New premises for 4th-gen firm
After 110 years of trading from their original premises in Bickington, Devon, W S Gayton & Son has created purpose-built premises at Pickett Meadow, a piece of land which has been in the family portfolio for 40 years.
“The location was the obvious choice for us,” says David Gayton, great-grandson of the company founder, William Samuel Gayton. “Our vision was to have a purpose-built funeral home in its own landscaped gardens.”
W S Gayton, Pickett Meadow has an open plan reception area, three family meeting rooms, family cloakrooms and a chapel which has a view of the landscaped gardens and pond. Staff have their own soundproof offices and an admin and filing room leads to a staff room, kitchen, staff shower and changing rooms.
A separate area has been allocated for cremated remains storage along with coffin store, workshop, and final preparation room.
The chill room will accommodate more than 60 cases with a further deep freeze facility. The treatment and embalming room has roll on, roll off tables, auto sluice, stainless steel cabinets private toilet, shower, and electronic hoist.
Outdoors has been planned meticulously, too. Pickett Meadow has five hearse and limousine garages with an indoor wash bay.
Within the landscaped gardens there is a private car park for visitors and a staff and deliveries car park is at the rear, along with Picket Lodge bungalow where a full-time member of staff lives with his family.
Tags: Bickington, David Gayton, Devon, Pickett Meadow, premises, W S Gayton & Son