definitely wouldn't recommend, the receptionist wasn't helpful and was also rude.. and couldn't…read moreeven get my fathers name right in the quote!!!!!! they don't even deserve the 1 star.

I treid for 3 months to get a quote for my mother in law who wanted to pay for her funeral in…read moreadvance with no luck. I would definitely NOT recommend or use their service. A caring service........I beg to differ. Not worth one star but cannot give less.

Exceedingly satisfied by the service I received from Direct Cremation. I contacted Direct…read moreCremation immediately after my dad passed away. Within two hours, three individuals arrived in suited attire to transport my dad, they were very gentle and caring in handling my dad's body with dignity and respect. Steven, The service director was extremely diligent and communicated with me from start to finish. As I live abroad, I intended to take my dad's remains back home to the US with me. He was kind enough to guide me through the entire process step by step and go over the requirements involved to transport human remains from one country to another. As I needed return back home, he expedited the cremation for my dad which was done within a week. I was provided with the exact date and time my dad would be cremated, which was good to know, as I informed all our family members to light a candle and say a prayer at that specific time in remembrance of dad. Steven, personally hand delivered my dad's ashes to me at my hotel, which I thought was very professional and thoughtful of him to do so. He went through the final documents with me to be certain I had everything needed to board my flight so I could take my dad's remains home with me. Direct Cremation provides a great service at very reasonable costs! Thank you, for making this process a little less stressful by being so helpful! Annemarie C

When my wife's father, John, died, we were somewhat reticent about the idea of a direct funeral,…read morefeeling we 'should' go down the conventional, full-blown ceremonial route. However, to put it bluntly, it would have been a farce given certain complex dynamics within our wider family. Because of those, it was an event we dreaded for years, fearing historical issues and personal agendas would come to the fore, overshadowing and detracting from the real meaning and significance of the event. However, in the end, we're so glad we opted for Harbour Funerals and can't recommend their excellent service enough. Its owner, Steven Cains, was wonderful, giving us personal attention in a way we've never experienced before, having organised several other family funerals. He struck the perfect balance of being extremely professional and respectful but also genuinely friendly and personable, and he was readily available by e-mail or phone, keeping us in the loop throughout. The process really was as simple as making an initial enquiry and completing a thankfully straightforward form online. We knew the actual time John's cremation was scheduled for, so were able to pass this on to others we thought might wish to set aside time to do their own thing, in their own way. For example, in our case, Sharon and I chose to reflect and reminisce near a focal point consisting of a photograph of John, some of his favourite flowers and a lighted candle. And that, in fact, made it feel much more personal and real to us than the alternative a large get-together would have, what with the need to organise so many practical matters and feeling obliged to make sure everyone else present was okay and catered for. Conversely, though, the sheer simplicity of Harbour's method also lends itself to anyone who wants to organise a larger or maybe more unusual event whenever they choose to, or can afford it, or are able to get various parties together at a mutually convenient time for the majority, perhaps in a more suitable place, for example, when obligations, commitments, health issues or distance, and so on, may pose problems. In terms of cost, there was absolutely no comparison between this and a 'traditional' funeral with this being so much cheaper, but only in price and not the quality of our experience. With the latter persons arranging a funeral so often end up feeling ripped-off but guilty if not spending a small fortune on this, that and the other, often for the benefit of all and sundry rather than the person who has died. We could have had John's ashes scattered on our behalf, but we chose to have them delivered to us and were so surprised and pleased that Steven's personal touch even extended to him hand delivering them himself at a time of our choosing. They were housed in a tasteful, wooden box with a personalised plaque (the option of a scattering tube was also available as an alternative). We can't thank Steven enough for personally ensuring that what would undoubtedly have been a much more complicated and traumatic event turned out to be simple and as calm and dignified as possible in reality. In short, then, Sharon and I thoroughly recommended Harbour Funerals.

I hope that if you're reading this you won't need to use a crematorium for your loved ones, but if…read moreyou do, this is a really nice one. I've had to use it few times in recent years. The Chapel used is multi faith and has very neutral decor which is done very tastefully. Very comfortable inside, with a seperate room for close family to sit in before the service and a viewing area for flowers afterwards.

Both my parents were cremated at Cambridge City Crematorium and ashes scattered in the same area. I…read morehave been coming here since 2000 (mum passed in 1999) and 2018 respectively (Dad passed in 2017). I always stand in the same area on my visit which someone had said historically was the correct area. This year I decided to check in the office. The lady gave me a map but also grabbed her coat and showed me in person to make sure I had the right place. As it happens, it was the right place but confirmation was very satisfying. She didn't need to do that but I really appreciate that she did. An excellent service and an excellent ambassador. Thank you. Neil

Dear Nick, On behalf…read moreof my sisters and our families, I would like to thank your wonderful company for caring for us and my late mother so well. We had no idea what to expect and we were guided so well by you all. I want to name everyone as an outstanding credit to the company. Many thanks

From the owner: We have established our reputation by providing an exceptional Funeral service at an affordable…read morecost. Our fleet of luxury vehicles, attention to detail and personal service sets us apart from all our competitors.

Also known as Greensted church, this unassuming spot is both rustic and charming - you might almost…read moreexpect Hansel and Gretel to walk in at any moment - but is also historically very important. The nave walls are built of upright, halved wooden logs - for here is Europe's oldest wooden building still standing, and the oldest wooden church in the world. History The history of the site dates back around 1300 years: the land of the East Saxons - now Essex - was evangelised By Saint Cedd in 654AD, who was based at nearby Bradwell on the Essex coast. Remains have been found under the present church of a wooden building dating from the late sixth or seventh century, which may have been a sanctuary used by the early missionaries. The dedication to St Andrew also suggests a Celtic foundation. The present nave was erected around 1060AD; the logs have been dated by dendrochronology (ie by tree-rings) to around this period. It was originally dated to some 200 years earlier, but even with this date its status as Europe's oldest standing wooden building and the world's oldest wooden church remains. The original church was probably thatched, and without windows. The Normans built a chancel, although all that remains now are the footings and a pillar piscina. The present brick chancel was erected around 1500, and at the same time the handsome chancel arch inserted and roofs rebuilt and tiled. The date of the tower is uncertain, but it may have been added in the 17th century - one of the bells is dated 1618. The east wall of the chancel was rebuilt in the Victorian period and the roof and walls also repaired. An interesting piece of history is that some of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, after they were pardoned, were settled in Greensted on their return, and one of them, James Brine, was married here in 1839. The church The church now is about as picturesque as it is possible to get: the porch leads straight into the Saxon nave, passing a 12th century Crusader tomb just outside on your right. It is the UK's only log church. Inside, the nave is incredibly dark, despite the insertion of dormer windows. The nave still has its box pews. The chancel is somewhat brighter, and whitewashed. The church has some interesting fittings: the pulpit was donated in 1698 by Alexander Cleeve, and in the chancel are the Norman piscina and a memorial to Jone Wood, dated 1585. The eagle lectern is an impressive bit of Victoriana. Most of the glass is also Victorian, save a small but well preserved piece of 15th century glass in the quatrefoil window in the west wall. The rear of the church has all sorts of items for sale to help fundraising, from the usual postcards and guides to a wide selection of country jams and other sweet treats. Practicalities The directions given the the review by 'the xyone' are spot on - the walk should take 15-20 minutes from Chipping Ongar. If you drive there, there is parking for a dozen cars, including a space for disabled visitors, although the narrowness of the aisle in the church will probably make it difficult to use a wheelchair.

Known as the Log Church this is the oldest wooden church in Britain. Don't try and find it by it's…read morepostcode, get the Explorer 183 OS map, OS grid reference TL537030. The best way to get to it is drive to Chipping Ongar and park in Sainsbury's car park, parking is free on Sundays. Take the Essex Way from behind there, it's less than a mile walk. The church cute and little and nice to be in on a winters day, and for somewhere that was built in the mid 9th century is a marvelous bit of history. Now I'm not a big church fan but this place is lovely and I think you should put some money in the collection box. Either go back the way you came or continue on the Essex Way till just before Widow's Farm and make it a circular walk of 3-4 miles.