The Vale Crematorium at Evesham

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

31/08/2025

The Vale Crematorium prides itself on accommodating every funeral for a loved one to make them as individual and personal as possible. Most recently a V W Camper Van supplied by Morton’s Funeral Hire attended a service.

31/08/2025

Next in our spotlight feature on celebrants is William Blow 🔦

Bill is a qualified, experienced and award-winning celebrant, based in Worcester. He routinely conducts funerals across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire but is happy to travel further afield where necessary. He trained with Civil Ceremonies, holds the NONC level three Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy and (being a firm believer in continuing personal and professional development) is about to start the level four diploma.
Bill is proud to be a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants and has adopted the Funeral Celebrant Accord.
When it comes to leading a service, Bill is known for the rich tone of his voice and the personal way he delivers each ceremony. Families he has worked with also comment on the empathy and compassion Bill displays both before, during and after the funeral.
Bill was recently nominated in the Funeral Officiant of the Year category in the Good Funeral Awards 2025.

William Blow Independent Celebrant
01905 953753
07962 531185
bill@williamblow.co.uk
www.williamblow.co.uk

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

25/08/2025

Another in our spotlight series on Clergy-led funerals 🔦

Church of England clergy are always honoured to be asked to lead a funeral. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, regardless of whether or not they attend church, and ministry teams will support families every step of the way. The message at all Church of England funerals, wherever they happen, is one of hope. Although there is sadness because someone has died, in every funeral led by our clergy, there will also be a message of hope in life after death.

Our clergy team are based in churches around the local area,and all have significant experience in leading flexible and unique funerals and supporting families. The pastoral support continues after the service, through many different ways in which churches are there for those who are bereaved.

Find your local church at www.achurchnearyou.com or speak with your funeral director about a Church of England minister leading your loved one’s funeral.

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.

17/08/2025

Local farmer cutting the boundary field at The Vale into much needed hay for the farm stock as this heatwave continues ☀️

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

05/08/2025

Another wonderful celebrant in The Vales spotlight feature on celebrants 🔦

My name is Jill Staples-Grantham, and I’m a funeral celebrant serving Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, and Birmingham. For the past three years, I’ve had the honour of supporting families in creating funeral ceremonies that truly reflect the life, spirit, and values of their loved one.

Whether you’d like to include hymns, prayers, or keep things entirely non-religious, I believe there’s no single “right” way to say goodbye — only what feels most meaningful to you. Every person’s story is unique, and my role is to help you tell that story with warmth, dignity, and genuine care.

I’m proud to work alongside dedicated funeral directors and crematorium teams, coming together to guide and support you through one of life’s most tender moments — helping you say farewell in a way that brings comfort, connection, and lasting memories. jsgfunerals@gmail.com

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

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

Continuing our spotlight feature on celebrants and clergy 🔦
Michelle Alexander
Independent Funeral Celebrant
M: 07841 862277 E: malexandercelebrant@gmail.com
W: www.malexandercelebrant.com

I truly believe that I provide a meaningful alternative to the traditional religious funeral service. As your Funeral Celebrant, I will work closely with you to ensure that your loved one has the individual service that they deserve and would have wanted. A service which will allow you to remember them as you would wish to. Not only to mourn their death, but to celebrate their life. I will support you at every stage of arranging the service, including choosing music, readings, poems, locations and preparing the eulogy and Order of Service. Based in a small village, in the Malvern Hills area, I am centrally placed to cover Worcestershire, Herefordshire,
Gloucestershire and the Welsh Borders. I offer services which can be religious or non-religious and will travel to surrounding crematoriums, chapels, cemeteries, green burial grounds or whichever location you
choose to hold your service. Please contact me if you think that I can help you.
I will always try to do my best for you.

As an independent Celebrant I offer total flexibility and, on all occasions, will both respect and reflect any religious or spiritual beliefs which you may (or may not) have.

19/07/2025

17/07/2025

New spotlight featuring our local celebrants & clergy, firstly introducing Graham Hutton 🔦

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.

07/07/2025

Another spotlight featuring local funeral directors R.Locke & Son 🔦

R. Locke & Son are an independent family-owned business serving our local community and surrounding areas. We take great pride in offering a dedicated and compassionate service.
With three generations of experience, we promise to make the planning of a funeral as smooth and uncomplicated as we can, by being respectful, courteous, and accommodating of your specific requirements. One of our Funeral Directors will be your principal contact throughout the arrangements. Whether it’s a direct cremation, a natural burial, simple funeral or full traditional service at church or crematoria, as a team we will do everything we can to deliver a funeral fulfilling your wishes, whilst respecting the memory of the person your love. Set on the edge of the Cotswolds, our Brailes Chapel of Rest is available for small and intimate services.

We are members of SAIF (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors) and have offices in Brailes, Shipston on Stour, Wellesbourne and Kineton.

www.rlockeandson.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/R.LockeandSonFuneralDirectors

29/06/2025

Continuing our feature on local funeral directors Edith Blanch 🔦
“As an independent funeral directors we are proud to be a member of The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) At Edith Blanche Funeral Directors we offer you a professional personalised service built on compassion, respect, choice and value. Our own personal values remain close to our hearts whilst providing you with a calm safe space, practical guidance and emotional support.

It is our privilege to provide gentle and respectful care for your loved one. Supporting and taking care of every detail to create a unique celebration and commemoration of the life that has been lived. Our fundamental belief and ethos is; as we are all unique, our funeral should be as unique as we are….

We take such pride in what we do and consider it our honour & privilege to ensure that we provide a dignified and bespoke funeral experience.

Losing a loved one is the single biggest life event we will experience, which can be traumatic and distressing, changing the world around us. Quite often leaving our world unrecognisable. We recognise that just the smallest of tasks can be overwhelming.

We will guide and support you through every step of the journey.

Coming together as a family team; and all with considerable experience within the industry, we are extremely proud of what we have achieved. We are proud to share that we will be shortly opening our second funeral home which will allow us to continue supporting our local communities with the challenge of navigating grief. Supporting you at Life’s most difficult time……… Love & hugs ### “

Web: funeraldirectorstewkesbury.co.uk

Email:info@edithblanchefdtewkesbury.co.uk

Office: 01684 368544

25/06/2025

One of our local funeral directors who we are proud to support

Our service is built on Quality, Trust and Reliability…

A special thanks to our associates at The Vale Crematorium at Evesham for all their hard work and commitment…it’s important for us to be able to have the trust and reliability in others as we help people through a very difficult time in their lives.

Martin Grinnell Independent Funeral Services - Tel: 01386 422233
https://www.martingrinnellfuneralservices.co.uk/
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