment. 

We work closely with families to create a service that reflects the unique spirit of their loved one. Whether you choose a traditional farewell or a modern celebration of life, our compassionate team supports you every step of the way, offering eco-friendly options so you can say goodbye in a thoughtful, respectful, and caring way that honors both your loved one and the world around us.

While funerals are a time to mourn, they are also an opportunity to honor and celebrate a life well lived. Our celebration of life provides comfort to family and friends, creating a meaningful occasion where memories are shared, stories are remembered, and the person you love is truly celebrated.

Reach out to us and let us help you organize a dignified, uplifting, and eco-friendly celebration of life in Paignton, where every detail is handled with care, and the focus is on celebrating the person you love.

Celebrate life 

For many of us, a funeral is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of our loved ones. These celebrations can be religious or non-religious, with the focus very much on the laughter, the fun and the good times shared with them. 

 

This usually starts with discussing the tone of the service, which enables us to gauge exactly what you would like to achieve. We would then recommend the celebrant or minister that we feel fits your requirements and whom we feel has a general personality that suits your family. We use a range of male and female celebrants from a variety of backgrounds.

Friends smile around a barbecue for warm, informal celebration of life gathering
A simple coffin reflects eco-friendly celebration of life values.

Some of the things that we can do for you:

  • Replace hymns for special pieces of music, or have a combination.

  • Create photo collages in the printed orders of service.

  • Place a feature-sized photograph on an easel next to the coffin

  • Live stream the funeral from most indoor and outdoor venues

  • Arrange the service in a different venue (we once arranged a funeral in a local pub!)

  • Provide a range of colourful picture coffins or alternative coffins (willow etc)

  • Offer a range of memorial products, jewellery and ashes into glass.

  • Provide a range of urns specifically designed for scattering, burial or taking out to sea.

Bright floral coffin option for personalized celebration of life tribute.

Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground 

With stunning views of the River Dart and across the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground offers an ecological alternative to traditional burial or cremation and is open to all – regardless of faith or local residency, having a religious ceremony, a secular ceremony, or no ceremony at all.

The Meadow differs in feel and practice from a traditional churchyard or a municipal cemetery. The site is cared for as a hay meadow, hence the grass is allowed to grow long and cut periodically. Sharpham Meadow is a haven for wildlife, a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects can be found here, such as barn owl, roe deer and several butterfly species.  

  • Ashes can be interred here as well as full burials 

  • Only simple flat headstones are permitted, no other memorial items or plantings are allowed 

  • All graves are a single depth, so if you require a double grave you need to purchase two adjacent plots

Full Burial plots & Fees

  • Single Plot £1,200  

  • Additional adjacent plot £995  

  • Burial Fee (grave digging) £425 

Ashes plots & Fees

  • Single Ashes Plot £450 

  • Additional Adjacent Ashes plot £400 

  • Burial Fee (preparation of the plot) £250 

Memorial Stone

  • Burials & Ashes from £400

Prices correct as of 1st March 2021

Lonely cherry tree on a lawn with blossom branches

Woodland burials in Torbay 

Torbay’s green burial ground is situated in Cockington Country Park. The site is part of Conqueror Wood, an 18-acre woodland planted in 2005. The green burial ground features impressive views and is located just off the A380.  

 

With each burial, a memorial tree is planted nearby. The plot itself is marked with a flat tablet-style plaque. You can opt for single and double-depth burials and the burial of ashes. The area attracts many bird species in addition to insects and wildflowers. Families and guests will receive packets of wildflower seeds to scatter at the site. 

Woodland viewpoint hints at peaceful natural burial and celebration of life.

A tranquil space with wildlife all around 

Conqueror wood is a natural burial ground, and this benefits lots of wildlife. The rough-cut glades provide many butterfly species with sheltered spaces to move within. The hedgerows are home to the rare and endangered cirl bunting.  

 

There is a wide range of species present at the site including numerous songbird species, hedgehogs, badgers, foxes and stoats. Other birdlife breeding in the immediate area includes barn owls, kestrels and great-spotted woodpeckers. 

Meadow burial-ground lawn use for eco-friendly celebration of life.
A green and flowery location offering quiet, natural celebration of life.

Other Green Burial locations 

Stockman & Loram also look after green burials in other locations. Below is a list of green burial sites in south Devon: 

 

  • Conqueror Wood in Torquay 

  • Sharpham Meadow near Totnes 

  • Bidwell Woodland Burial at Rattery, near Totnes 

  • Crossways at Cheriton Bishop 

  • Yealmpton Woodland Burial at Yealmpton, near Kingsbridge

Green Burial coffin selection 

Stockman & Loram have a wide range of coffins suitable for a green burial. These include Wicker coffins, Woollen coffins, Cardboard coffins, Wood coffins and Picture coffins:  

  • Wicker coffins in various styles 

  • Woollen coffins in white or grey 

  • Bamboo coffins 

  • Cardboard coffins 

  • Colour picture coffins in hundreds of designs 

  • Traditional wood coffins with rope or wood handles 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What services are included in a celebration of life?
Our celebration of life services include arranging the venue, coordinating music, preparing orders of service, and handling tributes. We also support families with logistics, guest management, and personalized touches, ensuring every detail is taken care of so the day runs smoothly.

Can you organize a celebration of life for any type of funeral?
Yes. We provide celebration of life services alongside traditional funerals, cremations, or memorial services. Every service is tailored to reflect the individual’s personality, passions, and family wishes, creating a meaningful and memorable occasion.

Do you assist with planning and coordination?
Absolutely. Our caring team guides families through every step, from planning the schedule to selecting music, readings, and special tributes. We make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on remembering and celebrating your loved one.

Can the celebration of life be held at any location?
Yes. We can organize celebration of life services at funeral homes, community halls, gardens, or any venue that holds special meaning for the family. Our team works closely with you to create a service that feels personal, comfortable, and memorable for everyone attending.

Are there options for religious or non-religious services?
We cater to all preferences and beliefs. Our celebration of life services can include religious or spiritual elements if desired or be entirely secular, focusing on celebrating the individual’s life, achievements, and legacy in a way that feels authentic and respectful.

How do we personalize the service?
Families can include favorite music, readings, photographs, videos, and stories. Our team ensures every aspect of the celebration of life reflects the personality, passions, and legacy of the person being remembered, making the day truly meaningful for everyone involved.

Forest burial site with nature-rooted atmosphere for celebration of life.
Get in touch on 01803 552112, 01803 843710 or 01803 424596 to arrange an eco-friendly funeral. 

Contact us

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