Crematorium takes steps to support the great Waddle of Worcester
The Vale Crematorium has chosen World Penguin Day (Thursday 25 April) to announce its support for this summer’s great Waddle of Worcester.
The crematorium, near Pershore, is funding one large penguin sculpture and one chick sculpture, both of which form part of the colourful Waddle of Worcester arts trail which runs from 22 July until 15 September.
At the end of the trail, the large sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice, which cares for people with serious progressive illnesses who have complex needs which cannot be met by other services.
The Vale Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 40 other facilities across England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
Westerleigh Group prides itself on providing exceptional care to the bereaved, the standards of which are inspected by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) in England and Wales and the Scottish Government.
The Vale Crematorium Manager, Catherine Linfield, said: “We are only too pleased to be able to support the great Waddle of Worcester.
“Not only will it bring many smiles to the faces of those who follow the trail through the summer but more importantly provide valuable funds for St Richard’s Hospice, which provides vital support to make a positive difference to the lives of local people and their families.
“The large sculpture we have chosen to fund is called ‘Little Blue Makes A Wish’ and has been designed by artist Marnie Maurri.
“All designs are top secret until the trail goes live in July but we can say that Marnie’s work is absolutely beautiful and really struck a chord with us in terms of the care we provide. We’re excited for everyone to meet our penguin while making memories with their loved ones this summer.”
Marnie is an independent artist and illustrator who works from her home studio in Worcestershire.
She said: “My sculpture is based upon the Blue Penguin, one of the smallest penguins, which is also known as the ‘Fairy Penguin’ on account of its size, and it was this that inspired my design.
“I love being part of these Wild in Art trails – this is my third one with St Richard’s Hospice. Seeing the sculptures out on the streets is so wonderful, people really take them to their hearts.”
Catherine added: “The smaller sculpture we have funded has been donated to Vale of Evesham School, and the children there have already decided that the chick is female and have named her Paloma.
“The school itself is decorating this sculpture which will join the main trail for the summer, after which it will be returned to the school as a lasting memory of the project.”
To find out more about The Vale Crematorium, its facilities, the services and the exceptional care it offers, visit: www.thevalecrematorium.co.uk
To find out more about the great Waddle of Worcester, visit: www.waddleofworcester.co.uk