West Wiltshire Crematorium

08/09/2025

Week 18: “Cremation is only for people who don’t want a traditional funeral.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

We sometimes hear people say that choosing cremation means giving up the idea of a traditional funeral.

❌ Myth! Many cremation services follow the same format as traditional funerals, with a service, eulogies, and a gathering afterwards. The choice is entirely up to the family.

06/09/2025

Supporting Local Sport – On and Off the Field!

We’re proud to announce that West Wiltshire Crematorium has partnered with the incredible Melksham Ladies Rugby Team team as part of our sponsorship programme – including individual player sponsorship for the talented Steph Holman.

After a phenomenal season last year, the team secured promotion to NC1 – a fantastic achievement that reflects their hard work, determination, and team spirit.
Crematorium Manager Ben – who is also a society rugby referee – had the honour of refereeing the team in their final pre-season match on Sunday.

Pictured: Ben with Steph, and Ben & Steph alongside Team Captain Anna and Head Coach Hannah.

We’re thrilled to support such a dedicated and inspiring group of women and can’t wait to see how they shine in the season ahead!

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

Week 17: “Cremation is impersonal.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

There’s a common worry that cremation doesn’t allow for a meaningful goodbye.

❌ Myth! A cremation service can be just as personal and heartfelt as any other
farewell. Families can include music, readings, photos, and personal tributes to make the service truly unique.

With Funeral Service Music, Tributes, Streaming and Keepsakes, we give families more ways to say goodbye.

28/08/2025

🌿 Supporting Funeral Directors with Westerleigh Funeral Plans 🌿

We’re pleased to share that Westerleigh Funeral Plans are now available, created to support funeral directors in helping families at their time of need.

The plans offer:
⚜️ A cremation cost guarantee across all Westerleigh sites
⚜️ A low administration fee
⚜️ Flexibility so families can choose a plan that suits them

There is also guidance and resources available for funeral directors, making the process straightforward and supportive.

📞 For more information, please contact:
Rachel Newham – 07551 862443
Michael Corish – 07521 431094
✉️ fdplans@westerleighgroup.co.uk

💛 Westerleigh Funeral Plans – Supporting you, supporting families.

At Westerleigh Group, we believe families are best supported when trusted professionals work together with shared values. That’s why we’ve launched our new range of funeral plans to help Funeral Directors support their local families in their time of need.

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.

18/08/2025

Week 16: “You can’t pre-plan a cremation.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

Some people think that cremation must be arranged at the time of need.

❌ Myth! Many families can choose to pre-plan cremation, either through a funeral plan or by discussing their wishes in advance. This can bring peace of mind to loved ones.

At Westerleigh Group, we believe families are best supported when trusted professionals work together with shared values. That’s why we’ve launched our new range of funeral plans to help Funeral Directors support their local families in their time of need.

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.

11/08/2025

Week 15: “Ashes can only be scattered in certain places.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

We often hear concerns about where ashes can be scattered.

❌ Myth! While some places require permission, many locations—including gardens of remembrance, private land (with owner consent), and natural spaces—allow scattering. There are also creative options, such as incorporating ashes into jewellery or scattering them into space.

Please visit our website to learn more about the options available for choosing the final resting place of your loved one's ashes: https://www.westwiltshirecrem.co.uk/memorial_prices.php

Thank you for your interest in our memorials. Our current literature is available for download below, however if you would like to speak to our Memorial Advisor, or receive further information, please contact us using the information on our Memorial Enquiry Page.

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

04/08/2025

Week 14: “Cremation turns the body into ashes.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

Many people assume that cremation simply turns a body into ashes like a fire would.

❌ Myth! After cremation, the remains consist of bone fragments, which are then processed in our cremulator to create fine ashes that are returned to the family.

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.

28/07/2025

Week 13: “Cremation is less respectful than burial.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

Some people worry that cremation lacks the respect and tradition of a burial.

❌ Myth! Every cremation is carried out with the utmost dignity. Families can personalise the service, just as they would with a burial, to ensure a meaningful and respectful farewell.

21/07/2025

We were so touched to receive this beautiful hamper filled with M&S treats and a message that truly moved us.

The card read:

"A huge thank you to you all by making my husband’s cremation service and the memorial for everything I could have ever wanted… you did go over and above to make it possible and I am so grateful. xx"

Although we don’t know who sent it, we want to say how deeply grateful we are for your kind words and generosity. Supporting families through such an important time is a privilege, and knowing our care has brought comfort means the world to us.

From all of us at West Wiltshire Crematorium – thank you. 💛

14/07/2025

Week 12: “Cremation is a modern practice.”

💙 It’s Myth-Busting Monday! 💙

Some believe cremation is a recent option, but did you know it has been around for thousands of years?

❌ Myth! Cremation dates back to ancient times and has been part of many cultures and traditions throughout history. It is not a new practice but a time-honoured choice.

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.

09/07/2025

We were honoured to be part of a uniquely personal farewell at West Wiltshire Crematorium. 💚

With a tractor leading the way to the chapel, the service reflected the individuality of the person being remembered. Thoughtfully arranged by E Wootten and Son Funeral Directors, it was a touching and memorable tribute.

Every life is different — and it's always a privilege to witness farewells that honour those differences in such meaningful ways.