Churchyards

Welcome to our churchyards!

These beautiful places are visited by many who wish to tend the graves of their loved ones, or simply to pause for a few moments of quiet.  The church officers of our six parishes are concerned to maintain our churchyards as worthy resting places for departed members of our communities.

Although the churchyards are mown regularly, it is the responsibility of families to keep the resting place of their loved ones in good order.

We welcome the planting of bulbs to add to those already there, but if you want to plant other plants please get permission from the Church Council.  Wreaths and cut flowers, with the cellophane removed, may be placed on graves, but these need to be removed when they are withered.  We welcome Holly Wreaths placed on graves over the Christmas period but we would prefer them to be removed by 31st January.  Silk flowers may be put in vases but when they become faded or bedraggled it would be best if they are removed .  If necessary, unsightly flowers will be removed and any containers will be placed near the gate for reclamation.  In order to keep the surface of the churchyard as level as possible, the church will level the mound at any time more than 12 months after the last interment in the grave. 

Headstones should be of simple, unpolished stone, ideally grey but never black, or if you prefer a natural wood cross could be erected, this should be no more that 4' high, 3' wide and 6" thick.  Good monumental masons can give advice on this and help you to apply.  A simple stone vase by the headstone is generally permitted on application.  Glass containers  are not permitted as these can cause a hazard to those who tend or use the churchyard.

Burial of Ashes

A plaque of unpolished stone in light or dark grey may be placed flush with the ground over the spot where cremated remains have been interred.  Ideally these should not be larger than 18” by 12” (landscape shape), but 18” square is permitted.  One plaque is usually sufficient to record the names and dates of both members of a married couple.  Due to the restriction in size, it is not practical to add personal tributes to the departed in the way that can be done in the larger space available on a headstone.

All headstones and memorials placed on graves, or plaques placed above cremated remains, must have planning permission from the Church authorities.  Permission is also needed for adding further details to an inscription.  A good monumental mason can give advice on the correct procedure. A copy of the Diocesan Churchyard Regulations which apply here is available, please click the link.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.  May our churchyards help you to find healing, comfort and peace.  Please feel free to contact a churchwarden or the Rector if you have any queries.