Churchyard Regulations and Memorials
A statement by the Churchwardens
It is apparent that our ‘Churchwardens Chat’ which appeared in the June edition of the Parish magazine (and is on the website here) has prompted some debate, particularly on Facebook, and we wish to clarify the position.
First of all, we should emphasise that these regulations are not established locally and that we are governed by Regulations which are issued by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Lichfield and these reflect the rules governing all Churchyards associated with the Church of England.
As far as is possible, the Church tries to ensure that everyone who uses the Churchyard is treated with fairness, equality, and consistency and the Regulations aim to maintain the Churchyard as a haven which, in appearance and atmosphere, ensures that all can find space for peaceful reflection and dignified remembrance of their loved ones.
The Memorial Application Form, which is completed after interment by the applicant on behalf of the deceased, stipulates that items cannot be introduced that do not conform with the Regulations and these include plastic flowers, models, objects, toys, kerbs, railings, or chippings.
The Diocese undertakes periodic surveys to ensure that the Regulations are being complied with, as well as ensuring that all headstones do not constitute a safety hazard if they have become subject to movement. Our next survey is due to take place in August and this was the reason for the paragraph being included in the June issue of the Parish magazine.
Flowers and other Items. Plastic flowers are not permitted and should be removed from any memorials on which they are laid. By way of exception to this prohibition the placing of wreaths and poppies is permissible in the periods of and leading up to Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Easter and on the anniversaries of death or marriage. Such items are to be removed not more than one month after those occasions. If the items are not removed by those who placed them on the memorials within that period, they should be removed by the churchwardens, or a person authorised by them.
No balloons or other portable items are to be left on a grave save that such items may be left in position for the period of one calendar month after interment. If the items are not then removed by those who placed them on the grave they should be removed by the churchwardens or a person authorised by them.
We fully appreciate the sensitivity of this issue and certainly have no wish to cause upset or distress to anyone. If anyone has any issues whatsoever with any of the Regulations then please do come and speak with us, either before or after a Service on Sunday morning or, if preferred, by telephoning us on the numbers published in the magazine.
Clive Pendrell and Dorothy Steel
Churchwardens
16th July 2023