Special service for Rotherham Crematorium after £400,000 investment

AN OFFICIAL re-opening will take place at Rotherham Crematorium following the chapel’s £400,000 facelift.

And a memorial service for bereaved families who had to use the temporary marquee last year will follow the ceremony.

A new audio/video tribute facility was also installed, plus technology needed to stream funerals online to family members anywhere in the world.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley, will conduct the ceremony on Sunday at 2pm, assisted by Rev Susan Davies and celebrants Patricia Revell and David Hayes.

All attendees will be given a packet of forget-me-not flower seeds to plant to remember their loved one. 

They will also receive a memorial card on which to write a personal message, which will either be made into a framed collage or book or displayed in the new book of remembrance room.

Crematorium manager Samantha Fletcher said: “Families now have a modern crematorium that provides a fitting venue for them to say a last farewell to loved ones. 

“Over the past decade, a greater need has emerged for crematoria to provide not only the committal but the funeral service that would have previously happened at a place of worship. 

“Our investment to refurbish the chapel has addressed that change in what people want from a crematorium.”

Polly Hamilton, the council’s assistant director for culture, leisure and sport, said: “I’m pleased to see this welcome improvement to the facilities at the chapel. 

“It means it is more up-to-date and there is extra room for services, making it a better experience for families during difficult times.”

The ceremony and service are free to attend and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.