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An official service of dedication has taken place for the new crematorium at Maldon Fields, which opened in December last year.

The Bishop of Bradwell, the Rt Rev Adam Atkinson, led the service, alongside a host of local dignitaries and representatives from across the faith spectrum. The Bishop spoke with great warmth and wisdom, reminding everyone there about the importance of funerals and the care of the bereaved. Commenting after the service he said:

"I was only too happy to support Maldon Fields on the day of their official dedication. There is such a committed and professional team running this new facility for the benefit of local families. The group who gathered to mark the occasion represented a diverse cross section of the local community. I was delighted to see the breadth of support for the Maldon Fields team who will be supporting the bereaved here in the years to come."

Maldon Fields Crematorium is situated off the Maldon Road at Woodham Mortimer, nestled behind a copse. Throughout the service of dedication, speakers complimented the unobtrusive building in its landscaped countryside setting.

Cllr Kevin Lagan, Mayor of Maldon District Council, spoke of “The absolute beauty of the idea behind it, the location, the care – I would use the word love - of how it has been built. I know that every single Councillor who represents the district of Maldon is proud to have this beautiful facility.”

His colleague, Cllr Mark Durham, speaking in his extra capacity as a funeral celebrant said:

“I was very pleased to support the original panning application and what we have ended up is truly superb… I have been a funeral celebrant for 3-4 years and conducted funerals across Essex but, without doubt, Maldon Fields is by far the nicest place for funerals. A modern, light and airy chapel with beautiful gardens and the views on a clear summer’s day when you can look right across the estuary, as far as you see. We really are very fortunate and everybody at Maldon Fields is so helpful and professional, so that you can see that bereaved families who have been through a very tough day feel lighter…I am sure that Funeral Directors  also recognise that this is a very special place and so I am really honoured to stand here and celebrate this fantastic facility for residents on this side of the County.”

Julie Wilson-James, a soloist, sang beautifully to the 100 assembled guests, many of whom were local funeral directors.

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Dr. James Bettley read from the Bible, as did as did Father Jerold Terrance of Assumption of Our Lady, Maldon’s Roman Catholic Church. Kate Milner, a local civil celebrant who led one of the first funerals at Maldon Fields, spoke of how the new crematorium allowed people to tell their own story.

Nicola Sanders, the chapel manager for Maldon Fields, spoke passionately of her role and the difference the new service has made:

“Every day at Maldon Fields, I witness quiet acts of deep humanity. A family trying to smile through tears as they remember a life well lived. It is in these moments that I understand the true purpose of our work here, to honour a life. Maldon Fields isn’t just a crematorium – it’s a place of peace and reflection. Set in beautiful surroundings, it gives families a quiet, respectful space to say goodbye to their loved ones. And that matters more than words can express.”

Reverend Peter Begley, the Area Dean of Maldon and Dengie summed up the day with the words: “This is more than a crematorium, its Maldon Fields.”