Summer Celebration of Life at West Wiltshire Crematorium

The first Summer Celebration of Life at West Wiltshire Crematorium has been hailed such a success it is set to become a regular event.

Around 40 people visited the site for the two-hour evening event, including the Mayor of Trowbridge, Councillor Graham Hill.

Sixteen members of the Warminster Military Wives Choir gave two performances beneath the summer sunshine, and a local celebrant delivered an uplifting ceremony.

Guests were able to write names and tributes to lost loved ones which were hung on a memory tree, and then the guests were able to enjoy summer refreshments from a vintage ice cream bike.

West Wiltshire Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Site Manager Louise Belsey said: “The evening went extremely well; I don’t think we would change anything about it.

“This was the first time we have done it but we’ve had some very positive feedback so I’m quite sure we will do it again next year.

“For years we have held a Christmas event, but this can be a little more religious in tone, which does not appeal to everyone.

“We wanted to do something that would be suitable for everyone, the great weather meant we were able to hold this outside in our beautiful grounds.

“This was a celebration of life, for everyone, and we were delighted with how many families were able to join us on the night.”

Visitors were also invited to make donations during the evening and, as a result, West Wiltshire Crematorium has been able to donate £50 to Huntington’s Disease Association and the Grief Encounter charities.