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CYA Winners 2008
The winners of the Cemetery of the Year Awards 2008
Category A: Cemeteries up to 5 acres
Syston Cemetery, Syston, Leicester
A delightful small compact cemetery. The variety of grave choice is excellent considering the small site
that is rapidly filling up. The quiet garden with the water feature and sundial is a very pleasant area and
the rock memorial garden another innovation.
the rock memorial garden another innovation.
Category B: Cemeteries between 5 and 15 acres
Bridgnorth Cemetery, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
This cemetery is truly apart of the community, the community value it and the town council have
obviously put in the resources necessary to allow it to thrive. The Town Clerk Mrs. Kathy James, who
retires this year, has obviously driven the development of the site and has shown, along with her many
colleagues, just how much can be achieved.
Category C: Cemeteries above 15 acres
Carlisle Cemetery, Carlisle, Cumbria
Overall Carlisle is an excellent site with a wide variety of differing types of floral impact from bedding,
herbaceous borders and conservation areas, all maintained to the highest standards. There was a good
variety of memorials and supporting information for community involvement, the judge noted that the
lovely sculptures and trees contributed to the relaxed and pleasant feel of the site, and it is still a peaceful
and lovely site.
Category D: Crematoria
West Herts Crematorium, Watford, Hertfordshire
The judge said it was an absolute privilege to visit the West Herts and to see some of the very many aspects of best
practice being implemented. Clearly there is an excellent management team encouraging the development of skills for all
their staff.
Category E: Green Burial Sites
Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Ground, Usk, Monmouth
It is a large meadow that is surrounded by woodland, offering views down the valley towards Usk. It has
lovely views, is flanked by fields holding cattle and sheep, and surrounded by woodland where people can
plant a tree if they choose to. In terms of its natural criteria, it has a wonderful, tranquil aura that means
it is a lovely meadow to visit.
Category F: Pet Burial Sites
Penwith Pet Crematorium, Penzance, Cornwall
It is an exceptional environment in which the bereaved can mourn the loss of a human, a pet or a horse
in surroundings that can only inspire and elevate the mind, whatever its state.
NAMM Freedom of Choice Award
Thornhill Cemetery and Crematorium, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Award for Community Involvement
Colney Woodland Burial Park, Norwich, Norfolk
In particular, the events held at the site are excellent and make it a valuable resource for the local community. There are multiple events aimed at children (held on days when funerals are not organised), musical and memorials events.
MAB Award for Best Memorial
John A. Green, ARCA, FRSA, NDD, Sculptor of Ipswich, Suffolk
Award for Best Baby and Infant Memorial Garden
Gloucester Cemetery & Crematorium, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
This is a lovely, peaceful and clean section of the cemetery that shows clear initiative when it comes to
providing an appropriate service. There is a wendy house and a large caterpillar toy for children to play on,
on the basis that it is young families that often visit the baby garden. Overall, it shows that staff have
made a real effort to create a suitable atmosphere and environment for babies and young children.
IFZW Award for Environmental Awareness
South West Middlesex Crematorium, Feltham, Middlesex
Site Manager Brian Keep has done an excellent job in new environmental innovations. He has begun a
way to recycle floral arrangements – a first of its kind in the UK.
ICCM Award for Most Improved Cemetery/Crematorium
Tottenham Cemetery, North London, London
Clearly much has been achieved over the last year with two major projects virtually completed.
The chapels clearly required love, care and skilful attention. Having viewed the photographic record of the buildings and
seen at first hand the improvements, it is clear the chapels have been retrieved from near dereliction – it is very deserving
of Most Improved.