Christmas 2023 at Westerleigh Group’s crematoria
Westerleigh Group’s crematoria are opening their doors to their surrounding communities in December as they host their annual Christmas Carol and Memorial Services.
The festive gatherings provide valuable opportunities for families and friends to come together and remember their loved ones in the run up to Christmas.
Crematoria are holding a traditional-style service, with a mixture of readings and popular Christmas Carols, with the exception of Arun Crematorium, which is hosting a “Christmas Movie Night” to bring people together.
Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners-operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 40 sites across England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
Many sites are also offering the opportunity for people to write personal messages onto memory tags which are placed on a tree, and some are offering visitors the chance to light commemorative candles.
In addition this year, visitors will be able to write letters and Christmas cards to their loved ones and put them into the memorial post boxes which Westerleigh Group has installed at all its crematoria and cemetery grounds during the year.
Many of the crematoria also offer those who are unable to attend in person the chance to view the service online, either live or as a ‘watch again’ option for up to 28 days, through Obitus, Westerleigh Group’s webcast provider.
Debbie Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “Christmas can be a particularly poignant period for people who are missing loved ones.
“For some, especially if they are quite recently bereaved, the festive period is often a time when they feel their loss more.
“Our events provide opportunities for people to not only pay tribute to their loved ones but also be in the company of other people who are in a similar situation, which in itself can be a source of comfort.
“This year, they can also take comfort in leaving messages for their loved ones in our new memorial post boxes, which we know many people have found very therapeutic since they have been installed.
“Whether people are attending in person, or viewing the services online, we know, from feedback we’ve had in previous years, that these events can bring some solace and peace to local people at this time of year.”
The format of the service, dates, times and booking requirements, if applicable, vary from location to location, and full details will be available of each crematorium’s own website.
View the full list of our crematoriums and the date of their services here
The events are open to anyone who wishes to attend, regardless of the time when their loved passed or where their service took place.