Scattering

Scattering ashes on land
Westerveld has three scattering areas. One lies close to the war memorial, the others near the Van Dam pavilion. It is also possible to place a personal commemorative plaque here. As a rule, one of our staff performs the scattering ritual in the presence of the next of kin. However, should they wish, the family may prefer to do it themselves. The ashes can also be scattered in the absence of next of kin. In such cases, we send a message to the next of kin to advise the date and time of the ritual.

Scattering at sea by boat
A scattering at sea can also be performed by one of our staff. Next of kin will be sent notification of the ritual. If required, a blessing, an ‘in memoriam’, or a prayer or religious text can be performed before or during the scattering ritual, though a 'farewell bouquet' is also possible. If next of kin wish to be present during the scattering ritual, then a boat is hired specifically for the occasion.

Scattering at sea from the air
It is also possible to scatter the ashes on the sea from an aircraft. This limits the next of kin who can be present to just two persons. In this case, a private flight is organized with a specially hired aircraft.

If we do not receive a response concerning the last resting place of the ashes, then we will scatter them at sea as stated in the cremation contract. If next of kin are still unsure as to the preferred last resting place of the ashes, or are struggling to make a decision, then we will store the ashes for up to one year in one of our columbaria. The columbarium concerned, which may of course be visited, will be chosen by us.