Charing Crematorium

10/09/2025

Over the past year, our Sip and Support virtual mental health drop-ins have become a valued space for colleagues to connect, share, and support one another. Thanks to the incredible engagement across the business, we’re excited to take things to the next level - by welcoming external experts and charities to bring fresh insights and professional guidance to the conversation.

To mark Su***de Prevention Day, we were honoured to welcome Josie from Survivors of Bereavement by Su***de - SOBS. Josie delivered a powerful and eye-opening session on the ripple effects of su***de and how we can offer meaningful support to those left behind.

She also led a moving and thought-provoking discussion, where we explored the power of language, the weight of stigma, and what it truly means to bring comfort and peace of mind to families navigating unimaginable loss. We look forward to working with SoBS in the future and making a difference within the bereavement sector.

09/09/2025

Last week marked week 58 at East Lothian Crematorium, with a number of significant milestones reached over the past week with City Gate Construction.

Recent works have included completion of PV installation, floral tribute roof works completed with scaffolding removed and new walls underway.

As we bear the final weeks of the build, the team will be focusing on the gas tank delivery and installation, continued joinery and decoration across internal and external areas and the final fit-out of plumbing, heating, and data cabling

With building control inspections passed and key systems progressing to final fix, we are moving steadily towards completion.

04/09/2025

A beautiful photo taken at Aylesbury Vale Crematorium yesterday as we bid farewell to summer.

Thunder rolls, the sky grows grey,
Rain falls softly, then drifts away.
Sunlight warms the earth below,
And paints the sky with a rainbow’s glow.

03/09/2025

We were proud to host a special event at Queen Margaret University yesterday evening, offering local funeral directors and celebrants an exclusive first look at our immersive funeral services coming soon to Edinburgh as we prepare to open the doors to East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens.

These services will use dynamic projections, lighting, and soundscapes to help families celebrate their loved one’s stories, passions and interests in more meaningful and personalised ways.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed their insights, and to our valued partners at Obitus.

We’re looking forward to the official opening of East Lothian soon and the positive impact this will have on the Musselburgh and Edinburgh community.

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/GGet50WQaqF

02/09/2025

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️
Our own Danni Sear has hit Another Month meaning Another Challenge!

September 13th - 25km Ultra Challenge Hike zig-zagging across London’s Thames Bridges!

It’s nearly time for her walking boots to be laced up again!

Whether it’s big or small, please dig deep to donate to the fantastic Charity of Parkinson's UK using the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/danni-sear-5

Thank you for your continuous support!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Help Danni Sear raise money to support Parkinson’s UK

27/08/2025

Last night, our team at Basildon and District Crematorium & Cemetery and Crematorium hosted an exclusive launch for funeral industry professionals, showcasing the transformation of Riverview Chapel into an immersive funeral venue.

Developed in partnership with Obitus the chapel uses cutting-edge technology, tailored sound, visuals, and immersive themes to create truly personalised services — something bereaved families in Basildon, Essex, and beyond haven’t had access to before.

Families can now choose from a wide range of themes to reflect what mattered most to their loved one — from peaceful florals and football stadium backdrops to a beach scene brought to life on screen.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined last night’s launch, and to Obitus for helping to make this vision a reality 💜

Read more about Basildon’s immersive funeral services here: https://ow.ly/c0TB50WM0mI

21/08/2025

We’re proud to launch Westerleigh Funeral Plans – a new range of trust-backed funeral plans specifically created for funeral directors to offer to their local families.

By combining national strength with local expertise, these plans offer families peace of mind while supporting funeral directors to serve their communities.

With over 30 years of experience and 41 crematoria nationwide, we support over 74,000 families each year. These new plans ensure we continue delivering exceptional care, working with funeral director and supporting local families in their time of need.

To learn more about how Westerleigh Funeral Plans can support your funeral business and the families you serve, visit our website: https://ow.ly/9zJ350WBlOz

20/08/2025

The build at East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens continues to gather momentum, with some key milestones taking shape on site. The main entrance pillars and columns are now close to completion, adding real presence to the approach, while work to the boundary walls and floral tribute roof is progressing well.

Landscaping across the grounds is also advancing, helping to bring the overall vision for the site to life. Inside, mechanical and electrical first fix works are underway, alongside the completion of the reception porch joinery, which marks another important step forward.

Looking ahead, the team will be focusing on roof tiling, the continuation of the floral tribute structure, and the service yard concrete pour, as well as plastering and screeding across internal areas.

It’s fantastic to see the project developing week by week, and we’re grateful to City Gate Construction for their continued hard work in bringing East Lothian Crematorium closer to reality.

20/08/2025

Our very own Danni Sear is at it again.
Another month, Another Challenge. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

31 Miles in 31 days hiking in August for Verity.
Already 20 miles down, 11 to go!

Personal note from Danni -
This one is very close to me, Verity is a support & guidance network charity for those who suffer with PCOS.
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 12. I was told I would either have problems keeping a pregnancy or never become pregnant in the first place.
I proved my body wrong and I now have three beautiful boys, however the daily struggles are hard with so many symptoms.

This month’s hiking is to support Verity in their amazing work of supporting women in the same situations as myself.

So, if you can whether it’s big or small, please donate to this fantastic charity using the link below.

Thank you!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

https://www.justgiving.com/page/danni-sear-1

15/08/2025

This week, Charing Crematorium Manager, Matthew visited Child Bereavement UK Southern Offices along with a few other colleagues from Westerleigh Group.
We are delighted to support our charity partner and see first hand, the astonishing work they do with families who have experienced bereavement.

A huge thank you to the team at Child Bereavement UK for your hospitality and dedication.

11/08/2025

Work continues to progress steadily on the East Lothian Crematorium project, being delivered by City Gate Construction.

Last week, we completed the chapel ceiling and continued with the work on the formation of pathways/roadways, the car park, the floral tribute area and the remaining plastering.

This week, we expect to receive all timber deliveries, complete the overflow carpark, continue with the landscaping and finish the draining to the surrounding building.

It’s exciting to see this build taking shape every week as we get closer to completion – and soon, we’ll be serving the Edinburgh community.

07/08/2025

We’re proud to launch Westerleigh Funeral Plans – a new range of trust-backed funeral plans specifically created for funeral directors to offer to their local families.

By combining national strength with local expertise, these plans offer families peace of mind while supporting funeral directors to serve their communities.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans offer:
• A guaranteed cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium
• Flexible options from attended services to direct cremation.
• Fixed pricing to protect families from rising funeral costs
• Support for the family throughout the funeral arrangements, provided by the local funeral director.
• Low admin fee to maximise funds for the funeral itself
• Simple onboarding and dedicated account management

With over 30 years of experience and 41 crematoria nationwide, we support over 74,000 families each year. These new plans ensure we continue delivering exceptional care, working with funeral director and supporting local families in their time of need.

To learn more about how Westerleigh Funeral Plans can support your funeral business and the families you serve, visit our website: https://ow.ly/KgSr50WBlOy

29/07/2025

After 15 months of growth, development, and hard work, we’re proud to congratulate our latest Manager in Training graduates.

From their first day in March 2024—bringing a mix of nerves and excitement—this talented group has gone from strength to strength. Their journey concluded with three impactful presentations delivered to a panel of leaders from across Westerleigh Group, demonstrating their confidence, growth, and leadership potential.

👏 During the programme, three internal promotions took place—an incredible reflection of their dedication and drive.

We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Watching their development has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.

28/07/2025

Our East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens project continues to take shape, with significant progress made on site last week.

All glazing and windows have now been installed, and major works to the car park, drainage systems, and roofing are complete. Internally, the chapel ceiling has been plastered and eaves detailing finalised, while installation of cremator room equipment is well underway. The boundary wall and fencing are progressing well, and SPEN works have been completed with the new meter now fitted.

As we move into the next phase, work is continuing on the stone façade at the main entrance, the reception porch is taking form, and pathways through the garden areas are being laid. The final internal finishes are also advancing across several rooms.

We’re incredibly proud of the care and attention going into every aspect of this build. Once complete, East Lothian Crematorium will provide a peaceful, thoughtfully designed space for the local community for many years to come.

Thank you to City Gate Construction and all our partners for their continued hard work and dedication.

21/07/2025

We understand how important it is to create a lasting tribute for a loved one.

We are currently offering a contribution of between £50 and £550 towards the cost of a new memorial purchased between now and 31st August 2025.

To find out more, please pop in or call our office on 01233 712443 and speak with a memorial advisor.

11/07/2025

On Wednesday, Crematorium Manager Matthew, had the opportunity to visit F.C. Woods, our local funeral directors, and came away incredibly impressed. What started as a conversation about their services quickly turned into a really insightful discussion about the evolving nature of funerals.

They talked at length about how important it is to make each funeral truly personal and unique to the individual being remembered. It wasn't about rigid traditions, but about exploring all the ways we can reflect a person's life, passions, and personality in their farewell. From music choices and readings to visual tributes and even unique committal ideas, the team at F.C. Woods showed a real dedication to ensuring every ceremony is a meaningful and authentic reflection of the person it honors.

It was a refreshing and comforting conversation, highlighting their commitment to helping families create truly bespoke tributes. It's clear they understand that saying goodbye should be as individual as the life lived.

08/07/2025

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️
SMASHED IT!! Moat Park, thank you for the Muddy Park run! What a blast! 💥

Charing's own Danni Sear and Matt Lambkin and Head Gardener Josh Ballard fought through the Muddy obstacles and will be definitely signing up for next year!

If you can whether it’s big or small, please donate to the amazing charity Cancer Research UK using the link below.

Thank you!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/dannis-race-for-life-327467349

04/07/2025

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️
On to the next! This time it’s the 5km Muddy Park Run on the 5th July!
Running with me is Work Colleagues Josh and Matt and we’re so ready for it!

If you can whether it’s big or small, please donate to the amazing charity Cancer Research UK using the link below.

Thank you!
Danni
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Cancer is happening right now, which is why I'm taking part in a Race for Life Pretty Muddy to raise money and save lives. 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor ...

30/06/2025

Every memory deserves a beautiful tribute.
Our new Online Memorials website makes it easy to choose, personalise, and order meaningful memorials—all from the comfort of home.

www.charingcrematorium.co.uk/memorials-online/

25/06/2025

We're proud to share that we’ve been praised for our excellent level of service following a recent inspection by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA).

The inspector recognised the professionalism, compassion, and care shown by our team, as well as the peaceful surroundings and high standards we maintain throughout Charing Crematorium.

We’re incredibly proud of our team for their continued dedication in supporting families and honouring their loved ones with dignity and respect. 💐

Read more here: https://ow.ly/yiz850WfoCe

23/06/2025

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️
Another one complete! 15.92m/25.6km Pilgrims Way Challenge done! ☑️

Couldn’t have asked for better weather! ☀️ after a pint in the pub and a well deserved shower, now plonked on the sofa with ice cream! 🍦

If you can whether it’s big or small, please donate to the amazing Pilgrims Hospices using the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/danni-sear-4?newPage=true

Thank you!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

18/06/2025

A lovely evening spent with the Ashford Rotary Club.

Charing Crematoriums Metal Recycling Scheme has given us the opportunity to give a donation of £2,000 to help the Rotary Club continue their fantastic work of assisting and supporting the many charities within Ashford.

15/06/2025

On this Father's Day, we hold in our hearts everyone who is remembering a much-missed father, or father figure 💙

Our Gardens of Remembrance remain open to all who seek a quiet space for reflection and remembrance. Whether you choose to visit and simply take a moment in your own way, we hope today brings comfort and cherished memories.