Business Profile
Acorn Ridge: Special resting place for your loved ones
13th March 2008
Shepherdess turned entrepreneur Sadie Lynes is far from your typical businesswoman and is the driving force behind a number of different companies, including the Christmas tree wholesale company Jadecliff and Acorn Ridge – the truly natural alternative to conventional burial.
Newbury Business Today met with Sadie Lynes at Acorn Ridge, near Hamstead Marshall, and, to begin with, all we did was listen to the skylarks as we stood gazing across at Beacon Hill and Watership Down in the distance. Without a word of explanation, it was clear why so many families choose this idyllic spot for the final resting place of their loved ones.
“Originally we were approached by someone interested in setting up this kind of service, however that never came to anything. I then had to attend several funerals and was disturbed by the conveyor belt approach that left families rushed to make way for the next funeral,” explained Sadie.
“We had already learned so much about what was involved and became convinced that this was something we should do. It has been a challenge, but we have been interring at Acorn Ridge for three-and-a-half years now and buried over 70 people.
“Acorn Ridge is a stroll in the country. You can take your dog for a walk here, bring a picnic – it is everything that traditional burials are not. It isn’t about the concept of the Victorian mausoleum, it’s about celebrating life and letting go, moving on. Acorn Ridge is so beautiful and so peaceful, it is the perfect place to achieve that.
“So far we have only ever had to have one funeral in a day, so there is no rush. People can take as long as they like and the most we would allow is two funerals in a day, spaced with one in the morning and one in the afternoon. People should not be hurried.
“We mark the graves with stone tablets, memorial trees have been planted and there are benches which are perfect places to pause and marvel at the view.”
Peter Cox, from Camp Hopson Funerals, offered his praise, commenting: “Acorn Ridge is a welcome alternative to the traditional burial options and very much an asset to have so close to us. It is well managed and has proved a popular choice with our clients.”
His colleague, Paul Harrison, added: “Set in beautiful countryside, Acorn Ridge is a peaceful place, ideal for the burial of a loved one. From the car park you look out on to a grassed area, which gently slopes down with a wonderful view across a valley.
“There is a possibility for families to plant memorial trees, the care of which is arranged by Acorn Ridge, and this adds to the peaceful appearance of the site.”
If further evidence were required about Sadie’s attitude to this truly alternative style of burial, it is the increasing number of local authorities that are approaching Sadie to act as a consultant, offering her experience and advice on how they could offer something similar as the traditional municipal sites run out of space. As Sadie explains: “We have something special at Acorn Ridge, and more and more people are discovering this.”
Acorn Ridge
Tel: 01635 255441
Fax: 01635 254018
Web: www.acornridge.co.uk
Email: info@acornridge.co.uk
Pictured, Acorn Ridge is a beautiful and peaceful location and a real alternative to traditional cemeteries.
