The Columbaria Company - Bringing cemeteries and crematoria to life
07/08/2026
‘’I was humbled to attend the funeral service yesterday for a friend and customer Kevin Watkins from Southend.
It was my first requiem mass and I found the entire service so peaceful. The incredible turnout showed just how many lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.’’
Peter Roper – Manager
06/08/2026
Today, we remember our dear friend and valued customer, Kevin Watkins from Southend Crematorium.
Our team has worn red at the request of his family, although we couldn't be there in person to pay our respects, we wanted to show our support.
We are thinking of Kevin's wife, Sarah, his daughters, Charlotte and Sophie, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace Kevin, you will be fondly remembered.
From everyone at The Columbaria Company, we send our heartfelt condolences.
31/07/2026
We hope everyone has managed to stay cool during this weeks heat wave. We certainly did after being treated to a delicious ice cream earlier in the week! ☀️😎🍦
For the past 30 years, I've worked in the bereavement industry. During that time, life has given me so many precious moments—I’ve bought two houses, found my soulmate, raised my beautiful girls, and become a proud Nana.
Life has also brought heartbreak.
I lost my Mum to breast cancer when I was just 26. She was only 46. My eldest daughter was just 17 months old, and Mum had always been the person I turned to for advice on raising her. Losing her at such a young age was the most emotional and difficult experience of my life.
Then, just over 20 years later, I lost my Dad to cancer. He was only 67. Losing him was another devastating chapter, as he was the last remaining link to my childhood.
Both of my parents were taken far too young.
When my Mum passed away, we placed her ashes in a Sanctum 2000 with a granite plaque. Although Mum and Dad divorced when I was a teenager, they remained good friends throughout their lives.
When Dad passed away, my sisters and I felt it was only right that they should be reunited, so we placed his ashes with Mum's in the same Sanctum 2000 and replaced the plaque with a beautiful new porcelain one.
As a family, we're so pleased with how it looks. More importantly, it feels like a fitting tribute to two people who meant the world to us.
What do you think of the new plaque? ❤️
13/07/2026
UPDATE - Our Team have recently donated to MacMillan Cancer Support and Queens Centre Oncology Department at Castle Hill Hospital, Hull after the Beverley 20 which they completed on the 16th May 2026.
MacMillan Cancer Support received £630.
Queens Centre Oncology Department at Castle Hill Hospital received 3 Parasols (which the Oncology department wanted for their patients so that they can go outside whilst receiving cancer treatment), we also donated care packages and some gifts for the hospital staff - Total £630.
Total raised for the 2 charities - £1260
Well done to all our team who took part in the sponsored walk!
03/07/2026
Who's staying up for the England game on Monday morning?
We'll be cheering the team on every step of the way as they take on Mexico. Come on England bring it home! 🦁⚽
23/06/2026
We’re all set up at CBCE (Cremation & Burial Communication & Education)
We look forward to catching up with new and existing customers and showcasing some of the exciting new products we’ll be launching.
19/06/2026
We are packing up the van with all our newest products ready for the CBCE next week. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
19/06/2026
The Father's Day post box is now open at Priory Woods Cemetery and is free to use and gives the opportunity to send a personal message to Dads that are no longer with us❤️
Biodegradable paper and envelopes will be displayed alongside the post box this weekend or visitors can post their own small cards.
The post box is located within the Memory Garden behind the visitor centre and the Father's Day front will remain in place until Monday 29 June🕊️