Wakefield Council as the Cremation Authority, is a member of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities and adheres strictly to the Federation's code of cremation practice.
Pontefract Crematorium was opened in 1959 and covers an area of 7.5 acres (approximately) and Wakefield Crematorium, which opened two years later, in 1961 covers approximately 7 acres. A visit to the crematoria today shows that the original concept of siting them in peaceful and tranquil surroundings has obviously been achieved.
An Electronic Book of Remembrance is available at Pontefract Crematoria. This is housed in a touchscreen cabinet and displays scanned copies of all pages in the Pontefract Crematorium Books of Remembrance. Information is also provided on the range of memorials available and a video shows memorial entries being carefully inscribed by highly skilled calligraphers and artists.
Visitors can search the electronic Book of Remembrance and view:
- individual memorial entries by day and month
- entries can be enlarged for easier viewing
- different memorials available at cemeteries and crematoria e.g. rose tree
- a short video showing the work involved in producing a memorial entry - both calligraphy and artwork
Opening times at Pontefract and Wakefield Crematoria for the Crematoria Chapels and the Books of Remembrance are:
| Day |
Opening Hours |
| Monday - Friday |
9.00 am - 4.30 pm |
| Saturday |
9.00 am - 12.00 noon |
| Sunday |
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm |
| Public and Bank Holidays |
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm |
