Westerleigh Group

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.

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.

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

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

We are incredibly proud to share that Cromer Crematorium has been recognised with an Outstanding inspection report by industry inspectors, a testament to the compassionate care, professionalism and dedication shown by the team every day.

This excellent result reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards of service and support for families during some of life’s most difficult moments💛

Thank you to our amazing colleagues for your hard work and to the community we serve for your continued trust.

Read more about the report here: https://ow.ly/9EHF50XXaF1

10/01/2026

This month marks 70 years since Barham Crematorium first opened its doors.

Since January 1956, Barham has served the local community, evolving over the decades while remaining a place of peace, remembrance and reflection for generations of families.

We’ve taken a look back at its history, how it has changed, and the role it continues to play today.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/8En650XU5n9

18/12/2025

We’re proud to share that Langstone Vale Crematorium and Memorial Gardens will become our 6th funeral SuperVenue and the first of its kind in Wales.

This exciting development will offer families even more opportunities to create truly personal and meaningful farewell experiences, with enhanced chapel facilities, immersive technology and greater flexibility to reflect every individual life story.

As part of the Westerleigh Group, Langstone Vale continues our commitment to innovation, exceptional care and supporting families at one of life’s most important moments.

Read the full article to find out more: https://ow.ly/UX1m50XLtls

16/12/2025

We’ve introduced a new way to say goodbye to the communities of Somerset with an immersive funeral venue at Sedgemoor Crematorium.

Last night, our team at Sedgemoor Crematorium hosted an exclusive launch event for funeral industry professionals. Guests had the opportunity to see the transformation first-hand and discuss how these innovations will support families in Somerset and beyond.

Developed in partnership with Obitus the chapel has been designed to transform how we celebrate life and honour memory. With cutting-edge technology, tailored sound and visuals, and immersive themes, it enables a level of personalisation not currently available anywhere else locally.

Families can now choose from a wide selection of themes to reflect what mattered most to their loved one, from peaceful florals to lively stadiums.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended last night's launch, to all of our colleagues at Sedgemoor led by Laura Williams, Emma the Celebrant for being our celebrant during the presentation and to Obitus for their innovation and to all of our suppliers.

Learn more about the levels of personalisation here: https://ow.ly/l3QQ50XK8Wf

12/12/2025

Christmas is often described as a season of joy, but for many, it can be one of the hardest times of the year. In our latest Before You Go episode, Father Norman joins us for a heartfelt conversation about navigating loss, honouring loved ones, and giving yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling this festive season.

He emphasises the importance of open conversations about loss, the need for families to honour their loved ones, and the understanding that grief is a lifelong process.

From gentle ways to include memories in Christmas traditions, to how we can better support those who are grieving, this episode offers comfort and practical advice for those struggling with loss during this time for anyone finding the season difficult.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who may need it this Christmas: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tvelG39g7unu6C4P2zoXF?si=S_bCTIX7RFyniBvvDIs4ew

Before You Go · Episode

01/12/2025

Many people feel unsure or fearful at funerals simply because they don’t know what to expect. This upcoming walk-and-talk inside one of our Westerleigh Group crematoria aims to gently remove those unknowns by offering open, compassionate insight into what actually happens.

Thank you to our teams for supporting this with such dignity, sensitivity and care. We hope this will provide helpful education and reassurance for anyone who has questions or concerns.