Regulations for Blackheath Cemetery in the parish of Wonersh with Blackheath
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Introduction |
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All Church of England churchyards and church cemeteries in the Diocese of Guildford are governed by regulations which apply throughout the Diocese. They are very similar to regulations applying across the whole of England. What follows is an extract from the Diocesan regulations as they apply to Blackheath. They cover both full burials and also the burial of ashes following a cremation. The full set of Diocesan Churchyard Regulations is available from the Vicar. Blackheath Cemetery is a place of great beauty, peace, memory and hope. You will be concerned to look after this much-loved place, not only for yourself, but for all who come there. The Regulations are designed to maintain and enhance these values with a minimum of bureaucracy. There are also practical reasons for some of the rules to allow for ease of maintenance. The family of the deceased bear the cost of any memorials and of maintaining them but they do not own the grave space. Blackheath Cemetery is managed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Wonersh with Blackheath who pay for its management and upkeep.
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2 |
Burials |
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2.1 |
The Vicar will decide where a burial will take place but will endeavour to respect the family’s wishes. There is a special procedure if you wish to reserve a particular grave space. |
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3 |
Memorials |
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3.1 |
The Vicar has discretion to authorise the erection of any headstone which falls within the types and classes authorised (see below - Memorials in Cemeteries). An application may be refused to permit the erection of an authorised headstone if it is believed it would be detrimental to the cemetery. However there is no discretion to permit the erection of a headstone that falls outside those authorised.
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3.2 |
If individuals wish to erect a memorial which falls within the Vicar’s discretion they should apply on form CR1 (available from the stonemason or Vicar). Permission is always required and no work should be ordered or put in hand until permission has been granted. If individuals wish to erect a memorial which falls outside the Vicar’s discretion they may apply for a Faculty giving the grounds for their request. The Vicar will advise them how to approach the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) before seeking a Faculty.
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3.3 |
Bulbs and small annual plants may be planted in the soil of a grave being within the area previously excavated. Plants or flowers may be placed in a removable sunken container, but unless they are kept tidy, the PCC may treat the grave as part of the turf and mow over it.
Wreaths or cut flowers may be laid directly on any grave or placed in any vase authorised by these Regulations. If a built-in vase ceases to be used for a period of twelve months or more, the PCC may insert a matching stone stopper in the vase hole.
Artificial flowers of good quality may be placed on a grave, but both natural and artificial flowers will deteriorate after periods of time. The PCC may remove flowers of whatever kind and wreaths at their discretion if they judge them to be unsightly and all artificial flowers after two months.
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4 |
Cremated Remains |
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4.1 |
An area at Blackheath cemetery has been set aside for cremated remains. The Vicar has discretion to authorise the placing of a stone over the remains which falls within the types and classes described as authorised below.
Memorials in Cemeteries
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The Vicar may authorise the placement of memorials which comply with the following provisions provided the Inscription is acceptable.
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1 |
Materials |
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1.1 |
Memorials must be of weathering natural stone or slate, or hardwood, so that they harmonise with the surroundings. Stones traditionally used in local buildings or closely similar to them in colour and texture are to be preferred. The stone (including the lettering surface) shall not be finished with a polished or reflecting surface. It may not be black, dark grey or red, and no memorials or vases shall be of synthetic stone or plastic.
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2 |
Design |
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2.1 |
Memorials may comprise a simple headstone, cross, stone vase or urn. A stone wedge or a stone book may also be appropriate for the cemetery but will require a faculty. |
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2.2 |
All headstones and crosses must be securely fixed in the ground and due regard must be paid to the nature of the ground and the risk of settlement. Masons/funeral directors are strongly encouraged to have regard to the Guidelines issued by the Association of Burial Authorities. The PCC may decide to lay flat any memorial which, in its opinion, is unsafe.
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2.3 |
A headstone or cross may stand on a base provided that it is an integral part of the design and firmly fixed to it with non-ferrous dowels. The base may project no more than 100 mm (4ins) beyond the headstone in any direction, except where a receptacle for flowers is provided, in which case this must be flush with the top of the base and may extend up to 200 mm (8ins) in front of the headstone. The base must be securely fixed on a foundation slab which is flush with or below the ground so that a mower may pass freely over it. The foundation stone must extend from 75 mm (3ins) to 150 mm (6ins) all round the base. |
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Exclusions |
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3.1 |
There are many practical reasons (e.g. maintenance, appearance) why horizontal ledgers, raised kerbs (stone or wood), railings and stone, wood or other chippings are no longer permitted as part of memorials. No structures such as wire or wooden cages or constructions involving wire mesh are permitted. Similarly, memorials in the shape of a statue or bird bath,or including any image of the deceased or any photograph or coloured drawing are specifically excluded from the delegated authority given to the Vicar.
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Memorials over Cremated Remains |
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4.1 |
Where cremated remains have been interred in the area allocated for interment of ashes then any memorial must follow the terms of the Faculty creating the area.
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4.2 |
Where cremated remains have been interred a stone not exceeding 500mm (1ft 8ins) square may, with the consent of the Vicar, be laid flush with the turf. The stone (see section 1) may incorporate a vase for flowers provided that the top of it is level with or below the surface of the stone. Any other memorial will require a Faculty.
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4.3 |
For good reason, the Vicar may agree to the interment of cremated remains in any other part of the cemetery. Any memorial over such a burial must fall within the Vicar’s delegated authority or be authorised by Faculty.
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5 |
Inscriptions |
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5.1 |
Inscriptions must be simple and reverent and appropriate to a cemetery. The Christian and surnames of the deceased should be given, with the dates of birth and death (or age and date of death). Relations named should normally be limited to parents, children and spouse or partner. Quotations compatible with the Christian faith are permitted. The terms of any epitaph must be agreed with the Vicar as part of the necessary permission.
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5.2 |
Lettering should normally be incised and may be leaded, but plastic or other inserted lettering is not permitted. Incised lettering may also be painted in black or white, as appropriate for the colour of stone. It should be noted that paint may become illegible in a relatively short period and may require re-painting.
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5.3 |
No advertisement or trademark shall be inscribed on any memorial but the name of the mason may be inscribed low down on the side or reverse of the stone in unpainted and unleaded letters no larger than 13mm (½ in) in height. |
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These Regulations are intended to keep Blackheath Cemetery the special place it is.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: St John The Baptist Church
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Parochial Church Council (PCC) Wonersh with Blackheath
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