BIRCHES Crematorium and Remembrance Park has now opened in Lach Dennis and is offering digital services to families who have lost loved ones.

Webcasting services ensure that friends and family can be a part of a funeral service while safely social distancing, and are aired within the crematorium and online via a secure platform.

Families and friends are also encouraged to share digital memoires of the deceased with the funeral services team to be included in a digital book of remembrance to celebrate loved ones’ lives.

Angela Dunn, general manager at Birches, said: “Losing a loved one is sad and difficult enough, but especially so during the coronavirus lockdown.

“We’re accommodating families in a respectful way so that they can say goodbye to their relatives with dignity, but also ensuring they are protected.

Northwich Guardian:

“Although we have to abide by strict funeral government guidelines during the lockdown, we are assessing each funeral individually so that we can create a fitting final farewell for families.

“Our brand-new facilities here enable us to keep families together whilst remaining at a safe distance.”

The gardens at Birches feature sympathetic and private planting and walkways for families to spend time away from the main crematorium building during and after farewell ceremonies, and also space to sit and reflect.

Angela adds: “The remembrance garden has been designed to provide as positive an experience as it can be, and services will be held when lockdown is lifted for families to return and say goodbye to their loved ones.”

The first funeral director to use the new facilities was independent firm J. A. Whiston, which has served families in and around Knutsford over the last 53 years.

Northwich Guardian:

Michaela from J. A. Whiston said: “We’re really pleased to see Birches open.

“It has been a great comfort to our families to have been supported by Angela Dunn and her team and for showing such care and compassion at a time when families need it the most.

“Although parts of the garden landscaping are being adjusted the rest of the grounds are truly stunning and the facilities themselves are excellent.

“Nothing is too much trouble for Angela and her team, who will accommodate and adapt their services to cater for individual needs wherever possible and have been especially understanding during these difficult times.”

For more information about the funeral facilities at Birches, contact the family services team on 01565 748211 or visit birchesremembrance.co.uk.