Beyond the Farewell: Open Day success!

: Some of the crematorium team with ICCM President Barry Ellis

: Mushroom coffin. Image courtesy of Felicity Harvest

: Lisa welcomes the first speaker

: Janeen, one of the engaging expert speakers

: Christina Martin entertains

: Sparking conversation at the open day

: Tea & Cake enjoyed by visitors

: Joy Jones speaks from the heart

: Kristina and Chris meet and greet at the Open Day

: Oliver explains the benefits of independent funeral directors

: Luke Kenyon from Facultatieve Technologies

: Visitors meet Corinna from Obitus

: An attendee asks a question

: Janeen talks about celebrating a life

This year’s open day – Beyond the Farewell – was a bit different to previous events. Six fantastic speakers joined us from across the bereavement sector to share knowledge, challenge misconceptions and encourage open conversation about death, dying and remembrance.

We were also joined by Barry Ellis, President of the ICCM who looked resplendent in his chain!

150 people joined us throughout the day to enjoy a series of engaging talks, take a tour of the crematory to see our new Hybrid cremator and enjoy a cuppa and conversation with each other and our team.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event – see you at the next one!

If you were there, we would love to hear what you thought so that we can learn and improve. You can give us your feedback by email here crematorium@wealden.gov.uk

This year’s speakers were:

11am – 11.20am
Why independence matters in a changing funeral landscape
Funeral director regulation, the benefit of using local funeral directors and the new opportunities before us.
Oliver Towner, Chair of SAIF Environmental Group

11:45am – 12:05pm
Sadmin – the bureaucracy of death
Navigating the paperwork, processes and administrative reality of bereavement.
Joy Jones, Service Manager for Bereavement & Medical Examiner Services

12:30pm – 12:50pm
Celebrating a life, not just marking a death
How technology and creativity can transform a funeral service into a meaningful celebration of life.
Obitus, UK-based specialists in funeral audio-visual media

1:15pm – 1:35pm
From cremation to compassion
How metals recycling after the cremation process supports charities while protecting the environment.
Julie Dunk, Orthometals, global leader in metal recycling for crematorium

2pm – 2:20pm
Who takes care of your funeral if there’s no family or money?
Councils have a duty to bury or cremate anyone who dies in their area ‘where arrangements are not being made’. Exploring the reality of public health funerals and what they can teach us about death preparedness and life.
Christina Martin, Wealden District Council

2:45pm – 3:05pm
Cremator technology
The future of cremation, carbon savings and the benefits of the latest technology – our brand new hybrid cremator explained.
Luke Kenyon, Facultatieve Technologies, cremator equipment design and manufacture