Steve Orchard

The “invaluable contributions” of a chapel attendant whose dedication has supported thousands of bereaved families has been nominated for the Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Reading Buses.

For over 12 years, Steve Orchard has ensured every funeral at Reading Crematorium and Henley Road Cemetery has been run with dignity and respect.

“Steve does a job that gets very little recognition,” said the nominator. “He’s rarely seen and rarely noticed, but he makes a huge impact.”

Whether assisting funeral directors from across the country, supporting clergy and celebrants, or helping families find their loved one’s grave, Steve is described as an invaluable source of knowledge and reassurance.

“He’s a huge help to funeral directors, ensuring every service runs smoothly,” the nominator added. “His knowledge of music and different religious traditions has also been invaluable to officiants.”

The nominator particularly highlighted Steve’s compassion for bereaved families.

“They wanted the service to be a celebration for the other children attending,” the nominator said. “Somehow, and as if by magic, Steve produced a bubble machine for the congregation to walk through afterwards. It was wonderful.”

“I can pretty much guarantee that funeral directors, officiants and mourners alike would agree that Steve’s contribution to every service has been invaluable.”