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Around 200 people took the opportunity to get a first look at a brand-new crematorium which is now serving the communities in and around Herne Bay, Whitstable and Canterbury.

A community open day at Herne Bay Crematorium on Saturday 11 November gave local people their first chance to visit the beautiful 14-acre site and meet the crematorium team.

It is the 40th site to be operated by Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with other facilities across England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

It seemed fitting that people should get their first chance to see the new site on Remembrance Day and a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect as crematorium manager James Brown played The Last Post.

Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale then performed a ceremonial opening of the crematorium, which formally opened fully on Monday 13 November.

Visitors were able to tour the crematorium and even see the crematory too if they wished.

Mr Brown said: “The site was looking glorious for the community open day, and there were lots of very positive comments from those who came, both about the site and the team we have here to provide the exceptional care that Westerleigh Group is renowned for.”

Herne Bay Crematorium is set within 14 acres of picturesque grounds, surrounded by mature woodland and agricultural fields.

At the heart of the site is a light, airy and welcoming contemporary chapel building capable of seating 101 people with significant additional space available if required.

Mr Brown added: “We are looking forward to establishing a very positive presence within our local communities and helping local people to remember their loved ones in uniquely personal ways.”

In addition to providing funeral services, the crematorium has a wide range of options to help people remember and memorialise their loved ones – even if their funeral did not take place at Herne Bay Crematorium.

Until Sunday 31 December, there is a special offer of 10% off memorials purchased (terms and conditions apply).

For more information about the facilities and services available at Herne Bay Crematorium, and to find out more about the special offer on memorials, visit: www.hernebaycrematorium.co.uk