Keeping Memories Alive Tucked away on the outskirts of Stevenage is a beautiful, tranquil spot where families come to reflect and remember. With over 25 acres of lovingly tended gardens this special place is Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens. Established in 1997 by Austin’s Funeral Directors, the crematorium and gardens are run and managed by the family-run firm which also has eight funeral arranging offices and is Hertfordshire’s leading independent funeral director.
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The beautiful gardens at Harwood Park are open daily and visitors are welcome at all times to tend memorials, leave flowers or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Everybody remembers their loved ones in their own unique way and nowhere is this more evident than at Harwood Park where traditional memorials are complemented by living memorials including Chestnut trees, rose bushes and beautiful shrubs. Everybody’s choice of funeral is different as well and to this end memorials are available to anyone, not only those whose funeral is held at Harwood Park’s crematorium. Claire Austin, who is the tenth generation of her family to run Austin’s, has a particularly strong attachment to Harwood Park as it is where she started her career with the 313-year-old family business. It is also a lasting legacy to her late father John Austin who campaigned for many, many years for a crematorium for the residents of North Herts. “Harwood Park is a very tranquil place and as the living memorials grow and mature it really is a beautiful spot to spend time and remember your loved ones,” she said. “We employ four full-time gardeners who make sure the grounds look immaculate at all times. We have many families who come here regularly to reflect and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and I know it holds a very special place in the affections of many people. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk