First site manager proudly awaits opening of new Hampshire crematorium

The first site manager of a brand new, state-of-the-art crematorium in Hampshire says he can’t wait for it to open next year.

 

Graeme Horobin is Site Manager at New Forest Crematorium, which is being built near the New Forest national park, to serve the communities of New Milton, Bournemouth, Christchurch and surrounding areas.

 

It will be the third crematorium in Hampshire to be run by Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

 

It was a visit to one of those other local sites – Test Valley Crematorium at Romsey – that prompted Graeme to change career, from retail to the bereavement sector.

 

He said: “Having spent my entire adult life working in retail, I wanted to do something that had much  more meaning, somewhere where I could utilise my customer service skills in a caring environment.

 

“I was attracted to Westerleigh Group after visiting Test Valley Crematorium to attend a funeral service.

 

“I was really impressed with how they look after families on such difficult occasions for them; the care and attention to detail. I then looked at other organisations in the same sector, but none of them seemed to provide services to the same standard as Westerleigh.

 

“I was delighted when I was offered a position with Westerleigh Group; this is a really positive change of direction for me.”

 

It’s not only a new job in a new sector, but it’s a brand-new crematorium that Graeme will be managing.

 

He said: “I want New Forest Crematorium to be the place of choice for families in the area, where we will provide a premium, uniquely personal, service in beautiful surroundings.

 

“This new crematorium is in such a lovely location and has a beautiful design. It is really needed by families who don’t want to travel all the way to Bournemouth, so I really hope it will help – and be a real asset to – the local community.

 

“I’m looking forward to recruiting my own team ahead of our opening in spring 2022 and seeing the way the crematorium develops over the coming months and years.”

 

“I am also really looking forward to supporting the local community and getting involved with local projects.

 

“I would say to local people please, come and say hello when we open our doors next spring.

 

“We would be delighted to show you around, talk about our work and your needs and I will even make you a cup of tea!

 

New Forest Crematorium is due to open in spring 2022. Find out more at www.newforestcrematorium.co.uk