West Suffolk Crematorium is officially ‘blooming’ marvellous
West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium is officially ‘blooming’ marvellous after being named Best Cemetery and Crematorium in the 2022 Anglia In Bloom awards.
The site 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 Claire Butcher said: “This is the first time we have entered the competition, so I was absolutely delighted for the whole team here when we learned we had won.
“I was attracted to enter as it is sponsored by one of the largest independent funeral directors who we deal with, Armstrong’s Funeral Services.
“The grounds here at West Suffolk Crematorium are stunning all year round but the cherry blossom in spring is outstanding. The judges visited our grounds on Good Friday to take photos in the early morning, which avoided any impact on services, and gave them easy access to all our gardens.
“I felt we had a real chance to show the community that we offer exceptional gardens which can help them feel close to their loved one and provide family and friends with the comfort for a fitting tribute.”
West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium, at Risby, Bury St Edmunds, opened in 1989 and is set within 13 acres of rural countryside.
It has two chapels and a hospitality suite.
Claire said: “We provide exceptionally beautiful gardens so that families and friends can remember, mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and we are constantly working to improve the gardens.
“We have a Head of Grounds and two gardeners, who work tirelessly to maintain and improve our site; I am very aware that we are the custodians of these stunning gardens created over the course of more than three decades by dedicated teams of gardeners.
“When I found out we had won the award, I was not only delighted for the whole team here at present but I felt huge gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly in the gardens over the 33 years that West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium has been open.”
David Irvine, Coordinator of Bury in Bloom, said: “We are absolutely delighted that West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium has won the Gold Award & Trophy for the Crematorium category of Anglia in Bloom.
“The crematorium team receives little enough recognition for their dedicated work, and the grounds are beautifully managed.
“The six counties area of Anglia in Bloom make up a big area in which to compete so this is no small victory. The crematorium’s entry made an important contribution to the Bury St Edmunds entry that also won the Large Town Gold Award and trophy.
“My congratulations go to the wonderful team at West Suffolk Crematorium.”
