24/04/2025
I was privileged to conduct a service for a wonderful husband, father and grandad yesterday at Bramcote Crematorium After the service and stood near my van, I looked around and was just taken by the number of flowers and plants around me. It made me realise that all the crematoriums I have attended do such much to make these places of natural beauty and calm. But often for all of those attending services, we miss that beauty. I know that we often don't want to be there as its a sad occasion but I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes either before or after the service to walk around the grounds at the crematorium for some personal reflection for the person whose life you are celebrating and allow yourself time to breathe and relax from the day's chaos. It also brought to mind the wonderful poem Leisure by William Henry Davies.
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep and cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like stars at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich the smile her eyes began.
A poor life this, if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Baguley Brothers Funeral Directors Trent Valley Crematorium Gedling Crematorium