New Memorial Advisor at Wessex Vale Crematorium
The new Memorial Advisor at Wessex Vale Crematorium says she feels privileged to be able to help local families choose a lasting way to commemorate and remember their loved ones.
Vicky Fisher knew she wanted to work in the funeral industry since she was 15-years-old, but it was not a career path she followed straight away.
She said: “My paternal grandfather worked at Blackpool Cemetery and Crematorium and one of my uncles worked for the Institute of Cemeteries and Crematorium Management, but when I was younger, I did not feel it was the right time for me to pursue this path.
“I wanted to be an art and French teacher; either that, or a nurse, when I was much younger.”
After studying Information and Library Studies at the University of Wales, Vicky became a librarian for the London Borough of Havering and then Hampshire County Council.
She worked at Hampshire Record Office, then worked supporting homeless people, before becoming a funeral celebrant.
“One of the clients that I was a keyworker for passed away and had no family or next-of-kin. I asked my manager if I could say a few words at his funeral.
“My manager suggested I contact the funeral director concerned, which I did, and he asked me if I wanted to take the entire service, which I agreed to. After that, I looked into celebrancy as a career.
“I started taking services regularly at Wessex Vale Crematorium and West Berkshire Crematorium, both part of Westerleigh Group. Then this vacancy at Wessex Vale was brought to my attention, and things went from there.”
Wessex Vale Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
“My work involves discussing the many memorial options available for grieving families, to help them choose the most appropriate way for them to honour their loved one.
“We work hard to help provide families with memorials which are uniquely personal to them, which can help bring them comfort during such difficult times.
“I am also involved in community outreach, such as coffee mornings, open days, and memorial services, such as events for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Baby Loss Awareness Week.
“It is a privilege to meet with bereaved families and to help them choose a fitting memorial, and then support them through the process until the memorial is installed.
“I am part of an incredible team here. We all pull together to help and support each other and we have an excellent rapport.
“My manager is an inspiration to me, being very encouraging, proactive and supportive.
“Westerleigh Group as a whole is great to work for; they are really investing in me. Their value resonate with me and, likewise, with my colleagues.”
