Memorial

General

Memorials may only be erected on grave spaces in which the exclusive rights of burial have been purchased.

Before any memorial or vase may be erected or placed on any grave or any inscription made or added or renovation or additions or alterations or any other work carried out to a memorial or vase, a permit shall be obtained from the Cemeteries Manager on application on the appropriate form which, in the case of a private grave, must be signed by the Grantee and the requisite fee shall be paid.

Identification

The cemetery initials, section number and grave number must be inscribed at the base or foot of each and every memorial.  In the case of Addlestone and Chertsey cemeteries, all section numbers are to be inscribed in Roman numerals.

Materials

Gravestones, tablet, kerbing or other memorials must be in marble, granite or other hard natural stone, approved by the Cemeteries Manager.

Execution of Work

Persons engaged on work on memorials must provide tools, plants, blocks and all necessary materials for the required work and must take all steps necessary to protect the surrounding turf and adjacent memorials, to the satisfaction of the Cemeteries Manager.  Masons and their workmen may only work in the Cemetery during normal working hours of the Cemetery staff.

When constructing memorials, the NAMM Code of Working Practice must be followed.  In particular, dowels of the type and size recommended must be used and fixed with a good quality adhesive or cement.

Memorials temporarily removed from graves must be positioned as directed by the Cemeteries Manager.  Memorials shall be erected or re-erected on a private grave within a period of not less than six weeks and not more than eight weeks.

Maintenance

All memorials must be maintained by the owner thereof for the time being, in a safe and clean condition and proper state of repair.

Liability

Memorials shall remain in the Cemetery at the sole risk of the owner thereof for the time being and the Council shall not be responsible for any injury or damage thereto or for any injury or damage caused thereby.

Private Grave Memorials

Landings

Memorials with Kerbs

All kerbs and memorials on private graves shall be fixed to the satisfaction of the Cemeteries Manager, either on a one-piece York stone landing or on a one-piece pre-cast reinforced concrete landing of approved manufacture or some other material to be approved by the Council.  The landing must not be less than 75mm (3”) in thickness.  Prior to placing the main foundation, reinforced concrete bearers 75mm (3”) thick, 150mm (6”) wide and 1220mm (48”) in length to be set at each end of the grave, 150mm (6”) inside the length of the foundation.  When completed, a maximum of 25mm (1”) of the foundation may be visible above ground level.

Any turf removed in order to position the bearers must be replaced and made good.

Headstone Memorials

To be set on a reinforced concrete foundation, with a minimum thickness of 75mm (3”).  On plan to have a minimum depth (front to back) of 375mm (15”) and always larger than the memorial base.  To be fixed using a suitable ground support system, e.g. The NAMM Ground Support Fixing System; Nettlebank Fixings; Myatt & Leason’s Memorial Anchor or other NAMM accredited system.

Alternatively, a concrete block ‘PILLAR’ foundation may be used, following NAMM Code of Working Practice.  Such foundations to be laid at least 14 days prior to the memorial being erected.

Poured concrete foundations are not permitted.

Dimensions

General

• Memorials including kerbs on single private graves must not exceed 1950mm in length and 750mm in width (6’6” x 2’6”).
• Child grave memorials must not exceed 1220mm in length and 610mm in width (4’ 0” x 2’ 0”).
• Kerbs must be 150mm (6”) in height and not less than 75mm (3”) in thickness.  Built up kerbing is not permitted.
• Posts must not exceed 225mm (9”) in height.
• Kerbs and posts must be set at ground level and must be properly dowelled and grooved for adequate drainage.
• The maximum permitted height of any headstone, cross or other upright structure is 1000mm (3’ 3”). The minimum thickness for a headstone is 75mm (3”).
• Any kerbed memorial to be a minimum of 305mm (1’ 0”) from any existing memorial, on all four sides.

‘Classic Traditional’ section only

The following dimensions are permitted.

• Brick lined graves / vaults
  Length: 2.13m (7’ 0”) x width 0.91m (3’ 0”) x height 2.0m (6’ 6”)
• Earthen graves
  Length: 2.13m (7’ 0”) x width 0.91m (3’ 0”) x height 1.0m (3’ 3”)

Vases, etc.

All vases, ornaments, figures or additions to memorials, must be fixed so that no portion projects beyond the inside edge of the kerbing.  These may only be located immediately adjacent to headstones.  None are permitted on cremated remains plots.

Paving and Chippings

Paving rockwork or chippings are not allowed unless enclosed by kerbing.

Lawn Grave Memorials

The Regulations regarding dimensions will apply to headstones erected on Lawn Graves.

Cremated Remains Grave Memorials

Tablet memorials must be of marble, granite or other approved hard natural stone.  Tablet dimensions must not exceed 600mm in length and 450mm in width (2’ x 1’ 6”) and these are required to be inset at ground level in the centre of plots.

Temporary Grave Surrounds

Fencing, not exceeding 1950mm in length and 750mm in width (6’ 6” x 2’ 6”) and not exceeding 225mm (9”) in height, will be permitted to enclose a grave for a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of burial.  The Council reserve the right to remove any edging, kerbing or fencing, as it sees fit.

The Council reserve the right:

1. in the case of private graves, where the exclusive right of burial is for a limited period, to remove all memorials therefrom after the expiry of such period; and
2. in the case of any memorial which is considered to be unsafe, or to be in a state of disrepair, to cover, move, refix, re-align or alter the position of the memorial.

Temporary Memorials

As a temporary measure and until a memorial of suitable material is erected as stated elsewhere in the Regulations a suitable wooden cross not exceeding 2’ 6” in height will be permitted for a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of burial.  The cross must be positioned at the head of the grave or as directed by the Cemeteries Manager.

The Council reserve the right to remove such a temporary memorial cross which is in the opinion of the Parks Manager or Cemeteries Manager unsightly, dangerous or a hindrance to grave maintenance or for any other valid reason.

The Council reserve the right in cases of necessity or in connection with the excavation or opening of an adjoining grave to remove or replace any monument or headstone without notice or compensation to the owner thereof.