Extra-special community open day at Charing Crematorium

Charing Crematorium is looking forward to welcoming visitors to an extra-special community open day on Saturday 5 September to help mark a milestone anniversary.

An invitation is open to anyone to visit between 10am and 2pm, when they will be able to tour the acres of beautifully maintained gardens as well as the welcoming and comfortable chapel.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to take a tour of the crematory, if they wish, and meet the crematorium’s friendly and supportive team.

As the crematorium is commemorating 90 years of serving its surrounding communities, some extra- special activities have been added to the traditional open day experience.

These include a 90th anniversary commemoration service at 12 noon and a display of historic items and memorabilia from the past nine decades.

Charing Crematorium opened in 1936 after overcoming local opposition to its development, which was supported by Nobel Prize-winning author George Bernard Shaw, who subscribed £2,500 which, in the mid-1930s, was a significant sum of money.

The open day will feature a display of funeral vehicles, while a florist will be in attendance, as well as a local petting zoo, which offers therapeutic services for the bereaved.

Local funeral directors will be on hand to talk about their work, too.

Charing Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, and which is trusted by more families than any other provider to deliver funerals for their loved ones.

All Westerleigh's locations are set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect, while benefitting from exceptional care and support from its teams.

Manager Matthew Lambkin said: “Our open day presents the opportunity to visit our crematorium and its grounds in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and learn more about everything we have to offer.

“Visitors can meet the professional and dedicated team here, who take pride in providing exceptional care and support.

“The event offers an opportunity to ask any questions about what we do, and the various service options we offer to help with making the right choice for themselves or a loved one.

“Because it’s our 90th anniversary this year, we wanted to make this event extra special, with some added activities that we are not always able to include at our usual open days and we are looking forward to welcoming members of our local communities, to help commemorate reaching this milestone.

“We are committed to upholding exceptional standards for the families we serve, working closely with industry partners, delivering exceptional care, peace of mind and the most uniquely personal farewell options to every family.

“We will also be glad to speak to anyone about options for memorialisation, whether that is in our grounds, ash scattering away from a crematorium or other options, such as personal keepsakes.

“Should they wish, visitors are also welcome to write a letter or card to someone they have lost and place it in our Letters to Loved Ones memorial post box or decorate a wooden heart in their memory.

“We look forward to welcoming our neighbours from near and further afield on 5 September.”

The community open day is free of charge; there is no need to book in advance, and light refreshments will be available.

For more information about Charing Crematorium, visit: www.charing-crematorium.co.uk