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Pontefract Crematorium was opened in 1959 in Pontefract, West Yorkshire with the concept of locating it within peaceful surroundings. This has been achieved by using 7.5 acres of pleasant gardens and memorial grounds.
Garden of Remembrance
Over time, the Garden of Remembrance has been developed to include formal rose beds together with a variety of trees and shrubs surrounding the crematorium. These serenic gardens offer peace and comfort and provide tranquility for comtemplation and remembrance.
Areas of lawn are set aside for the strewing of cremated remains and records are kept so family members can identify the exact location of their loved one's remains.
An intention of the Garden of Remembrance is to serve as a memorial to all those who have been cremated at the crematorium.
The Chapel
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The chapel, with its contemporary design, provides comfortable surroundings for a funeral service.
The seating capacity in the chapel at Pontefract Crematorium is 97, including a balcony area with additional standing space available if required. The chapel is equipped for the playing of specifically requested music. Tapes or compact discs brought by the family can also be played upon request. Friends and relatives awaiting the arrival of the funeral cortege may use the furnished waiting room which, along with the chapel, is heated during the winter.
The crematorium office is located adjacent to the chapel where equiries can be made regarding services, memorials and other related subjects.
Memorials
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Owing to the increased popularity of cremation since the time Pontefract Crematorium was opened, the original provisions for memorials have had to be reduced somewhat due to over-subscription. Nevertheless, the crematorium provides for:
Book of remembrance
Memorial cards
Granite memorial plaques
Amendments to existing plaques
Memorial rose tree plaques
The Book of Remembrance
The Book of Remembrance at Pontefract Crematorium provides a lasting record and dignified memorial to a loved one.
The volumes of the Book of Remembrance are hand-made throughout, incorporating mediaeval techniques to make the binding which will last for centuries. Each one of the four volumes include the Coat of Arms and is tooled in gold leaf.
Each day of the year is allocated two pages in the Book of Remembrance, which is displayed in a protective case and opened at the corresponding day. The book is opened at the appropriate page on each anniversary except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when entries may be viewed at other times.
The memorial entries are inscribed by highly skilled calligraphers and artists under the date of death or any other anniversary date selected. Inscriptions must consist of two, five or eight lines which can include a floral motif or suitable badge.
Remembrance Cards
Remembrance cards provide hand reproductions of the entry in the Book of Remembrance as a personal memento or to send to relatives and friends.
Beneath the anniversary date, is a copy of the original inscription inscribed by hand as it appears in the Book. These are sent from the calligraphers' studios directly to your address.
Examples of Remembrance Cards can be seen at the Crematorium Office or at the Civic Centre in Castleford.
Granite Memorial Plaques
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An engraved granite memorial plaque provides a commemorative tribute to a loved one, which will be displayed in the Garden of Remembrance at Pontefract Crematorium.
The plaques are made of polished black granite, measuring 6" x 4" (15.24cm x 10.16cm), and can contain up to five lines of inscription. The plaque provides space for a maximum of 19 letters on each line, including spaces and numbers. The final size of the lettering will be determined by the number of characters on each line.
The plaques are available for leasing over a ten year period, during which time they will be displayed in the Garden of Remembrance at the crematorium. During this period, replacement plaques can be ordered to incorporate other names. These leases do not commence until the plaque has been placed in the Crematorium grounds. The lease can be renewed at the end of the initial period.
Unfortunately, due to limited space available individual floral containers for each plaque cannot be provided. However, floral vases have been situated amongst the plaques in matching granite units.
Memorial Rose Tree Plaques
The Garden of Remembrance contains rose beds with a variety of bushes. Each bush can be dedicated in memory of a loved one, with a small plaque placed next to the bush.
The plaques can contain up to five lines of inscription, with a maximum of 19 characters (including spaces) on each line. The style will be uniform with other plaques at the crematorium.
Plaques can be leased over a ten year period during which time they will be on display in the Garden of Remembrance. Within this period, replacement plaques can be ordered to incorporate other names if required. The lease will not commence until the plaque has been placed in the crematorium grounds. The lease can be renewed at the end of the initial leasing period.
Memorial Wall Plaques
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A plaque displayed on the a Memorial Wall within the crematorium provides a commemorative tribute to a loved one.
The green composite plaques are displayed in hardwood display boards inside the crematorium complex. They are designed to resemble green slate, measuring approximately 5¼" x 2¼" (13.34cm x 5.72cm), and can have up to five lines of inscription in white lettering. Each line can contain a maximium of 19 characters (including spaces) although no deviation of material nor colour is permitted. The size of the lettering will be determined by the number of characters on each line.
Plaques can be leased over a ten year period where they will be on display at the crematorium. Within this period, amended plaques can be ordered to incorporate other names if required. The lease will not commence until the plaque has been fitted. At the end of the initial period, the lease can be renewed for a further ten years.
Spaces for plaques unfortunately cannot be reserved, although additions to existing plaques can be accommodated for.
For applications, further information or general enquiries about memorials at Wakefield Crematorium contact:
The Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Civic Centre
Castleford
WF10 4JH
Tel: 01977 727075