Hampshire crematorium helps provide play equipment for school

Wessex Vale Crematorium has donated £5,000 towards the costs of providing new play equipment for children of a nearby school.

The crematorium, on the outskirts of Southampton, donated the money to St James’ Church of England Primary School in West End.

The Saint James School Association (SJSA) funded a new play area for Key Stage One children in 2019 and since then the school has aimed to do something similar for Key Stage Two children.

The donation from Wessex Vale Crematorium will go some way towards achieving that.

Wessex Vale Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

The donation was made from funds raised through its metal recycling scheme.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled and any money raised is used to support charities and other worthy causes in the communities surrounding every crematorium and cemetery which are part of Westerleigh Group.

Lisa Johnson, regional support manager for Wessex Vale Crematorium, said: “We are passionate about being a good neighbour and having a positive presence in our local community.

“All the children will benefit from the new play equipment as they advance through the school and it gives us a great sense of satisfaction to know that we will be helping to put a smile on the faces of the pupils.”

To find out more about Wessex Vale Crematorium, visit www.wessexvalecrematorium.co.uk