Wake Room – best in the country

The new purpose built wake and tea rooms at the Coney Hill cemetery and crematorium are among the best in the country.

That’s what City Council staff are being told after the council hosted a meeting of the Cemeteries and Crematoriam Liaison Group attended by managers and registrars from across the country.

The tea and wake rooms were opened in May and offer a range of top class catering from people just wanting a warming drink to a fully catered ‘wake’ to help celebrate the life of a friend or family member. 

There have been more than 100 ‘wakes’ since the new building was opened seven months ago.

Councillor Steve Morgan, cabinet member for the environment, commented: “We are being told by managers of other cemeteries and crematoria around the country that our facilities are some of the best available.

“ We are dealing with people going through the most difficult of times and it is important that we provide the best possible service for them. Having a wake room on site with a qualified and experienced catering team means that we can provide for all of their requirements. 

“ When people are at such a low ebb in their lives I am pleased that we are able to offer them such a superb service. It is great to see that so many are taking advantage of what we have to offer.”

Thank you letters include the following:

In a letter a local funeral director, commented: “ …The family were absolutely delighted with everything. It all turned out better than they could have wished for and they would have no hesitation in recommending the services of the Arbor.”

While another letter stated: “….after seeing the new facilities for the bereaved at Gloucester Crematorium, this time the council has definitely got it right.