Preston crematorium to open doors to public

9:40pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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Preston’s crematorium is to open its doors to the public for a special open day on Sunday.

The open day will be an opportunity for people to see the crematorium buildings and grounds, have a tour of the cremation equipment to see what happens behind the scenes, and take part in a guided walk around the historic Red Scar manor.

It aims to provide people with the opportunity to find out more about the crematorium and to dispel the myths about what happens during cremations.

Run by Preston City Council, the crematorium opened in 1962 to serve Preston and the surrounding areas. It is equipped with three computer controlled cremators and can carry out up to 14 cremations per day.

Around 1,500 cremations take place each year.

The crematorium grounds feature a garden of remembrance which people can visit to pay their respects, 12 calendar gardens - one representing each month - where people can scatter ashes and a number of memorial trees and planters.

There is also a woodland area where people who prefer a very natural setting can scatter ashes.

Coun Christine Thomas, cabinet member for community services, said: “Visiting the crematorium may not be the obvious way to spend your Sunday afternoon, but it is very interesting to see how it works.

“There are a lot of myths surrounding what happens during cremation ceremonies and the tour will ensure people will be able to understand more about the process.

“People will also be able to take a walk around the tranquil grounds surrounding the crematorium, including the historic Red Scar Manor, which was once the home of William Cross, the architect who designed Winckley Square.

“It will be a superb opportunity to find out more about the crematorium and the history of the local area.”

The open day takes place between 11am and 2pm and is free of charge.