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We are very aware that you will have many things on your mind at present and that this booklet is one more piece of information. However it has to be provided before your loved one's burial so that you are fully aware of the regulations that apply in the future. We also hope the general information about the churchyard will be helpful.
Please remember that a memorial stone or an additional inscription on a headstone is not a necessity, but if desired the correct procedure must be followed in the months to come.
If you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to contact the Rector.
St Peter’s Churchyard
Introduction
St. Peter’s churchyard is a place of history. The oldest stones date from the 6th century. It is also a place of beauty with the church, coastal surroundings and the views across Morecambe Bay to the mountains of Cumbria. Most important of all it is a place held dear by many in our community because the remains of their loved ones are buried there. Our prime concern is that the churchyard should be a beautiful and dignified resting place.
The Law
The purpose of most regulations is to preserve the rights of the majority and to curb the excesses of the few. Many people are surprised to discover that what goes on in a churchyard is controlled by the laws of England. In general, nothing may be placed in the churchyard without permission. Some regulations may be issued by the Diocese and concern the type of memorial that may be erected. Other regulations may be issued by the parish and control the day to day management of the churchyard.
By law the churchyard is owned by the Rector but he is subject to the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Diocese. The parish of Heysham is in the Diocese of Blackburn. When it comes to churchyards the Bishop works through the Chancellor, who is his senior legal officer. He is the ultimate authority when it comes to memorials. The Chancellor gives the Rector limited authority to permit the erection of memorials so long as they fall within the terms and conditions he has set out.
Eligibility for Burial or Interment
The remains of a person can only be placed in the churchyard if at the time of their death they were:
1. A resident of the parish (or receiving medical care but who would normally be a resident of the parish).
2. On the Electoral Roll of the Church.
Plot or Grave ownership
In a municipal or borough cemetery a grave or plot becomes the possession of the family for a certain period of time and grave deeds are issued. In a churchyard all graves remain the property of the Rector acting on behalf of the church. The papers issued at the time of the funeral are not deeds but a receipt for payment of the various fees.
Burial of Ashes in an existing Grave
If there is an existing grave the ashes of the partner or the children of the original occupant may be interred in that grave. If ashes have been buried in an existing grave flowers can be placed in the container provided within the existing headstone. If flowers are to be placed on the grave surface the container must be sunk to ground level. Unpolished aluminium containers are made for this purpose and the Rector can advise on this.
Memorials
The application to erect or change a memorial or place anything whatsoever in the churchyard has to be made in writing to the Rector (this is usually done by the monumental mason who has the appropriate application form issued by the Diocese and parish). All memorials, inscriptions or alterations are only allowed after written permission has been received from the Rector. The Rector is authorised to ask for memorials to be removed that have been placed without this written permission. The maintenance of memorials remains primarily the responsibility of the family and heirs.
Finish of Stone
In an ancient churchyard the most desirable memorials are those whose stone is similar in colour or texture to the natural stone or slate of the area or of the church and surrounding buildings. Over the years the Chancellor's directions have not been adhered to in St. Peter’s churchyard and some marble and highly polished granite has been used. In future the Chancellor’s directions will be strictly adhered to.
Design
Upright gravestones are encouraged as they leave a maximum area of grass that can easily be mown. For the same reason mounds, kerbs, railings, chains and chippings are no longer allowed as they hinder mowing and the upkeep of the churchyard. Level well-kept turf is the preferred surface. We are anxious that good design should be encouraged.
Inscriptions
These should be simple and may include suitable Biblical or literary quotations. Inscriptions should be incised, or in relief and may be painted. Plastic or other inserted lettering is not permitted. The Rector must approve inscriptions. It should be remembered that the purpose of any inscription is not to be a message or a greeting but an historical record for future generations. Additions may be made to an inscription at a later date following a subsequent interment in the same grave. However this must be separately approved. The lettering, layout and wording must be consistent with the original inscription. Pictorial etchings and photographs are not allowed.
Fees
Standard fees are payable by law for services, burials, interments or when a memorial is introduced into the churchyard or an inscription or alteration is made. The fees are set nationally by the Church Commissioners at 1 Millbank, London, SW1P 3JZ under the Ecclesiastical Fees Measure.
The Care of Graves
We are glad that so many people regularly tend family graves as this enhances the general appearance of the churchyard. Level well-kept turf is the best surface for a grave. Planting and gardening in the churchyard is not allowed. Plants may produce growth which can damage and distort graves and make maintenance difficult.
Flowers and Wreaths
The use of silk or plastic flowers is not allowed in English churchyards (with the exception of Remembrance poppies and those on Christmas wreaths). For centuries fresh cut flowers or greenery in winter have been a symbol of the natural cycle of death and resurrection, of growth and new life. Wreaths may be placed at Christmas and Remembrance (they will be removed when they begin to damage the turf).
Flowers
It is usual nowadays for a headstone to include a flower container in the base. In some cases memorial vases have been introduced as well as headstones but where permission has not been asked for, the fees paid and written permission given we request that these be removed. When there is no provision for flowers in the design of the headstone or families wish to place extra flowers on the surface of the grave these should be placed in a removable container of unpolished aluminium which must be sunk completely into the ground. This gives the effect of flowers growing naturally in the turf or soil. Cut flowers and wreaths should be removed when withered and placed in the litter bins in the churchyard.
Garden of Remembrance
In the 1960s it was decided to set aside an area of the churchyard for the interment (burial) of ashes. This ground was called the Garden of Remembrance. In order to protect the ashes the area is grassed and no gardening or vases that damage the turf are allowed. Flowers may be laid on the grass or placed in approved spiked vases. The Garden of Remembrance is now full and no more interment is permitted.
Interment of Ashes
A new area for the interment of ashes has been set aside by the East wall. The memorial stones are of a standard design using Lakeland stone. Wreaths and flowers may be placed at the time the ashes are buried (they will be removed when flowers begin to wither). Flowers may be placed behind the memorials in spiked vases.
Dogs
Due to fouling of grass and headstones in the past, dogs are to be kept on a lead and kept to the main path. Any fouling is to be removed by the dog owner.
Grass Cutting and Maintenance
Glass, stone or pottery containers are not permitted due to the dangers of accidents with mowers and strimming equipment. The churchyard is maintained by volunteers, even so it is a costly and time-consuming task. The income available to the Parochial Church Council for this work comes from the fees charged at the time of burial, the introduction of memorial stones and additional inscriptions or by gifts or bequests to the churchyard fund. Endowments for the general maintenance and upkeep of the churchyard will be gratefully accepted by the Parochial Church Council. The law does not allow these to be conditional upon the maintenance of a particular memorial or grave.
Book of Remembrance
Recently a Book of Remembrance was placed in St. Peter’s Church. This enables the appropriate inscriptions to be placed at the anniversary of the date of the death. Those recorded in the Book of Remembrance are remembered in prayers said daily in church. A page of the Book of Remembrance is turned daily and an arrangement can be made for a particular entry to be viewed. Flowers can be placed beside the book on the occasion of anniversaries by arrangement with the Flower Guild. We have also placed a candle stand near to the Book of Remembrance for those who like to light a candle for their loved one.
An application form for an entry in the Book of Remembrance is enclosed with this booklet.
Conclusion
We are anxious to support the bereaved and to care for the remains of their loved ones. We ask that all those who use the churchyard remember that it is consecrated ground and that it deserves our utmost care and respect.
Further information can be obtained from:
The Rector, The Rectory, Main Street, Heysham, LA3 2RN
(Telephone: 01524 851422).
St Peter’s Church, Heysham – Book of Remembrance
Full names of Deceased…………………..…………………
Date of Birth ………………………………………………
Date of Death ………………………………………………
Name of Applicant..…………………………………………
Address………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………
Telephone……………………………………………………
Please return form with fee to the Rector
(Please make cheques for £25 payable to ‘St Peter’s PCC’)
Addendum.
“The application to erect or change a memorial or place anything whatsoever in the churchyard has to be made in writing to the Rector” (page 3).
Please note…
For Health and Safety reasons metal, glass, stone, pottery etc moveable objects and containers will not be permitted and if found will be removed. Approved plastic spiked vases are permitted.
To safeguard the graves “planting and gardening in the churchyard is not allowed” (page 5). Introducing plants with roots (including pot plants) will not be permitted and if found will be removed. Fresh cut flowers or greenery are permitted.
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