A new crematorium in Gedling is to host it’s first funeral next week.
The first funeral at the site in Lambley will take place when it opens for business on Monday (9).
A further three services have now also been booked in during the new crematorium’s opening week.
Local clergy and funeral directors have already been given a preview of the new site on Catfoot Lane and say they are impressed by what they’ve seen.
Nigel Lymn Rose, of A W Lymn The Family Funeral Service, has arranged the first funeral at the new crematorium and said he was pleased the new facility was finally ready.
He said: “We have campaigned for a facility to serve this part of Nottingham for over twenty years. Although tinged with some disappointment that our own applications were unsuccessful, we are very pleased that families will finally have access to a local crematorium.
“The management appear to be very understanding of the needs of bereaved families. I am sure families will appreciate the facilities offered by this more conveniently located crematorium set in such beautiful natural countryside.”
The 100 seat chapel has been fitted with large bay windows overlooking a water garden and wide views of the Dumbles Valley. A state of the art digital music system has been fitted as well as a traditional organ and the chapel is able to cater for all religions and beliefs.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “It’s vitally important that the crematorium is here. It will provide a much needed service for local residents. It’s an excellent venue and I’m very pleased that Gedling Borough Council were able to help facilitate Westerleigh in bringing it to the borough.”
Further landscaping is still due to take place once the worst of the winter is over. There are plans to lay over 3000 square meters of turf alongside hundreds of bedding plants and trees and long stretches of hedging, to ensure that the new building blends into the surrounding countryside.
The crematorium will serve all communities across Nottingham and the manager of the new service, Kevin Browne, is delighted to finally be able to open its doors.
He said: “The setting is glorious and we are just keen to know get on with the job of looking after bereaved families at this most difficult time in their lives.”