Introducing Sacred Stones

Every now and again I meet a person who I genuinely believe is creating something that is going to change the way that people thing about death, and also deal with the grief of losing a loved one. 

Toby Angel, MD of Sacred Stones is one such person.

Toby and his team at Sacred Stones are responsible for the UK's first Long and Round Barrows in circa 5,000 years.

Having reestablished this tradition they are nurturing a community need to celebrate life in intimate hand-crafted monuments. As secular venues they welcome everyone in the community.

They now have four barrow sites secured, three of which are in operation, and an additional eight identified. Toby is proud to be carving a old, yet new tradition across the country.

Over to Toby to introduce himself....

Observing social change isn't terribly easy. Certainly not when it comes to sensitive subjects, dare I suggest 'social taboos'.

It is thought that Brit's don’t do death very well, so say the Irish who are renounced for 'life celebrations' and embrace this key ritual.

That being said at Sacred Stones we've been privileged to observe fundamental change. A change that recognises one inevitable fact, and life-ritual we will all experience. Death.

Everyone’s hopes for resting in peace are a little different. Willow Row Barrow is a hand-crafted stone long barrow that’s tucked away in the heart of the Cambridgshire countryside.

It’s a secular location. It’s a very special place, where family and friends can come together here, sharing their memories of someone’s life exactly the way they want to.

There are no rules about religion or ritual, which songs you may sing, or how loudly you may laugh or cry. We let wild flowers grow here. There’s a gentle light, night and day.

If you acknowledge how many people don't write wills, or letters of wishes you'd agree with the premise 'we don't prepare for the inevitable'. 

We humbly suggest that the Brit's 'are doing death'. Of our custom to date, 65% are buying niches (for their families cremation ashes) 'pre-need'. By this we mean, they are planning. 

Our sites are secular, welcoming all. There's no prescription. No clock-watching, no awkward glances in the carpark. There is a deep sense of spirituality. 

Oh and by the way, no charge for your service, take all day if you need. Bring a band, your dog, a picnic. This is your ritual, ungoverned by father time.

Toby

 www.sacredstones.co.uk