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The Isle of Wight crematorium has recently undergone refurbishment, resulting in a more accessible and comfortable space for the community.
The renovation included replacing the old wooden pews with new chairs, new carpet, adding new lecterns, catafalques, and an altar, and installing new committal curtains and voiles with a motorised ‘floating style’ track.
The new additions give the chapel a more spacious and elegant appearance. Additionally, these modifications offer greater flexibility in seating arrangements during ceremonies, resulting in an increased seating capacity from 85 to 105.
Janice Lord, the council’s Bereavement Services lead, said: “The chapel has undergone renovation, resulting in extra seating capacity that is both accessible and versatile. It offers a peaceful and respectful space for people to pay tribute to their loved ones.
"We hope that the new facilities will bring some comfort and solace to those who are grieving.”
Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for regulatory services, community protection and ICT said: “We understand how hard it is to lose a loved one and we want to make sure that we offer the best possible care and support to the bereaved. That is why we have invested in the crematorium, to ensure that we have a quality facility that meets the needs and expectations of our community.”
The waiting room has also been repainted, and the existing chairs have also been swapped out for new, more comfortable ones.
The refurbishment took place over three weekends in January 2024, and was scheduled outside of the regular operating hours to minimise any disruption to mourners.
For more information on the council’s Bereavement Services and the crematorium, please call 01983 882288 or visit Crematorium (iow.gov.uk)