Unfortunately the committal curtains in the Crematoriums' East Chapel are currently out of use, they are irreparable and in need of replacement by a specialist contractor.
This is the response I have received from the council in relation to this sensitive matter:
Quotations have been obtained for their replacement by Facilities Management but working through all of the relevant processes and procedures has unfortunately resulted in a number of significant delays.
We are aware of the sensitivities and are disappointed by this shortfall around this very important aspect of the funeral service. We have kept all funeral directors fully appraised of the problem and asked that they inform all families of this at the time of booking, allowing them to make an informed choice of whether to proceed or not. It also means that this does not come as shock to them on the day of the funeral which is already difficult enough for them.
Fortunately, here at Croydon we have a second chapel. Although smaller than the East Chapel the committal process is via a sinking catafalque, a different process to the curtains it provides the closure at the end of the service that many families find essential to enable them to progress on their bereavement journey. We have asked funeral directors to offer this as an alternative as and when required.
On a more positive note permission has been obtained to get the curtain track replaced. But, due to its bespoke nature it has to be manufactured to order and is scheduled for installation on Saturday 16 October.
