A local celebrant has reopened a Grade II listed chapel in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, as rentable space for funeral services.

Kate Moran has worked as a celebrant across Staffordshire and Cheshire for around two years and she has reopened The Old Chapel with the aim of offering families more time with their loved one. 

The chapel, on Etruria Old Road, was built in 1820 by Jesse Shirley but closed in 1996, only reopening for select funerals, the last of which was in 2006. 

The chapel was last used for a funeral service in 2006 (Sarah Garner).

Kate told Stoke Nub News: "What I find is that families sometimes need a bit more time than what you're offered at other crematoriums in the area. 

"You're often given thirty or forty minutes for the funeral service and an extra fifteen minutes can cost up to £200. 

"I don't think it's fair and I think families should have all the time they need with the person that's died - I wanted to change that so I started looking for premises to set up a chapel."

Kate will also not be charging extra for media to be played during the service (Sarah Garner).

The former Methodist Church was bought by a local architect in 2018 and the space was completely refurbished.

Now, the venue is complete with an organ which is one of only two in the UK, underfloor heating and traditional stained glass windows. 

Kate said: "To talk about someone's life and for family members to give tributes, you're just not given enough time. 

"The space will be available for no more than three services a day so you get a full hour in the chapel and I'll also be offering evening and weekend services."

The grand opening day will be on 22 April (Sarah Garner).

Kate will also be offering tea and coffee in the chapel to allow families to enjoy a hot drink with their loved one after the service. 

The chapel is now available for bookings, but Kate is offering people the opportunity to view the venue on their grand opening day on 22 April. 

To find out more about The Old Chapel Etruria, visit their Facebook page. 

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