St Laurence Churchyard – A Continuing Place of Peace

We know that you will be reading this leaflet at a difficult and sad time. We have produced it to help you make the right choice for your loved one and to ensure that St. Laurence’s churchyard remains a beautiful place of peace for years to come.

For a variety of reasons there are a number of rules for Ansley churchyard which can differ from many other churchyards and cemeteries in this country.  So please read this leaflet before choosing to have a loved one buried, or an interment of ashes in Ansley churchyard. The formal regulations.

Garden of Peace

The Garden of Peace is for all for the interment of ashes, especially for those not requiring a visible reminder of their loved ones but who would prefer their remains to be in the churchyard.

It is a unique place in the churchyard, open to all for the interment of ashes only. No other commemoration e.g. flowers or plaques are permitted.

Prior arrangements are to be made with the incumbent or wardens, who will notify the procedures and cost.

Unlike the cremation garden and the general churchyard, where we can only accommodate those with significant links with church or parish, the Garden of Peace is open to all.

Names may be entered into a Book of Remembrance on request and space will be provided for a message.

Health and Safety: (Sorry we have to mention this!)

The family has the responsibility to keep the gravestone in a safe condition and to meet any repair costs.

Annual checks on all the gravestones within the churchyard are carried out to ensure they are secure.  If any issues are found a note will be left on the grave and the church will attempt to contact the family.  However, if a gravestone poses an immediate risk to members of the public, the church reserves the right to lay it down to prevent injury.

Glass items should not be left on or around the grave as these can cause injury if they are accidentally broken.  For this reason, they will be removed immediately.

Gravestones:

A wide range of gravestone style may be permitted in council cemeteries but the choice of what is allowed in churchyards is more limited.  The Vicar or your stonemason can advise you on what is acceptable.

Flowers should be placed in a suitable flower container, incorporated in the memorial.

Graveside Decorations:

Seasonal wreaths are allowed at Remembrance and over Christmas. These and faded flowers will be cleared away in February.

To help us maintain Ansley churchyard as a place of peace, please follow these simple guidelines.

These are allowed

  • Memorial stone (approved by the Vicar)
  • Real flowers
  • Remembrance Day and Christmas wreaths

But sorry, these are not permitted.

  • Glass items
  • Ornaments
  • Toys
  • Candles
  • Unauthorised changes to a gravestone
  • Unsafe gravestones

Please place all rubbish in the correct bins provided in the car park.

Please do not leave anything of value (either sentimental or monetary) by a grave or in a parked car, as the church cannot be held responsible for any losses.