Foundations laid for a return to traditional funerals
Maldon Fields aims to restore a dignified ceremony to cremation services
Building work on the new Maldon Fields crematorium is progressing smoothly, with the foundations now set and internal roads laid.
Four months after Maldon Council leader, Cllr Richard Siddall, cut the turf to start construction in the New Year, the building’s frame is soon to go up.
The company’s Managing Director Richard Evans confirmed its commitment to open the service by the end of the year: ‘We pushed to start work in January as we know how important it is for our new service to be ready by the end of the year so that local bereaved families can be looked after close to home in beautiful surroundings.’
One local funeral director who is delighted to see the plans taking shape is Paul King of Paul J King Funeral directors who said: ‘It is very reassuring to see how hard everyone is working to complete the crematorium in time for the winter when it is needed most.’
The new crematorium will be less busy than the crematoria currently used by Maldon families. People will be able to choose a time that suits them without delay and there will be a minimum of an hour for each funeral to ensure every occasion is unique. Just two or three funerals are expected to be held at Maldon Fields each day.
Mr King believes that this added time, free from the conveyor belt feel of other crematoria will help the bereaved: ‘This should make a tremendous difference as it is so important that each funeral is allowed enough time to have a dignified, personal event, free from the sight of other funerals. Ultimately, I think this is what the bereaved yearn for.’
In recent years, many busy crematoria have begun offering cut-price direct cremations, where mourners are not allowed to attend and the deceased is cremated without a ceremony. The trend has been accelerated by the Covid Pandemic when people were encouraged to stay away from funerals.
While Maldon Fields will provide the choice of direct cremation, its Managing Director Richard Evans wants to make holding a dignified funeral and cremation service the natural choice for the bereaved. He is concerned that some families are choosing an unattended direct cremation simply because the existing crematorium options offer such a poor, impersonal service.
‘Families need to be given the chance to have a traditional funeral service again – where they can individually design the funeral in a place where there is space, time and a beautiful setting close to home, surrounded by friends and family. I still feel it is essential that people gather together to mourn someone they have loved rather than opting for a direct funeral where there is no certainty when and where the funeral will take place. Some people may think this is appropriate but simple, affordable funerals can be held in Maldon Fields with the peace of mind that their loved ones will be looked after in a sensitive and dignified way.’
Louise Linton, a local independent celebrant echoed these views:
‘In my experience as a Celebrant, I believe it's very important for people to come together at a funeral service for their loved one as it is a key part of the grieving process. Although Direct funerals have their place, and can be appropriate for some families at times, it really does leave those left behind without the opportunity to say a personal goodbye. The process of a funeral service also enables families and individuals to reflect on their loved one's life, creating a personal and meaningful service. Funerals do not need to be expensive, as there are lots of options available, but the value of a service should not be underestimated. Hopefully this new crematorium will enable people to have a comforting and purposeful event close to home.’
Olivia Rudgley, manager of AG Smith & Bakers Funeral Service in Maldon also believes that the new service will restore the traditional service as a more suitable choice again:
‘We have seen bereaved families choosing a direct or unattended service at the crematorium because they have been put off by the long journeys and how busy these places have become. I am sure that a new crematorium will allow something which is more personal and in a beautiful, quiet spot. The funeral service is an essential part of the grieving process in my view.’
Paul J King added: ‘We provide funerals for all needs and I will certainly be making use of the new crematorium at Maldon Fields, as we can trust that everything will be looked after to the highest standard with the family able to hold the funeral of their choice.’
