As an industry leader we are constantly looking for ways to improve our customer service and the impact we have in the communities we serve. Get the latest news on our operations and the initiatives that help us make a difference.
The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood and Ongar (centre, right) at Bentley Crematorium with (left to right) Dignity's Steve Wilkinson, commercial accountant; Steve Gant, general manager – crematoria and Michelle Hales, crematorium manager.
Eric Pickles MP visits Bentley Crematorium
On Friday 21 June, The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood and Ongar visited Bentley Crematorium & Cemetery in Brentwood.
As Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Mr. Pickles had expressed an interest in discovering more about the facilities offered by the crematorium. This new facility will offer reduced journey times for local bereaved families as until now the nearest crematoria were in Upminster or Chelmsford, 30 – 40 minutes drive away. Mr Pickles inspected the state-of-the-art facility which has a Chapel that is able to seat over 100 visitors with additional standing space for larger services, two large screens in the Chapel which allow for videos and photographs to be displayed during a funeral, a number of musical options, a loop facility to help those that have difficulty with hearing and facilities for the disabled.
The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles said, “The setting for Bentley Crematorium is peaceful and beautifully landscaped, which I am sure will be of great comfort to the families visiting on what will be, naturally, a sad occasion. I was very impressed by the facilities on offer for services, and the air of quiet calm which surrounds the new building and its grounds. Visiting a crematorium is never going to be a happy event, but this new crematorium offers local families the chance to lay their loved ones to rest with dignity and respect in peaceful surroundings.”
“It was a real honour that Mr Pickles gave up his valuable time to pay us a visit,” said Crematorium Manager, Michelle Hales. “I believe that he was impressed with our commitment to providing a high quality service to the local community.”
Bentley Crematorium & Cemetery was officially opened last March by the Bishop of Bradwell, The Right Reverend John Wraw and the Mayor of Brentwood, Cllr. Ann Coe. It is operated by Dignity, a British company who have 38 other crematoria across the UK.
Other Stories
-
Improved facilities at Loughborough Crematorium
The Chapel and all public areas of Loughborough Crematorium have been extensively renovated.
-
Eric Pickles MP visits Bentley Crematorium
On Friday 21 June, The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood and Ongar visited Bentley Crematorium & Cemetery in Brentwood.
-
Crematorium Community Open Day & Service of Re-Dedication
The Mayor and Mayoress were presented with a floral bouquet by Crematorium Manager, Ian Carr, after unveiling a plaque to commemorate the Service of Re-Dedication.
-
Crematorium wins "In Bloom" Awards
The team at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium with their gardening awards
-
Crematorium helps to remember war heroes
At 11.15 a.m. on Friday 9 November, a Memorial Service was held at Heart of England Crematorium in Nuneaton to remember and honour those members of the Armed Services.
-
Children's Garden blessed at Fenland Crematorium
A new Children's Garden at Fenland Crematorium has been blessed by Reverend Jenny Webb from St Peter's Church on Monday 17 September.