Frequently asked questions about memorials
How soon after the burial can I put a memorial on it?
In cemeteries where continuous concrete foundations have been
laid, memorials can be erected on lawn graves, almost immediately.
Where individual foundations are provided for lawn memorials
ideally these will be situated on un-dug ground at the head of the
grave. In these circumstances and with the use of ground anchors
and fixings that comply with the National Association of Memorial
Masons (NAMM) Recommended Code of Practice, it is still possible to
erect a memorial almost immediately.
In cemeteries where the headstone is erected directly on the
excavated area of the grave there may be a period stipulated in the
cemetery regulations which gives the ground time to settle and
consolidate. During this period the cemetery staff should monitor
any ground movement that becomes apparent and top up periodically
with topsoil until settlement ceases. This period may differ around
the country due to differing soil types and conditions. Even after
settlement has ceased it is advisable to ensure that your memorial
mason adopts the NAMM Code of Practice as mentioned above. Usually
it takes between four and six months for the ground to settle.
Why can’t I put a full memorial over the surface of the
grave?
The lawn grave is designed to have a memorial of limited size at
the head of the grave with the rest of the grave laid to lawn. This
allows large mowing machinery to keep the area in a neat condition.
These graves are sold on the understanding that only lawn style
memorials are erected. Read
the full copy of our Cemetery Rules and Regulations
(PDF).
Who is responsible for the memorial?
Whilst the burial authority is responsible for maintaining the
cemetery in a safe condition you have a responsibility to maintain
your memorial in a safe condition throughout the period of the
Right to Erect and Maintain a Memorial. If you fail to do this, the
cemetery staff may take action to make the memorial safe. Cemetery
staff carry out routine inspections of memorials in the cemetery
and when one is identified as being unstable and likely to fall and
injure someone it might be cordoned off, laid flat or have a
temporary support installed. You will receive a letter in these
circumstances and it will be your responsibility to arrange
suitable repair. Should your memorial still be under guarantee the
memorial mason will be responsible for carrying a repair at no
extra cost to yourself. Should you ignore the notice sent to you,
your memorial may well be laid flat and when the lease expires you
will not be allowed to renew it until repairs are made.
Why can’t I have what I want on the grave?
When a new grave is purchased it is not the ownership of the
land itself that is purchased, but the rights to have burials take
place in that grave. These rights are ‘granted’ together with the
rights to erect a memorial on the grave in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the cemetery. It is important that you
select the cemetery that will provide you with the type of memorial
that you require as regulations differ from area to area. This can
be checked out by contacting the Bereavement Services Office and
making enquiries about the choices and options available.
Why is a permit needed?
Prior to a memorial being erected on a grave space, the written
authority of the owner of the grave must be given in a permit /
application form, authorising the proposed erection of the
memorial. Memorials need to conform to cemetery regulations with
regard to size and fixings, and the memorial needs to be checked
for stability under health and safety regulations. The cemetery
staff need to check that the memorial conforms to regulations and
will be erected in a safe manner.
What size headstone will be allowed in the cemetery?
All new memorials to be erected in the cemetery must not exceed
the following maximum sizes:
Headstone
Height (including all plinths and concrete
foundations) 3’3” (991mm)
Width of
memorial
2’8” (813mm)
Depth of base (front to
back)
1’4” (410mm)
The council provides concrete plinths for the erection of a
headstone.
The overall size of the plinth is 900mm. The graves are in
rows back to back. Each grave space is entitled to 410mm (maximum)
on the plinth for the erections of a memorial.
The headstone has been damaged – what should I do?
The responsibility for the memorial lies with the owner of the
Exclusive Right of Burial and we recommend that adequate insurance
is taken out to cover damage, vandalism etc. You should contact a
memorial mason who will carry out any necessary repairs.
Can I buy a memorial from the mason of my choice?
The council operates a Memorial Mason's Registration
Scheme. Only masons who have satisfied certain
conditions are allowed to work in council owned cemeteries. This is
to ensure good working practice and secure fixing of memorials, to
safeguard yourself and other cemetery visitors.
See the list of registered stone
masons. For further details please contact
Bereavement Services.
Can I buy a memorial plaque?
Yes, we have two types of memorial plaque available. These
can be purchased for a period of ten years and you can apply for a
further ten year extension upon expiry. A plaque is available
for display on our garden of remembrance wall or alternatively on
our mushroom memorials. To purchase a plaque please refer to
our fees and
charges and download
the application form. Please ensure that the details to
be displayed on the plaque are clearly written as the council
cannot be held responsible for any errors.
