Grave Space Allocation

Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council Cemetery Regulations

The foregoing Rules and Regulations will come into operation from 31 July 2015

All previous Rules and Regulations made by the Council are hereby superseded. The Council reserves the right from time to time to make alterations, additions or amendments to these Rules and Regulation specified herein. These rules and regulations will be reviewed at least every 4 years.

Introduction We seek to observe the rights and choices of any individual wherever possible, but to be fair to all, to keep everyone safe, and to maintain the cemetery to high standards we do need some regulations. Everyone visiting or using the cemetery needs to follow these regulations.

Stow on the Wold Town Council (referred to as 'the council’ or ‘we’ in the regulations) is legally responsible for managing and preserving the character of the cemetery. The council authorises the Town Clerk to act with its authority and enforce the regulations.

To comply with the relevant laws, we run the cemetery in accordance with the Local Authorities Cemetery Order 1977, as amended by the Local Authorities (Amendment) Order 1986 as well as any regulations made by the Secretary of State.

If you have any questions about these regulations please contact Stow on the Wold Town Council at Stow Youth Club, Fosseway, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1DW. Tel. 01451 832585. Email [email protected].

General Opening times The cemetery is not locked at night and is therefore always open to visitors.

Rights of use/admission We reserve the right to: (i) close or limit access to the cemetery when necessary; and (ii) withdraw the use of the cemetery from any person or organisation iii) exclude those who are not mourners, or not officially connected with the funeral. iv) exclude any person committing a nuisance in the cemetery

You may bring dogs into the cemetery but they must be kept on a short lead and under your control at all times. Dog fouling is prohibited.

Fees All fees for interments and memorials applications are payable in advance

All cemetery fees and charges are reviewed annually and are displayed on the Stow Town Council website: http://stowonthewold-tc.gov.uk Grave space allocation New graves will be allocated in a logical progression. There are however a few spaces available within the existing layout so some flexibility is possible. We will try to meet the wishes of applicants if it is practical to do so. The council keeps plans and records of graves which visitors may view by appointment.

When a grave is "reserved" this refers to the reserving of the ‘Exclusive Right of Burial’ in a grave space and not the purchase of the land itself. During the period stated in the Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial (currently 99 years) you will have the right to say who can be buried in the grave. The Exclusive Right of Burial may be assigned but will only be recognised by the Council if a Deed of Assignment of the ownership of the grave has been executed by the owner and notice given to the Council. Ownership of the ground remains with the Council at all times.

Coffins and caskets To help us all respect the environment, all bodies entering the cemetery for burial must be contained in a coffin/wrapping made of a biodegradable material bearing the full name, age and date of death on it.

Interments Your funeral director will be responsible for making all the arrangements necessary and liaising with council on your behalf.

Memorials Permission is required for any permanent flat stone marker or headstone before installation. To apply for permission for a memorial please provide a sketch and apply to the council using the memorial application form attached. The applicant must not commission any work until they have permission from the council. NB. You will be required to pay the cost of removal of any work done prior to gaining permission if it does not comply with the cemetery regulations.

To allow time for the ground to settle no memorial is to be erected on any grave until at least 6 months has passed after the burial.

Temporary wooden markers are permitted subject to the council's approval. These should be removed from the grave if/when the permanent memorial headstone is set.

Any person removing a memorial to permit a further interment may only do so after informing the Council. A memorial application form must be sent to the Council for approval clearly stating any changes that are being made to the memorial.

The owner is responsible for keeping the memorial in a good and safe condition. The council is permitted to remove any memorial that becomes unsafe or is otherwise dilapidated.

Lawn sections (Millenium Cemetery from plot 2044) Parts of the cemetery are maintained as an uncluttered lawn cemetery. Graves in lawn sections of the cemetery will be grassed and maintained as lawn.

No mound more than 3” in height is to be left on the grave after burial.

No kerbing surrounds will be permitted in the lawn cemetery.

You may install a flat memorial of the dimensions indicated below at the head of the grave.

You may not place any other memorial or other items in or around the grave space or on the grassed area in front of the grave including shrubs, plants and bulbs. Headstones and Memorials

Materials : You may use Yorkstone, nabrasina, granite, marble, slate or other suitable material of durable and sound quality for memorials. Synthetic stone or any type of plastic is not permitted:

Dimensions:

Upright Memorials (including the base) Height between 20” – 2’6” (51 – 76cm) above ground level Width between 12” - 2’3” ( 30-68cm) Depth between 3” and 4” (7.6 – 10cm)

The stone must be of sufficient thickness to support its height, and any reasonable force exerted upon it, to ensure its stability.

Upright memorials must have an approved ground anchor installed.

Horizontal Memorials (Lawn area in the Millenium Cemetery from plot 2044) Up to 4” ( 10cm) in height above ground level and 18” square (45 cm²)

Cremation Memorials Up to Up to 4” ( 10cm) in height above ground level and 15” square (38 cm²)

All memorials will be clearly but discreetly engraved with the plot number.

The foundation must be sunk into the ground so that the top surface is flush with the adjoining ground level. To avoid damage to the memorial stone during normal maintenance, a margin of at least 3” around the stone must be left when placed on its foundation.

As the cemetery is a public open spaces and the council will not accept any liability for damage to memorial stones.

Ornaments, Flowers and Maintenance Only cut without ribbons and wrappings are permitted. A bin and water is available at the bier house. Another tap is located by the container.

No trees, shrubs, plants, flowers or seeds shall be planted or sown in the cemetery.

The council reserves the right to remove (and dispose of) any ornaments after a period of 8 weeks. The council will also remove and dispose of flowers, plants, floral tributes or wreaths which have deteriorated or become unsightly.

Scattering of cremated remains The scattering of cremated remains in the cemetery is forbidden.

Repair of failed memorial headstones The Council reserve the right to test all headstones for safety.

Memorial headstones that fail the safety test will be required to be repaired as soon as possible by the deed holder. If the repair is not undertaken within six months from notification, the Council will fund the repair to the stone; this cost must then be repaid to the Council before the Exclusive Right of Burial is further exercised

The foregoing Rules and Regulations will come into operation from 31 July 2015

All previous Rules and Regulations made by the Council are hereby superseded. The Council reserves the right from time to time to make alterations, additions or amendments to these Rules and Regulation specified herein. These rules and regulations will be reviewed at least every 4 years.

Introduction We seek to observe the rights and choices of any individual wherever possible, but to be fair to all, to keep everyone safe, and to maintain the cemetery to high standards we do need some regulations. Everyone visiting or using the cemetery needs to follow these regulations.

Stow on the Wold Town Council (referred to as 'the council’ or ‘we’ in the regulations) is legally responsible for managing and preserving the character of the cemetery. The council authorises the Town Clerk to act with its authority and enforce the regulations.

To comply with the relevant laws, we run the cemetery in accordance with the Local Authorities Cemetery Order 1977, as amended by the Local Authorities (Amendment) Order 1986 as well as any regulations made by the Secretary of State.

If you have any questions about these regulations please contact Stow on the Wold Town Council at Stow Youth Club, Fosseway, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1DW. Tel. 01451 832585. Email [email protected].

Grave Dimensions Our policy is to excavate graves to the maximum depth available. All graves must be dug to at least the minimum legal depth of 3’6” (76cm).

In graves 7’ or deeper a maximum of two full burials will be allowed. The council cannot be held responsible if, due to factors outside our control, the grave cannot hold the full number of interments

Full Burials: Grave spaces will be 9’ x 4” (2.7m x 1.2m) except in exceptional circumstances. Graves shall be positioned centrally in the grave space allocated.

Cremated Burials: A grave space for cremated remains must not exceed 21” square (53cm2) and dug to a depth of 18” to accommodate two interments if required.

Cremated Remains in existing grave spaces: The casket shall be positioned at the head of the grave.

Coffins and caskets To help us all respect the environment, all bodies entering the cemetery for burial must be contained in a coffin/wrapping made of a biodegradable material bearing the full name, age and date of death on it.

Interments The funeral director will be responsible for making all the arrangements necessary and liaising with council.

The completed interment notice and fees need to be delivered to the council office at least two clear working days before the interment. We must receive the Registrar’s Certificate for Disposal or Coroner’s Order for Burial before any burial can take place. We will require a Medical Practitioner, Midwife or Nurse’s certificate if the interment is for a non-viable foetus.

We will not open a reserved grave without the written permission of the registered owner unless the burial is to be that of the registered owner. We will need to see and verify the deed before a grave is re-opened. If the deed is lost or mislaid then a statutory declaration must be made.

All personnel other than council officials working in the cemetery do so at their own risk. The funeral director, staff and grave digger must have adequate public liability insurance.

The council, on behalf of the funeral director, reserves the right of passage over all graves and to have any grave temporarily covered whilst carrying out excavations. Such covering may comprise of boxed platform, or similar, onto which excavated soil may be placed prior to a burial in an adjacent grave. We also reserve the right to move memorials to allow access to a grave. The memorials will be returned to their original positions and any disturbed neighbouring graves made tidy as soon as possible after the burial.

All materials and equipment must be conveyed in the cemetery in such a manner as to prevent damage to walks, paths, roads or turfed areas and all soil or waste material must be removed in a like manner. Mats, boards or canvas must be used, as directed by the council, to achieve this end. If a grave is to be left open for any length of time the grave digger must cover it with stout boards in order to reduce the risks to public safety. No equipment is to be kept in the cemetery area, except during use.

Memorials Permission is required for any permanent flat stone marker or headstone before installation. To apply for permission for a memorial please provide a sketch and apply to the council using the memorial application form attached. The applicant must not commission any work until they have permission from the council. NB. They will be required to pay the cost of removal of any work done prior to gaining permission if it does not comply with the cemetery regulations.

To allow time for the ground to settle no memorial is to be erected on any grave until at least 6 months has passed after the burial.

Temporary wooden markers are permitted subject to the council's approval. These should be removed from the grave if/when the permanent memorial headstone is set.

Any person removing a memorial to permit a further interment may only do so after informing the Council. A memorial application form must be sent to the Council for approval clearly stating any changes that are being made to the memorial.

The owner is responsible for keeping the memorial in a good and safe condition. The council is permitted to remove any memorial that becomes unsafe or is otherwise dilapidated.

To apply for permission for a memorial please provide a sketch and apply to the council using the form attached.

We will give permission as long as the work undertaken fully complies with the details specified within the Application Form, the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) or National Association of Memorial Mason’s (NAMM) schemes and the requirements of these regulations. All memorials must be erected in accordance with BS8415 and the National Association of Memorial Mason’s (NAMM) or the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) Code of Practice current at the time of installation. All memorial mason companies who work within the cemetery must be registered with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) or National Association of Memorial Mason’s (NAMM). Fixing teams will contain at least one mason in possession of a BRAMM or NAMM fixer’s licence. At all times memorial fixing teams will operate in accordance with the BRAMM or NAMM scheme and these regulations.

Any person removing a memorial to permit a further interment may only do so after informing the Council. Upon reinstallation of such memorials they shall be re-fixed in accordance with BS8415 and the NAMM or BRAMM Code of Practice, this will include the installation of new dowels between the base and headstone plate.

Masons must notify the council of intent to work in the cemetery at least 24 hours before arrival at the cemetery. No work will be permitted outside of the normal working hours or at weekends unless specifically approved by the council.

You may be required to remove any work that you do, or any memorials or kerb sets – and pay all the costs of removal – if these do not comply with the cemetery regulations.

Lawn sections (Millenium Cemetery from plot 2044)

The cemetery is maintained as an uncluttered lawn cemetery. No kerbing surrounds will be permitted in the cemetery. Graves in lawn sections of the cemetery will be grassed and maintained as lawn. No mound more than 3” in height is to be left on the grave after burial.

You may install a flat memorial of the dimensions indicated below at the head of the grave. You may not place any other memorial or other items in or around the grave space or on the grassed area in front of the grave including shrubs, plants and bulbs.

Headstones and Memorials

Materials : You may use Yorkstone, nabrasina, granite, marble, slate or other suitable material of durable and sound quality for memorials. Synthetic stone or any type of plastic is not permitted:

Dimensions: Upright Memorials (including the base) Height between 20” – 2’6” (51 – 76cm) above ground level Width between 12” - 2’3” ( 30-68cm) Depth between 3” and 4” (7.6 – 10cm) The stone must be of sufficient thickness to support its height, and any reasonable force exerted upon it, to ensure its stability. Upright memorials must have an approved ground anchor installed.

Flat Memorials (in the lawn area of the Millenium Cemetery from plot 2044) Up to 4” ( 10cm) in height above ground level and 18” square (45 cm²)

Cremation Memorials Up to Up to 4” ( 10cm) in height above ground level and 15” square (38 cm²)

All memorials will be clearly but discreetly engraved with the plot number.

The foundation must be sunk into the ground so that the top surface is flush with the adjoining ground level. To avoid damage to the memorial stone during normal maintenance, a margin of at least 3” around the stone must be left when placed on its foundation.

Scattering of cremated remains The scattering of cremated remains in the cemetery is forbidden.

Repair of failed memorial headstones The Council reserve the right to test all headstones for safety. Stow on the Wold Cemetery - Notice of Interment

Deceased full name Age

Former address Former Occupation (before retirement, if applicable)

Place of death Date of death

Next of Kin name and address New / Reopen grave

Single Depth / Double Depth

Grave No. Section

Memorial to go on the grave Yes / No Name of stonemason authorised to remove the memorial.

Date of burial Arrival time at cemetery

Name of officiating minister Denomination

Name and address of grave owner if different from Signature of owner above.

Name and address of the funeral director authorised Signature of funeral director to carry out the burial

I agree with the above regulations.

Signature of applicant……………………………………………… Date …………………………..

This form along with the green burial form Part B and the prescribed fees must be delivered to the Town Clerk at the above address at least TWO clear working days prior to the burial taking place.

Part C of the burial form must be forwarded to the Registrar of Births and Deaths.

1 copy to be given to the grave owner.

Stow on the Wold Town Council [email protected] Stow Youth Centre t. 01451 832585 Fosseway Stow on the wold Gloucestershire GL54 1DW

Application for Permission to erect, remove or re-erect a memorial in the Cemetery at Stow on the Wold.

Name and address of applicant

Name on grave / plot number

Name and address of Monumental Mason

Particulars of memorial

 Dimensions

 Description / materials / fixing methods

 Details of the Inscription (if applicable please provide details of previous inscription)

To the Burial Board Committee:

I, the registered grave owner, apply for permission to erect the memorial described above and undertake that it will be erected as described.

A sketch of the memorial is attached.

I have read and agree to comply with the cemetery regulations.

Signed ……………………………………………………. Date ………………………………………………………. Registered grave owner Stow on the Wold Burial Fees 2015

Fees 2015 To reserve a grave plot (‘Exclusive Right to Burial’) £150 (NB this is not a deposit towards the cost of a burial)

Interments For the interment of a still born child or a child whose age at the time of death did No charge not exceed 16 years For the interment of the body of a person whose age at the time of death exceeded £600 16 years For the interment of Cremated Remains £100

Memorials New memorial £75 Additional inscription £30