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Lesley Hornsby who retired from Heart of England Crematorium after 40 years service to local bereaved families.

Crematorium manager retires after 40 years service

In March 2012, Lesley Hornsby, the manager of Heart of England Crematorium in Nuneaton retired after 40 years service to local bereaved families.

Lesley began working at the Nuneaton and Bedworth Council in the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department in April 1972. She worked for the council learning all aspects of bereavement services for over 20 years prior to the council agreeing to a public-private partnership which caused the Heart of England Crematorium to be built in 1994 and open in May 1995. Lesley chose to relocate to the crematorium, which is operated by Dignity, and was later promoted to Manager.

Upon her retirement Lesley was joined by her friends and colleagues from other Dignity crematoria across the UK and was presented with a cheque in recognition of her long service, a bottle of champagne, gifts and a celebratory cake by Richard Portman, Dignity’s corporate services director and Jennifer Yardley, crematorium regional Manager.
“I lost someone very close to me early in my adult life and that made me realise how important our work at the crematoria is,” said Lesley. “I have always tried to focus on the needs of the families we serve and to help them at this difficult time in their lives.”

Praising Lesley’s commitment and service, Richard Portman said: “Serving your local community for 40 years is a tremendous achievement. During this time Lesley has taken many staff under her wing and has imparted her knowledge and love for the job to each and every one, so whilst she is leaving us her influence will remain. I wish Lesley a long and happy retirement.”

After serving the people of Nuneaton for four decades Lesley is now looking forward to spending more time in her garden and walking her dogs.