Forest of Dean Crematorium

05/09/2025

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On this Fundraising Friday we'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to Forest of Dean Crematorium who have generously donated £800.

"At the Forest of Dean Crematorium, we have recently noticed an increase in deaths by tragic circumstances. This recent increase sparked an important conversation amongst the team and made us think about what we can do to help. Prevention of su***de is often seen as a taboo subject, but it is something so vitally important to discuss."

The team recently met with our very own Nia, and chose to support our work helping children and young people across the Forest and the wider county.

"We hope our donation of £800 enables them to continue the important and often life-saving support."

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

03/09/2025

We recently donated £800 to Let's Talk Well from our Metals Recycling fund.
Nia came to visit us to say thank you and to meet the team here at the Crematorium. It was lovely to hear more about the amazing work they do.

Some words from Nia:
"Here at Let’s Talk Well we provide a safe space for young people to talk, be heard and offload when things get tough. Last year over 4,000 young people turned to us for support – without donations like this from Forest of Dean Crematorium we couldn’t continue this free service for children and young people in our county, so we’re incredibly thankful for this donation."

We feel honoured to have been able to help them continue the wonderful work they do.

Mental Health is often a taboo subject, but it's so important to talk about it. ❤

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

26/08/2025

Funeral Director Spotlight.. 💛

We are very happy to share another one of our wonderful Funeral Director's who we work closely with.

Gordon Blake Funeral Directors


Gordon Blake Funeral Directors is an independent, family-run business serving the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas since 1982. They offer a range of funeral services, from traditional funerals to direct cremations, and are known for providing a personal and caring service to bereaved families. The company is now owned by Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors Ltd but maintains its commitment to local families and traditions.



Michael Kennerley, branch manager of Gordon Blake Funeral Directors commented, “I am very proud to work at Gordon Blake Funeral Directors and continue to maintain the standards and ideals that Gordon Blake began. I am fortunate to have two wonderful colleagues (Julie who looks after our Cinderford Branch and Rose at Lydney) who are often the first point of call for our bereaved families. Between us, and all the team, we strive hard to provide the very best service we can to the communities we serve”.



For more information on the services Gordon Blake Funeral Directors provide, please visit www.gordon-blake.co.uk

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.

15/08/2025

Our Covid Memorial has had a mini makeover with new granite and slate.The area has also been planted up with new plants.

Covid seems so long ago, but the mark it left will never be forgotten. This memorial is a reminder of the strength, bravery and fighting spirit shown by those who faced it, helped cure it or sadly lost their lives to Covid. Our lives were altered for many different reasons, but community spirit helped us all keep pushing through the hard times. 💙💛❤

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.

11/08/2025

IMPORTANT INFORMATION..

The Crematorium is currently experiencing a power cut.
Rest assured, all services will continue as planned today, with contingencies in place to ensure families/friends can say their goodbyes.
We hope National Grid can resolve this very soon and we sincerely thank you for your understanding of this circumstance. 💛

08/08/2025

Meet the team..

Hannah has worked at the Forest of Dean Crematorium for 9 and a half years.

Hannah's likes/hobbies include spending time with her family, especially her lovely little girl Ivy. She also loves spending time with her 7 year old Staffie, Leah. Hannah refers to both of them as "her girls". Hannah also loves to go shopping, she likes watching horror films and she is a proud Forester.

Hannah is the Divisional Operations Manager and is also the Crematorium Manager at the Forest of Dean. This means she supports multiple Westerleigh sites on a daily basis with team guidance, event planning and ensuring all sites are running efficiently and effectively, aswell as her team at the Forest.
You will also find Hannah in the office running daily office tasks and administration, helping families choose a fitting memorial for their loved one, tending to Chapel services and engaging with our local Funeral Directors and community. Hannah also has her FBCA Cremators license.

Hannah is a naturally kind and caring person, who cares deeply about helping people. 💛

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

07/08/2025

Funeral Director Spotlight..💛

We are delighted to share with you yet another one of our dedicated and fantastic Funeral Directors that we work with..

Collier and Brain Funeral Directors

Founded in 1938 through the partnership of Trevor Collier and John Brain, the company established itself in the village of Drybrook as a dignified funeral director serving the needs of the bereaved in the local districts. The company thrived throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s and eventually transferred the ownership from the original founder’s families to Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors Ltd who already had a long association with the business.

Robin Hughes, branch manager of Collier and Brain Funeral Directors commented, “I feel very honoured to be able to continue Collier & Brain’s work and serve the local community as we have done since 1938.”

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

Meet the team..

Keisha has worked at the Forest of Dean Crematorium for over 4 years now.

Keisha's likes/hobbies include street dance, poetry, fitness classes, watching her partner race motocross, all things horror/halloween, seeing family and walking her dog.

Keisha's role at the Crematorium is Assistant Manager. You will find Keisha tending to managers duties, tending to chapel services, running the office duties or helping families find the most fitting memorial for their loved one. Keisha also has her FBCA Cremators license.

Keisha takes great pride in the work she does and enjoys meeting new people. Keisha is very welcoming to all and efficient. 💛

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.

25/07/2025

Funeral Director Spotlight..💛💛

We are excited to share another Spotlight post with you all about another one of our fantastic Funeral Directors that we work with.

Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons

Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors was established in 1929 by the Grandfather of two of its current company directors. He provided a very dignified service to the families who entrusted him with their loved one’s arrangements.

During the 1970’s the goodwill of the business continued through the management of Ernest’s sons John and David.

In 1998, a third generation joined the company. Neil Williams (who is married to the founder's granddaughter) and Paul Heal (the founder's grandson) continue the family tradition of upholding the highest standards with the support of their experienced team of funeral directors and assistants.



Neil Williams commented, “Though the world we live in has changed beyond recognition to when Ernest Heal established the business almost a century ago, the values of the company values remain the same – to provide exceptional service when family matters”.



For more information on the services we provide, visit www.ernest-heal.co.uk

22/07/2025

Meet the team..

Mike has worked at the Forest of Dean Crematorium for over 5 years now and is absolutely wonderful.
Mike's interests/hobbies include walking his two dogs, spending time tending to his garden, seeing family and working on his cars/bikes. He also used to be a Hot Air Balloon Pilot.

You will often find Mike tending to the gardens on site and ensuring the grounds are always looked after and beautifully maintained. Mike is also our main Cremator Technician.

Our nickname for Mike is the 'Big Friendly Giant' and this couldn't be more true. Mike is a naturally kind and chatty person who loves meeting new people and he truly cares about the work he does. ❤

17/07/2025

Funeral Director Spotlight.. 💛💛

We work with some fantastic Funeral Directors and we are taking the opportunity to share the wonderful work they do with you all.
We are very happy to share our very first Spotlight with you all..

Since 1968, Ian Watts & Son Independent Family Funeral Directors have served families across the Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and surrounding areas, providing a personalised funeral service tailored for their loved one in a way that reflects their life.

They have a key motto of 'Do It with Passion, or not at all....' which echos the values of empathy, compassion and professionalism, that founder Ian Watts had when he established the family business 57 years ago.

Those values are still held highly today by Martin, Luke (2nd & 3rd generation) & all of their team, in all the services they undertake, beginning from washing their immaculate fleet of vehicles, caring of loved ones at their chapel of rest in Bream, all the way up to carrying out the funeral service itself.

For more information on the services they can provide, please take a look at their website www.ianwattsandson.com

16/07/2025

Meet the team..

Claire has worked with us now for almost a year and is a credit to us.
Her hobbies/likes include coffee, going to the cinema, anything spooky/halloween related and time with family and pets.

You will often find Claire in the office completing daily tasks, tending to Chapel services or assisting with helping families choose a fitting memorial for their loved one.
Claire is also undergoing her FBCA training.

Claire is a naturally caring person who enjoys meeting new people, building strong rapports and helping families in any way she can. ❤

11/07/2025

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

This week saw continued stonework on the main entrance, further development of the chapel ceiling, and roofing works including tiling, leadwork, and flat roof membrane installation. Windows and glazing are being installed, plastering has begun in key internal areas, and work on the floral tribute walkway is well underway. The coffin store roof has now been completed, and boundary wall construction using reclaimed stone is progressing.

Looking ahead, next week will focus on completing the stone facade around the entrance, building the reception porch, advancing roofing and drainage work, and continuing with internal finishes. Equipment for the cremator room is due to arrive, and fencing work along the boundary lines will continue.

Thank you to everyone on-site for the continued hard work and dedication as we move closer to completion.