Churchyards are required to be kept tidy and adhere to the churchyard regulations as set out by the diocese. Below is a summary of these regulations showing how we can together help maintain these wonderful grounds we have at St. Mary's. For a full set of regulations please have a word with the vicar.
Provision for mowing
To permit mowing, only bulbs may be planted on a grave, and the surface of every grave should be kept level: movable stone flower containers, wreaths and cut flowers may be placed on a grave.
As part of the maintenance of the churchyard flowers will be removed when they appear to be withered.
No artificial flowers are allowed.
Inscriptions
Inscriptions must be simple and reverent, and may include appropriate quotations from literary sources. Inscriptions should be incised, or in relief, and may be painted in gold, silver, white, black or grey. Plastic inserted lettering is not permitted.
Portraits and grave furnishings
Photographs, ceramic portraits, railings, stone or glass chippings and raised kerbs are not permitted. Temporary personal or other items of remembrance may be permitted for not longer than 12 months.
Temporary Wooden Crosses
Wooden markers, although not ideal, should be seen as only temporary until a stone headstone is placed on the grave. Wooden crosses, with permission, will be allowed for a period of no more than a year following the burial. If it is to remain any longer it should be borne in mind that statutory fees will be applied.
Headstones
Simple vertical headstones must be between 2ft 6in and 4ft high, 1ft 8ins and 3ft wide, and 3ins and 6ins thick. The shape of headstones need not be restricted to a rectangular form; curved tops, for example, are preferable to straight-edged ones. The surface must not be mirror polished so as to reflect and it must be fixed on a foundation slab.