Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we face in our lives, and we understand the need to celebrate their lives in a respectful, dignified, and sensitive way. In the UK, around 75% of people are cremated, leaving family, friends or next-of-kin with the question of where to scatter their loved one’s ashes. That’s a big decision to make. Would the person want their ashes scattering ceremony in a place that they felt a personal connection to? And is it a place where family members and friends can visit freely at any point?

When planning to scatter the ashes of a much-loved family member or friend it’s important to choose somewhere you’re not going to be disturbed. A place where they’ve felt at peace and happy.

Even if you’ve chosen to bury your loved one at a family grave, on private land, in a churchyard, cemetery or on a natural burial ground, choosing the right place to share memories after a funeral can be difficult.

For many people living in Shrewsbury and Shropshire, the River Severn has served as a focal point of their lives.

They may have grown up along Sabrina’s banks, splashing in the river, or spent the weekends fishing in the Severn.

Some may have raised their children, enjoying summer evenings in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park. Perhaps they have spent their life admiring the beautiful views, animals and fauna.

It makes sense that this is where people want to remember them at their happiest, most peaceful moments at a meaningful place to them.

The Sabrina welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs. We aim to create a calm and sensitive environment for your ceremony, whether it be religious, humanist or a celebration of life.

Priests, Ministers, religious officiants or celebrants are more than welcome on board, and guests are invited to use our sound system to play hymns, songs or prayers. We ask customers to provide an audio file or Spotify playlist 24-hours before the event.

Table service is also available for refreshments.

During our ashes scattering ceremonies, our main focus is to make the whole experience as comfortable as possible for all on board, from small intimate ceremonies to parties of up to 45.

During your private charter, our staff will take a step back to allow you to perform your scattering ashes ceremony but will be on hand at all times if needed.

Floral tributes, biodegradable urns and divas are permitted, however, we ask that all metal and plastic is removed to prevent any damage to the ecosystem – for the same reason, plastic bags and urns, as well as cardboard ashes scattering tubes cannot be placed in the water, however, we can take care of these for you.

We understand that this can be an incredibly difficult time for family members and friends of the deceased, but there is a range of national and local specialist agencies who can help during this difficult time, please see below for a selection of organisations who can help.

The experienced Bereavement Care team at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust provides a caring and compassionate service, offering support and reassurance, information and guidance.

AtaLoss provides the UK’s signposting website for the bereaved. We provide a directory of searchable and verified bereavement support services, both nationally and locally.

Support families following the bereavement of a child with emotional support, practical information and guidance.

CALM runs a free, confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a webchat service, offering help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.

Andy’s Man Club is “a talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues and problems they have faced or are currently facing.