A THANKSGIVING service to commemorate the closure of the existing crematorium and a blessing service to commemorate the opening of the new crematorium has taken place in Blacon.
Archdeacon of Chester, The Venerable Michael Gilbertson, Father Paul Shaw, and the Rev Neil Stacey, officiated at both services.
A number of church officials, funeral directors, and organists attended the memorial service.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “Both services were very important to mark the closure of one crematorium, known by generations of families across the borough, and officially to open the new building.
“A great deal of care and attention to detail has gone into the planning of the new crematorium with the aim of giving greater comfort to everyone who visits.”
A natural theme is created by using timber in the building and ceilings and red sandstone walling.
New features will help families and friends to personalise their loved one’s service with the option of selecting music and other media, like video, DVDs and pictures throughout the service.
A new remembrance room has been built to house books of remembrance.
An electronic version of the books is also available through the council's website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
This new service allows visitors to view memorial entries on-line.
Visitors will have access to the remembrance room every day of the year from 8am to 7pm April to September and 8am to 5pm October to March.
The cemetery will be extended and improvement made to the grounds. These will include demolishing the existing crematorium and constructing a memorial garden in the area where the crematorium stood.
The new garden will provide a peaceful place for contemplation and will be linked by a walkway to the new crematorium. The garden will include a central memorial feature, seats and ornate shrubs will be placed along the walkway.
