Breckland Crematorium

15/08/2025

A place for reflection….

14/06/2025

Founder of Breckland Crematorium Ray Thornalley has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his services to the bereaved.

A little of Ray’s background:

Born and raised in Clenchwarton near King’s Lynn, Ray began his career as a carpenter’s apprentice with local builder and undertaker F. Mee and Son in Tilney All Saints. In 1981, at the age of 24, he started his own funeral business Thornalley Funeral Services in Clenchwarton. Two years later, he moved the business to St James Street in King’s Lynn, before the construction of a purpose-built funeral home on Austin Street in 2011.
Over the years, the family-run business expanded with the acquisition of Chapmans Funeral Services in Swaffham, the opening of a new funeral home in Dersingham, and the development of Breckland Crematorium which opened in 2019.

Throughout his working life, Ray has dedicated himself to supporting families through bereavement with dignity and compassion. He also helped facilitate a support group ‘Friends in Bereavement’ for many years, alongside a team of kind-hearted volunteers, offering vital support to those coping with the loss of a loved one.

Reacting to the honour, Ray said: “When I was told my name had been put forward and that I was going to receive the British Empire Medal, I was shocked and very humbled. I’m truly grateful to those who nominated me - and, of course, overjoyed.”

Ray continues to take a close interest in the running of the crematorium. We are very proud of his achievements and our entire team are guided by his principles and relentless pursuit of the highest standards of care towards those who have died and their bereaved families.

14/06/2025

We are delighted to have been able to donate funds raised through the recycling of metals which remain after a cremation has taken place. By working closely with established charities Little Discoverers and Little Miracles the Hub will provide a base and facilities which will enable people with disabilities and life limiting conditions from East Anglia to take part in a range of activities which will keep them active, fit, making friends and having fun.

A massive thank you to Breckland Crematorium for their generous donation.

04/03/2025

It was our pleasure to help you J Gedge & Sons, I hope the service gave your family some comfort. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures.

24/12/2024

Wishing all our followers a peaceful Christmas.

Our office is closed for the next two days and will reopen on Friday 27th December.

The garden of remembrance will remain open for visitors everyday from 9.00am until dusk.

Finally we are delighted to let you know that our Remembrance Service on December 10th raised a total of £520.89 which has been donated to Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. Thank you for your generosity.

15/11/2024

Our Christmas Service of Remembrance will take place on Tuesday 10th December at 6.30pm. Please let us know you are coming by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code. Hope to see you there.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1077743091599?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/10/2024

Nathan got caught in a rainshower while installing a new memorial plaque in our wildflower meadow this morning. He had to stop to take these photos as the rainbow appeared, showing the autumn leaves turning too on the native hedge we planted 4 years ago which is nicely established now with lots of berries for winter food for the birds.

22/07/2024