10 April 2005. Author: Rachel Ray
Email: rachel@frankray.co.uk
Dad was buried on the 9th April 2005. The same day as the late Pope John Paul II - can't fail to see the irony in that, can you?
The funeral was held at 1pm at Westall Park Woodland Burial Ground. This is a beautiful place and everyone who attended thought how wonderful this place is. Our great friend Edward of many years led the service and Craig, Richard and Rachel all spoke - the service was very personal and moving - with great stories and feelings of and towards Frank along with references to Moon Shadow by Cat Stevens and poetry.
The weather was so kind to us and we were able to go at our own pace. The coffin we chose was a wicker one which we wove flowers into, which everyone thought looked so beautiful - nothing about the day was morbid it was a sunny, calm day with time for reflection and personal memories shared. All in all we felt that in our hearts we had done the right thing to choose such a location and make all of the arrangements ourselves which were assisted by the staff at Westall Park who were very accomodating
Westall Park aim to create a place which those who wish to remember their loved ones will want to visit, not out of a sense of duty, but from the pleasure and peace of mind it can provoke. Westall Park is a place for quiet reflection, in an informal setting amongst trees, wild flowers and wildlife.
Set in one of the most attractive locations of any woodland burial in the country, Westall Park is located 6 miles south of Redditch and is approached via a landscaped entrance and a quarter mile private drive. There are superb views of the Worcestershire countryside stretching as far as the Brecon Beacons.
The guiding policy at Westall Park is of managed woodland burial in which the environmental benefits of natural renewal are balanced against the desire for long term remembrance. Westall Park does not follow any particular faith but in common with all beliefs we all wish our remains to be disposed of with dignity and without being a burden to those that we leave behind.
Links:For a close up of the collage
click hereFind out more about Westall Park Woodland Burial ground at
www.westallpark.netYou can vist at any time.
Westall Park, Holberrow Green, Redditch, Worcestershire B96 6JY. Telephone Amy / David / Terry: 01386 792806
The willow coffin was from James at:
Fine Timber Products LTD
Boraston Tenbury Wells Worcestershire WR15 8LH United Kingdom. Tel 01584 819981. Fax 01584 819483
www.finetimberproducts.co.uk