A different kind of crematorium is offering families in north Essex more time, space and choice when saying goodbye to loved ones.
Dunmow Crematorium, set in a farm setting in the heart of the Essex countryside, was built by fourth-generation funeral director David Walsh and his family four years ago.
Designed to move away from what David describes as the “production line” feel of many traditional crematoria, the site offers longer gaps between services, on-site wake facilities and peaceful views across open fields.
“We decided that crematoriums don’t really give enough time to people,” said David. “Everything’s a rush, and it’s like a bit of a production line. You get lots of people coming and going. We wanted to change that.”
The idea was sparked during a conversation with the local authority. “We suggested building an extra crematorium might help,” he explained. “Somebody from the council said, ‘How would you like one in your back garden?’ That gave me a bit of an idea.”
From there, the Walsh family applied for planning permission and built the crematorium themselves, drawing on decades of experience as both builders and funeral directors.
The family has served the Dunmow area for more than 100 years, with the business originally established by David’s grandfather in 1932.
Today, David and his wife Liz — who have been married for 36 years — run the crematorium alongside their children, including Mollie, Harvey and Alfie, as well as extended family members.
“It’s very much a family business,” David said. “A lot of funeral businesses claim to be family run and perhaps they’re not. It’s nice to be genuine family funeral directors. It’s a big honour.”
The chapel seats 178 people, with additional space available in the adjacent Chapel Barn for larger services. Modern audio-visual systems allow families to personalise ceremonies, and a wake venue on site means mourners can gather without feeling hurried.
“We now have two hours between services,” David added. “We give people lots of time. It’s made it a much more relaxed process and generally helps people.”
Set among trees and natural landscaping, the crematorium also features modern environmental systems, including a full abatement filter to minimise emissions.
For David, the focus is not just on business, but community.
“We’re part of the community,” he said. “We have coffee mornings, a carol service at Christmas — it’s more important than being a business really. It’s about being part of everything.
“Giving people choices to deal with some of the hardest days in life is what it is all about.”
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