People are being invited to two special free events being held at Lelley Fields Crematorium in Preston: a midsummer memorial service and an open day.
A one-hour midsummer memorial service will be held in the Oak Hall on Thursday 26 June at 6.30pm as a chance for people to remember loved ones and pay their respects to people who mattered to them.
The names of those being remembered can be displayed during the service and people will have the chance to write names or short messages on leaves to be hung on a memorial tree in the hall. The biodegradable leaves are infused with seeds and will later be planted in the grounds of Lelley Fields as part of a wildflower display.
Places for the midsummer memorial service are limited and must be booked in advance, please email lelleyfields@eastriding.gov.uk or call 01482 392910.
The venue will then hold an open day on Saturday 19 July, from 9.30am to 1.30pm, to give people a rare chance to see behind the scenes at the crematorium.
The event will feature:
- Guided tours with the staff to see the inner workings of the building.
- Meet the experts – chat with local funeral directors, celebrants and other industry professionals.
- Free refreshments will also be served.
Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We are opening the doors of Lelley Fields because we want to welcome people to both events.
“It will offer a comforting and peaceful space for those wanting to remember their loved ones at the memorial service, and staff will be at the open day, giving guided tours and happy to answer questions for people who are curious about its services and want to know more.
“The team at Lelley Fields do an amazing job, running an important and valuable service to the community.”
Lelley Fields opened in February 2023 as the first crematorium to be operated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and was the first new crematorium to be built in the East Riding since 1998.
Earlier this year the crematorium won a national building award. The state-of-the-art venue was named the Best Public or Community Building at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards, which honour the top public sector constructions and individuals in the UK.
Snowdrop Cafe
Each month Lelley Fields holds a Snowdrop Cafe event, a chance for local bereaved people or those supporting them to get together for a relaxed chat over a cuppa.
The events have been running for more than two years and are a friendly, informal place where people can speak about experiences, ask questions, share resources, make new friends, over a drink, and find out what bereavement support is available.
Anyone interested is welcome. The next Snowdrop Cafe meetings are on:
- Saturday 28 June, 10am
- Tuesday 29 July, 6pm
- Saturday 30 August, 10am
- Tuesday 30 September, 6pm
Visit the website at www.lelleyfields.co.uk/upcoming-events
