The site on which the Crematorium is built on was part of the Manor of Braboeuf, held by the Braboeuf family from the mid 13th Century until 1914. From then until the time the Crematorium building work commenced the land was used for farming. Originally the land had been earmarked to be turned into a housing estate but with two councils boundaries at one end of the grounds neither Guildford or Godalming Council could decide on which was going to collect the rent and rates.
The Crematorium building work started in 1964. The office wing of the buildings was an after thought. Originally the office was going to be located in the Superintendent's Cottage but it was realised that there was not enough room.
The Lord Bishop of Guildford, The Right Reverend George Edmund Reindrop, D.D assisted by the Vicar of Shalford, The Reverend Kenneth Morgan M.A., on Wednesday 23 November 1966, dedicated the Crematorium. The first service took place on 2 January 1967.
The Crematorium has only had three Superintendents. The first was Tom Barlow who was in charge from 1967 to 1976 and is buried in the grounds; at that time his Deputy was Hector Vincent, who is buried in the grounds, took over from him in 1976 to 1983. When Hector retired his Deputy, Keith Hendry, took over from him. Keith is still the Superintendent (Bereavement Services Manager)
The Crematorium is owned and operated by Guildford Borough Council. It is situated on the B3000 road between Guildford and Godalming town centres, 2 miles south of Guildford on the southern boundary of the Borough. The Crematorium serves primarily the Boroughs of Guildford and Waverley.
The Crematorium sits in a rural setting of 26 acres of which 11 acres have been set aside for use as a Garden of Remembrance, where memorial trees, roses and shrubs have been planted in memory of those departed.
Cremated remains are either interred in the Garden of Remembrance, Vaults or scattered in the glades.
Spring and Summer planting are carried out annually to provide colour. The formal rose beds and other garden memorials are maintained to a high standard.
The planting of floral tributes in the gardens is not permitted. Cut flowers may be placed in the flower room, which is situated adjacent to the Remembrance Room.
Floral tributes left at the Crematorium after the cremation service may, if you wish, be given to local hospitals, churches or nursing homes. The Funeral Director will carry out your wishes.
Floral tributes left on display will be removed on a regular basis.
The Chapel
Mourners arrive under a covered way leading to the entrance hall; those attending may use a comfortably furnished waiting room. The chapel can accommodate 100 people seated and 100 plus standing. An organ and organist is available to play any requested music and hymns, or alternatively a CD player is available to play any personal music.
The Funeral Director will arrange these, provided adequate notice is given. Curtains screen the catafalque at the point of committal;.alternatively they may remain open throughout the service and close after all mourners have vacated the chapel.
Guildford Crematorium
Bereavement Services
New Pond Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3DB
Tel: 01483 444711
Fax: 01483 444745
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