Crematorium to hold behind the scenes event

People are invited to remember their loved ones and look behind the scenes as part of two free summer events planned at a crematorium.

Lelley Fields Crematorium in Preston, Holderness is holding a midsummer memorial service at the venue, which was East Riding's newest crematorium when it opened in February 2023.

The £9.6m venue was voted the Best Public or Community Building at the Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Awards, earlier this year.

Councillor Paul West said the memorial "will offer a comforting and peaceful space for those wanting to remember their loved ones" and the open day will include guided tours "for people who are curious about its services".

During the one-hour memorial service, which will be held in the Oak Hall at 18:30 BST on 26 June, people will have the chance to write names or short messages for those being remembered, on leaves to be hung on a memorial tree in the hall.

The biodegradable leaves will be infused with seeds and later planted in the grounds of Lelley Fields as part of a wildflower display.

The open day, which will run from 09:30 to 13:20 on 19 July will give people an opportunity to see behind the scenes at the crematorium.

Guided tours to see the inner workings of the building and a chance to chat with industry professionals are being offered.

The state-of the art facility on Sproatley Road was the first crematorium to be operated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and was the first new crematorium to be built in East Riding since 1998, said the authority.

It includes the Snowdrop Cafe, which hosts a monthly event for local bereaved people or those supporting them to get together.

Places for the midsummer memorial service are limited and must be booked in advance.

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