I was extremely distraught with the behaviour of the crematorium consultant Sarah barnet, when I came to collect my mom's ashes as if it's not difficult enough having to do that.
I was met with a very unprofessional greeting, there was no one there so me and a friend waited and Sarah came through the door out of breath and said "sorry I've just come from a burial,ha ha ha" I was so stunned I couldn't speak as I'd break down, incredibly disrespectful to whomever she had performed a burial for.
I was already in a state of shock but collecting my mums ashes was like conducting a transaction at a shop,no empathy or condolences,didn't seat me or speak much or explain what I would have my mum delivered in on phone or in person,as someone grieving and not understanding anything or being able to consider what to ask it was hard to be met with such indifference.she just got my mum's ashes out of a cupboard! Like storing a file or something. Got me to sign some paper work and I asked what she was in she showed me and I said "is that it,she's just in paper bag,I was visibly upset and she just said "yes" no explanation or reassurance or offer for any other option! Again I was too shocked to comment but the whole thing felt like a cold indifferent transaction.i left and cried my eyes out on the grounds as I couldn't drive home I was so upset.
I called another crematorium who was kind enough to explain the paper bag and why it is given in such a way,his whole tone was lovely and kind and he offered to transfer my mom's ashes to an urn I bought myself for no charge as he felt terrible for how I had been treated.
Sarah Anwar, 6 September 2025