Dedication Service at Aylesbury Vale Crematorium
Funeral directors, celebrants, members of the clergy, local parish councillors and senior representatives from many organisations within the bereavement sector came together for a Service of Dedication at Aylesbury Vale Crematorium.
The crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 36 other sites 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 has a long-held tradition to dedicate a new crematorium to its community, an occasion which usually takes place approximately 12 months after its opening.
Aylesbury Vale Crematorium, in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, opened in 2019 but previous plans for its Service of Dedication had to be postponed because of the pandemic and the period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Service of Dedication held on the 4 November was supported by Canon Tim Harper, Father Rob Jennings, Rev Richard Atkinson, Deacon John Sillitoe, ordained celebrant Andy Bell and civil celebrant Gemma Godivala.
Soloist Alison Cripps sang two arias, accompanied by organist James Brown, who is site manager of Charing Crematorium, also part of Westerleigh Group.
Debbie Smith, Westerleigh Group CEO, spoke of the initial quest – which began in 2014 – to find a suitable location in Aylesbury, which led to the development of the crematorium at the site which edges Watermead Lake and the River Thame.
She spoke of her pride in Aylesbury Vale Crematorium, like all Westerleigh Group’s crematoria, in offering exceptional standards of care and support to local families.
The common theme that ran throughout the service was of the care and compassion for the bereaved provided by site manager Lilly Fortune, who only recently took up the position, and her team.
Lilly’s predecessor, Vivienne Centala, echoed these sentiments and said she would always cherish fond memories of her time at Aylesbury Vale Crematorium.
Lilly said: “We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for our dedication service and who has supported us during the first few years of our crematorium establishing itself as a positive presence within the local community.
“The funeral profession has a true focus on care and compassion. To be able to provide that final journey and service for families and their loved ones is truly rewarding.
“Our aim is to build on the firm foundations laid since Aylesbury Vale Crematorium opened and continue to provide exceptional care and support to local people when they lose a loved one, as well as being active members of the community, beyond moments of bereavement.
“We will do this through positive engagement, organising events like open days, Christmas services, events for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and through positively supporting as many local charities and other worthy organisations as we can.”
Wendy Buchan, Executive Officer & Secretary to The Cremation Society, was one of the guests at the event.
She said: “It was very clear just how respected the Aylesbury Vale team is, by clergy and celebrants alike, and just how dedicated they are to the work they carry out.”
For more information about Aylesbury Vale Crematorium and the services it provides, visit: www.aylesburyvalecrem.co.uk