LOCATION AND ENTRANCE
Great Glen Crematorium is located on London Road, just under one mile south of the village of Great Glen in Leicestershire.
The postcode for the crematorium is LE8 9DJ - which is accurate for most SatNavs to get you there. The crematorium is located about half a mile from the Archers roundabout on the A6. There are clear road signs directing visitors to the crematorium if coming from the north (Leicester- 6 miles) or from south directions (Market Harborough - 8 miles) turning off the A6 into London Road. London road runs parallel to the A6
The entrance to the crematorium leads directly off London Road, approximately 500 yards in from the turn for village of Burton Overy.
The crematorium is set within a beautiful rural backdrop. The chapel and buildings are in traditional red brick which complements the natural landscape and surroundings.
As one drives from the entrance gate and up the drive, a sense of calm, and truly welcoming atmosphere envelopes you. It is a place that visitors seeking a peaceful setting for a farewell service will immediately feel comfortable and 'in the right place'.
As you drive over the brow of the hill, the road sweeps around to the left and then around to the right giving a superb and wonderful vista of the local countryside, the chapel in front of you and the main car park to your right.
ARRIVAL
- Car Parking
The main car park is located on site (on the right of the main drive way down to the chapel). The distance from the car park to the chapel entrance is very short with a slight slope down to the chapel entrance.
The car park can accommodate around 110 cars with additional overflow carparking available on site.
- Blue Badge Parking
There are 7 designated Blue Badge (disabled) parking spaces located close to the chapel, identified by standard disabled parking signage and parking bay markings.
The Blue Badge parking is wheelchair friendly, with level access paths leading directly into the chapel. The distance from the Blue Badge parking area to the chapel door is very short, approximately 20 meters creating ease of entry for those with mobility needs.
ADMINISTRATION
- Office Location
Address: The crematorium's office is located to the right of the main chapel door, around the corner, continue walking beyond the chapel exit door (on your left) and the Floral Tribute covered area (on your right). It is part of the main crematorium building at London Road, Great Glen, LE8 9DJ. The office is well sign posted.
Telephone: 0116 259 1101
Email: GreatGlen@westerleighgroup.co.uk
Website: www.greatglencrem.co.uk
The office handles general inquiries, bookings, memorial sales, as well as offering support and information to families.
- Office Opening Hours
The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Weekend closed. The crematorium may be closed on some public holidays or special dates as required.
- Crematorium Grounds Opening Hours
The grounds are open seven days a week.
From April through to September: 9:00am to 6:00pm
From October to March: 9:00am to 5:00pm
CHAPEL
- Number of Chapels
There is one chapel at Great Glen Crematorium.
The main chapel interior is light and spacious with large picture windows overlooking the countryside. It features traditional red brick with modern furnishings to create a comforting, peaceful atmosphere.
- Meeting point
I would recommended families to meet in the waiting room or just outside the chapel entrance door around 15-20 minutes before the Service is to start.
- Allotted and Service Timings
Service slots are either 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
Morning fully Attended Direct Cremation services ( see Distinct Cremations) run between 8:30 am and 9:30 am (30-minute slots with 20-minute Services).
Standard Attended services are from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (60 minute slots with 40-minute Services).
Attended twilight services are available at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm (also 60 minute slots with 40-minute Services).
Direct (unattended) cremations are arranged separately, usually within specific daytime slots. Services start early in the morning and the last service typically finishes around 8:00 pm
- Chapel Seating
The chapel seats approximately 98 attendees with ample standing room.
Seating is arranged in two rows divided by a centre aisle. The seats are generally fixed (hooked-together) but flexibility exists to accommodate wheelchairs. Let me know and I will make sure one chair (or more) are removed for the wheelchair user(s). The aisle is sufficiently wide for accessibility for several people to walk together. The aisle is approximately 1.2 to 1.5 meters wide.
- Entrance into the Chapel & Porte-Cochère
The porte-cochère (chapel canopy) is high enough to allow vehicles of most descriptions to drive under (hearse, horse-and-carriage, specialist vehicle etc). The porte-cochère is 2.5 to 3 meters in height.
- Exit Door from the Chapel
The exit door is located in the chapel on the right-hand side at the front of the chapel.
- Catafalque and Curtains
The crematorium’s catafalque is a fixed structure used to hold the coffin during the service. It features curtains of a neutral (tan) colour. There are two curtains at Great Glen Crematorium. The two parts draw together across the front, not traveling fully around the catafalque. A voile or light sheer curtain is in front of the main curtains. The voile can be closed, the main curtains or both. The choice is yours - let me know?
- Witness Cremations
Witness cremations are available. This is where a family or mourners may observe the start of the cremation process either in a dedicated witnessing room or via screens in the chapel. The Witness room is located through a door to the left of the lectern (at the front of the chapel.
Great Glen crematorium organizes this on request, with a limit on the number of attendees reflecting safety and privacy guidelines. There is a cost associated with this. Advance booking is required. Let me know (well in advance) and I can arrange this for you, if you wish. Timings-wise, it is not always possible to organize this, so letting me know (ASAP) increases the chance of this happening and viewing possible. Witness cremations help families have a more inclusive farewell experience.
- Music Streaming and Webcast
The chapel is equipped with an Obitus music system as well as live streaming services (also provided by Obitus). Live Streaming is also known as a 'Webcast'. Allowing those not able to attend the Service in person, to view the Service live (as it happens) on the Internet - where ever they are in the world. There is a cost to this feature..
There is also a hearing loop system for those with hearing difficulties.
- Visual Tribute
The chapel has two screens (located at the front of the chapel) for visual tributes and photo slideshows. The screens are large flat-screen monitors (around 40-50 inches) allowing a clear display of images and videos during service.
- Organ/Piano
Great Glen Crematorium has an organ in the chapel. Alternatively, one can be brought in (a portable one!) for any musical tributes, singing or performances and placed at the front of the chapel (near the lectern or exit door).
TIMINGS
- Service Slots and Timings
Service slots are either 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
Morning fully Attended Direct Cremation services ( see Distinct Cremations) run between 8:30 am and 9:30 am (30-minute slots with 20-minute Services).
Standard Attended services are from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (60 minute slots with 40-minute Services).
Attended twilight services are available at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm (also 60 minute slots with 40-minute Services).
Direct (unattended) cremations are arranged separately, usually within specific daytime slots. Services start early in the morning and the last service typically finishes around 8:00 pm
GENERAL FACILITIES
- Waiting Room
The waiting room, is located to the left of the main chapel door (around the corner).
- Toilets
Male, female and disabled toilets are located to the right of the main chapel door (around the corner). They are regularly cleaned and maintained. They are VERY clean, modern and well looked after.
- Natural Burial Ground
The crematorium site includes a Natural Burial Ground rather than a traditional cemetery with graves. This natural burial area is set within the grounds’ gardens and woodlands, fostering biodiversity and wildlife. If you are thinking of laying to rest a loved one, call or contact me to answer your questions.
- War Graves
Great Glen Crematorium has no (CMCG) war graves.
AFTER THE SERVICE
- Dove Release
A Dove release, whether it be two, three, four or more Doves is such a beautiful, emotional and poignant gesture and event. The doves can be released immediately after the Service, perhaps in the tranquil grounds of Great Glen Crematorium symbolising the 'letting go' and freedom of a loved one just departed. There are so many choices of where to release the doves, how many and how to say goodbye. Read an Article about Dove Release or contact me to discuss various options and ideas
- Wake/Reception Facilities
There are no specific wake or reception facilities on site, but several local venues nearby are recommended for funeral gathering receptions. These include local pubs, hotels, and community halls in Great Glen and nearby villages.
- Coffee Shop
No coffee shop is located on the crematorium site itself. However, a water fountain is located in the Waiting Room.
ASHES
- Burial (Interment of Ashes)
Ashes interment is available in the crematorium’s Natural Burial Ground or in dedicated memorial gardens within the grounds.
- Scattering of Ashes
Scattering of ashes is permitted in designated areas within the crematorium’s grounds, often communal scattering gardens that are respectfully maintained. If you wish to have a scattering of Ashes at Great Glen, please let me know and I can organize or conduct it for you if you wish. Call or contact me if you require any information, help or advice.
MEMORIALS
- Floral Tributes
Floral tributes should be placed near the chapel’s exit door or in designated areas. The staff at Grat Glen Crematorium will be more than happy to help you with this.
There is no flower room where tributes are received prior to the service but should be brought to the Office. Families can deliver tribute flowers on the day or in advance, though there may be limits on the number to be placed in the memorial garden to maintain space and garden integrity.
- Removal of Flower Tributes
Flowers, tributes and wreaths are removed 5-days after the Service to keep the area tidy and safe; families are advised of removal timing at the service or via crematorium guidance.
Flower tributes can be taken home after a Service to enjoy the flowers for a few extra days. Many families do this. Some place the flowers on a grave of a loved one (a mother, father, family member).
- Family Columbarium and Memorial Wall Plaques
A family columbarium is available at the crematorium, located within the gardens. Memorial wall plaques can be found nearby, offering families a place to remember loved ones.
- Heaven Post Box
A Heaven Post Box is on site, an amenity provided for families to leave written messages.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Safe Places Venue
Great Glen crematorium has not been designated a 'Safe Places Venue' as part of a Community Safety Scheme.
- Awards and Recognitions
Great Glen crematorium is recognized as a modern, environmentally sensitive facility with accreditations for quality care and sustainable practice, including its extensive support for Hindu and Sikh funeral traditions as well as its bio-diversity focus in the grounds.
A fascinating local document created by the Parish council outlines the historic background to Great Glen. The document opens:
“The parish of Great Glen dates back to at least 849 CE. The name "Glenne" was mentioned in a charter related to a council meeting and a potential Mercian palace.
Known as Aet Glenne in 849 (Anglo-Saxon (royal) Charter), Glen in 1086 (Domesday Book). Celtic glennos, glen, glin 'a glen, a valley'. Glen is the old name of the river Sence used as a settlement name. Glen usually describes a wide valley which is low-lying in relation to the surrounding area and which is subject to flooding.” A link to the full article/document can be clicked on on the 'Links and Additional Reading' section.
Great Glen Wild Space Group
A local community group passionate and dedicated to managing the wild spaces in and around Great Glen. Interesting and enlightening - well worth a read.
https://www.greatglenwildspace.co.uk/
Great Glen Village Design Statement
A fascinating insight to the history, buildings and information about Great Glen.
https://www.greatglenwildspace.co.uk/
