Contrary to what many believe, coffins are very different to caskets. A casket is rectangular, usually has a hinged lid and is of European origin. Coffins are just how people imagine them, tapered out to a point at the shoulder, and with a lid which usually lifts off completely. Coffins are of English origin. Today, coffins and caskets are made of either particle board (chipboard), timber (including pine, oak, cedar and mahogany), metal (these are imported from the USA) and very recently the outside of some is made of velvet. The lining is made from materials ranging from understated calico to hand ruched satin.

All “reportable deaths” need to be investigated by the State Coroner or by another Coroner. The first step is identification, and the Coroner usually asks for a family member or close family friend to identify the deceased. This can be done either at the place of death, in the presence of the police, or at the Coroner’s office.

A prepaid funeral offers your family and friends the peace of mind knowing that your wishes have been recorded. Additionally, prepaid funerals offered by TJ Andrews are a fixed price. The funeral expenses are paid at today’s prices and are protected from inflation. A prepaid funeral may be paid as a lump sum or paid in monthly instalments over a period of up to three years. When the time comes for the prepaid contract to be used, a simple phone-call from your executor, next of kin or friend is all that is required for us to commence implementing your recorded wishes. All monies paid toward the prepaid funeral contract are invested independently.

A “prearranged funeral” is one planned sometimes years in advance. A prearranged funeral offers your family or friends the peace of mind knowing that your wishes have been recorded. The funeral expenses are paid by the family or estate at the time of need. All the funeral details are planned in advance. A phone call from your executor, next of kin or friend is all that is required for us to commence implementing your recorded wishes.

A mausoleum is a large monumental tomb which has a chamber that contains funeral urns or caskets. Unlike most tombs, mausoleums are generally built above ground allowing the rank and achievements of the deceased to be displayed. The earliest known mausoleums were built over five thousand years ago from huge pieces of stone, and were usually covered with earth or rock. In the centuries that followed, mausoleums were usually built for significant individuals or for prestige. The best known mausoleum is the 17th century Taj Mahal. Today mausoleums can be found in cemeteries around the world – they are usually multi-storeyed and can accommodate hundreds, sometimes thousands, of entombments.

By law, both the coffin and body are consumed in a cremation. The only items not consumed in a cremation are the metal handles on the coffin. Some crematoria may be required by the local Environmental Protection Authority to remove fittings made of other material. This is because of the adverse effects the material may have on the environment near the crematorium. All these items are destroyed. They are never recycled.