Although the meeting has taken place we are still seeking to contact and consult with those who have the ashes of loved ones buried in or near the wall. If you would like to ask questions or make comments please phone the Vicar on 01282 772442 or email [email protected] 

The wall was built in the early 1960s. In fact, it consists of two parallel 24 feet long walls with a 14 inch space between them that has been used for the interment of ashes. It’s estimated that the remains of approximately 100 people are within this space.

Regrettably over the years the weight of the contents of the wall has caused movement in the structure and it has become apparent that proper repairs can only be carried out by removing all the remains. The PCC is therefore considering a proposal that these ashes should be carefully removed and immediately reburied in the nearby grassed area. We feel this is a better option than storing the ashes for several weeks while repairs are carried out, and then trying to return them to the wall.

An additional complication is that the 4 feet section of the memorial wall furthest from the graveyard entrance is being destabilised by the roots of a large tree. It is therefore also being proposed that the stones in this section should be dismantled and incorporated in a new memorial to be created on the grassed area where the ashes have been reinterred. (a sketch and plan can be downloaded on this page)

The PCC is conscious that this is a sensitive matter as it involves both moving human remains and the repositioning of some stones that memorialise loved ones.