A CREMATORIUM near Romsey will be opening its doors to the community as it hosts its annual Christmas Carol and Memorial Services.

The festive gatherings provide valuable opportunities for families and friends to come together and remember their loved ones in the run-up to Christmas.

Services will be taking place at Westerleigh Group's Test Valley, New Forest and Wessex Vale crematoria between December 5 and 20.

Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners-operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 40 sites across England, Scotland and Wales, all set within landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

For those unable to attend in person, the crematoria are offering people the chance to view the service online, either live or as a ‘watch again’ option for up to 28 days, through Obitus, Westerleigh Group’s media partner.

(Image: Westerleigh Group)

Debbie Smith, chief executive officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “Our seasonal services have proved very popular with our local communities over the years.

“There is always a strong emphasis on being with families and loved ones over the festive period, which means it is a time when the loss of a loved one can be felt even more.

“Our services are open to everyone, so that they may find comfort in our warm and welcoming chapels, in the company of others who are also remembering and honouring those they have lost.”

Some of the crematoria will have choirs and soloists at the service and some will be offering visitors the chance to light commemorative candles.

Meanwhile, all Westerleigh Group crematoria have white memorial post boxes within their grounds and people are being invited to place Christmas cards to their loved ones in them during the festive period.

All festive events are free to attend, although due to demand, some require booking in advance.

They are open to anyone living in, working in or simply visiting the communities surrounding our crematoria, regardless of when their loved ones passed away.

Debbie added: “Whether people are attending in person, or viewing the services online, we know, from the feedback we’ve had in previous years, that these events can bring solace and peace to people at this time of year.”

For details of the Christmas Carol and Memorial Services at New Forest, Test Valley and Wessex Vale crematoria, visit their websites and go to the events section, where you will also find out when and how to access the service online, where available.

Westerleigh Group Christmas Carol and Memorial Services 2024

New Forest Crematorium, Friday, December 20, 6pm, www.newforestcrematorium.co.uk

Test Valley Crematorium, Wednesday, December 11, 7pm, www.testvalleycrematorium.co.uk

Wessex Vale Crematorium, Thursday, December 5, 6.30pm, www.wessexvalecrematorium.co.uk