The British Institute of Funeral Directors of which we are all members of, recently embarked on a journey to Shay Grange, an exquisite Crematorium nestled in the heart of Bradford. This state-of-the-art facility became the backdrop for an enlightening experience as the attendees were treated to an immersive tour, delving deep into the inner workings of this magnificent establishment
At the Crematorium, a remarkable feature has been incorporated to enhance the experience for visitors. Two chapels are seamlessly connected through the central catafalque, cleverly concealed by exquisite woodwork and a specially designed backdrop. This ingenious design allows the chapel that is not in use to be discreetly hidden from sight, ensuring a serene and uninterrupted atmosphere for the congregation.
These two interconnected areas have the ability to accommodate a wide range of seating capacities, making them suitable for both intimate gatherings of under 20 people and larger congregations of over 150. This exceptional flexibility allows the space to effortlessly adapt and create an ambiance that is perfectly tailored to the specific needs of each occasion.
In accordance with certain religious customs, after the ceremony concludes, mourners have the opportunity to pay their respects in the viewing room. This sacred space is reserved for those who wish to personally witness the poignant moment when the coffin is gently placed into the cremator, honouring the transition of the departed soul. One fascinating aspect of this viewing chamber is its inclusion of buttons that enable the transfer of the coffin into the cremation chamber. This unique feature allows the grieving family the option to personally carry out this final duty for their dearly departed.
Shay Grange Crematorium takes pride in providing ample parking facilities for up to 199 cars. However, recognising the importance of a stress-free experience, overflow capacity is also available to accommodate up to 300 cars. To further ease any concerns about parking, designated drop-off spaces for coaches are conveniently provided. This thoughtful provision ensures that mourners can focus solely on their visit to the crematorium, without any added anxiety of finding a parking spot.
By prioritising the comfort and convenience of visitors, the Crematorium enables every individual to navigate the premises with ease and fully engage in the grieving process, honoring their loved ones in a tranquil and supportive environment.
At Shay Grange Crematorium, a thoughtful one-way system ensures that each funeral procession remains undisturbed by the one ahead. Upon parking your vehicle, you gracefully navigate through the car park to reach the waiting area. This separate building serves as a serene space where loved ones gather before the service commences. To accommodate any overflow, the waiting area is equipped with large televisions that display the funeral proceedings in real time, should the chapel reach its capacity.
Behind the crematorium, where the cremation process occurs, meticulous planning is evident. The cremation chambers themselves are spacious, measuring up to 40 inches wide. Each chamber is equipped with its own abatement system, ensuring that if one malfunctions, the second chamber can continue the cremation process independantly.
Another noteworthy aspect of this facility is its implementation of Nitrogen Oxide abatement. Shay Grange proudly claims to be one of the pioneering crematoriums in the country to adopt this practice. It is expected that many other crematoriums will soon follow suit in order to meet future requirements. Currently, if the cremator experiences issues with abatement, it may be necessary to activate the bypass mode. However, upcoming regulations will soon prohibit this practice, which is why the cremators were built in this independent working way.
Among the privileged participants were the accomplished students of Clive Pearson and Hayley Owen Barker, who had triumphantly completed the rigorous qualification, Certificate in Funeral Service. As the students stood tall and proud, their hard work and unwavering commitment were duly recognised with the presentation of their well-deserved certificates by National President Amanda Dalby.
The visit to Shay Grange Crematorium proved to be a transformative encounter for the students and members, not only exposing them to the practical intricacies of funeral services but also bestowing upon them invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the profession. With every step through the facility’s hallowed halls, their knowledge and proficiency were further refined, elevating their skills to new heights.
Just like our previous CPD gatherings, this particular one welcomed everyone in the funeral profession. We were honoured to have not only our own members but also colleagues from different crematoriums and Civil Celebrants, making a total of 24 attendees.
This immersive journey left an indelible mark on all those involved, fostering a sense of enrichment and empowerment within the realm of funeral services.
