Wessex Vale Crematorium

11/09/2025

On Tuesday 9th September we had the privilege to host Dr Bill Webster and his Wife Johanna. Dr Bill attended our coffee morning and gave a talk about his grief journey programme that has helped many people here in the UK and in Canada. In the Evening he gave a talk to professionals on the Importance of Ritual and supporting families who maybe experiencing unresolved grief many months after a direct cremation where no service or ritual has taken place.
We believe Grief needs a moment, a ritual, a space to begin healing. A simple direct cremation, without support, can leave families with silence instead of comfort. With a funeral director–led direct cremation, your loved ones are cared for with compassion and dignity." We also recommend before choosing a direct cremation this is discussed with the family to see how they will feel at the time of loss.
We also thank Wessex Vale Crematorium for hosting the evening and Preta for the Refreshments.
Thankyou - Jonathan

09/09/2025

“I didn’t realise how long I’d been holding my breath, until I finally exhaled the words “I can’t do this anymore”. I had said it in my head a hundred times, whispered it in the dark to nobody, but the moment I said it out loud, something shifted. Like I finally admitted what my heart had known long before my mouth could say it. It wasn’t an easy truth. It wasn’t loud or dramatic, it came slowly, on a quiet afternoon in the middle of an ordinary moment. And maybe that’s what made it so real, that something so life altering could arrive in such stillness. I loved you. And leaving didn’t mean I stopped. You weren’t cruel. But I was tired. I’d been convincing myself that being just ‘fine’ was good enough. That staying was strength. But the truth is, it takes more strength to leave than it ever took to stay. To say goodbye to a future that you once believed in, for the want to feel ‘whole’ again. And maybe I could have stayed longer, maybe I could have tried harder, but the moment I said it, and I mean REALLY said it, I knew this wasn’t where I was meant to be anymore. And for the first time in a long time, I felt free.”

Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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

01/09/2025

Wessex Vale’s newest little addition. Meet Chloe’s little puppy Monty, he has definitely made our Monday!

We love how much of a close-knit team we have, always sharing each others successes and milestones both inside and out of work. It really makes a difference having an amazing team!

Did you know, well behaved pooches can attend funeral services here at Wessex Vale? We absolutely love personalised funerals and sometimes little furry friends need to say goodbye too. 🤍

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

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.

15/08/2025

💼 What is a Crematorium Assistant, really? Let me explain…

It's hard to define our job with one title, so here's our best attempt:

💬 30% Shoulder to Cry On – We're the steady presence when emotions run high. Whether it’s offering tissues, gentle words, or simply being there, we’re part of someone’s goodbye.

🎧 15% DJ / Tech Support – Pressing play on just the right track, making sure the photo tribute plays smoothly, the hearing loop works, and once even untangling a kazoo from someone's handbag (don’t ask).

📁 10% Admin Pro's – Phones, forms, emails, and spreadsheets. We juggle them all – sometimes literally – with a cup of tea in hand and a smile on our face.

🕊️ 30% Ashes Whisperer – Helping families collect their loved ones ashes, showing memorial options, or gently answering those beautifully tough questions.

🍼 5% Baby Entertainer – Yes, sometimes we help keep little ones occupied while the grown-ups have a moment. We’ve mastered the art of the sympathetic smile and the peekaboo.

🌱 5% Gardener / Groundskeeper – Because even the roses deserve our care. And because the wind will sometimes blow someone’s order of service into the hedges.

💪 5% Team Player Extraordinaire – We muck in, cover each other, and yes, we even polish the pews before a big service.

It’s not your average job—and we’re very okay with that. We love what we do, and the impact we have on the most difficult days.

We are here for you, even when it's just a chat. Do not hesitate to say hello to our Crematorium Assistants!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.