Honouring Fathers at Westerleigh Group’s crematoria
Westerleigh Group’s crematoria are inviting anyone who is missing a father or father figure, including parents bereaved of a child, to visit to honour their loved ones for Father’s Day.
Anyone living in, working in, or visiting communities surrounding Forest of Dean and The Vale crematoria is welcome to visit to reflect on and remember the loved ones they have lost.
Forest of Dean Crematorium is opening its doors between Friday 19 and Monday 22 June, from 8.30am until 5pm daily, to anyone living in, working in or visiting the community to attend and spend some time reflecting on and remembering the loved ones they have lost.
A large chalkboard will be placed within the grounds for visitors to write a special memory of their father figure, and they can collect a commemorative flower which they can either place on the memorial of a loved one within the crematorium or take home with them.
The Vale Crematorium is opening its doors on Saturday June 20, between 10.30am and 12noon, for anyone in the area to have some time of peaceful reflection, during which time they can light commemorative candles.
At both sites, visitors will also be able to write personal messages, Father’s Day cards and letters and place them in the white memorial post boxes.
Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, and which is trusted by more families than any other provider to deliver funerals for their loved ones.
All Westerleigh's locations are set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect, while benefitting from exceptional care and support from its teams.
The group’s Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Smith, said: “The bereaved will feel the loss of a loved one every day, but annual occasions like Father’s Day can intensify those feelings.
“That’s why it’s important that we make all our crematoria available for a visit, to spend some time in a peaceful, comforting environment.
“It’s an opportunity for visitors to not only reflect on but to celebrate the life of their father or father-figure, to fondly focus on the good times and happy memories you’ve shared.
“Placing a Father’s Day card, or message, into our white memorial post boxes is another way in which people can still feel connected to someone they’ve lost, which can be another valuable source of comfort.
“We know that comfort means different things to different people; for some, it will be sitting in quiet reflection, in our chapels or peaceful gardens, while others will be able to smile as they take a walk around our grounds and recall precious happy moments.
“We are here to support you in whatever way feels right for you.”
The invitation is open to anyone to visit their local Westerleigh Group crematorium, cemetery or natural burial ground in order to remember their loved ones during the Father’s Day period, whether or not there is a memorial to their father or father figure in the grounds, and regardless of where their funeral took place.
Whether a loss is recent or from some time ago, they are equally welcome.
To find out exactly what is happening at your nearest Westerleigh Group crematorium for Father’s Day, and when, visit its website:
