Far from the 'production line' (From Gazette Series)

Far from the 'production line'

ABOUT 10 years ago Christopher Baker went to his first crematorium funeral - and was disappointed with what he found. He developed a vision of how he felt a funeral service could be - this vision is now becoming reality. Allan Armstrong, of Memorial Woodlands, Earthcott Green, spoke to KIRSTY RAMSDEN about the unique service it has to offer.

WHEN Memorial Woodlands opened, it had a particular stipulation - it would host just one service a day.

Allan Armstrong, liaison officer for the Earthcott Green-based service, said: "We want to enable a group of people to be able to say their farewells quietly and unhurriedly."

This was part of founder Christopher Baker's determination to create a funeral service removed from the standard "production line" cremation sometimes experienced.

Some years ago Mr Baker inherited a farm and was in the process of creating a woodland when he decided to build a funeral service with a difference.

Just under three years ago Memorial Woodlands opened.

The land included some attractive farm buildings which he envisaged being developed for use during a funeral.

The buildings have since been turned into a private multi-faith chapel and reception rooms.

Built at the turn of the 19th century, the buildings initially formed a tannery and were latterly used for farming.

The reception areas have held funeral parties for 100 to 150 but equally, explained Mr Armstrong, could cater for half a dozen without the guests feeling uncomfortable.

The multi-faith chapel is used by all religions and those of no religion at all.

Mr Armstrong said it had played host to a Russian Orthodox funeral which had lasted from 10am to 6pm, as well as Church of England, Roman Catholic and Humanist funerals - to name a few.

He said: "There is room for solemnity but also to include a celebration of life."

Mr Armstrong described his role as a privilege. He said: "We are dealing with people at their most vulnerable."

Flowers, photographs and personal effects can be put in both the chapel and reception rooms.

Memorial Woodlands is the first cemetery in the country where there is a non-denominational chapel and reception building available for family and friends.

There is a charitable trust responsible for the long-term maintenance of the site and has overall control of the site, owning the top soil of the burial fields and all the trees and shrubs.

This October Memorial Woodlands took its service one step further by becoming a funeral director.

This means Memorial Woodlands can now provide a complete service, be it a traditional burial or a cremation service.

The staff have also a firm eye on the future with ecological work creating an indigenous mixed woodland.

The woodland, although the site of burials and ashes, is a far cry from the traditional cemetery.

Gravestones are not uniformly positioned row upon row and plastic flowers and sculptures are banned.

Trees planted include oak, chestnut, holly, rowan, cherry, lime, ash, elder and beech.

During the past couple of years hedgerows have been repaired and ditches cleaned out, deepened and put in good order.

The woodland has been planted with wild flowers - 10,000 bulbs have just gone in - and is open for people to come to enjoy.

A funeral ground, explained Mr Armstrong, is a central part of community life.

The objectives are to create mixed woodland, providing wildlife habitat and public walks, managed on a sustainable basis.

The woodland is open seven days a week, although it closes earlier during the winter months when the light goes.

Plots are available within the woodland for burial and for the scattering of ashes, the established woodland being for ashes only.

The peaceful site attracts a variety of wildlife including deer and birds of prey.