Lea Fields Crematorium is the first facility to be built in the district and means local residents will have much shorter journeys, where previously they have had to travel significant distances to facilities outside the district. Fifteen months ago work started on building a much-needed crematorium to serve the people of West Lindsey and beyond.
Set in parkland near the village of Lea, just outside of Gainsborough the design of the site and materials used have been chosen to reflect the rural nature of the site and make the best use of the natural boundaries. Sir Edward Leigh attended the event. He said:
“It is a very impressive site and when all the landscaping has matured it will be a nice, peaceful setting. Having a facility in West Lindsey will be welcomed by local people who will have less delays.”
West Lindsey District Council is the operator of the new facility and has invested more than £6 million into the development of this flagship building. Designing, developing and operating a crematorium is all quite new to the Local Authority.
Ms Marian Webb, Deputy President of the Institute of Cemetary of Crematorium Management, attended the official opening. She said:
“It is a wonderful, serene and open chapel. I was really impressed by the design and the detailing in the roof. Lea Fields Crematorium is set in such beautiful surroundings that any family who comes will be comforted by the serenity of the setting.”
Ms Deborah Balson, the Crematorium Manager, who is responsible for the day to day running of the facility, said:
“It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to work in such an amazing place. Lea Fields Crematorium is in such a lovely setting and provides a special place for relatives to say goodbye to their loved ones.”
The new facility was officially opened by the Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Steve England, who was joined by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Giles McNeill and the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Council, Ian Knowles. Cllr McNeill commented:
“The new building has been designed both internally and externally in such a way as to enhance the overall feeling of tranquillity and peace. The building has been fitted with the latest filtration system, so there will be no smoke or odour.
“I am particularly pleased that our facility has been delivered on time and on budget. It’s been finished to a high standard by our building contractors Willmott Dixon. We are now able to start offering the much needed service to bereaved families both in and around West Lindsey.”
The geometric building has a beautiful double height spacious chapel which gives a sense of occasion and celebration, without a specific religious bias. This creates a flexible high performing space.
The spacious chapel seats 120 people with additional standing room both in the chapel and in the foyer. As well as a large Porte-Cochère (canopy) providing a generous covered area creating a focal point for visitors on arrival, Lea Fields has a covered walk way on exit leading to a covered area for viewing floral tributes essential for the British inclement weather. Lea Fields Crematorium offers different types of service and lengths to meet the differing needs of individuals.
Cllr Jessie Milne, West Lindsey District Councillor for the Lea ward, who has been a member of the Working Group for the project, added:
“I am delighted that at long last we have a crematorium in West Lindsey and we can do so much more to help the people in their saddest of times. We are looking after the people that elected us to serve them. To see it complete today is absolutely beautiful. It is so peaceful and tranquil and open and the sun is virtually in the building all day. Looking across at the fields, it is relaxing and you feel a sense of calm. It is a great credit to everyone who has worked on this.”
To find out more about the crematorium you can email: [email protected] or visit: leafieldscrematorium.co.uk or call: 01427 676500
