Bradwell Crematorium
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
It may seem unusual to award a Green Flag Award to a crematorium but Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council were determined that, with the crematorium having its own regular visitors, that it should be as attractive as any other council-owned green space.
The crematorium’s gardens were redesigned around ten years ago and now have a series of 12 monthly gardens ensuring that there is always something in flower. Families can choose to have a loved one’s ashes buried in any of the gardens should they wish.
Other features include a quiet garden surrounded by box hedges; a children’s garden which contains memorials from the Miscarriage Association and the Still Birth Association; and a series of beautiful rose gardens. There’s also an array of attractive buildings which include a crematorium chapel to seat 100 people and a pagoda. In addition, there are routine patrols and sturdy fencing to prevent vandalism or damage to the site.
A space for the community
Stephen Middlehurst is the council’s Street Scene Manager and is responsible for the site, and he explains: “We wanted to create something that was lovely and was a real asset for local people. The fact that the crematorium is so popular has a financial benefit: it has meant that the site is almost self-financing.”
Crematorium Registrar, Anne Heath, also describes how many of the visitors use the gardens for recreation. “A lot of people come here for their constitutional walk. Visitors like the fact that there are no ball games, no dogs and the place is quiet. And there is always staff in attendance.”
“Visitors, particularly the elderly, appreciate the fact that the site is relatively flat and there is only one entrance. “It makes people feel safer and it also means they can’t get lost,” adds Heath.
The local community also supports the crematorium. Primary schoolchildren regularly come to plant flowers; there is a popular annual open day; and young offenders regularly do their community service at the crematorium.
There are a number of memorials around the garden and people can sponsor various items around the site. This sponsorship helps pay for the maintenance of the site.
The development of the site is a continual process and facilities are constantly being upgraded. There are plans to extend the car park and to undertake burials in a woodland meadow. “We’re also working on sustainability”, explains Middlehurst. “We want to stop using weedkillers entirely. And we’re looking to do the mowing more efficiently. This makes sure that we’re doing a good job and creating a lovely place, where anyone can feel comfortable.