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Work to commence on £300,000 refurbishment of chapels at Thornhill Crematorium
A £300,000 programme of work to upgrade and refurbish the chapels at Thornhill Crematorium begins at the end of the month.

The six week improvement programme, which is scheduled to run from 29 July to 8 September 2019, includes:

·         The complete redecoration of both chapels.

·         The remodelling of the larger Wenallt chapel.

·         Refurbishment of the waiting rooms.

·         Replacement and extension of covered areas outside the chapels.

·         New flooring.

·         New seating.

·         New catafalque (raised platform used to support the coffin).

To enable the improvements to be completed as quickly as possible both chapels will be closed for the duration of the works.

Whilst the chapels are being refurbished services will be hosted in a professional temporary chapel, in the grounds of the crematorium, or alternatively the chapel at Cathays Cemetery.

Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement Services, Cllr Michael Michael said: “The investment we’re making in modernising the facilities will mean that the bereaved get to say their final farewells in surroundings that are more sympathetic to the occasion.

“Every year almost 3000 funerals take place at Thornhill Crematorium. That adds up to a lot of people going through what can be an incredibly difficult and incredibly emotional time in our chapels. We want to do everything we can to make their experience, and that of the deceased, as dignified as possible, and the upgrades being made will go a long way to making that happen.”

A direct to crematorium option is also available, where a service may take place in a local church, a chapel of rest or, if preferred, no service is arranged and the funeral director takes the deceased to the crematorium for the cremation, with no family in attendance. If desired a memorial service can then be accommodated in the chapels once they reopen in September.