Christmas 2023 at Westerleigh Group’s crematoria
Westerleigh Group’s crematoria in the South West are opening their doors to their surrounding communities as they host 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, North Wiltshire, Sedgemoor, Test Valley, Torbay, Treswithian Downs, Wessex Vale, West Wiltshire and Westerleigh crematoria between December 6 and 15.
Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners-operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 40 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.
This year, visitors will be able to write letters and Christmas cards to their loved ones and put them into the memorial post boxes which Westerleigh Group has installed at all its crematoria and cemetery grounds during the year.
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 poignant period for people who are missing loved ones.
“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.
“This year, they can also take comfort in leaving messages for their loved ones in our new memorial post boxes, which we know many people have found very therapeutic since they have been installed.
“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 requirements, if applicable, vary from location to location.
The service is open to anyone who wishes to attend, regardless of the time when their loved passed or where their service took place. Similarly, from now until 31 December 2023, Westerleigh Group is offering a 10% discount on memorial purchases to anyone who wishes to memorialise a loved one (terms and conditions apply).
For details of the Christmas Carol and Memorial Services at New Forest, North Wiltshire, Sedgemoor, Test Valley, Torbay, Treswithian Downs, Wessex Vale, West Wiltshire and Westerleigh crematoria, visit their websites and go to the events section, where you will also find out when and how to access the service online, where available.
Details of the promotional offer can also be found on all websites.
Westerleigh Group Christmas Carol and Memorial Services 2023
New Forest Crematorium, Friday, December 15, 6.30pm, www.newforestcrematorium.co.uk
North Wiltshire Crematorium, Sunday, December 10, 11am, www.borderscrem.co.uk
Sedgemoor Crematorium, Wednesday, December 13, 6pm, www.sedgemoorcrem.co.uk
Test Valley Crematorium, Wednesday, December 13, 7pm, www.testvalleycrematorium.co.uk
Torbay Cemetery & Crematorium, Wednesday, December 13, 6pm, www.torquaycrematorium.co.uk
Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Monday, December 11, 7pm, www.treswithiandownscrem.co.uk
Wessex Vale Crematorium, Wednesday, December 6, 6.30pm, www.wessexvalecrematorium.co.uk
Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium, Wednesday, December 6, 7pm, www.westerleighcrem.co.uk
West Wiltshire Crematorium, Thursday, December 7, 6pm, www.westwiltscrem.co.uk
