Take a walk back through time at the Forge Mill Needle Museum, enjoy the glorious views at the Arrow Valley Visitor Centre, or walk through the woodland trails at Morton Stanley Park and celebrate the life of your loved one.
Hosting a wake in Redditch
A wake is an informal event that traditionally takes place after a funeral service and cremation or burial. It’s usually an informal event that involves family and friends gathering to share memories and celebrate the life of their loved one.
Traditionally, wakes would take place at someone’s home, or a community centre or pub, but they can take place anywhere. The people organising the wake may want to honour their loved one by holding the wake at a place that was special to them, such as at the grounds of their favourite football team, for example.
Also, although wakes usually take place directly after the funeral service, they can be held at any time. They can also be as structured or as informal as the organiser would like. Wake organisers have the freedom to host the event that’s right for them, their family and friends, and their loved one.
If you’re organising a wake in Redditch, there are plenty of unique venues where you can host the event in your own way, from a visit to the Forge Mill Needle Museum or a picnic and walk through Morton Stanley Park.
Find your funeral director in Redditch who will help you arrange a cremation and give you ideas for a wake, memorial or reception that’s right for you.
Famous wakes vary from all night events to not having one at all
Peter Stringfellow was a flamboyant nightclub owner in London who died in 2018. Following a low-key woodland burial, people organised an all night wake party at his club in Covent Garden.
Meanwhile David Bowie did not want a fuss and chose to have a direct cremation without a funeral or wake. These are ways people have shaped what happens after their loved one has died to reflect their character and wishes.
Forge Mill Needle Museum
If your loved one enjoyed local history or was involved in the needle and fishing tackle industry, then celebrate their life with a trip to the Forge Mill Needle Museum. Here you can see how needles were once made as part of one of the most unique museums in the country. The site is also home to the ruins of Bordesley Abbey which has been extensively excavated and you can now walk around the ruins.
Why not head there for the day and make the most of the historical sites? You can wander through your loved one’s favourite spots, share memories of your time and enjoy a picnic on one of the many benches dotted around the grounds.
Food is available on site and there are also group bookings and rooms that can be hired if you wish. There is also plenty of free parking and toilets to use so all your guests can arrive and enjoy the day. There is lots to do at the Forge Mill Needle Museum and is the ideal place to celebrate the life of your history-loving loved one.
Arrow Valley Visitor Centre
Situated in the Arrow Valley Park is the beautiful Visitor Centre, which is another excellent option for those looking for a unique wake in Redditch. The centre has a cafe with an outstanding view of the water. There’s no better place to take in these views and celebrate the life of your loved one. If they enjoyed visits to the park or centre, then it is a fitting place to pay tribute.
There is also space to hire the centre if you want to ensure that you have privacy. Be sure to contact the Visitor Centre directly for more information and accurate prices. The centre can also provide catering.
You can also leave the centre and walk through the beautiful park if you wish. If your loved one enjoyed nature, then this could be a fitting way to honour them. Why not walk along some of their favourite walks or sit in their usual spot in the Visitor Centre and take in the breathtaking views?
Morton Stanley Park
If your loved one enjoyed nature, you could celebrate their life at Morton Stanley Park. The stunning 95-acre park features rich ponds, orchards, wildflower meadows, and woodland walks that offer plenty of peace and serenity. You can walk your loved one’s favourite routes, share memories of your time or enjoy a picnic in one of the quieter areas of the park.
You and your loved one’s friends and family could bring an item of your loved one’s favourite food or drink and enjoy a picnic, sharing your favourite memories with them. Be sure to check the weather beforehand and take plenty of blankets and chairs to ensure that everyone is comfortable.
Why not enjoy the beautiful views the park has to offer that your loved one enjoyed so much? For those with children there are also play areas should they need some time to themselves too. Morton Stanley Park is a beautiful place to honour the life of your loved one.
Arrange a direct cremation
If you’d prefer to arrange a direct cremation, you can have a memorial at any time, anywhere you wish, perhaps at home or your loved one’s favourite pub.
Article reviewed