Forest of Dean Crematorium

12/12/2025

Christmas is often described as a season of joy, but for many, it can be one of the hardest times of the year. In our latest Before You Go episode, Father Norman joins us for a heartfelt conversation about navigating loss, honouring loved ones, and giving yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling this festive season.

He emphasises the importance of open conversations about loss, the need for families to honour their loved ones, and the understanding that grief is a lifelong process.

From gentle ways to include memories in Christmas traditions, to how we can better support those who are grieving, this episode offers comfort and practical advice for those struggling with loss during this time for anyone finding the season difficult.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who may need it this Christmas: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tvelG39g7unu6C4P2zoXF?si=S_bCTIX7RFyniBvvDIs4ew

Before You Go · Episode

11/12/2025

This December, we’re reflecting on a successful year of collaboration with funeral directors across the UK for the launch of Westerleigh Funeral Plans – and looking forward to welcoming more partners in 2026.

• Trust-backed funeral plans, regulated by the FCA
• Delivered in partnership with local funeral directors like you – with a low admin fee
• Supported by dedicated onboarding and account management from the Westerleigh team

Join us in offering families thoughtful, affordable ways to plan ahead.
Find out more at https://ow.ly/YZIt50XFGTH

This information is for Funeral Directors Only.

‘Westerleigh Funeral Plans’ is a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

08/12/2025

Funeral planning doesn’t need to be complicated. Neither should partnering with the right funeral plan provider.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans offers funeral directors a straightforward partnership model, comprehensive support, and products your families can trust.

With 42 crematoriums across the UK, including Forest of Dean Crematorium and decades of experience, we understand what matters to families - and to your business.

Ready to explore how we can work together? Visit https://ow.ly/9O8Y50XFGMR to arrange a discussion about becoming an Introducer Appointed Representative.

This information is for Funeral Directors Only.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans (a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

05/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who braved the rainy and dark roads to join us for our Christmas Carol and Memorial service this evening.

Special thanks goes to our wonderful celebrants who led the service.. David Wildin, Karen Jones and Sherry Phillips.
Special thanks also goes to Michael of Gordon Blake Funeral Directors and his wonderful choir, The Kennerley Singers for their beautiful performances.

We hope the evening brought you comfort and some festive cheer too..❤

04/12/2025

Our tree is all set up at St Stephen's Church for their Christmas Tree Festival.
If you do pop by, please have a closer look. 💛

We look forward to continuing the festivities at our Christmas Carol and Memorial service tomorrow evening too.💛

03/12/2025

We are very excited to see many of you this Friday for our Christmas Carol and Memorial service at 6pm.
Preparations are well under way and we are working hard to ensure everything is ready.

We still have some spaces left so if you would like to come along, give us a call or email so we can pop your name down.

See you all soon❤

forestofdean@westerleighgroup.co.uk
01594 826624

01/12/2025

Many people feel unsure or fearful at funerals simply because they don’t know what to expect. This upcoming walk-and-talk inside one of our Westerleigh Group crematoria aims to gently remove those unknowns by offering open, compassionate insight into what actually happens.

Thank you to our teams for supporting this with such dignity, sensitivity and care. We hope this will provide helpful education and reassurance for anyone who has questions or concerns.

28/11/2025

At Westerleigh Funeral Plans, our focus is simple - helping families plan ahead with care and confidence.

We believe in working with funeral directors and offer genuine partnership and shared values, not sales targets.

Our aim is to support your business and your local community by offering trusted, affordable funeral plans that give families peace of mind for the future.

Together, we can make a difference for the people we serve.

Find out more about partnering with Westerleigh Funeral Plans at: https://ow.ly/uxyw50Xz61v

This information is for Funeral Directors Only.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans (a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

28/11/2025

On this episode of Before You Go, Matt sits down with Jennifer Muldowney — known to many as The Glam Reaper — and shares the personal experiences that led her into the world of bereavement care. From navigating loss to planning beautifully bespoke celebrations of life, Jennifer offers an insider’s view into how families in the US are reshaping what a funeral can be.

This is a really interesting listen and available to download now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vStpKMlnB8yqCAxPS2wKo?si=5d797e9063e64975and

26/11/2025

We’re excited to announce the launch of another SuperVenue for Westerleigh Group at Vale Royal Crematorium!

From today, bereaved families will have access to unprecedented levels of personalisation — service experiences that simply aren’t available anywhere else locally.

This innovation doesn’t just enhance the farewell for families; it also helps keep more funerals within the community, supported by the dedicated care of local funeral directors.

Find out more about options available at Vale Royal Crematorium here: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/blog/post.php?s=2025-11-26-vale-royal-crematorium-offers-state-of-the-art-funerals

25/11/2025

Don't forget..

The deadline for sending in photos of your loved ones to be displayed on our screen at the Christmas Carol and Memorial service is Friday 28th November at 12pm.

Please email your photos to forestofdean@westerleighgroup.co.uk and we will ensure they are displayed during the service.

We still have spaces available for those who also wish to attend our Christmas Carol and Memorial service on Friday 5th December at 6pm. Please let us know if you would like to come by calling us on 01594 826624 or emailing us on the above email. ❤

21/11/2025

The mornings and evenings are certainly feeling frostier recently.
If you have no plans on Friday 5th December at 6pm, why don't you come and join us at our Christmas Carol and Memorial service and warm up with a hot beverage?
We would love to see you there.

Call 01594 826624 to reserve your space and if you wish, send us a photo of your loved one and we will display this on our screen during the service. Please send any photos by 12pm on Friday 28th November to forestofdean@westerleighgroup.co.uk ❤

20/11/2025

We were delighted to officially open our new natural burial ground in West Lancashire today - offering even more choice and a peaceful, environmentally friendly option for our local community.

Despite the cold, crisp air, the sunshine made the moment feel truly special. Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this important step in giving families even more meaningful ways to honour their loved ones.

Find out more about our new natural burial ground at West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium here: https://www.westlancashirecrematorium.co.uk/blog/post.php?s=2025-11-19-natural-burials-at-west-lancashire-crematorium-offer-more-choice

20/11/2025

Our podcast Before You Go is now live on Spotify,

Join us for honest conversations about grief, remembering loved ones, and finding hope. Each episode features real stories and expert insights, offering a space to reflect, connect, and feel understood.

Follow the podcast to catch new episodes as they are released and share it with anyone who might find comfort or inspiration. Because every story deserved be told, before you go.

Listen to the podcast here:

Podcast · Westerleigh Group · Podcast hosted by Matt Brook invites a range of guests to have open and honest conversations about death, grief and the way we remember - topics which are worth talking about before you go. This podcast has been made by Westerleigh Group, one of the UK's leading provi...

18/11/2025

As we get closer to the festive season, we would like to invite everyone in our local communities to join us for this year's Christmas Carol and Memorial Services happening across all Westerleigh Group crematoria.

These gentle gatherings offer a moment to remember loved ones and bring people together in our warm and welcoming chapels.

Find the service happening near you here: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/blog/post.php?s=2025-11-14-christmas-invitation-from-westerleigh-groups-crematoria

17/11/2025

This weekend, we were joined by the Diocese of Gloucester Funerals team for a 'behind the scenes' tour of our Crematorium, hosted by our Crematorium Manager, Hannah.
It was a great opportunity to see some regular faces and some new faces.
Hannah showed everyone around and discussed the daily runnings of our site, how we operate and they also had the opportunity to have a go on our brilliant music system, which allows celebrants and ministers to operate the music themselves from the lectern.
In true Hannah style, she forgot to take some photographs, so here are some of the cards they left and a lovely thank you card. ❤

14/11/2025

In our newest episode of Before You Go, host Matthew Brook sits down with Danny Lesslie, widower and author of the memoir ‘Thank You Cancer.’

Together, they explore profound themes of grief, love, and healing after loss. Danny opens up about life after the death of his wife, Raffaella, and how writing became an essential part of his journey toward understanding, reflection, and hope.

Their conversation dives deep into the complexities of grief — the moments of pain, the flashes of joy, and the space in between where healing slowly takes shape. Danny shares how love continues beyond loss, and why open, honest conversations about death are vital to helping us all navigate life’s hardest moments.

It’s a moving, thought-provoking listen about resilience, remembrance, and the legacy of love 💛

Listen to the new episode here or save for later: https://ow.ly/qHBY50Xrz5u

12/11/2025

This week, our site at New Southgate Cemetery & Crematorium, proudly honoured the life of Dorothy Lawrence, believed to be the only woman to serve on the front line during the First World War.

Disguised as a man, Dorothy joined the trenches in 1915 and served with extraordinary courage and resilience. Her bravery, individuality, and pioneering spirit continue to inspire generations.

A new memorial headstone has now been placed at her resting place, ensuring her legacy is recognised and remembered.

Read more about Dorothy’s remarkable story here: https://ow.ly/YS6H50XqB0P

11/11/2025

We recently told you all about our upcoming Christmas Carol and Memorial service at our Crematorium on Friday 5th December at 6pm. If you would like to attend, please call (01594 826624) or email us to confirm your attendance.❤

In addition to this, those who wish to attend also have the opportunity to share a photo of a loved one with us and this will be displayed on a slideshow on our screen during the service.
The deadline for sending your photos is 12pm on Friday 28th November.
Please email your photos to forestofdean@westerleighgroup.co.uk

We hope to see you there ❤

10/11/2025

Will you be attending our annual Christmas Carol and Memorial service?

We are delighted to invite you all to our annual Christmas service on Friday 5th December at 6pm, at the Forest of Dean Crematorium.
As always, we will be joined by a fantastic choir and there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to remember loved ones.

If you wish to attend, please either call the office on 01594 826624 or email forestofdean@westerleighgroup.co.uk to confirm your attendance.

We hope to see you there ❤

09/11/2025

This Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, we honour and remember all those who have served, sacrificed, and lost their lives in service. 🌹

As we come together this weekend and on Tuesday, let us pause, reflect, and show our gratitude to those who fought.

06/11/2025

Work continues to progress well on our new site in Cramlington, Newcastle. Below is a brief update alongside the latest images from site showing how things are shaping up as we close out week 2:

🔹 Plate bearing tests are booked
🔹 Piling scheduled to begin week commencing 17th November – with efforts underway to bring this forward
🔹 Works on the overflow car park are progressing steadily

Great to see strong momentum on this project so early on. More updates to follow as we continue building this important new facility.

31/10/2025

In our latest episode of Before You Go, Matt sits down with Ross Hickton, Managing Director of Hickton Family Funeral Directors, 4th-generation Funeral Director, and National President of SAIF.

Together, they discuss what it means to lead a family business through four generations, the evolving landscape of independent funeral care, and Ross’s vision for the future of the profession.

This episode offers an insightful look at leadership, legacy, and the balance between tradition and innovation in one of the UK’s most compassionate sectors.

Listen now on Spotify: https://ow.ly/krf450XkMiZ