Westerleigh Crematorium

28/10/2025

You may remember that a little while ago we mentioned some work taking place here at the crematorium. We’re pleased to share that this has now been completed, a brand-new path has been installed through the memorial gardens.

We hope you’ll agree it looks fantastic! The new path has made the area much more accessible and welcoming for everyone, and we’ve already received some lovely feedback from visitors.

Thank you for your patience during this time as we made ongoing improvements to ensure our grounds remain a peaceful and comfortable place for all who visit.

24/10/2025

We’re proud to share highlights from our launch event- the unveiling of Scotland’s first immersive funeral venue at East Lothian.

The event brought together funeral professionals, our colleagues, and partners from Obitus to experience first-hand how innovative sound, lighting and visual technology can help families say goodbye in a more personal and meaningful way.

24/10/2025

Bringing the super venue to the South West.

Last night, we welcomed our industry colleagues to Sedgemoor Crematorium to share our exciting plans to introduce the super venue concept here this December.

Thank you Obitus for your help on the night.

Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e9XWfkXP

Images of the chapel after installation have been kindly provided by Basildon and District Crematorium & Cemetery, also operated by Westerleigh Group.

22/10/2025

We were honoured to look after the funeral of Leonard "Len" Trewin today, one of South Gloucestershire’s last surviving Second World War veterans, who passed away just after his 101st birthday.

A proud member of the 8th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, Len fought in Normandy, the Ardennes, and Operation Varsity, carrying out a jump over the Rhine with mortar shells strapped to his legs. Remarkably, he still carried a piece of wartime shrapnel above his eye, a reminder of his incredible bravery.

To honour his military roots, Len's cortege was led into our grounds today by a pony - the mascot of his regiment. He was a true hero, decorated with the French Legion d’Honneur and honoured locally with Trewin Lodge named after him.

Our thoughts are with his family, who have kindly allowed us to share these photos and Len’s story, and all who knew and loved this extraordinary man.

Rest in peace, Len.

16/10/2025

The future of funerals is coming to Vale Royal!

This week, Vale Royal Crematorium was proud to host a preview evening for local funeral directors and celebrants, offering a first look at the immersive Super Venue technology arriving this November.

As the only crematorium in the north of England to introduce this innovative technology, we’re proud to be leading the way in transforming how families can honour their loved ones — creating farewells that are more personal, meaningful, and reflective of individual lives.

Featuring dynamic Canvas walls, atmospheric lighting, and carefully curated soundscapes, this technology brings a new level of personalisation and experience to the funeral service.

A big thank you to our colleagues and to the team at Obitus for the engaging presentation and Q&A session.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we share more glimpses of this exciting development.

09/10/2025

It’s been another productive week on site, with strong progress across several areas with City Gate Construction.

Inside the chapel, Obitus made a successful start yesterday with the installation of projectors, a lobby screen, and speakers. This week, the focus is on completing lighting and sound elements so that floor preparation can begin tomorrow.

Plasterers are back on site addressing walls now that the lighting is in place, helping to minimise future snags. Electricians and decorators continue to work efficiently alongside the mechanical team, who have confirmed that all commissioning should be complete by Friday.

Externally, all trees around the car park have now been planted, and work on the hedging has begun. The Floral Tribute area is complete and ready for fencing, with block paving and kerb work continuing. The entrance area is also being cleared, marking another step forward towards completion.

The site is really starting to take shape, and it’s great to see the teamwork and collaboration driving steady progress as we prepare to open towards the end of this month.

09/10/2025

Westerleigh Group has launched Westerleigh Funeral Plans - trust-backed plans designed to be fulfilled by funeral directors in partnership with Westerleigh crematoria.

Key benefits include fixed pricing, a low admin fee, and three plan options from full attended services to direct cremation.

To find out more email: fdplans@westerleighgroup.co.uk

Full details here: https://ow.ly/AEWE50WYG1V

08/10/2025

West Berkshire Crematorium is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Site Manager to join the team. If you think you have what it takes, Westerleigh would love to hear from you.

Apply now via Indeed — link below!

WesterleighGroup

08/10/2025

Curious about who’s joining us next on Before You Go?

Our host Matt Brook welcomes a range of guests for open and honest conversations about death, grief, and the way we remember — important topics worth talking about before you go.

Follow us on Spotify and be the first to know when new episodes drop: https://ow.ly/ytfs50X4eaa

07/10/2025

It’s almost that time of year again!

Today, site manager Shaun met with Ross from Roy Preddy Funeral Directors and of course the lovely Hilary, to make plans for the Christmas memorial service.

Due to the overwhelming success, we will be having two services again this year, at 3pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday 3rd December in our Waterside Chapel.

More details to follow in the coming weeks

Christmas….. Yes it’s that time of year already! Ross, Hilary and Shaun sat down this morning to start planning this year’s Westerleigh Crematorium Carol Service.

Following last year’s successful trial we will, once again, be holding 2 services.

Date for your diaries: Wednesday 3rd December.

The afternoon service will be held at 3pm and the evening service will be held at 6:30pm.

We look forward to seeing you there!

03/10/2025

Our new podcast Before You Go is now live — with the first three episodes available to listen to today from Dr Bill Webster, Emma Britton and Duncan Reynolds.

Hosted by Matt Brook, the podcast invites guests to share open and honest conversations about death, grief, and the way we remember produced in collaboration with Empica.

Listen now to all three episodes and follow us on Spotify to stay up to date with future episodes: https://ow.ly/KZNL50X4emh

02/10/2025

Westerleigh Group now offers Westerleigh Funeral Plans, created to help funeral directors provide those looking to plan ahead with peace of mind through fixed-price, trust-backed funeral plans.

These plans guarantee a cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium and include flexible options to meet families’ needs, all supported by low admin fees and straightforward onboarding for a funeral director.

If you’re a funeral director interested in offering these plans, please contact us at fdplans@westerleighgroup.co.uk or find more info here: https://ow.ly/Kt6n50WYG94

02/10/2025

As we countdown to the launch of our first three episodes of Before You Go, take a listen to our latest trailer featuring Duncan Reynolds, Managing Director of Odlings Ltd in Hull — a wholesale masonry business with a legacy of over 150 years.

In this conversation, Duncan and Matt explore memorial options, clear up common misconceptions about memorialisation, and discuss its environmental sustainability.

Listen now and follow Before You Go on Spotify so you don’t miss the full episode when it drops: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RSuEVD6DiDu3r4k19mSRa?si=6lv0df-7RiSy52KdO8EtJQ

Before You Go · Episode

01/10/2025

In our latest Before You Go trailer, host Matt Brook sits down with Emma the Celebrant — a funeral celebrant from Bridgwater who has supported more than 800 bereaved families since training with the United Kingdom Society of Celebrants in 2020.

Before becoming a celebrant, Emma spent 13 years as a BBC local radio presenter across Somerset and Bristol.

Emma shares her story with honesty and courage: in April 2025, her life changed when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer — a rare genetic cancer that is incurable but, thanks to modern medicine, can be managed.

Listen to Emma’s powerful conversation in the trailer now, and follow Before You Go on Spotify to hear the full episode this Friday: https://ow.ly/hT3f50X53uh

01/10/2025

A lovely video from Michael over at Babworth Crematorium today showing the process of our living memorials and how they’re carefully prepared for our loved one’s 🌹❤️

30/09/2025

On International Podcast Day, we’re proud to announce the launch of our new podcast ‘Before You Go’, produced in collaboration with Empica.

Hosted by Matt Brook, Before You Go invites a range of guests to have open and honest conversations about death, grief, and the way we remember — topics worth talking about before you go.

The first full episode drops this Friday, but you can listen to the trailer now featuring our first guest, Dr Bill Webster, a grief counsellor who turned personal loss into a lifelong mission to support others.

Listen to the trailer here: https://ow.ly/C5ci50X4emy

Read more about the podcast here: https://ow.ly/BXex50X4faZ

27/09/2025

Immersive funeral services are coming soon to two more Westerleigh crematoria!

Over the next few weeks, chapels in Vale Royal Crematorium and Sedgemoor Crematorium will be transformed with cutting-edge technology designed to create truly personal service experiences.

From seasonal landscapes and peaceful natural backdrops to the energy of a football stadium, families will have a wide choice of themes - each customisable to reflect the life being remembered in a unique and meaningful way.

This innovation will give even more families around the country the opportunity to celebrate their loved ones like never before.

Find out more: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/blog/post.php?s=2025-09-26-westerleigh-group-name-two-more-funeral-super-venues

26/09/2025

A big thank you to all those who joined us for the Macmillan Coffee morning today.

All the cake vanished! And together we raised £233.07 For MacMillan Cancer Support.

We’re very grateful to you for your support. You’ve helped make a difference 🙂

26/09/2025

☕🍰 Macmillan Coffee Morning 🍰☕

We’re excited to be hosting our Macmillan Coffee Morning, and we’d love for you to join us!

Pop in for a cuppa and a slice of delicious cake, all while supporting an amazing cause. Every brew and every bite helps raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The team can’t wait to welcome you, come along, have a chat, and enjoy some tasty treats. See you there!

25/09/2025

We are pleased to be supporting Child Bereavement UK's Christmas Concert at The Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair, on Monday 1st December 2025.

The concert will feature Adil Ray, Bear Grylls OBE, Dominic West, Naomi Simon (BBC Young Chorister of the Year), and Red Hot Strings.

Funds raised will help Child Bereavement UK continue their vital work supporting children, young people, and families coping with the devastating loss of a loved one.

As one of the charity’s partners, we have pledged to donate at least £100,000 over the next two years to support their work.

Tickets are £40 (early bird until 30 September) or £50 standard.
Find out more and book here:

Join us for an enchanting evening with special guests.

25/09/2025

Don’t forget, tomorrrow is our Macmillan Coffee morning.

Join us for a cuppa and a slice of cake to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. 10am - 2pm.

We hope to see you there!

24/09/2025

We’re currently upgrading a large section of the path in our memorial gardens. The old gravel is being removed and replaced to improve accessibility for all our visitors.

The new path will be made using recycled rubber from used tyres, in fact, an interesting detail is that 3 tyres are reused for every square metre of path laid.

This upgrade is in line with Westerleigh Group’s ESG strategy, reflecting our commitment to conducting business in a responsible, ethical, and sustainable way.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience while the work is being carried out. It should be completed by the end of the week, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thank you for bearing with us as we make these improvements.

18/09/2025

Westerleigh Funeral Plans have now launched. These trust-backed funeral plans are designed to offer those looking to plan ahead peace of mind, with a guaranteed cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium.

The plans are offered, and the funeral conducted through local funeral directors and include:
• A range of service options – from traditional attended to direct
• Fixed pricing to protect against rising costs
• Low admin fees
• Dedicated account support and onboarding

If you're a funeral director and would like to find out more about how these plans can support your local community, please visit our website: https://ow.ly/mAi350WYFZ8