Westerleigh Group appoints new managers at three crematoria

Westerleigh Group has appointed new managers at three of its 40 crematoria and cemeteries across England, Scotland and Wales. Claire Montague has been appointed as manager of the Waseley Hills Cemetery and Crematorium in The Midlands, Remy David as manager of Barham Crematorium in Kent and Joe Jaggers as manager of Parndon Wood Cemetery and Crematorium in Essex. Montague has been at Waseley Hills since it opened in January 2022, first as crematorium assistant and now as manager. She has worked in the funeral sector for nearly seven years, having had previous roles at West Midlands Safari Park and with a local authority home care team. Meanwhile, David relocated to England from his native France in 1994, spending 10 years in the hotel and catering industry, and then some time in the retail sector before becoming manager of Barham Crematorium. Lastly, Jaggers started out as an apprentice groundsman at Forest Park Cemetery and Crematorium in Ilford to now being named new manager at Parndon Wood Cemetery and Crematorium. Montague said: “Coming to work every morning to such a beautiful location and working with a team of compassionate and supportive colleagues is a real privilege. This feels like the industry I was always meant to be in. “We receive such lovely feedback from the community about how pleased they are that this facility was built here. I’m really excited to be at the helm of our beautiful crematorium and cemetery, and to ensure we offer an exceptional bespoke service to all of our families.” David added: “I was attracted by the service element of the role, being able to support families in difficult times and provide exceptional service, as well as leading and being part of a team that will have a strong passion for helping people. “I am looking forward to working alongside our funeral director partners to ensure we deliver services that will suit our ever-changing society and I’m equally passionate about working alongside and supporting many charities and local organisations. I’m proud to be trusted to lead Barham Crematorium, which has been serving the community since 1956.” Jaggers concluded: “It has been quite a journey to get to this position and I was so pleased to be appointed. “I love how the days vary in this industry. I enjoy working to help people, be that the families we support or the funeral directors. I think that once people get into this industry, very few of them ever want to leave.”