Basildon Crem debuts immersive tech for customisable funerals

Westerleigh Group’s Basildon and District Cemetery and Crematorium has become one of the first sites in the world to install immersive audio-visual technology designed to create highly personalised funeral services. Its Riverview Chapel has been fitted with large-scale projection, coordinated soundscapes and lighting that allow families to select themed backdrops…

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A.W. Lymn invests £350k in Hammerwich crematorium refurbishment

A.W. Lymn has revealed that it is investing £350k in refurbishment works at Hammerwich Crematorium and Cemetery in Lichfield, ahead of an official reopening on 3 October. The family-run company, founded in Nottingham in 1907, acquired the eight-acre site last year. Previously known as Chase and District Memorial Park, it…

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Funeral homes to benefit in Chelmsford Star and Central Co-op merger

Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society has joined Central Co-op in a merger intended to deliver greater investment in funeral homes as well as stores. The transfer, which took effect at the start of the week (15 September), combines two co-operatives with more than 150 years of history and creates a society…

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BoE holds interest rates at 4%

The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates steady at 4% amid concerns around the recent rise in inflation. At a meeting this week, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain the rate, as two members voted to reduce it by…

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AE Jolliffe and Son appoints new funeral director and office admin

AE Jolliffe and Son in Ferndown, Dorset, has announced the appointment of Kerry Crowson as funeral director and Jedda Hunt as office administrator.  The team’s growth comes after a significant refurbishment three years ago, which included adding a ceremony room to the branch. The funeral provider credits this renovation programme…

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Funeral provider receives council approval for new Wells site

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) has approved ST Sutton Funeral Services’ plans to convert a bungalow in Wells-next-the-Sea into another branch.  The funeral provider needed the council’s permission to change the use of a detached house known as Felden, which is located on Burnt Street, into new premises. The site…

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Sheffield City Council outlines plan to expand cemetery space

Sheffield City Council has set out plans to expand cemetery provision after warning the city could run out of burial space within the next decade. According to a report published early this month, overall capacity may be exhausted in five to seven years, while space for Muslim burials could be…

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Hospice launches will writing scheme with local solicitors

Longfield Community Hospice has launched a free will writing scheme during September, giving people the chance to write or update a simple will in return for a donation. The Gloucestershire-based hospice has partnered with local solicitors, who are volunteering their time and expertise to prepare standard single or mirror Wills. …

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Mintlyn Crematorium completes chapel refurb

West Norfolk Council’s Mintlyn Crematorium has officially completed the refurbishment work to its chapel, with the changes aimed at creating a “more welcoming and calming” environment for visitors.  The project included new carpets, updated curtains and a motorised track around the catafalque. Curtains can now be drawn to cover the…

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Assisted dying bill prompts more open talk about funeral planning

Public debate around the assisted dying bill has encouraged about 21 million adults – 39% of the population – to talk more openly about death and bereavement, research commissioned by Co-op Funeralcare suggests.  Co-op’s survey found that discussions sparked by the bill and related media coverage have helped them speak…

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