Wessex Vale Crematorium

04/07/2025

Who doesn’t enjoy ticking things off the to-do list?

City Gate Construction Ltd at East Lothian Crematorium certainly made great progress this week, with several key tasks now complete:

· Stonework to both West and East elevations
· Roofing works
· Compressed gravel paths to the northeast elevation
· Wet verge installation

There’s still plenty to do ahead of opening later this year, but it's fantastic to see momentum building as we move closer to completion.

We’ll continue sharing updates as we reach more milestones.

02/07/2025

We’re proud to announce that Westerleigh Group Ambassador Alan José has been elected Deputy President of The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities - FBCA - representing 85% of UK cremation authorities.

With over 40 years in bereavement profession, Alan’s passion and leadership continue to make a lasting impact. He previously served as FBCA President during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been on its executive committee since 2016.

A well-deserved recognition for a true ambassador of care, compassion, excellence and expert knowledge in our industry.

Head here to find out more https://tinyurl.com/nemszamn

27/06/2025

East Lothian Crematorium, week 48! We’re making strong headway on the development, with works advancing across all key areas of the build. This week's focus included:

· Stonework across the main entrance and east/west elevations
· Pathway formation and landscaping in the garden area
· Chapel ceiling boarding and skim coat application
· Stone and membrane works for car park paving
· Tiling works on the roof of the cremator room chimney area
· Kerbing across car park zones
· Electrical containment in reception, transfer rooms and garden store
· Window installation and glazing
· Decorative works to eaves, steelwork and cremator room ceiling

Every day and detail counts as we work to deliver a beautiful and respectful place of remembrance for the East Lothian community.

Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work.

27/06/2025

Every memory deserves a beautiful tribute.
Our new Online Memorials website makes it easy to choose, personalise, and order meaningful memorials—all from the comfort of your home.

https://www.wessexvalecrematorium.co.uk/memorials-online/

25/06/2025

We're proud to share that we’ve been praised for our excellent level of service following a recent inspection by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA).

The inspector recognised the professionalism, compassion, and care shown by our team, as well as the peaceful surroundings and high standards we maintain throughout our Crematorium.

We’re incredibly proud of our team for their continued dedication in supporting families and honouring their loved ones with dignity and respect. 💐

Read more here: https://ow.ly/ZWVS50WfoIx

25/06/2025

We’re proud to share that four Westerleigh Group crematoria have been praised for their excellent level of service following recent inspections by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA).

Test Valley Crematorium, Forest Park Hainault Crematorium, Wessex Vale Crematorium and Charing Crematorium were all commended for their high standards, professionalism, and the compassionate care shown by their teams.

👏 A huge well done to all our colleagues at these sites — your dedication and commitment to supporting families with dignity and respect continues to shine.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/Scu350WfoOK

24/06/2025

A lovely example at Mercia Forest Crematorium of a how a service can be made uniquely personal to reflect the hobbies and passions of your loved one.

23/06/2025

Steady progress continues at East Lothian Crematorium as we approach the final stages of construction.

Recent works have included installation of glazing and windows, decoration throughout key areas, and continued work on roofing, pathways, and car park surfacing. We're also advancing on mechanical and electrical installations, including lighting protection and fire alarm containment.

Looking ahead, the team will be completing stone facades, installing single membrane roofing, and continuing hard landscaping and infrastructure works across the site.

Great effort from everyone involved and to City Gate Construction Ltd for their continued hard work.

19/06/2025

Significant progress continues to be made on-site as we move through week 46 of the build with City Gate Construction Ltd. Recent achievements include:

- Stonework installation progressing well on the main entrance and across the west and east elevations
- Roof tiling works underway, with single ply membrane gutter flashing preparation ongoing
- Windows and glazing are being installed across the building
- Electrical containment is advancing throughout the chapel, staffroom, and reception areas
- Ceiling boarding is underway in the chapel, alongside decorative works to the cremator room ceiling and steelwork
- Work on pathways and gardens is ongoing, including compressed gravel paths and kerbing around car park areas

Looking ahead, focus will turn to completing stone facades on all elevations, continuing external landscaping, floor screeding inside the chapel and vestry, further rendering works, and installation of doors and internal wiring.

Thanks to all teams involved for their continued hard work and collaboration as the project moves steadily toward completion.

17/06/2025

We’re proud to unveil the refreshed chapel at Llanelli Crematorium.

As part of our ongoing investment in our sites, we’ve thoughtfully refurbished the chapel to provide a more comforting and welcoming environment for the families we support.

We’ve introduced new seating, updated lighting, and chosen a modern colour palette – all while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that means so much to those who visit.

This is part of our continued commitment to delivering exceptional care and creating spaces that feel personal, respectful, and comforting.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this transformation happen.

15/06/2025

On this Father's Day, we hold in our hearts everyone who is remembering a much-missed father, or father figure 💙

Our Gardens of Remembrance remain open to all who seek a quiet space for reflection and remembrance. Whether you choose to visit, light a candle, or simply take a moment in your own way, we hope today brings comfort and cherished memories.

15/06/2025

On this Father's Day, we hold in our hearts everyone who is remembering a much-missed father of father figure.

Whether you choose to visit one of our crematoria to light a candle, or simply take a moment in your own way, we hope today brings comfort and cherished memories.

www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/locations

13/06/2025

Our waiting room is still available for you to visit, however we ask that you stay in the left side of the car park due to our chapel refurbishment. We look forward to welcoming you to honour your loved ones this Father’s Day.

10/06/2025

An exciting opportunity has come up for a Crematorium Assistant position here at Wessex Vale. Please see below details. Come and work with us!

WesterleighGroup

09/06/2025

Last week, Crematorium Manager Sarah met with Alasdair from the Kings Community Church Food Centre.
As a company, we have donated £1000 to The Food Centre to help with food and pantry items, this can include personal items like sanitary products, nappies, body wash etc. Customers in the community can pay a small fee per week and can benefit from 16 items, as well as the choice of fresh fruit and veg. To find out more information on The Food Centre, or make a donation yourself please visit https://www.kingscommunitychurch.co.uk/foodcentre

08/06/2025

We’re pleased to share that we’ve donated £10,000 to Southmead Hospital Charity to continue funding the Petals babyloss counselling service through 2025.

The pilot project, which launched in April 2024 with our initial £6,000 contribution, has made a real impact by providing timely, expert support to families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

The funding comes from our metal recycling scheme, which raises money for charitable and community initiatives—with consent from the families we care for.

As a leading crematoria and cemetery operator, we’re committed to supporting families through bereavement with compassion and care.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/bSkw50W3ukr

06/06/2025

Steady progress continues as we finish week 43 of our East Lothian Crematorium development with City Gate Construction Ltd. Key milestones achieved this week include:

- Chimney corbelling brickwork completed
- Painting works to the staffroom void finalised
- Sheeting installed to roof voids above waiting room and public toilets
- Solar panel bracketry and cabling in place
- Continued blockwork, kerbing, paving, and pathway formation
- Landscaping preparation underway, with seeding to the east of the building

This project is slowly taking shape and it's great to see the development week on week as we get ready to serve the East Lothian community.

06/06/2025

Meet Gary!

Gary joined Wessex Vale as our full time gardener in April. Gary has made a huge impact on the grounds and has quickly became a valued member of the team. Thank you for your hard work Gary! 🌲🪵🌱🍃

30/05/2025

Please be aware that there are temporary roadworks ongoing outside our premises. Please plan your route accordingly and leave extra time when attending services/appointments.

23/05/2025

Did you know that at Wessex Vale we offer living memorials? We provide a beautiful selection of trees and bushes that grow and change with the seasons, creating a lasting tribute to your loved one. These living memorials allow them to become part of nature, their memory rooted in the earth. Spending time in natural surroundings has been shown to benefit both physical and mental well-being. Visiting a living memorial offers comfort and connection- providing a peaceful, enduring way to remember and reflect.

23/05/2025

Join us on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June as we come together to honour and remember the fathers and father figures who are no longer with us this Father's Day 💙 🩵

If you're in need of bereavement support during this time, please visit our website for helpful links, helplines, and resources.

16/05/2025

Many of you may have seen our Mother pigeon near the floral tribute area sat in her nest. This morning we were greeted with a new little arrival on site! What a lovely way to start the morning 🐦 🌞