Community open day at North Wiltshire Crematorium

North Wiltshire Crematorium is inviting local people to a community open day in August to find out why it is far more than somewhere for saying farewell to loved ones.

The event is taking place on Saturday 16 August between 10am and 2pm, when visitors will be able to tour the beautiful memorial gardens and the crematorium’s comfortable, modern, chapel.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to take a tour of the crematory, if they wish, and have the chance to meet the crematorium’s friendly and supportive team as well as other industry professionals, such as funeral directors and florists who help to bring funeral services together.

North Wiltshire Crematorium, which scored a commendable 96.2% in its last inspection by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities in 2023, is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries.

The group has 41 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Manager Katie Capel said: “Many people don’t really think of visiting a crematorium unless they have to and could be forgiven for regarding it as a sad place to come, but there is so much more to us than funerals.

“We are a place of comfort and support, and also aim to not only provide a very positive presence in our local community but also play a part in protecting our precious planet, too. We opened in 2018 as part of a national business that’s leading the way in environmental responsibility, social value and ethical governance.

“From our welcoming modern buildings, which were designed to reflect and complement the local rural character and blend into the surrounding countryside, to our use of the most up-to-date, energy-efficient, equipment to ensure all our processes are as clean and green as possible, we’re so keen to dispel any myths people may have about what we do here and the facilities that we have.

“We have invested in modern abatement and NOx abatement technologies, which minimise any potential harmful emissions and ensure that we are as kind to the environment as we can possibly be.

“We take tremendous pride in looking after our grounds, too, providing valuable habitats for a wide variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the creation of peaceful places for reflection and remembrance, surrounded by wildlife and vibrant colours and smells.

“Like every crematorium within Westerleigh we are fully committed to ESG – environmental, social and governance; they are not just ‘buzz words’ that we talk about, they are principles and standards that we adhere to, day in, day out, and consider in everything we do, whether that is supporting bereaved families or enhancing the natural environment.

“We also make positive contributions to our surrounding communities by donating thousands of pounds every year to charities, health and welfare organisations, schools, sports and social clubs – all of which help to nurture happier, more positive, closer communities.”

Since North Wiltshire Crematorium opened in 2018, Westerleigh Group has seen carbon emissions fall by nearly 30% and the group has an ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2032.

Katie said: “This is why we would love local people to come and join us on our community open day; come and see what we are really all about, and discover what a positive presence we are in the local area.

“And, of course, visitors will be able to meet my team, all of whom are so passionate about what they do, and who are proud to provide exceptional care and support to local families.”

For more information about North Wiltshire Crematorium, and the exceptional care and support it provides, visit www.northwiltshirecrematorium.co.uk