Charing Crematorium

15/02/2026

Love is often shown in quiet ways.

Planning ahead is one of those thoughtful decisions that can make a real difference to the people we care about – helping remove uncertainty, emotional pressure and unexpected costs at a difficult time.

At Westerleigh Group, we believe funeral planning should be clear, transparent and focused on what truly matters to families. That’s why we work closely with funeral directors across the UK, supporting them to offer funeral plans that give families confidence and peace of mind for the future.

If you are a funeral professional interested in offering Westerleigh Funeral Plans to your families, visit westerleighgroup.co.uk/funeral-plans to find out more.

Westerleigh Funeral Plans (a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

14/02/2026

It was so lovely seeing the sun shining over our Book of Remembrance Chapel today ☀️✨

The light streaming through the trees made it feel especially peaceful and comforting

We hope you are all enjoying your weekend and finding a little sunshine wherever you are 💛

13/02/2026

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12/02/2026

We’re pleased to share continued progress across two of our newest developments North York Crematorium & Memorial Gardens and Great North Crematorium & Memorial Gardens.

In York (end of week 5), groundwork is now largely complete. Foundations have been finished, foundation bolts installed by the steel fabricator, and both the access road cut and haul road put in place. Surface water drainage has also been delivered to site.

Next week marks a key transition, with brickwork commencing, drainage installation beginning, the crane mat being installed, and steel columns due to go up, an exciting step forward as the structure starts to take shape.

Meanwhile, in Newcastle (end of week 14), strong progress continues as the project moves into its next phase. Substructure brickwork is now fully complete, herbicide spray to formation has been carried out, and block and beam works are well underway with completion targeted early next week. The first stage of gas membrane works is scheduled to begin shortly, while car park works, including block paving, continue to advance well.

It’s encouraging to see both developments progressing on programme, thanks to the continued collaboration and commitment from our contractor partners, Pacy & Wheatley Construction and T Manners & Sons Ltd.

We look forward to sharing further updates as both sites continue to evolve.

12/02/2026

✨ Meet the Team – Chris ✨

We’re delighted to introduce Chris, one of our wonderful Crematorium Assistants here at Charing.

Chris joined the company in July 2024, starting his journey at Herne Bay before recently moving across to support the team at Charing. He brings with him a wealth of customer service experience, along with a calm, compassionate approach that helps families feel supported during difficult times.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys walking his dog along the seafront, keeping active as a keen runner, and he’s also a huge Formula 1 fan 🏎️

We’re so pleased to have Chris as part of the team — if you see him around, be sure to say hello! 👋

10/02/2026

Last night, Langstone Vale Crematorium and Memorial Gardens was proud to host a preview evening for local funeral directors and celebrants, offering a first look at the immersive SuperVenue technology arriving this March.

As the only crematorium in Wales to introduce this innovative technology, we’re proud to be leading the way in transforming how families can honour their loved ones, creating farewells that are more personal, meaningful, and reflective of individual lives.

Featuring dynamic Canvas walls, atmospheric lighting, and carefully curated soundscapes, this technology brings a new level of personalisation and experience to the funeral service.

A big thank you to our colleagues and to our Site Manager, Aaron Carter, for the presentation and Q&A session.

*Photos of the SuperVenue shown are from Vale Royal Crematorium

07/02/2026

This month marks 10 years since we first opened West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium in February 2016.

While we have evolved over the years, our commitment to supporting families with care, dignity and compassion has always remained at the heart of what we do.

Thank you to our team who always go above and beyond to provide such exceptional care to the community.

05/02/2026

📍 Community Connections at Ashford Co-op

Our Site Manager, Matthew, recently visited Ashford Co-op to meet with Paul and Pierra. They had a great discussion about traditional funerals and an upcoming Arranger Evening that will be taking place here at Charing.

If you’re a funeral director or arranger and would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our office on 01233 712443.

We look forward to connecting with you

04/02/2026

We’re proud to share a heart-warming highlight from our team’s festive fundraising efforts.

Through our company Christmas raffle, we donated £1,515 to InHope., the charity behind The Wild Goose café and day centre in Bristol. Their work providing hot meals, shower facilities, clothing, laundry services and vital support to people facing homelessness and hunger makes a real difference to lives in our local community.

At Westerleigh Group, we’re committed to supporting communities across the UK, not only through our services, but by backing causes that create lasting impact.

Read more about the donation here: https://ow.ly/kQZo50Y8N9j

Read more about the donation here: https://ow.ly/kQZo50Y8N9j

03/02/2026

Matt, our Site Manager, recently visited Hambrook & Johns in Folkestone to catch up with the team. 👋

A big thank you to everyone at Hambrook & Johns for the warm welcome and continued support.

We’d also like to reassure our familys that FC Wood is still operating as normal, now from the Hambrook & Johns site in Folkestone.

If you have any questions or need anything, the team is as always happy to help!

02/02/2026

We are proud to share how Forest Park Cemetery continues to better reflect and support the diverse communities we serve.

Recent developments at the site include the introduction of a dedicated Muslim burial section alongside a multi faith area. These additions help ensure families from different cultural and religious backgrounds feel represented, respected and supported at every stage.

Set within peaceful natural surroundings, Forest Park Cemetery remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for remembrance, reflection and connection.

Read more about the latest update here: https://ow.ly/oIvS50Y7vbE

30/01/2026

Work continues on our new site in Newcastle, Great North Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, with good progress being made as we reach the end of week 12.

Substructure brickwork and blockwork have continued this week, alongside the installation of telescopic vents. Further progress has been made on the car park, roads and drainage, with perimeter drainage now underway. Steel columns and wind posts have also been successfully installed.

Substructure works have experienced a slight delay due to wet weather, however the metal deck is due to be delivered mid-week, allowing works to continue moving forward.

We look forward to updating you further next week.

29/01/2026

We’re proud to share that Woollensbrook Cemetery & Crematorium is set to become a state-of-the-art SuperVenue from Spring this year, offering bereaved families unprecedented levels of personalisation when saying goodbye to their loved ones.

Following a chapel refurbishment this spring, services at Woollensbrook will be enhanced by innovative audio-visual technology, allowing families to create truly unique and meaningful tributes, from personalised welcome screens to immersive visual themes, coordinated lighting and soundscapes inside the chapel.

This transformation reflects our ongoing commitment to place families at the heart of everything we do, providing exceptional care, support and choice at one of life’s most difficult moments.

Read more about the transformation here: https://ow.ly/GTKn50Y5lpB

*All photos shown are from Sedgemoor Crematorium's SuperVenue.

28/01/2026

❤️

At Charing crematorium this morning bright and early for a witnessed direct cremation.

We have recently started offering these services to our families, and are finding they provide a great balance. Families can have a private moment with a handful of mourners, without the pressure of a full service.

Charing Crematorium

27/01/2026

Work is now well underway on our newest development in North York. By the end of week three, key progress includes the completion of the attenuation basin, topsoil stripping and stockpiling, and the excavation of trial foundations. Site perimeter fencing is in place, existing services have been identified, and additional signage has been installed on the entrance road.

Looking ahead to next week, foundation work will continue towards completion, Building Control inspections are scheduled ahead of pouring, and site welfare services will be fully operational.

Thanks to Pacy & Wheatley Construction and the entire site team for their continued efforts. We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.

27/01/2026

A dignified farewell here at Charing Crematorium.

Beautifully led by Hadaway & Denton, with a traditional horse-drawn carriage. 🖤

24/01/2026

This month marks 20 years since we first opened West Berkshire Crematorium in January 2006.

While we have evolved over the years, our commitment to supporting families with care, dignity and compassion has always remained at the heart of what we do.

Thank you to our team who always go above and beyond to provide such exceptional care to the community.

21/01/2026

We’re pleased to share that our first crematorium in the North East of England, Great North Crematorium and Memorial Gardens, will be opening in winter 2026.

Located near Cramlington, this new state-of-the-art SuperVenue will offer families unprecedented opportunities to personalise a final farewell. Through immersive audio-visual technology, flexible chapel design, and beautifully landscaped memorial gardens, we’re creating a space that allows every service to feel truly meaningful and unhurried.

From dynamic themed visuals displayed across the chapel canvas to harmonised soundscapes, lighting, and extended service times, every element has been thoughtfully designed around choice, care, and compassion.

Sustainability has been central to the development, with the site set to become one of the most environmentally friendly crematoria in the UK, while providing a tranquil, secluded setting accessible to communities across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.

This development reflects our continued investment in high-quality, beautifully designed facilities that support families with exceptional care when they need it most.

Read the full press release to learn more: https://ow.ly/Avk350Y0HAc

20/01/2026

New Memorial Alert ‼️

We are delighted to introduce a new option within our bronze plaque range, designed to sit beautifully alongside a rose or shrub within our grounds.

Our leaf and butterfly designs offer a meaningful and elegant alternative to our traditional bronze plaques, and we absolutely love how special they look.

To find out more, please contact our office on 01233 712443.

19/01/2026

Work has now commenced on our newest crematorium development in North Yorkshire, with good progress made during the second week on site.

End of week two progress includes:
• Attenuation basin excavation 85% complete
• Topsoil strip complete and stockpiled for later use
• Trail foundation excavated
• Building control attended site to inspect trail foundation
• Site perimeter fencing complete
• Foundation due to commence

Thank you to Pacy & Wheatley Construction for the positive start. We look forward to sharing further updates as the project continues.

17/01/2026

We’re proud to share that Woollensbrook Cemetery & Crematorium has made a donation of £400 to HABS Strength In Mind Therapeutic Service, an award-winning therapeutic service offering essential support for children, young people and families across Hertfordshire. 💛

This contribution came from the crematorium’s metal recycling fund, which helps turn recycled metals into meaningful support for local causes.

HABS provides parenting advice, coaching, counselling and psychotherapy — making a genuine difference to emotional wellbeing in our community.

Read more about the donation here: https://ow.ly/FgE350XXaag

15/01/2026

Notice – Limited Access This Saturday (17th January)

Please be advised that this Saturday, 17th January, access to the crematorium will be limited due to essential works being carried out on our entrance and driveway.
During this time, access will be available via the turning on the next left past the houses.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding while these improvements are completed.

08/01/2026

Icy Conditions – Please Take Extra ❤️

Due to the cold temperatures overnight, our car park is icy this morning. Please take extra care when arriving and leaving the site.

Our grounds team has been working very hard since early this morning to grit and treat the area to make it as safe as possible.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation — your safety is our priority. ❄️

06/01/2026

Our pond looks absolutly amazing today!! We had to capture a photo of it ❄️