Behind the scenes look at Bretby Crematorium as part of effort to tackle the taboo of talking about dying

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 18/05/2017


Dozens of people attended a special open day at Bretby Crematorium as part of a bid to tackle the taboo of dying and encourage visitors to think about what they would want at their own funeral.

Visitors took part in a guided tour of the facilities which included ‘seeing behind the curtain’ and the venue’s state of the art music and visual tribute facilities. 

Information was also available on funeral planning including examples of bespoke coffins, which included a special Abba themed coffin being on display, floral arrangements and tailor-made order of service booklets.

Guests were also treated to a visit from white horse and carriage as well as a tour of the extensive wooded area.

Crematorium manager Nick French said: “We were delighted to welcome so many members of the public to visit Bretby Crematorium and let them find out more
about what we do.

“We were able show people around the facility as part of a special guided tour and also showcase our wonderful wooded area outside on what was a lovely day.

“We were met with some great questions and the event really showcased that people are becoming more at ease with talking about all manner of topics and dispelling any myths or misgivings they may have about an issue that for many is still seen as taboo.”

The event at the crematorium in Geary Lane was one of one of eight taking place across East Staffordshire, South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire and 77 across the country organised by Central England Co-operative as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, which was a nationwide action week aimed at getting people to talk more freely about dying.

The events included everything from tours of funeral homes to coffee mornings.

Head of Funeral Kevin Crute said: “Funerals are increasingly becoming a celebration of life and every life is different. 

“At Central England Co-operative, we are passionate about enhancing memories and love for our families and by hosting 77 Dying Matters events, we have been able to talk to local communities about bereavement, the importance of funeral planning and how families can create a truly unique tailor-made service.”  

The Society also spoke about encouraging people to record their free Funeral Wishes for their loved ones, which can be done with the completion of an easy to complete online form to ensure that the wishes of those who have passed away are honoured.

Colleagues talked to visitors about all aspects of funerals, pre-paid funeral plans and any other information people wished to ask. 

Central England Co-operative Funeralcare offers a 24-hour service, seven days a week.  In addition to arranging funerals, the team are also able to offer advice on floral tributes, monumental masonry, funeral stationery, pre-paid funeral plans and probate advice. 

Notes to editors

Photos: Please see a link to a selection of images from the open day at Bretby.

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with projected gross sales of £958million for 2016/17. The Society recently celebrated being named Leading Co-operative of the Year 2016 by Co-operatives UK. The Society’s principal areas of activity are food, funeral services, and property. The company’s funeral business consists of over 120 funeral homes across 16 counties, 10 florists, masonry production and administration, Bretby Crematorium and Terry Smiths coffin factory.

Central England Co-operative has more than 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store and funeral home development programme for 2017. 

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.
Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, @mycooplife and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative
Rob Smyth at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140
Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop