This year will see the residents of Wealden served by their own modern local crematorium, writes Peter Griggs, Wealden Crematorium Programme Support Manager.
The increasing need for families and friends to be able to mourn their loved ones in an unhurried, peaceful setting
Until now it has been necessary to rely on the increasingly busy crematoriums in the neighbouring towns of Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells and the City of Brighton. But all this is set to change as the new Wealden District Council crematorium being built just south of the village of Horam is due to open this Spring.
Its convenient location means it will readily serve both Wealden and also the surrounding area, with no more than a 30 minutes’ drive from any of Wealden’s towns and villages.
The building is set in a carefully landscaped and peaceful setting within the folds of the local landscape. The contemporary single storey design uses stone, glass and water providing a peaceful contemplative setting.
The Council intends to provide a top class cremation service with compassionate unrushed services with one hour slots which will serve people of all faiths and cultures.
There will be generous car parking space which will accommodate around over 150 vehicles, including accessible parking spaces and cycle racks. The ceremony hall will have seating for 120 people. Great care has been taken to ensure that the design meets the needs of people with a disability.
As might be expected the crematorium will be equipped with state of the art audio visual equipment.
The Council is always very conscious of the need to protect the environment and took expert advice on ecological and environmental issues. Consequently it will operate to meet high environmental performance standards and the 30 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, wildflower meadows, woodland and grazing pasture have been laid out to take on their own environmental significance, providing a natural habitat for all kinds of wildlife.
As pressure on cremation services grows, there is an increasing need for families and friends to be able to mourn their loved ones in an unhurried, peaceful setting, without the additional stress of travelling long distances or rushed services.
Wealden believes that its crematorium responds to these needs and that its modern, compassionate approach to celebrating the lives of our loved ones will provide a top class service for all.
image credit: CGI, View of the chapel from the Memorial Garden. Clague Architects
Peter Griggs, Wealden Crematorium Programme Support Manager
