REDDITCH Crematorium has played a starring role in a BBC Radio 4 documentary.
The Design Dimension, presented by Tom Dyckhoff and broadcast on Tuesday dealt with ‘Death by Design’ which considered the innovative way the heat from the crematorium heated the swimming pool at the Abbey Stadium.
Tom, who also presents ‘The Great British Interior Design Challenge’ on TV, was so enthusiastic about the project he even pulled on his trunks for a dip in the pool – only to discover he’d forgotten to bring his towel.
During the show, which is still available on the BBC at http://bbc.in/1YrDPz5 Tom discovered how the cremator heats up to more than 700 degrees celsius in a process that although ‘industrial’ is carried out with great dignity.
“As always, when we show people around the crematorium and its workings, we are able to change perceptions of ‘what goes on’ and they leave feeling content that their loved ones will be treated with respect and dignity whoever they are and whatever their means,” said Michael Birkinshaw, the council’s Bereavement Services Manager whom Tom interviewed.
“I am pleased that this was portrayed by the BBC who spent a few hours with us during which they were able to witness a cremation from the arrival at the chapel through to the removal and storage of the ashes from the cremator.
“They also visited the Abbey Stadium where the pool is heating by using waste energy from the cremators – a innovative and award-winning move.
“We are very proud of our crematorium and the service it offers people from across the borough, county and beyond so I hope following this radio programme, our residents can be proud too.”
