Ashes of loved ones can be pressed in vinyl records at New Forest Crematorium in New Milton

MOURNERS can get into the groove with an innovative way to remember their loved ones at a New Milton crematorium.

Vinyl records can now be pressed with a small amount of the deceased’s ashes, a service now available at New Forest Crematorium, off Stem Lane.

This is through a new partnership between owner Westerleigh Group and And Vinyly.

The bespoke mementoes can be pressed as several 7in or 12in records so family and friends can each have a lasting record of their loved one.

Personal messages or the person’s own soundtrack can feature or, if preferred, just the sound of silence with the pops and crackles of the record.

New Forest Crematorium manager Graeme Horobin said: “We are always looking to expand the range of memorial options available to the bereaved in order to give them the widest possible choice and help them to create uniquely personal memorials for their loved ones.

“What you receive is a real playable vinyl record containing around 18 minutes of audio on each side, along with a small amount of the ashes.

“And it is not only music that can form the soundtrack, many people choose to include recordings of special occasions or conversations with their loved one on the vinyl.”

People can also choose to design their own sleeve and label artwork, using And Vinyly’s templates.

Yorkshire-based music producer and music label owner Jason Leach launched the company in 2006.

He was inspired by reflections on mortality, which were strengthened by his mother starting work at a funeral directors.

“The first step is the collation of the content,” Mr Leach said.

“This can be collaborative and is, we have learned, often a cathartic experience, with friends and family contributing photographs and words, voicemails, answerphone messages and recordings of special times.

“Our partnership with Westerleigh Group will enable us to serve even more bereaved and help them create beautifully bespoke vinyl records which can be kept at home, played and cherished for generations.”

For more information visit newforestcrematorium.co.uk/ashes-in-vinyl