Holy Trinity Graveyard Policy

HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHURCH

PLESHEY, ESSEX

Introduction

The typical English Churchyard is a place with the primary purpose of being the last resting place for the earthly remains of those who have passed from their life; it is a place of repose.

It is also a place where people walk and often rest awhile; it is a public space. It is a place where members of the community and passers-by can admire a tranquil and often picturesque part of the countryside and the parish.

It is a place where many have long standing connections to the parish and place.

A Churchyard is therefore meant to be a tidy and quiet corner of consecrated ground alongside the Church itself. Holy Trinity Churchyard is regularly maintained in keeping with such intent.

Responsibility

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has responsibility for looking after the Church and its grounds. However, the Church of England is ultimately the guardian of the policy governing the Parish Church and land associated with it; the PCC is directed to abide by these rules, regulations and guidelines.

This policy is therefore to direct decisions the PCC must make, in respect of its delegated authority for maintenance of the Churchyard. The Incumbent Minister (or Priest-in-Charge) uses this policy in giving initial guidance to those choosing it as a final resting place for their loved ones.

In the light of the above, and to ensure that clear legal requirements are met, in the first instance this policy and these guidelines must be read in full, and thence enquiries regarding burials and monuments made to the Incumbent Minister or the Church Wardens. Contact details can be found on the notice board at the entrance to the Churchyard. The full and complete Church of England policy and requirements can be found in the Diocese of Chelmsford Handbook (available for viewing on request from the Incumbent or Church Wardens).

Who can be buried or interred in the Churchyard?

There is a legal right for anyone

· Who was a parishioner (that is: a resident in the civil or ecclesiastical parish of Pleshey) at the time of death, or

· Who died in the parish, or

· Who was registered on the Electoral Roll of the Parish Church at the time of death

to be buried or have his/her cremated remains interred, so long as the Churchyard has space available and has not been formally closed.

Others, without a legal right to be interred may be considered for burial or interment by the Incumbent and PCC where there are strong family or historical connections with the Parish.

Interment of Cremated Remains in the Churchyard

To the left of the main entrance gate and alongside the wall of the Churchyard is an area set aside for the interment of cremated remains; it is consecrated ground, and is used solely for this purpose. Cremated remains will be interred here and not in any other part of the Church, except for the instance of being interred within an existing grave. NO individual headstones nor plaques are permitted to be erected. Neither is the planting of trees, shrubs, ground cover plants or bulbs. Small plots are marked on the Churchyard plan which is kept within the Church. The ground is kept level for ease of maintenance.

Book of Remembrance

Inside the Church is a Book of Remembrance, kept in a glass case, that records the names of those who have been buried or whose cremated remains are interred in the Churchyard. (A fee is payable in respect of the cost of employing a calligrapher.)

Headstones

Whilst many historical headstones abound in the Churchyard in various shapes and sizes and made of various material, the Incumbent and PCC must abide by current regulations. You may choose from slate (which lends itself to inscription in a flowing script), or from Limestones or Sandstones: all these come in various varieties and hues. Any other stones such as marble, or synthetic stones, cannot be permitted. Application for a headstone should be made, using the form CR1, to a registered stonemason who will then seek approval from the Incumbent.

Inscriptions

The inscription on a headstone is an enduring record of the life of the person being commemorated. The names and dates of birth and death must be formally marked. Names MUST NOT be abbreviated; however, if the person is generally known by another name this can be included in inverted commas after the first (or Christian) name. Simple wording can be used to describe a trade or profession, as can a few words regarding a consistent Christian belief in life after death. Again, the Churchyard regulations handbook gives further guidance.

Memorial Vases and Plants

Other items, such as memorial vases for commemorative flowers and plants are permitted within the guidance of Church of England regulations; loose vases, pots, candle holders are NOT allowed. Artificial or plastic flowers, are NOT permitted; however, exceptions are made for poppy wreaths around Remembrance Day, wreaths at Christmas and around the anniversary of death of the buried person (or persons). Spring flowering bulbs may be planted, but bushes, shrubs or perennial plants are NOT allowed, neither are windchimes, stone models or statues around the headstone, nor loose chippings or stones on the graves. The PCC reserve the right to remove any items, without notice, from a grave that contravene the regulations as set out by the Church of England.

Areas between Graves

Graves are spaced to allow free movement and not be a health and safety risk for people to walk around, therefore kerb stones or any other edging materials around the grave are NOT allowed under any circumstances; additionally, grass must be allowed to grow over the grave. which allows for lawnmowing to proceed in an orderly manner in maintaining a tidy and welcoming Churchyard.

Other Memorials

Occasionally, people request that memorial benches are placed for those wishing to stay and rest in the peace and quiet whilst visiting the graves of loved ones, or just walking through. Some benches are available, and the PCC will consider any such request for further benches to be put in place.

Memorials in general, other than headstones will require permission from the Diocese.

Churchyard Environment

The Churchyard is maintained to be a place, not just for visiting graves of loved ones, but to spend time admiring the historic side of old graves and memorials. It is a place for reflection and contemplation. Those who maintain the Churchyard take great care to ensure that wildlife and wild flowers in keeping with the countryside around are allowed to flourish.

Care of the Churchyard

We hope, and indeed expect, that families will do what they can to keep memorials and graves tidy. A water tap is available for flowers in vases, and rubbish should be deposited in the black (general rubbish) and brown (garden material) bins near the entrance gate. We ask that commemorative wreaths be removed after one month.

We seek to be good stewards of the Church and grounds and most maintenance is undertaken by volunteers – your help in keeping the place tidy or making donations to the Churchyard fund are greatly appreciated.

For and on behalf of the PCC of Holy Trinity, Pleshey, this policy is authorised by
the Incumbent and Church Wardens.