The new site manager of North Wiltshire Crematorium says she wants to ensure every customer experiences the uniquely personalised service they require for their loved ones.
Katie Capel said: “My wish is to ensure that the bereaved have a special location where remembrance can be enjoyed today and for years to come.”
The married mother-of-one was recently appointed site manager at the crematorium, at Royal Wootton Bassett, which is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator for crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 facilities nationwide.
Although it’s her first role with Westerleigh Group, Katie is no stranger to the care sector.
She said: “My mother was Matron for 45 years and I was raised around the care home sector, which enabled me to encompass the care and compassionate nature that was expressed within our household, embedding the care role within me.”
She studied at Canterbury Christchurch University as a mental health nurse, completed a BSc Hons in Psychology with the Open University and a Masters in Counselling before specialising in bereavement counselling.
She has managed care services within the health and social care sector for the past seven years and was delighted to be appointed site manager at North Wiltshire Crematorium.
“I wanted to experience different settings at management level and this role is perfect as I still work in the bereavement sector, while advancing my skill set.
“North Wiltshire Crematorium is a very exciting place as it has only been open for less than three years. It has the potential to be extraordinary and with the Westerleigh team behind me, we can exceed all expectations.
“In addition to our beautiful chapel and grounds, it’s the people that makes North Wiltshire Crematorium exceptional, from the Crematorium Assistants to the funeral directors we work with, all the way up to the Westerleigh leadership team, who put customer satisfaction at the forefront of everything.”
She added: “I’ve been paying my respects at crematoriums since I was 16-years-old as a new care assistant. I’ve noticed that crematoriums and their services have evolved over time to become very personalised experiences.
“While there will always be a place for traditional services, I think crematoriums have been more of a commemorative establishment, ensuring that life is celebrated as well as mourned.”
Being able to support local charities is something else Katie is very much looking forward to as part of her role with Westerleigh Group.
“Westerleigh Group raises money through a metal recycling scheme and last year North Wiltshire Crematorium raised £12,500 which were distributed to Springboard Chippenham, Coppershell Farm Sanctuary, Jubilee Gardens and Swindon Food Collective.
“I would welcome and encourage all charitable organisations to reach out to us to see if we can support them through future fund-raising and events.”
If you would like to speak to Katie or her team at North Wiltshire Crematorium, to find more about their range of services or memorial prices, please email [email protected] or call 01793 842090.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article