Churchyard (graveyard)
There are very few open churchyards left in Wales - most are full or closed. We, at St John's, still have spaces available due to an extension consecrated a few years ago. At the time we were strongly advised against the extension; our 'old' churchyard was full, we should allow the yard to return to a natural state.
We went against this advice and decided to offer more burial plots to our local community as a service, allowing Christian burial and a place to visit and to mourn.
Cutting of grass and general maintenance is the responsibility of the Parochial Church Council which, unfortunately, falls to a few volunteers and more recently to a group from the YOT. Professionally paid grounds maintenance is far beyond our means. Our policy is:-
old churchyard - grass kept long and strimmed periodically
new churchyard extension - grass 'close-cut' as regularly as we can
The old churchyard contains older graves upto 175 years old. There are many curbstones, gravel plots and designs of headstone which are contrary to the Regulation and it is unrealistic to keep this area 'manicured'. As time goes by this area will be visited less and less.
The new churchyard contains the newest graves. The headstone and plot Regulations are strictly enforced allowing careful maintenance and safe access - this is especially important as grief and loss will be most 'raw' in this area.
From time to time we receive complaints from people with family members buried in the old churchyard. We regret this and try to do all that is in our power to strim carefully - it is not always possible to sweep grass from headstones. We ask for your patience, we mean well.
The right to a burial plot is covered by regulation and can be found by clicking here.
The regulations governing headstones, plot design etc can be seen by clicking Churchyard Regulations
Here are a few pointers going forward for both the old and new areas:-
There can only be a simple headstone, made of stone and without photograph or similar. (please don't copy what is seen in council burial plots)
There can be no plot 'surrounds', kerb-stones or gravel areas.
Except for Remembrance Day poppies, and silk flowers there can be no artificial wreaths or flowers
There can be no trees or shrubs planted, no plants growing, no permanent flower vases, no containers or ornaments, NO GLASS items of any kind. (please don't copy what is seen in the old churchyard or council burial plots).
For a short period after burial we allow the plot area to be adorned with flowers, wreaths, tokens and ornaments to the full length of the plot, but after a time this should, and may be, removed to leave a simple, plain, grass plot.
