Newcastle-under-Lyme Bereavement Services

04/08/2026

Hopefully the recent sentencing will give further support to meaningful reform and the introduction of mandatory regulation.

ICCM Statement in Response to Sentencing Outcome

Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the families and friends whose lives have been devastated by the crimes and actions of Robert Bush. No sentence can undo the pain that they have endured, and we stand with them in recognising the words expressed through their victim impact statements that this experience has robbed them of the dignity, trust and care that every bereaved family should be able to expect.

The ICCM has intentionally delayed issuing a public statement following Friday’s sentencing to allow time for the full implications of the case to become clearer and for considered reflection on what must happen next.

We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to support calls for greater regulation of the funeral sector. This represents an important opportunity to deliver meaningful reform and restore public confidence in services that families rely upon at their most vulnerable.

We acknowledge that the vast majority of those working across the funerary sector are dedicated professionals who care deeply about the families they serve. However, cases such as this, alongside those involving Fuller, and Elkin & Bell earlier this year, have understandably caused significant damage to the reputation and trust of our sector, demonstrating that sector-wide improvements can no longer be delayed.

The ICCM believes that regulation must be robust, effective, and mandatory. We would welcome a licensing framework based on the model already operating successfully in Scotland, strengthened by ensuring participation is compulsory rather than voluntary. Registration requirements should also be reviewed and enhanced to ensure consistent standards in reporting across the sector.

We cannot ignore the powerful messages from the families affected, nor the observations made by Mr Justice Hilliard during sentencing. Their calls for dignity, trust and care must now be translated into lasting change.

Today, representations have been made by the ICCM to several aligned Members of Parliament and to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, seeking support for meaningful reform. There appears to be growing consensus across government, the profession and the public that stronger regulation is needed. Words of sympathy are important, but this is now the time for decisive action.

The ICCM supports the introduction of regulation with real authority, backed by meaningful enforcement powers that hold to account those who operate outside the law and fail in their duty to the deceased and the bereaved. Families deserve nothing less.

Mathew Crawley,
Chief Executive, ICCM.

29/07/2026

The wonderful Windmills - Preparing Youngsters For The Death Of A Loved One have created and donated a postbox to us at Bradwell Crematorium.
You can send a card, write a letter or create a drawing for a loved one and post it into the postbox.
The postbox is in the Book of Remembrance Hall which is open everyday from 10am until 4pm.

Windmills Charity are a unique and dynamic charity providing support for youngsters who are experiencing the anticipated loss of a loved one. A referral can be made to them as soon as a terminal diagnosis is received or within 4 weeks of a sudden death happening.

15/07/2026

Keele Cemetery and Bradwell Crematorium have been awarded Green Flag status again!

03/07/2026

Today is National Bereaved Parents Day 💔

Today is National Bereaved Parents Day and we thank all those charities specialising in the support of bereaved parents nationwide.

Please see their website's for information and guidance on the vital help they offer.

Many of these organisations are run by those who have experienced the death of a child at any age, and The Compassionate Friends, UK offer outstanding peer support.

For signposting to other charities and support services, please see this dedicated page on our website:

https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/i-have-lost-a/child/

You are not alone

01/07/2026

We have submitted a planning application for a new pet crematorium service to be opened on the grounds of our crematorium at Bradwell 🐾🩷

Planning application submitted for a new pet crematorium 🐾

We’ve submitted plans to create a dedicated pet cremation service at Bradwell Crematorium, giving residents a local, respectful place to say goodbye to much‑loved pets.

The proposal includes an appointment‑only service, with carefully scheduled times to make sure there is no disruption to existing crematorium services.

It would offer individual cremations for a wide range of animals—from small birds and guinea pigs to large dogs—using separate equipment in a different area of the site.

If approved, the service will provide a compassionate, affordable option for families across our borough and nearby areas.

You can view the plans and share your comments as part of the consultation ⬇️

26/06/2026

All Funeral Directors are invited to take part in this important research study.

Exploring the Mental Health of The UK Funeral Profession

We are supporting a study from the University of Portsmouth into the Exploring the Mental Health of The UK Funeral Profession and would welcome support from members in circulating the information to places where funeral directors may congregate (i.e., in a vestry or FD waiting room) for them to voluntarily participate.

You can download the image and print it, or for further information about the survey, visit https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/portsmouth/exploring-the-mental-health-of-the-uk-funeral-profession

08/06/2026

6-14 June 2026 is the NFCF National Cemeteries Week and Love Your Burial Ground Week with Churches Count on Nature.

This week celebrates the important work being done in burial grounds and the positive impact that these spaces have on communities and well-being.

Burial grounds are meaningful places of reflection and tranquility and spaces that are rich in wildlife and natural habitats.

We are proud of our borough cemeteries and crematorium grounds and the positive and impactful spaces that they provide.

05/05/2026

This week is Dying Matters Week and the theme is 'Let's talk about death and dying.'

Death, dying and bereavement affects us all ❤️

For information, resources and to find out what's on near you please visit Hospice UK

There are a number of reasons why we find talking about death and dying difficult. It could be fear of saying the wrong thing, or of hurting someone’s feelings. At Dying Matters we want to start these conversations.

This year's Dying Matters Awareness theme is 'Let's talk about death and dying'.

Head over to our Dying Matters account, where every day we'll be sharing our Top Talking Tips for starting conversations about death and dying, breaking down the taboos and opening up the dialogue.

Because talking about Dying Matters.

20/04/2026

Well done Marcus and David!

It’s been another positive couple of days out on the road, celebrating professional achievement across the sector.

Yesterday, we visited South Lincolnshire Crematorium where James Gammons successfully passed his CTTS. A fantastic accomplishment, supported by his mentor, Chloe Martin.

Today, we have been to Newcastle-under-Lyme to Bradwell Crematorium, where Marcus Stewart also achieved his CTTS, with guidance from his mentor, David Banks.

These visits are always a reminder of the commitment, professionalism, and high standards that continue to shape crematorium services across the UK. The role of mentors is vital in developing confidence and competence, and it’s great to see that support in action.

Congratulations to James and Marcus on their success, and thank you to Chloe and David for their dedication to supporting the next generation of professionals.