Sponsored Editorial

Herne Bay Crematorium opened in November 2023 to serve the communities in and around Herne Bay, Whitstable and Thanet.

It has been developed by Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 39 other sites across England, Scotland and Wales.

All Westerleigh Group’s facilities are set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance, which provide pleasant, peaceful, places for people to visit.

Westerleigh Group has built a reputation on providing exceptional care to those it works with, supporting the bereaved in creating uniquely personal funerals for their loved ones.

That support doesn’t end when the funeral ends either, as there are many ways in which the crematoria can help people create lasting memorials to those they have lost.

The exceptional care that Westerleigh Group is renowned for is delivered by a dedicated team of caring professionals and the team at Herne Bay is looking forward to meeting and talking to anyone who’s recently lost a loved one, whether is to arrange a visit prior to their loved one’s service or to discuss ways in which to honour their life.

James Brown, Herne Bay Crematorium Manager

James joined the funeral sector in 2012 after finishing university, as a chapel organist at both Charing and Barham Crematoria, both of which are part of Westerleigh Group.

In August 2016 he joined the team full-time at Barham as a crematorium assistant and then transferred to Charing in 2019 as assistant manager. In July 2022, he stepped up to become Charing site manager and then, in November 2023, was appointed as the first manager of Herne Bay Crematorium.

Outside of work, he still enjoys playing the church organ for services in and around Kent, as well as directing the Faversham Choral Society. He also coaches the Under-9s team at Ashford Rugby Club.

Marie Hamilton, Crematorium Assistant

Marie joined the funeral sector in October 2023 after spending 15 years as a Metropolitan Police detective, during which time she spent five years as a Family Liaison Officer, which equipped her with experience and skills she is now able to use in her role at Herne Bay Crematorium.

Marie is passionate about, and dedicated, to, providing a high-quality service for the families who choose Westerleigh, delivering that service with dignity and respect.

Away from work, Marie enjoys walking along the coastline with her dog, swimming and spending time with family and friends.

Damien Corlett-Oates, Crematorium Assistant

Damien joined the funeral sector in 2020 after experiencing the passing of his father. He started out as a funeral operative for a local independent Funeral Director and, in 2021, was given the opportunity to become a Funeral Director himself.

He joined Westerleigh Group in 2023, and is excited to bring his experience to the 40th site to be part of the group.

Outside work, Damien enjoys being part of his local church, getting lost in a good book, and watching football and rugby.

Find out more about Herne Bay Crematorium and the exceptional care and support offered by James and his team by visiting: www.hernebaycrematorium.co.uk