As global market leader in the fields of design, construction and maintenance of cremators and incineration equipment, FT (Facultatieve Technologies) attended the Tanexpo in Bologna (Italy) from 5 through 7 April. Professionals from 55 countries attended this trade fair, held once every two years.

At our stand, we informed many customers and interested parties about the latest state-of-the-art technologies and possibilities.

The Mount Pleasant Group was founded in Canada in 1826 and owns cemeteries and crematoria as well as mausoleums in the ‘Greater Toronto Area’.  As such, Mount Pleasant is a leading force when it comes to care for the bereaved, innovation in technology & services and sustainability. Based on those starting points, and after months of research, Mount Pleasant opted for FT several years ago.

FT has now replaced the systems in all four of the Mount Pleasant crematoria in the Greater Toronto area to the company’s full satisfaction. In The Mount Pleasant Group Annual Review 2017, Mount Pleasant talks with pride about how it is not only using 50% less gas, but now also meets the most stringent environmental legislation – all thanks to the systems of FT. And we at FT are proud of that too. Click here.

As global market leader in the fields of design, construction and maintenance of cremators and incineration equipment, Facultatieve Technologies (FT) did, of course, attend the bi-annual Funéraire trade fair in Paris (le Bourget) from 23 to 25 November this year.

With its light and spacious stand, FT pulled in the biggest crowds at the Funéraire 2017, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. At our stand, we informed many customers and interested parties about the latest state-of-the-art technologies and possibilities.

On 16 November, De Boskamp Funeral Centre & Crematorium organised an Open Evening. Everyone had been invited to come and many people accepted that invitation: it was a busy evening.

Very diverse company
On arrival, visitors were offered tea or coffee and a delicacy. They were then divided into groups and given a guided tour of the building, visiting all the rooms. Naturally, everyone was given the opportunity to ask questions. “It was an extremely diverse range of visitors, from young to old”, says Sietse de Vries, the site manager. “And they were here for various different reasons. Out of curiosity, for instance, but also because some of them were actually dealing with the organisation of a funeral. We received a lot of questions, which is always pleasant to us. It allows us to tell them about how we work, about the building and all the possibilities. People were highly impressed and that’s always a joy to see.”

On 02 November, Westerveld organised a special memorial evening. Hundreds of candles, torches and lanterns lit up the memorial park and, as they arrived, each of the visitors (approximately 5,000) were given a candle that they could leave in a special place. Reactions were extremely positive.

The lit route through the park led them along poems, music and a wall of flowers for memorial cards. Benches had been placed around intimate campfires in various places, allowing visitors to find some peace and quiet. A separate stand had been set up for children where they could decorate candles and where they could plant flower bulbs in a special area of heart-shaped soil.

Group reflection
Visitors were impressed by the atmosphere. “The park’s so beautifully lit, it’s almost like a fairy tale. It gives you a warm feeling, even though we’re here because of sad events. And reflecting with your family and others, people you don’t know but who are here for the same reason, it just feels nice”, one of the visitors said.

Voor wie steek jij een kaarsje op?
During the memorial evening at Westerveld, live recordings were made for the KRO-NCRV TV show ‘Voor wie steek jij een kaarsje op?’ (who will you light a candle for?). During the broadcast – which was presented by Anita Witzier – the focus was on reflection. People told stories about their deceased loved ones. A map of the Netherlands had been placed in an open spot in the park where people left candles and in the crematorium’s inner courtyard, Pearl, Karin Bloemen and Jamai performed comforting songs. You can watch the show here: https://www.kro-ncrv.nl/voorwiesteekjijeenkaarsjeop/seizoenen/seizoen-2017/voor-wie-steek-jij-een-kaarsje-op

Early in September, Niederrhein Willich Crematorium organised a regional meeting for funeral service providers from all around Willich. Many service providers were curious about the various options available at the crematorium so this informal meeting was, with more than 90 visitors, very well attended.

The guests were treated to a detailed guided tour of the monumental crematorium. Of course, the visit included an opportunity to look around the cremation area, where they were given an explanation of the environmentally-friendly system. Reactions were extremely positive. After the guided tour, the guests had the opportunity to talk with each other and the crematorium staff, whilst enjoying varied dishes and drinks.

Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium held the ‘Westerveld Fair’ for the second time on Sunday 11 June. Hundreds of people visited the attractive outdoor fair on this sunny Sunday. Many positive comments could be heard from both visitors and exhibitors.

Art & Nature
There was a wide variety of exhibitors at the Fair displaying and talking about their products and services covering art, crafts and nature. “Really nice to experience the park in a completely different way. It’s really beautiful here amongst all the greenery. There were special works of art to enjoy and even buy if you wanted, just as with the many different plants, herbs and flowers. It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!”, according to one of the visitors.

Times gone by
There was also a chapel outside where the visitors could listen to music and enjoy short stage plays. The ‘tribune’ proved to be popular, because that is where Jan Jacob Slauerhoff, Frits Portielje and Heintje and Louis Davids told interesting stories about their past and the links they have with Westerveld memorial park. Marsmelody provided live music and a falconer was present with beautiful birds of prey and owls. “We organized the Fair so that people could become pleasantly acquainted with our memorial park”, said Carla Bosua, director of Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium, “and it’s been a great success. The lovely products shown by the exhibitors, the performances, the catering and of course the fantastic weather all helped to create a really pleasant atmosphere.”