FAMILIES who have memorials at West Berkshire Crematorium are being offered an extra year free of charge.
The goodwill gesture, courtesy of the crematorium's parent organisation, Westerleigh Group, recognises the fact that restrictions placed on people because of the Covid-19 pandemic have meant many have been unable to visit the memorials to their loved ones for many months.
Steph Langford, site manager at the crematorium, said: "Throughout all the lockdown restrictions, our dedicated grounds team have continued to maintain our gardens to the highest standards.
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"But we know that, during the pandemic, the government restrictions have meant that many people have been unable to visit memorials of their loved ones in the crematorium gardens as they would have wished to.
"Not being able to mark an important date or anniversary by visiting the resting place would have been upsetting for many people.
"Through providing an additional year to the length of existing memorial dedications at our crematorium, we are aiming to extend the precious opportunity of remembering a loved one.
Picture: West Berkshire Crematorium
"We hope that this will provide some comfort to the families we support, and we very much look forward to welcoming them back to our gardens as soon as they’re ready to do so."
Anyone who would like to take up the offer can contact the Crematorium office, either in person, if appropriate and safe to do so, by calling 01635 872577 or emailing WestBerkshire@westerleighgroup.co.uk.
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