The annual competition, organised by the Confederation of Burial Authorities, is open to all British cemeteries, burial grounds, churchyards or crematoria.

After a series of unannounced visits by the competition judges, Masonhill Crematorium was named as one of four United Kingdom finalists, and representatives of the Council were invited to attend an award ceremony in Harrogate.

During their summary of the finalists the judges commented that “there have been some great improvements to Masonhill over the last few years. The site is welcoming, with colour and improved pathways around the Crematorium.”

Following the presentation of awards to the winners in each category, the judges announced the recipients of special awards, which were being made in recognition of outstanding achievement.

Masonhill Crematorium was announced as the winner of the award for ‘Most Improved’. The judges commented “This Crematorium has entered the competition before and has made constant improvements in line with feedback from judging. It was judged to be the most improved out of all the 47 entries in the 2005 competition. Congratulations to Masonhill Crematorium.”

On behalf of South Ayrshire Council, the Vice Convener of the Council’s Community Safety Committee, Councillor Ian Cavana accepted the award from the Mayor of Harrogate.

On his return to South Ayrshire, Councillor Cavana visited the Crematorium to congratulate staff, and handed over the award to allow it to be put on display, along with a plaque that commemorates the Crematorium reaching the finals of the competition in 2003.

He said: “I am delighted that Masonhill Crematorium has received such a prestigious award from the Confederation of Burial Authorities.

“With over 240 crematoria in the United Kingdom to reach the final is a feat in itself, but to be given a ‘Most Improved’ award is a great honour.

“The staff at the Crematorium are outstanding in the way in which they delivery a high quality service to clients who are bereaved and need a lot of support. The dedication and hard work of all the staff has once again brought them national recognition, and the Council is proud of the service they provide within South Ayrshire.”

Following feedback from the judges in the 2003 competition an improvement action plan was implemented, targeting key areas that the judges had said could be improved.

In particular the judges had commented that the pond and surrounding areas outside the Book of Remembrance Room were not to the same high standards as the rest of the facility.

This has been taken care of by the introduction of two fountains in the pond and the creation of a Zen garden next to the pond, to enable peaceful contemplation and remembrance. A new courtyard development has been created outside the Book of Remembrance Room, that includes a niche wall for the interment of remains, and a raised garden for memorial plaques.

The Book of Remembrance Room has been remodelled and an Electronic Book of Remembrance area has been installed. The design of the new floral display stands has been repeated outside in the courtyard development to link design themes, which seamlessly joins the two areas together.

Staff have organised a number of visits to the Crematorium by local groups, Round Table branches, hospital staff, General Practitioners and neighbouring local authority staff. The facilities are also available for members of the public to visit as part of the annual South Ayrshire ‘Open Doors’ initiative.

Within the Council’s website there is a bereavement section, which makes it easy for people to access information, at a time and place convenient to them. The information is displayed in a user-friendly manner and leads people easily to the information they require.

The website information is intended to complement, but not replace, the high standard of caring service already given by Council staff within the Registration and Bereavement Services Section.

Anyone who would like further information can access the website by logging on to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/registration-bereavement.

December 2005