Some of you may have seen the repeats of “Life on Mars” on the Drama channel and there may be repeats of its sequel “Ashes to Ashes”.
This makes me think of some of the more unusual ways in which some people’s ashes have been disposed of. The traditional ways could involve burying them in a local cemetery or in a natural burial ground, scattering them or perhaps dividing them between loved ones.
However, there has been a move towards more creative methods. One of the more famous examples was Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, whose ashes were taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle “Columbia” in 1992 and then returned to earth. The leading Space Geologist Doctor Eugene Shoemaker went a step further and some of his ashes were taken to the moon in 1999 and now rest in the Southern Polar Region.
I have been asked whether ashes can be scattered at Lords Cricket Ground or major football stadiums but the authorities are in practice very unlikely to allow this.
There are numerous companies on the internet which offer unusual options such as placing them in a Stone Age long barrow, incorporating them in garden sculptures, pictures or jewellery or scattered at sea or from an aircraft.
A more unusual option is to have ashes pressed into a vinyl record to play a favourite piece of music to remind loved ones of happy memories.
Certainly, there is more scope now for inventive ways of disposal than previously and many people now leave letters with their Wills outlining their preferences. If a client wants to have their preferences in the Will itself we can of course carry out their requirements.
We are pleased to advise on all aspects of Will drafting even the more unusual ones.
If you are looking for advice on any Wills, Life Planning or Probate matter, feel free to contact our team on 01206 835261or [email protected].