West Berkshire Crematorium

09/10/2025

Westerleigh Group has launched Westerleigh Funeral Plans - trust-backed plans designed to be fulfilled by funeral directors in partnership with Westerleigh crematoria.

Key benefits include fixed pricing, a low admin fee, and three plan options from full attended services to direct cremation.

To find out more email: fdplans@westerleighgroup.co.uk

Full details here: https://ow.ly/AEWE50WYG1V

08/10/2025

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisper across the West Berkshire countryside, we’re reminded that nature moves gently through its seasons — each with its own beauty, its own rhythm, and its own quiet wisdom.

Here at West Berkshire Crematorium, we know that grief, too, has its seasons. There are moments of stillness, times of sharp sorrow, and times when hope begins to bud again. Just as autumn invites us to pause, reflect, and let go, it can also offer space for healing — in its golden light, in the hush of falling leaves, in the comfort of memory.

Whether your loss is recent or long-ago, we hold you in our thoughts during this reflective time of year. Take gentle care, whatever season you're in xx

03/10/2025

Our new podcast Before You Go is now live — with the first three episodes available to listen to today from Dr Bill Webster, Emma Britton and Duncan Reynolds.

Hosted by Matt Brook, the podcast invites guests to share open and honest conversations about death, grief, and the way we remember produced in collaboration with Empica.

Listen now to all three episodes and follow us on Spotify to stay up to date with future episodes: https://ow.ly/KZNL50X4emh

02/10/2025

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: https://ow.ly/Kt6n50WYG94

02/10/2025

As we countdown to the launch of our first three episodes of Before You Go, take a listen to our latest trailer featuring Duncan Reynolds, Managing Director of Odlings Ltd in Hull — a wholesale masonry business with a legacy of over 150 years.

In this conversation, Duncan and Matt explore memorial options, clear up common misconceptions about memorialisation, and discuss its environmental sustainability.

Listen now and follow Before You Go on Spotify so you don’t miss the full episode when it drops: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RSuEVD6DiDu3r4k19mSRa?si=6lv0df-7RiSy52KdO8EtJQ

Before You Go · Episode

01/10/2025

In our latest Before You Go trailer, host Matt Brook sits down with Emma the Celebrant — a funeral celebrant from Bridgwater who has supported more than 800 bereaved families since training with the United Kingdom Society of Celebrants in 2020.

Before becoming a celebrant, Emma spent 13 years as a BBC local radio presenter across Somerset and Bristol.

Emma shares her story with honesty and courage: in April 2025, her life changed when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer — a rare genetic cancer that is incurable but, thanks to modern medicine, can be managed.

Listen to Emma’s powerful conversation in the trailer now, and follow Before You Go on Spotify to hear the full episode this Friday: https://ow.ly/hT3f50X53uh

01/10/2025

A lovely video from Michael over at Babworth Crematorium today showing the process of our living memorials and how they’re carefully prepared for our loved one’s 🌹❤️

30/09/2025

On International Podcast Day, we’re proud to announce the launch of our new podcast ‘Before You Go’, produced in collaboration with Empica.

Hosted by Matt Brook, Before You Go invites a range of guests to have open and honest conversations about death, grief, and the way we remember — topics worth talking about before you go.

The first full episode drops this Friday, but you can listen to the trailer now featuring our first guest, Dr Bill Webster, a grief counsellor who turned personal loss into a lifelong mission to support others.

Listen to the trailer here: https://ow.ly/C5ci50X4emy

Read more about the podcast here: https://ow.ly/BXex50X4faZ

27/09/2025

Immersive funeral services are coming soon to two more Westerleigh crematoria!

Over the next few weeks, chapels in Vale Royal Crematorium and Sedgemoor Crematorium will be transformed with cutting-edge technology designed to create truly personal service experiences.

From seasonal landscapes and peaceful natural backdrops to the energy of a football stadium, families will have a wide choice of themes - each customisable to reflect the life being remembered in a unique and meaningful way.

This innovation will give even more families around the country the opportunity to celebrate their loved ones like never before.

Find out more: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/blog/post.php?s=2025-09-26-westerleigh-group-name-two-more-funeral-super-venues

26/09/2025

Part 2 to our sit down with R C Smallbone Independent Funeral Directors.

We talk a bit about culture, the taboo talk around death and what we can do to aid that.

25/09/2025

We are pleased to be supporting Child Bereavement UK's Christmas Concert at The Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair, on Monday 1st December 2025.

The concert will feature Adil Ray, Bear Grylls OBE, Dominic West, Naomi Simon (BBC Young Chorister of the Year), and Red Hot Strings.

Funds raised will help Child Bereavement UK continue their vital work supporting children, young people, and families coping with the devastating loss of a loved one.

As one of the charity’s partners, we have pledged to donate at least £100,000 over the next two years to support their work.

Tickets are £40 (early bird until 30 September) or £50 standard.
Find out more and book here:

Join us for an enchanting evening with special guests.

24/09/2025

We have sat down with R C Smallbone Independent Funeral Directors and had a chat with 2 of the funeral directors, about their life in the funeral industry.

Part 2 will be out on Friday.

24/09/2025

This week marks 1 year of the Canvas Wall at Gedling Crematorium allowing us to host immersive funeral services for families to celebrate their loved ones.

It's an honour to help families celebrate their loved ones in a uniquely personal way and continue to bring the canvas wall to other Westerleigh Group crematoriums with the help of the team at Obitus.

24/09/2025

We have launched Westerleigh Funeral Plans - trust-backed plans designed to be fulfilled by funeral directors in partnership with Westerleigh crematoria.

Key benefits include fixed pricing, a low admin fee, and three plan options from full attended services to direct cremation.

To find out more email: fdplans@westerleighgroup.co.uk

Full details here: https://ow.ly/AEWE50WYG1V

19/09/2025

Beautiful photos from a recent service at Treswithian Downs Crematorium this week, featuring a horse-drawn carriage.

A touching and memorable way to celebrate a loved one’s life.

18/09/2025

Westerleigh Funeral Plans have now launched. These trust-backed funeral plans are designed to offer those looking to plan ahead peace of mind, with a guaranteed cremation at any Westerleigh Group crematorium.

The plans are offered, and the funeral conducted through local funeral directors and include:
• A range of service options – from traditional attended to direct
• Fixed pricing to protect against rising costs
• Low admin fees
• Dedicated account support and onboarding

If you're a funeral director and would like to find out more about how these plans can support your local community, please visit our website: https://ow.ly/cBat50WYFZ4

18/09/2025

It was a pleasure to host funeral directors yesterday evening at Herne Bay Crematorium for the first of three information evenings introducing our new trust-backed Westerleigh Funeral Plans.

The event was a valuable opportunity to share how these plans can be fully personalised so that families benefit from their local funeral director's expertise and full range of services.

If you were unable to join us but would like to find out more, please visit: https://ow.ly/bmYi50WYATF

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.

08/08/2025

Look at our gorgeous hanging baskets! Provided to us this year from Glenvale Nurseries and lovingly cared for by our fantastic gardener, Steve Seward

30/07/2025

Can you guess where I am today? Working at West Berkshire Crematorium and as part of the Westerleigh Group , we have the opportunity to help out our colleagues and friends from other crematoria within the group. So, today I have the absolute pleasure of supporting Josie, the manager of the New Forest Crematorium at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show . It's a beautiful day and we would absolutely LOVE to see you, so if you're here or planning to visit, drop by and say hello!

13/07/2025

This weekend, working alongside West Berkshire Funeral Directors we were deeply honoured to host a Hindu funeral service at West Berkshire Crematorium on a Saturday, following the passing of a loved one just two days earlier.

We recognise how important it is for families to observe cultural and spiritual traditions, especially in times of profound grief. It was a privilege to be able to support the family during such a difficult time, ensuring their wishes were met with dignity, care, and sensitivity.

Our team worked with compassion and urgency to accommodate the service, understanding the significance of timely rites within the Hindu faith. We are truly grateful to have been entrusted with this responsibility and are committed to continuing our support for all communities with respect, empathy, and dedication.

27/06/2025

NAME THE BEEHIVES - COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW!

24/06/2025

This week, West Berkshire Crematorium had the honour of hosting a truly personal and moving farewell for a beloved motorcycle enthusiast.

Arranged by Camp Hopson Funeral Directors, as the cortege arrived, a full Biker Guard of Honour lined the route, their engines reverberating through the grounds in a powerful tribute of respect and solidarity. The sound was not just noise—it was a celebration of life, passion, and brotherhood.

This final ride was a fitting farewell for someone who lived life on two wheels and touched the hearts of many. He was loved deeply and will be missed dearly.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the wider biking community.