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
-
Animal Magic
Sarah Burchill, administrator, together with the staff and manager Vicki Howell of Weston Super Mare Crematorium have been collecting pet food for the RSPCA Bristol Dog and Cats Home Winter Warmer Appeal.
-
Wyre Forest Crematorium wins prestigious award
Wyre Forest Crematorium, Dignity's facility in Worcestershire has won an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects. The Crematorium was named as one of the 75 buildings across the UK to pick up a regional winner award for 2012.
-
New crematorium and cemetery for Essex
The construction of Bentley Crematorium and Cemetery opened in May to serve families in Brentwood and the surrounding area.
-
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.
-
Shirley's marathon success
Shirley Roberts, crematoria business development manager for memorial sales finished the London Marathon in 4 hours, 48 minutes. Shirley was running for Cancer Research UK and raised £3,600.
-
Dignity Easter Egg Challenge
Youngsters at Honeylands Children's Centre in Exeter, a facility for children with complex special needs, were the beneficiaries of the Exeter & Devon Crematorium's first ever participation in the .