The ICCM Journal | Summer 2021 | V89 No. 2
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Henley Town council unveils new columbarium Following a conversion and major refurbishment of the chapel the columbarium is reopened On 22 March at 2pm at a socially distanced ceremony, Mayor Ken Arlett will formally unveil the columbarium – opening a new chapter for the Grade II Listed Fairmile cemetery chapel. From April 2021 Henley-on-Thames Town Council will offer a service leasing columbarium niches for the interment of ashes at the Grade II Listed non-conformist Chapel at Fairmile Cemetery. A columbarium is a structure designed to hold cremation urns. The term derives from the Latin word for dove (columba). Traditionally, doves denote peace. This symbolism will not be lost on those who enter this space of quiet contemplation and reverence. The interment of ashes in columbaria is popular in Europe and is becoming more prevalent in the UK as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to a traditional burial. The columbarium lies inside the council’s Grade II Listed non-conformist chapel, one of a pair of listed Victorian chapels at the Fairmile cemetery and comprises hand-crafted hardwood cabinets holding glass-fronted niches. Each niche has its own soft interior lighting. There is a designated seating area in the chapel for quiet contemplation. Ashes from any denomination of the Christian faith, or other faiths, can be placed here. Henley town council’s columbarium meets the needs of families who would prefer to have the ashes of their loved ones rest in a visible and sheltered niche rather than in the main cemetery or elsewhere. Niches are of varying sizes and can accommodate up to 4 urns. They can be leased for a 20-year period. This lease can be renewed at the end of its term. The columbarium is the result of careful deliberation by Town Councillors, who were keen to restore and repurpose this remarkable building. The ambitious refurbishment project began in the Spring of 2020. Features including the transept screen, Victorian fireplace, distinctive chequered tile floor, the tiled beamed roof, wall plastering, downpipes and guttering have been retained and lovingly restored to their solemn Victorian splendour by restoration experts Universal Stone Limited. The project was managed by Listed Building specialist architects, West Waddy APT. The restored chapel has a secure-access system allowing families to visit the chapel as they wish during cemetery visiting hours. Visitors will of course also have access to the whole cemetery with its views over open fields in the South Oxfordshire area of outstanding natural beauty. The cost of a single niche, for a period of 20 years is £1,300 and £1,800 for a larger niche (including VAT). For non-Henley residents there is a sliding scale of up to three times these charges. This is in line with our policy for all burials at the Fairmile cemetery. Mayor of Henley, Councillor Ken Arlett adds, “This has been a major undertaking – its completion heralds a new chapter for this rather lovely building. This council service is unlike anything else offered in the region by any other public sector body. We are an innovative and resourceful council, and we were keen that the chapel was not only restored, but that it was given a new purpose and meaning for the people of Henley. Naomi Hutchinson n.hutchinson@henleytowncouncil.gov.uk
