President’s Report – July 2020

Alan José FICCM

At their meeting held on Tuesday 30th June 2020, the FBCA Executive Committee agreed unanimously to approve an application for full membership of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities which had been submitted by Bramcote Bereavement Services in respect of Bramcote Crematorium.

I was delighted to visit the crematorium on Monday 20 July 2020 at the invitation of the Bereavement Services Manager, Louise Singer, to present her with a Certificate of Full Membership of the FBCA. (photo) and to welcome the Bramcote Crematorium Joint Committee into Membership. The Crematorium scored highly during the Inspection which was carried out earlier this year before the lockdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

The crematorium was built in 1979 in a joint venture by Broxtowe Borough Council and Erewash Borough Council. Of contemporary design and set in 18 acres of mature gardens, the facility serves a large area to the west of Nottingham.

Louise gave me a full tour of the buildings and grounds which on a lovely sunny summer’s day looked beautiful. The buildings have stood the test of time well, the brickwork building comprising many distinctive architectural features. There are two chapels, the Serenity Chapel which seats 120 people and is a large bright octagonal shape and the Reflection Chapel which can accommodate 48 people, a smaller and more intimate version of the larger chapel.

The crematorium offers a wide range of memorials within the landscaped grounds where there is a constant programme of improvements to ensure the best possible services are provided.

The attractive Children’s Memorial Garden is a draw for visiting families with the family friendly seating and bright feature colours.

The latest addition to the grounds is a new memorial option in the form of a mulberry tree.

The Mulberry Tree Memorial is a realistic tree with a hand carved granite trunk. The branches are made from weathered corten steel adorned with 200 attractive granite leaves.