We understand how important it is to remember loved ones and how meaningful it can be to leave a memorial or tribute.

We are committed to ensuring our crematorium is a peaceful, safe and respectful place for everyone. Our grounds were carefully designed as formal gardens and we continue to update and invest in their upkeep, so they remain a fitting place of remembrance for everyone.

Tributes and memorial items

To help us care for the grounds, we ask all visitors to follow our terms and conditions.

We provide designated areas and options for leaving tributes, including: 

• our Flower and Book of Remembrance Room, with vases and preparation facilities for fresh flowers and plants
• seasonal tribute areas for Christmas wreaths, at the front of our gardens
• a range of authorised memorial options, available to arrange with the bereavement team

Only these items placed in these designated areas, or memorials provided through the crematorium, are allowed.

Unauthorised items

In recent years, we have seen an increase in items being left in the gardens that are not in line with our terms and conditions. These include ornaments, artificial flowers, solar lights, glass items, bespoke plaques and other personal objects.

Whilst we recognise these items are left with love and care, they can:

• create health and safety risks, including trip hazards and shards of broken materials
• make it difficult to weed and maintain the gardens
• impact the formal style, and respectful and peaceful environment for other visitors
• cause environmental harm over time.

From July 2027 items we do not allow will be respectfully removed as part of the ongoing care and maintenance of the crematorium (if they are historical we will give memorial leaseholders an opportunity to remove these themselves).

Where items are removed:

• they will be handled with care and respect
• they will be recorded and stored for a period of time
• families will have the opportunity to reclaim them, where possible

We will always aim to give clear notice of any planned removal work.

Supporting families

We know this is a sensitive subject, and we are committed to approaching it with compassion, fairness and transparency.

Our team is always available to:

• explain the guidelines
• help you choose an appropriate way to leave a tribute
• answer any questions you may have

If you would like to speak to us, please contact the crematorium office.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the crematorium removing items?

We need to keep the gardens safe, tidy, peaceful and fair for everyone. Some items left in the gardens are not allowed under our memorial terms and conditions and can cause trip hazards, broken fragments, maintenance problems, wildlife risks or distress to other visitors.

What items are not allowed?

Items such as ornaments, statues, solar lights, artificial flowers, plastic items, glass, ceramics, metal objects, items fixed to trees or shrubs, and any self-planting are not allowed in the memorial gardens and grounds.

What can I leave?

You can leave fresh flowers and plants in the flower room. Christmas wreaths can be left in the seasonal tribute area and we mark where and when this is available. Other memorial options, such as benches, plaques or sanctums or other items can be arranged through the crematorium.

Will you tell families before removing items?

Yes, where possible. We will use letters and emails, the website and signs at the crematorium to explain what is happening and when. We will give clear notice before planned clearance work.

What happens to items after they are removed?

Items will be handled carefully, recorded and stored for a set period, where possible and safe to do so. Memorial leaseholders can contact the crematorium to ask if they are holding an item and arrange collection, by appointment.

Will I need proof to collect an item?

Yes. We may ask for identification before returning an item, so we can make sure it is given back to the right person.

What if my item is not collected?

If items are not collected after reminders and the storage period has ended, they will be disposed of respectfully. We will recycle items where possible.

What if I have special circumstances?

Please contact us. We know this is sensitive and we will listen carefully, especially where there are cultural, religious or personal reasons for a particular tribute.

Who can I contact?

Please contact the crematorium office for advice, support or to arrange collection of an item.