Memoria, which operates Paisley’s Woodside Cemetery and Crematorium, has donated £17,000 to Erskine Veterans Charity to help support nearly 1,300 veterans each year.
The donation was presented at the Erskine Veterans Charity Garden of Reflection at Memoria Paisley Woodside after the garden was given a refresh ahead of the presentation.
The £17,000 was raised through the Memoria Group’s participation in the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management National Recycling of Metals Scheme.
Under the scheme, metals and orthopaedic implants are sensitively recovered following cremation with the consent of bereaved families.
Caitlin Brown, Corporate & Partnerships Fundraiser at Erskine Veterans Charity, accepted the donation on behalf of the charity and thanked everyone involved for their continued support of veterans and their families.
Stewart Walker, Manager of Memoria Paisley Woodside Memorial Park & Crematorium, said: “Memoria Paisley Woodside Memorial Park & Crematorium has been proudly serving the families of Paisley since 1845.
“In a year that marks the 110th anniversary of Erskine Veterans Charity, we see it as only fitting that we show our support to those who have served at the highest level. We are proud and honoured to make this donation and to help make sure Erskine is there when those who served us all may need it most.”
Erskine volunteer Ida Robertson said: “I love spending time in the Garden of Reflection, keeping the garden looking lovely, and, as I work, memories of my late husband are always with me. After my husband’s passing, the team from Paisley Woodside Cemetery and Crematorium took care of everything, and I can’t thank them enough. This is my way of saying thank you to them and of remembering my husband and all the Erskine veterans who have gone before.”
Sara Bannerman, Erskine Head of Fundraising and Communications, said: “We are delighted with the wonderful support we have once again received from Memoria Paisley Woodside Cemetery and Crematorium and thank everyone involved in the initiative who made the donation possible. The generous £17,000 donation will help us continue delivering vital care and support to veterans and their families across Scotland. We are honoured to welcome veterans and families to the dedicated Erskine Garden of Reflection, where they can visit and remember in such a beautifully peaceful place.”
Memoria is a private operator of crematoria and memorial parks across the UK. The group acquired Paisley Woodside Memorial Park and Crematorium in January 2023. Woodside Cemetery, in the west end of Paisley, dates back to 1845. Its crematorium opened in 1938. More information about Memoria Paisley Woodside is available at www.memoriapaisleywoodside.co.uk.
Erskine is Scotland’s leading provider of care for veterans and their spouses. Alongside its two care homes, the charity provides supported accommodation, assisted living apartments, veterans’ activity centres and a home support service for veterans and their families across Scotland.
Photo: Myren Berry, Chapel Attendant at Memoria Paisley Woodside, Erskine volunteer Ida Robertson, Craig Trench, Administrator at Memoria Paisley Woodside, Stewart Walker, Manager at Memoria Paisley Woodside, and Caitlin Brown, Corporate & Partnerships Fundraiser at Erskine Veterans Charity, at the Garden of Reflection following the presentation of a £17,000 donation to Erskine Veterans Charity
Photo Credit: Erskine Veterans Charity