West Suffolk Crematorium secures top Anglia In Bloom award

West Suffolk Cemetery and Crematorium has been named Best Cemetery and Crematorium in the 2022 Anglia In Bloom awards.

The site is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

West Suffolk Cemetery and Crematorium, which is located at Risby, Bury St Edmunds, opened in 1989 and is set within 13 acres of rural countryside.

It has two chapels and a hospitality suite.

Site manager Claire Butcher said: “This is the first time we have entered the competition, so I was absolutely delighted for the whole team here when we learned we had won. I was attracted to enter as it is sponsored by one of the largest independent funeral directors who we deal with, Armstrong’s Funeral Services.

“The grounds here at West Suffolk Crematorium are stunning all year round but the cherry blossom in spring is outstanding. The judges visited our grounds on Good Friday to take photos in the early morning, which avoided any impact on services, and gave them easy access to all our gardens.”

She added: “I felt we had a real chance to show the community that we offer exceptional gardens which can help them feel close to their loved one and provide family and friends with the comfort for a fitting tribute.

Claire said: “We provide exceptionally beautiful gardens so that families and friends can remember, mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and we are constantly working to improve the gardens.

“We have a head of Grounds and two gardeners, who work tirelessly to maintain and improve our site; I am very aware that we are the custodians of these stunning gardens created over the course of more than three decades by dedicated teams of gardeners.”

David Irvine, coordinator of Bury in Bloom, said: “We are absolutely delighted that West Suffolk Crematorium has won the Gold Award & Trophy for the Crematorium category of Anglia in Bloom. The crematorium team receives little enough recognition for their dedicated work, and the grounds are beautifully managed.

“The six counties area of Anglia in Bloom make up a big area in which to compete so this is no small victory. The cremtorium’s entry made an important contribution to the Bury St Edmunds entry that also won the Large Town Gold Award and trophy. My congratulations go to the wonderful team at West Suffolk Crematorium.”