Westerleigh Group’s crematoria in the South West are inviting members of their surrounding communities to join them for their annual Christmas Carol and Memorial Services.

The festive gatherings provide valuable opportunities for families and friends to come together and remember their loved ones in the run up to Christmas.

Services are taking place at New Forest Crematorium, North Wiltshire Crematorium, Sedgemoor Crematorium, Test Valley Crematorium, Torbay Cemetery & Crematorium, Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Wessex Vale Crematorium, Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium and West Wiltshire Crematorium between December 7 and December 16.  

West Wiltshire is also holding a ‘Moment of Reflection’ on December 1 between 5pm and 7pm.

Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest independent owner-operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites across England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Its Christmas services are always a highlight of each year, featuring a mixture of readings and popular Christmas Carols. Light refreshments are also available.

Most of the crematoria offer visitors the chance to write personalised messages in honour of loved ones onto memory tags which are then used to decorate Christmas trees.

Many of the sites also offer those who are unable to attend in person the chance to view the service online, either live or as a ‘watch again’ option for up to 28 days, through Obitus, Westerleigh Group’s webcast provider.

Debbie Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: ““Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for families who are missing loved ones, and our annual Christmas Carol and Memorial Services provide a fitting way for people to reflect on and remember their loved ones during the festive season.

“For some, especially if they are quite recently bereaved, the festive period is often a time when they feel their loss more.

“Our events provide opportunities for people to not only pay tribute to their loved ones but also be in the company of other people who are in a similar situation, which in itself can be a source of comfort.

“Whether people are attending in person, or viewing the services online, we know, from feedback we’ve had in previous years, that these events can bring some solace and peace to local people at this time of year.”

The format of the service, dates, times and booking instructions do vary from site to site.

For details of the Christmas Carol and Memorial Service happening at your nearest crematorium, visit its website and go to the events section. There you will also find details of when and how to access your local service online, where available.

South West Westerleigh Group Christmas Carol And Memorial Services 2022

New Forest Crematorium, Friday, December 16, 6pm, www.newforestcrematorium.co.uk  

North Wiltshire Crematorium, Friday, December 9, 11am, www.northwiltshirecrematorium.co.uk  

Sedgemoor Crematorium, Wednesday, December 14, 6pm, www.sedgemoorcrem.co.uk  

Test Valley Crematorium, Tuesday, December 13, 7pm, www.testvalleycrematorium.co.uk 

Torbay Cemetery & Crematorium, Tuesday, December 13, 6pm, www.torquaycrematorium.co.uk  

Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Wednesday, December 7, 7pm, www.treswithiandownscrem.co.uk 

Wessex Vale Crematorium, Wednesday, December 7, 6pm, www.wessexvalecrematorium.co.uk 

Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium, Wednesday, December 7, 7pm, www.westerleighcrem.co.uk  

West Wiltshire Crematorium, Thursday 1 December, 5pm; Thursday, December 8, 6pm, www.westwiltshirecrem.co.uk