Civic leaders from Bexley, Dartford and Greenwich came together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Eltham Crematorium with a commemorative tree planting.

Representatives from Bexley, Dartford and Greenwich came together on Thursday, 16 July, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Eltham Crematorium. 

The Deputy Mayor of Bexley, the Mayor of Greenwich and the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE, took part in a commemorative tree-planting to mark the occasion.

The anniversary also provided an opportunity to thank the crematorium team for the care, professionalism and compassion they show to bereaved families during some of life's most difficult moments.

Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley and Chair of the Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee, said: 

Eltham Crematorium has supported generations of families across Bexley, Dartford and Greenwich with compassion, dignity and professionalism. Reaching 70 years of service is a significant milestone and it was a privilege to join colleagues from our neighbouring Boroughs in recognising the dedication of the staff, whose care and commitment make such a difference to people at the most difficult times in their lives. The commemorative tree will stand as a lasting reminder of this important anniversary, the partnership between our three Boroughs and the services and support provided to our communities."

Councillor Richard Wells, Dartford Council said:

We are very fortunate to have Eltham Crematorium supporting our community and the long-standing association between Dartford, Bexley and Greenwich boroughs with the Crematorium is one that we can be very proud of. Everyone who has visited the Crematorium will be well aware of the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the staff, and the achievement of this anniversary is a tribute to them.”

Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, Mayor of Dartford, said: 

As Mayor of Dartford, I was honoured to take part in the tree planting to commemorate 70 years of service at Eltham Crematorium. For seven decades, the crematorium has provided a place of dignity, remembrance and comfort for countless families across our communities. The anniversary was a wonderful opportunity to thank the dedicated staff whose professionalism and compassion make such a difference to bereaved families and to celebrate the strong partnership between Dartford, Bexley and Greenwich that continues to support this valued service.”

Councillor David Gardner, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: 

Eltham Crematorium holds a special place in the lives of our communities. For many families, it is somewhere they come to remember loved ones, reflect on cherished memories and find comfort at difficult times. Marking this 70-year milestone is an opportunity to recognise the important role the crematorium continues to play in helping people honour and celebrate the lives of those they have lost."