CHURCHYARD REGULATIONS
Introduction
Our churchyard is a place of great beauty and historical value. These 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 and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the task of keeping the churchyard, but not the grave space, in good order. Please note that a grave plot cannot be reserved in advance unless a Faculty is granted by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).
Burials
Parishioners (including all those on the Church Electoral Roll) and Parish residents, have a right to burial in the churchyard if there is still space available, and if the churchyard has not been closed by Order in Council. Permission for others to be buried may be granted by the Incumbent, who must have regard to any general guidance given by the Parochial Church Council (PCC).
Memorials for Burials
Incumbents may authorise the erection of any headstone or other memorial at the place of burial that falls within the types and classes authorised by the Chancellor of the Diocese. They may refuse the erection of a memorial if it is believed it would be detrimental to the churchyard. No memorial except a small temporary wooden cross should be erected within 12 months of a burial.
If a family or executor wishes to erect a memorial which falls within the Incumbent’s discretion they should apply to the Incumbent on form CR1. Written permission is always required, and no work should be ordered or put in hand until permission has been granted in writing by the Incumbent. Permission to erect a memorial which falls outside the Incumbent's discretion may not take place unless a Faculty is granted by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).
Flowers and Memorabilia for Burials
Wreaths, cut flowers and plants may
be laid directly on any grave or placed in a non-plastic container but must be removed when withered. Vases which are no longer in use must be removed and the PCC may insert a matching stone stopper in any built-in vases not used for a period of 12 months or more. Artificial
flowers are discouraged but must be removed within two months. Appropriate figures, characters, toys and other memorabilia should not be placed permanently on or around a grave. They must be removed within 12 months of the date of burial. If such items are not removed in good time then incumbents or churchwardens may do so.
Trees and shrubs may not be planted on or around a grave unless a Faculty is granted by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).
Bulbs and small annual plants may be planted in the soil of a grave within the area previously excavated. Plants or flowers may be placed in a removable non-plastic sunken container, but unless they are kept tidy, the PCC may treat the grave as part of the turf and mow over it.
Cremated Remains
A faculty was granted in 2004 allowing cremated remains to be buried in the Garden of Remembrance or existing graves. Plots measure 2' by 2' and ashes may be either poured or placed in a non-plastic biodegradable container.
Parishioners (including all those on the electoral roll) and Parish residents, have a right to the burial of their cremated remains ('ashes') in the churchyard if there is still space available, and if the churchyard has not been closed by Order in Council. Permission for others to be buried may be granted by the Incumbent, who must have regard to any general guidance given by the Parochial Church Council (PCC).
Memorials for Cremated Remains
A bronze plaque measuring 5'' by 3'' may be placed on the plot.
Flowers and Memorabilia for Cremated Remains
Each plot should be kept free of additional decorations that may encroach on a neighbouring plot and have a maximum of one plant or small vase of flowers in a non-plastic container which must be removed when withered. Vases which are no longer in use must be removed. Artificial flowers are discouraged but must be removed within two months. Appropriate figures, characters, toys and other memorabilia should not be placed permanently on or around a plot. They must be removed within 12 months of the date of interment. If such items are not removed in good time then incumbents or churchwardens may do so.
Records
All burials and interment of ashes are recorded in the Burial Register. There is also a memorial 'Book of Remembrance' kept in church in which entries may be made subject to the approval of the incumbent by an approved calligrapher.
For further information about Churchyard Regulations please click here and for a copy of Form CR1 please click here.
Approved by Mickleham Parochial Church Council on 7th November 2023
