Woollensbrook Cemetery & 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

A very fitting final journey for a much loved gentleman, the Landrover was very much part of his life.
As always 'out' with the traditional is a lovely way to honour loved ones in the way that reflects them.

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.

09/09/2025

💜Su***de Prevention Week💚

Sometimes the smallest conversation can bring the greatest comfort.
Please check in with those around you, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you are struggling.

📞 Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
📞 Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for confidential text support

Together, we can raise awareness, break the silence, and spread hope.

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

We believe in helping to turn your precious memories of loved ones into memorials which are uniquely personal, meaningful and of high quality.

To help remember your loved one, we are offering 20% off cremation and burial memorials when purchased with a lease in the same transaction until Friday 31st October 2025.

Find out more: www.woollensbrookcrematorium.co.uk

30/08/2025

For anyone who needs to hear this today...

Grief doesn’t have a schedule. There’s no ‘right’ way to feel in any moment. 💜

Today is National Grief Awareness Day 💜

At some point in our lives, we will all be impacted by grief. And yet, it's still something so many people don't talk about or have misconceptions of.

We wanted to share some reminders for National Grief Awareness Day- are there any you would add to this list?

If you need support, you're not alone.

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

29/08/2025

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

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

ROAD CLOSURE

LONDON ROAD - the road from Hertford through Hertford Heath Village towards our site is shut between 9.30am -4.30pm daily. Diversion in place, Hertford A10 - via Hoddeson junction. We are still accessible from Hoddesdon B1197. Follow through the road closure signs to the crematorium turning after the A10 bridge.

20/08/2025

Along with Pepper and Phillips Funeral Directors and Townies Carriage Masters, a beautiful final goodbye today here at Woollensbrook 🐴🪽💙

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.

13/08/2025

A snapshot of the amazing team here at Woollensbrook Crematorium. Pictured left to right, Callum, Sam and Mark. Manager Mark Winnock, Jen, Alison and Nat.

The team are here to assist throughout all aspects, with chapel services, in our office, and offering guidance and support to families when choosing lasting memorials, to cremation, burials and maintaining our beautiful peaceful gardens of rememberance and cemetery.

We're a warm, welcoming and caring team who are passionate about what we do and dedicated to supporting bereaved families and visitors.
..so if you see us around, say hello!🙂

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

06/08/2025

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:

Westerleigh Group are the leading developer and operator of crematoria and cemeteries in the UK caring for over 71,000 funerals a year

30/07/2025

A new children’s book has been published which was inspired by the story behind our Crematorium’s white 'Letter to Loved Ones' memorial post box.

Published by Scholastic Books, “This Letter Says I Love You” can now be read by anyone who visits the crematorium.

The heartfelt picture book illustrates how people can stay connected to loved ones they have lost by writing them letters.
It was inspired by the story of 10 year old Matilda Handy who expressed a wish to be able to write to her grandmother after she passed away.

Woollensbrook Manager Mark Winnock said: “We have all been very touched by the positive feedback we’ve had from bereaved families who have benefited from using our post box and we believe this new book is perfect for supporting and comforting children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.” 💛

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.

29/07/2025

This summer, receive up to £550 off when you purchase a memorial at Woollensbrook. Our way of helping you honour your loved one with something truly meaningful.

Offer valid until 31st Aug 2025.

www.woollensbrookcrematorium.co.uk

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.

24/07/2025

A huge thank you and well done to team members, Nat & Callum for their fantastic work around our centre circle tree at Woollensbrook! 🌳🌼

Your effort in planting new flowers and greenery has really brightened up the space — it’s looking amazing. We truly appreciate the hard work and care you’ve put into making the area more vibrant for everyone to enjoy. 👏🌿