We're enhancing our bereavement services as we unveil our first crematorium
Wednesday, 8 May 2024
The opening of the first-ever crematorium in Central Bedfordshire, Oakfield Gardens in Steppingley, marks a significant milestone for bereavement services in the area.
Starting operations on Thursday 16 May, the state-of-the-art facility has been carefully crafted to deliver comfort and peace during difficult times. With meticulous attention to detail, and built with environmental sustainability in mind, the facility has been designed to offer solace, comfort and tranquility to bereaved families during their time of mourning and remembrance.
From its spacious chapel, adorned with tasteful furnishings to its beautiful grounds, every aspect of the facility has been tailored to provide a serene setting for commemoration and reflection. Thoughtful landscaping includes wildflower meadows and areas to encourage wildlife, while rainwater is captured throughout the site to support a newly formed lake which compliments the landscape and encourages further wildlife.
Within the gardens, there will be options for families to scatter cremated remains over grass areas or, as part of a future plan, have them interred in niches or in the earth. A formal memorial garden is being formed with shrub borders where a plaque can be placed to commemorate a loved one. Other memorial options include a book of remembrance and dedicated trees and benches.
Our Executive Member for Finance, Councillor John Baker said:
Everything has been designed and built with meticulous attention to detail, from the use of sustainable materials in the furniture to the solar panels used to help power the building, landscaping designed to improve biodiversity and provide a peaceful environment for remembrance and reflection.
For more information about the crematorium and upcoming events, please visit the crematorium's website or contact crematorium@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.