¨ We are pleased to report that the section of damaged Cemetery wall opposite Normandy Avenue has been repaired, the contractor is waiting for a delivery of the rounded coping stones which will complete the repairs.

¨ We would like to politely inform everyone that we retain ashes for 6 months before contacting families to see if final arrangements have been made.

¨ With support from Hunnaball Funeral Directors we have recently unveiled a new memorial commemorating Thomas Bolton, the first person buried in the Cemetery in May 1856.

¨ Due to increasing attendance at our Carol Service, this year we will be holding 2 services both on Wednesday 2nd December, 2pm and 5pm.

¨ Works have begun to create a Woodland Walk through the trees within the Oxford Burial Ground. Keep an eye on ‘News’ updates.

¨ Our website, colchestercrematorium.co.uk contains a wealth of information from opening times, maps, scheduled funerals, memorials, news and bereavement support groups. In addition to the link to our Online Book of Remembrance, there is now a link to a short virtual tour of the Crematorium.

¨ Last month we erected several Notices in the Gardens of Remembrance explaining the impact of the heat and drought on our numerous memorial beds.

¨ We have commenced a project to improve the appearance of our Memorial beds, starting with Bed 3. The comparison between that and other beds is clear. Given the number of beds we know that this project will take time.

¨ Through our metal recycling scheme we have recently donated £25,500, with EACH, The Not Forgotten, and Rainbow Trust all receiving £8,500.

¨ If you encounter any anti-social behaviour, see any dangerous trees / branches or notice any other damage please report it to the Cemetery & Crematorium Office.

¨ We have recently carried out an audit of all benches within the Cemetery & Crematorium grounds. The safety of visitors is paramount and we will remove any unsafe bench. If the bench has not been purchased through us will we not have you contact details and are therefore unable to advise you of our actions.

¨ Periodically we have wooden pallets to dispose of, if anyone would like these please contact the Office.

¨ Our Book Room has been enhanced with the painting of a memorial tree on the wall. A dedicated memorial leaf plaque can be placed over any of the painted leaves. Please ask in the Office for more details.

¨ Enquiries have begun with contractors over replacing the Crematorium west elevation external doors: toilet door, chapel exit doors, and Book Room doors.