First crematorium and chapel facility in 70 years

Nelsons first crematorium and chapel to be built in over 70 years was officially opened on Saturday with a dedication ceremony attended by friends and supporters. Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium offers a variety of services for families and individuals, with a crematorium chapel, garden with water feature and memorial room for quiet reflection.

“Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium provides a serene environment for families to celebrate, remember, and say goodbye to a loved one,” says Francis Day (FBIE, Nat Dip FS), Director of Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium.

This modern crematorium facility has been designed by Jerram Tocker Barron Architects Ltd, meeting modern standards and industry requirements. It gives people who are grieving a place to remember, in a restful garden setting. “Architecturally designed to the highest standards, with complete consideration given to air discharge and pollution, with every available avenue pursued to keep negative impact on the environment at an absolute minimum.” Francis Day (FBIE, Nat Dip FS)

The crematorium accommodates a variety of funeral requirements, including meeting the needs of religious and cultural groups that previously have not been available in the Tasman and Nelson regions. There is also a place planned leading to the crematorium for people to wash their hands, with running water over washing stones, specifically for Maori and other ethnic groups. Currently in progress is the development of the Garden of Remembrance.

Families have the opportunity to host a funeral service at The Gardens of the World, which is situated in front of the Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium, corner of Paton and Clover Road in Hope. This gives family members the opportunity to return and remember a loved one in the diversity of flora at The Gardens of the World.

“Hope Garden of Remembrance has been built for the community, to leave a legacy for future generations in the Tasman district and for Nelson citizens. We would like to extend thanks to all those who have supported Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium through its inception, development and completion.” Francis Day

The Day family, who own and operate Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium, has over 80 years of funeral directing experience with families in the Nelson and Tasman region. They adhere to proper standards and codes to ensure the deceased are treated with dignity and respect. The crematorium has been built taking into consideration the comments, suggestions and collective views from families and individuals, expressing what they would like from a local crematorium facility, and what is currently lacking in the market.

There are three different types of cremation services available depending on the desire and needs of the family or individual. These include a direct cremation, a small service with some involvement from the family, or a full committal service in the crematorium chapel.

Families now have the opportunity to retain the ashes in the proper secured area in the crematorium. This service is provided for the first three months, with the family given the opportunity to enter into a contractual relationship with the crematorium over the future storage of the ashes.

There will be an Open Day for the public to tour through the crematorium between 10am-3pm on Sunday 3 February 2013. Hope Garden of Remembrance is situated behind The Gardens of the World, corner of Paton and Clover Road in Hope. Entrance to the Hope Garden of Remembrance Crematorium is at 95 Clover Road, Hope.

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