VHVC Ltd Attend 30th May 2026 65th Anniversary of the first Cremation on the Island on 30th May 1961 By 11am we were represented by 10 members cars, on a very hot sunny day, requiring all to seek shade under the many trees. We were greeted and thanked by the Head of Bereavement Services making the display of sixties cars in keeping with the same era of the Crematorium opening. Her staff also dressed in 60s clothing, with 60s music playing all day. The grounds are kept in immaculate condition, giving a very tranquil setting that set off the many memorial trees, plaques and engraved slate polished stones. Taking the woodland walk which comes out opposite the resting place of our much missed former newsletter editor Kevin Froment. Flowers were laid under his tree, with respects made by Kevin’s family members. The tour given by Adrian the chief operator behind the scenes was very interesting and informative, he explained at length and in detail the cremation process. Each cremation takes approx. 2 hours, all waste gasses are filtered and trapped in catchment filters and absorption vessels, so that the emissions are cleaner than the air we breathe. The whole process is recorded by a paper trail with the personal details and ref No. recorded so that at the final ashes collection are placed in boxes according to the persons wishes. These are 1) Scattered by a member of staff on the morning after, 2) ashes for collection by family members and 3) ashes put into a biodegradable box for family collection for internment after religious service. It was interesting to hear that the Roman Catholic religion did not recognise cremation until 1973. There are two types of cremation. a) Just a cremation with ashes returned to family with no service at the crematorium or personal attendance. Or b) Attendance at the Crematorium with family and friends with a religious or non-religious service. The whole cremation process is done with the utmost respect. Adrian’s sincerity came across very clearly and was echoed by his assistant. You may be interested to know that choosing a cardboard or hemp casket takes more gas energy to cremate the person than a Pine or Oak casket. This is due to the wood increasing the burn temperature at the start of cremation, so not such a “green” option as you might consider. Although it may be thought that this might be a grisly event, it was in fact in beautiful surroundings where we sat drinking tea and eating cake. Peter Hodgson