New Southgate Cemetery & Crematorium

24/10/2026

We’re delighted to share that The Vale Crematorium at Evesham has been named Crematorium of the Year at the Association of Green Funeral Directors National Funeral Awards!

This award is a wonderful recognition of the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown by the team.

Providing exceptional care and support to families is at the heart of everything we do, and we are incredibly proud of The Vale who have received this honour.

Huge congratulations to the team!

Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/m2PX5100M5R

17/10/2026

It's been a busy and exciting week.

Not only have we launched our 12th SuperVenue at West Berkshire Crematorium, we've also had the pleasure of joining industry events at SAIF independent funeral directors Education Day, Association of Independent Celebrants and Celebrant Circle, connecting with fellow industry professionals and exchanging perspectives by sharing insights from our research.

A big thank you to the organisers and our colleagues, and we look forward to continuing the conversations, sharing knowledge and contributing to the industry's ongoing development.

15/10/2026

We had the privilege of unveiling a memorial bee plaque in memory of our much-loved colleague, Christopher Karieren.

Losing someone so young is something that leaves a lasting impact on everyone who knew them. Christopher was a valued member of our team and is remembered with great fondness by his colleagues, friends and family alike.

The plaque now sits on our Bee Post, surrounded by nature, creating a peaceful place where people can pause, reflect and remember. It feels a fitting tribute to someone who is deeply missed.

Christopher's mum, Sharon and Stepdad, Mike have shown strength and determination since losing their son and have been truly inspiring. Wanting no family to experience the same heartbreak, they are dedicated to campaigning for improvements in men's mental health support and raising awareness of the challenges many people face in silence.

In a tribute to Christpher read at the inquest, his parents described him as a 'beautiful soul' who had a 'quiet, gentle and calm nature', and a 'heart of gold'.

As we remember Christopher today, we are also reminded of the importance of kindness, connection and checking in with those around us. Sometimes the people who appear strongest are carrying burdens we cannot see.

Our Bee Post has become a special place of remembrance, with dedicated plaques providing a lasting tribute to loved ones while supporting an environment where nature can thrive.

Forever remembered. 💛

13/10/2026

We did it again! SuperVenue #12 is now open… but it’s so much more than just a number.

While our previous SuperVenues have been shaped around more traditional chapel layouts, the unique architecture of West Berkshire Crematorium gave us the opportunity to think differently and create an entirely new dimension to the service experience.

But above all, what drives us is our belief that every family deserves the opportunity to create a truly personal farewell for their loved one.

It’s therefore both an honour and a privilege to bring the SuperVenue concept to the bereaved communities of Berkshire and beyond, helping families create meaningful, memorable and the most uniquely personal farewells.

Find out more here: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/blog/post.php?s=2026-10-13-west-berkshire-crematorium-re-opens-as-a-funeral-supervenue

12/10/2026

When we lose someone we love deeply, finding a meaningful way to remember them can bring comfort for years to come.

A living memorial offers a beautiful and lasting way to honour someone special. It can create a peaceful place to visit, reflect and remember the moments and memories you shared together.

As time passes, a living memorial can become an enduring reminder of a life that meant so much. It can bring comfort not only to those who knew and loved them, but also to generations to come.

From 5th to 18th October, we are offering 20% off Living Memorials, providing an opportunity to create a lasting tribute to someone who will always hold a special place in your heart.

To find out more, contact the team or book an appointment and discuss the options available to you.

09/10/2026

We are currently offering the opportunity to extend your grave lease term with a 20% discount. This will ensure that the grave remains within your family's control and helps preserve the resting place and memorial for future generations. 'safeguarding your future burial rights' For more details contact the office where we will be very happy to assist.

05/10/2026

A living memorial offers a lasting way to remember someone special. From a rose to a blossom tree, there are many ways to create a tribute that reflects the person you’re remembering.

From 5 to 18 October, we will be offering 20% off living memorials.*

To find out more, speak to a member of our team or visit our website.

*Terms and conditions apply.

24/09/2026

We’re proud to share that West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium has achieved an overall rating of outstanding following an independent inspection by the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities (FBCA).

The team achieved a 100% score in four categories: Ceremony Facilities, Premises and Facilities, Grounds and Memorialisation, and Service and Staff.

A fantastic achievement that reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining high standards and providing exceptional care and support to the families they serve.

Congratulations to Claire and the whole West Suffolk team!

Read more about the report here: https://ow.ly/tZSh50ZR35L

22/09/2026

The things we remember most are often the simplest.

For one family, saying goodbye meant reflecting a life shaped by passion, personality and love of football. This story explores how local funeral directors help families understand their options and create farewells that feel personal and meaningful.

https://youtu.be/JDKRjvsCgII?si=mUwP1c1EcvwoQNq0

For one family, saying goodbye meant reflecting a life shaped by pa...

16/09/2026

We’re proud to be supporting the 2026 SAIF National Education Day as a Platinum Sponsor.

Taking place on Saturday 10 October, the event is a great opportunity for funeral professionals to come together, share knowledge, learn from one another and look ahead to the future of our profession.

We’re looking forward to meeting attendees, connecting with colleagues across the sector and sharing more about Westerleigh Group and the work we do to support families and our funeral director partners.

09/09/2026

A funeral plan provider should offer value to your business, not create additional costs.

At Westerleigh Funeral Plans, we work with funeral directors to provide a competitive funeral plan solution, while helping keep families and funerals local.

With no annual regulatory contribution fees, low admin fees on plans sold and a Guaranteed Cremation Fee at any Westerleigh Crematorium, we’re focused on making our partnership work for funeral directors.

Get in touch today: [email protected]

‘Westerleigh Funeral Plans’ is a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited (DPFL) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 965289.

04/09/2026

At Westerleigh Funeral Plans we are committed to supporting our funeral director partners to help keep funerals local.

Unlike other funeral plan providers, our admin fees on plans sold are low, and we don’t charge our partners any annual regulatory contribution fees.

If you’re a funeral director looking for a competitive funeral plan partner, let’s talk.

📩 Get in touch to find out more - [email protected]

‘Westerleigh Funeral Plans’ is a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited (DPFL) and Distinct Cremations Limited (DCL). DFPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 965289.

04/09/2026

Have you always wanted to use your transferable leadership skills in a role where what you do can truly make a difference every day?

We currently have four Site Manager vacancies available across Westerleigh Group.

Leading one of our sites is about much more than day-to-day management. You’ll lead and develop a close-knit team, take ownership of your site’s operations and performance, build strong relationships with families and Funeral Directors, and help shape a place that plays an important role within its local community.

No two days are the same, and there’s plenty of opportunity to bring your own ideas and creativity to the role, from developing the site and its grounds to creating opportunities for the local community to come together.

You may not have considered a career in our industry before, but if you’re an experienced leader looking for a role with purpose, responsibility and the opportunity to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about our current vacancies and apply via our careers website by searching for 'site manager' in the keyword search bar: https://ow.ly/V2jm50ZJj8e

30/08/2026

Today marks National Grief Awareness Day, and we’re thinking of everyone who is grieving the loss of someone they love.

Grief is different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Sometimes, taking a quiet moment to remember someone special can mean a lot. 💙

Our grounds remain open this weekend across our sites. Please visit our website for opening times if you’d like to take a quiet moment to remember someone special.

30/08/2026

Today marks National Grief Awareness Day, and we’re thinking of everyone who is grieving the loss of someone they love.

Grief is different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Sometimes, taking a quiet moment to remember someone special can mean a lot. 💙

Our grounds remain open this weekend. Please visit our website for opening times if you’d like to take a quiet moment to remember someone special.

27/08/2026

This Sunday 30 August, is National Grief Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness of grief and encourage more open conversations about loss and bereavement.

Grief is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no set amount of time that it should take. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone is there to listen can make a real difference.

National Grief Awareness Day is a reminder to be kind, patient and understanding towards those who may be grieving – including those whose loss may have happened many months or even years ago.

It can also be an opportunity to remember those we have lost and to talk about the memories that keep them close to us.

This Sunday, why not take a moment to check in with someone who may be grieving, or simply take some time to remember someone special. 💙

Our recent research explores people’s experiences and preferences around funerals, including the importance of personalisation and meaningful ways to say goodbye. Read the full research here: https://ow.ly/WLkt50ZG5VC

25/08/2026

When funeral wishes are not fully understood, families can be left feeling lost at the very moment they need support. Carla's story is a reminder that conversations, personal choices and local care can make a lasting difference.

https://youtu.be/hdGww1vzqmo?si=dLGqGBrRBbvcn93c

One family shares their personal experience and why understanding a...

13/08/2026

Commemorate a life with a timeless memorial.

Our vaults and tablets offer a lasting and dignified way to honour the memory of someone special. Thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted, they provide a peaceful place for family and friends to visit, reflect and remember for years to come.

As part of our Memorial Promotion, vaults and tablets are currently available with 10% off until 31 August.

To find out more about creating a meaningful and lasting tribute, please contact our team or visit us to discuss the options available.