Cemeteries Policy - Types of memorials
Private Graves (purchased)
All memorials must be lawn type headstone only.
Memorials should not exceed the following overall dimensions, including the foundations (if seen):
- height: 1050 mm
- width: 1000mm
- depth of base (front to back): 450mm
All memorials shall be constructed of a sound and durable naturally quarried material. Artificial stone, soft stone, metal or artificial material will not be permitted.
An inscribed vase not exceeding 300 mm in height, 300 mm in width or 300 mm in depth may be placed on a grave instead of a headstone.
It must be permanently fixed to a stone or concrete plinth 600mm x 600mm x 50mm base and bearing the grave number, the section and religion of the grave. Only one vase shall be permitted on each grave. In the event of a headstone eventually being placed on the grave the vase must then be removed.
A charge is payable to the council for each inscription after the first.
Garden of remembrance
A plaque may be placed on the Columbaria planter which accommodates 48 memorial plaques measuring 300mm by 80mm. 3 lines of gold leaf inscription can be inscribed on each plaque.
Plaques will be removed after 10 years.
Family ashes section
Memorials should not exceed the following overall dimensions, including the foundations (if seen):
- height: 750 mm
- width: 750mm
- depth:450mm
Baby section
A small black marble or granite tablet measuring up to 300mm by 300mm by 50 mm may be placed level with the surrounding turf. 1 small flower vase can be placed at the head of the grave not exceeding 150mm by 150mm by 150mm.
Memorial works
Memorial Masons must be BRAMM registered or have 10 years' experience working in council owned cemeteries and work in accordance with BS8415 and the current edition of the BRAMM Blue Book.
All memorials must be fixed to the satisfaction of the council in accordance with BS8415.
Any new memorial must have the grave number, section and religion clearly and conspicuously engraved upon the base in figures not more than 25mm high. Only the name of the memorial mason may be cut in a similar position in letters not more than 15mm high. The council will remove any memorial not inscribed in this way.
Fixing or removing memorials may only take place Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Masons will work under the direction of the council and remove all spare soil or other materials and leave the ground to the council's satisfaction. They will be responsible for any damage done by them or their workmen. All work must be carried out continuously and completed in a timely way without disturbance to other graves.
Attempting to attract orders or obtain information about grave owners is not allowed.
The council may remove any memorial or inscription changed or placed in the cemetery without permission at the expense of the grave owner. This is to ensure that standards are maintained and any offensive or discriminatory works can be removed.
Any memorial in the cemetery considered unsuitable or unsafe will be removed by the council at the expense of the grave owner.
All brick or stone work in vaults or graves, as well as foundations, removals and re-fixing of materials, are to be carried out by the council at the expense of the owner of the grave.
No memorial shall be removed from the cemetery without the permission of the grave owner and the consent of the council. Memorials may be removed at the sole risk of the grave owner and the council will not be held responsible for any damage which may occur.