Beyond the farewell: 19 August from 11am – 3pm
Beyond the Farewell is a unique community open day bringing together leading experts from across the bereavement, funeral and cremation sectors to share knowledge, challenge misconceptions and encourage open conversations about death, dying and remembrance.
Through a series of engaging talks, you will gain insight into topics ranging from the latest environmentally friendly cremator technology and funeral director regulation to personalising funeral services, public health funerals, bereavement administration and the environmental benefits of metal recycling following cremation.
The event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, local authority specialists and bereavement professionals, while exploring the crematorium and learning more about the care, innovation and community support that underpin modern bereavement services.
Whether you are planning ahead, supporting a loved one, working in the sector, or simply interested in understanding more about what happens after death, Beyond the Farewell aims to inform, reassure and inspire meaningful conversations about life, loss and legacy.
Come to some or all of the talks. There’s even tea, coffee and cake on offer! To find out more or to let us know you’re coming email crematorium@wealden.gov.uk or call 01323 443400.
This year’s speakers
- “New roots for an old tree” – funeral director regulation, the benefit of using local funeral directors and the new opportunities before us.
Oliver Towner, Chair of SAIF Environmental Group - “Sadmin – the bureaucracy of death’” – navigating the administrative reality of bereavement.
Joy Jones, Service Manager for Bereavement & Medical Examiner Services - “Personalising a funeral” – how to transform a funeral service into a celebration of life.
Obitus, UK-based specialists in funeral audio-visual media - “Who takes care of your funeral if there’s no family or money?” – councils have a duty to bury or cremate anyone who dies in their area ‘where arrangements are not being made’.
Christina Martin, Environmental Health Service for Rother & Wealden Councils - “Cremator technology” – carbon savings and the benefits of the latest technology – our brand new hybrid cremator explained.
Facultatieve Technologies, design, manufacture and maintenance of cremation systems - “Metal recycling after the cremation process” – supporting bereavement charities and protecting the environment.
Julie Dunk, Orthometals, global leader in metal recycling for crematoria