Crematorium operator nominates Katharine House as their chosen local charity

21 October 2025

Memoria’s mission is to provide exceptional standards of service, facility and products to the bereaved families that use its funeral directing services, crematoria, cemetery gardens of remembrance or prepaid funeral plans.  They have 14 sites across the UK. 

Their north Oxfordshire site is at North Oxfordshire Memorial Park and Crematorium near Tackley. The site opened in October 2020 and offers cremation and natural burials, all set in a beautifully located park with manicured gardens and restful country views.

Their partnership with Katharine House started in August 2024, as part of their work with the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme. The scheme recycles metals recovered during cremation, with family consent, in partnership with Orthometals, donating proceeds to bereavement charities. Each local branch can now choose their own local charity, where previously it was split between a national and a local charity. 

Site Manager, Vanessa Moor, said, “We are incredibly proud to select Katharine House Hospice as the beneficiary of our ICCM Charity Partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity. 

“Based just 12 miles away in Adderbury, Katharine House provides specialist palliative care for adults with a life-limiting illness across north Oxfordshire and south Northamptonshire. They truly make every moment matter for their patients and families, whether at home, in the hospital, or at their hospice. 

“The moment you walk through the doors, you feel loved and embraced. There is a genuine warmth from everyone who works there; they care so much, showing deep compassion and understanding. 

“By choosing Katharine House Hospice, we can help give back to a cause that touches so many lives and help secure the future of this incredible local service.” 

“Katharine House is a lifeline for our community. They ensure their patients and their loved ones are treated with compassion, dignity and respect during the most difficult times. So many of our families have benefited from the hospice’s support and speak highly of the charity.” Vanessa Moor, Site Manager, North Oxfordshire Memorial Park and Crematorium

As well as proceeds from the metals recycling scheme, the north Oxfordshire team went on to support the hospice with a collection at their Christmas Remembrance Service and hosted a Katharine House representative at their User Panel Group meeting, where they presented a cheque to the charity. 

The team also plan to volunteer at the hospice’s annual Lights of Love service, after attending last year and finding it a beautiful and moving event.  

Sue Blank, Corporate Engagement Officer at Katharine House Hospice, said, “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s support for another year. Since August 2024, the team have donated £10,982, which helps ensure we can continue to operate our vital services at the hospice. We’re very much looking forward to being their sole charity partner.” 

Memoria confirmed that a further £10,000 will be donated to Katharine House in November 2025, as part of the ICCM Charity Partnership.