GUIDANCE and ADVICE to bereaved on purchasing and aftercare of graves
Purchasing a burial plot/cremated remains plot (exclusive right of burial)
It should be noted that when purchasing the exclusive right of burial to a plot, they are sold in strict rotation “next in line” which will result in “head and footstone” memorials.If a casket of ashes is interred into a burial plot no furthercoffin burials can take place within the grave space.
Grave deeds/exclusive right of burial
These will be issued after the interment has taken place or if reserving after allocation.
Exclusive right of burial fees and charges
Council services are paid for through council taxes. The cemetery service at Ashby Road, Hinckley is only paid for by the residents of Hinckley (not the whole of the Borough) so a single fee applies. Residents outside of Hinckley will be charged double fees for the exclusive rights of burial for 70 years.This is because the cemetery services for residents who live outside of Hinckley are paid for through council tax payments to the local parish/town councils for the upkeep of the cemetery in their area. However, we do make an exception, if you have moved out of the Hinckley area in the last five years, our policy is that a single fee will be charged.
Soil and turf replenishment
All new and re-opened graves may need quantities of soil placed on the surface for at least six months after the burial, sometimes replenishment of soil in smaller amounts is needed afterwards, therefore we ask you not to lay or plant anything on the grave. Tributes (potted plants) may be placed in the memorial channel to the grave, (where the “temporary” marker cross has been placed if one has been supplied by the Funeral Director).
At some further date, as soil movement re-occurs, the grave may need more soil. If this is not done automatically, please let the Cemetery Office know and we can arrange for the work to be done.Turf shall be established to all new and existing graves at the council’s expense after the settlement of the grave surface and when weather conditions permit. This may be several months later, dependent on the time of year; the graves may be seeded or turfed.
Lawn style graves
Burial areas within the cemetery are currently laid out as lawned sections for ease of both maintenance and excavation of existing/reserved graves and consequently fences, kerbs and grave surrounds are not permitted. No plants or memorabilia are allowed on the graves, except within the memorial channel to the grave space or to one side of the memorial, but so as not to encroach onto neighbouring graves. Any item which may obstruct maintenance will be moved to the memorial channel.
Artefacts
The council can take no responsibility for any artefacts (ornaments etc) left on graves. It is also requested that no food/confectionary is left on the grave as this will attract vermin.
The planting of plants, shrubs and trees
The full length planting of a grave is not permitted, neither is the planting of trees and shrubs. Bulbs and flowers may be planted around the memorial area but the council accepts no responsibility for the maintenance and care of such planting.
Floral tributes and wreaths
In order to maintain the appearance of the cemetery, floral tributes and wreaths will be removed from the grave after two weeks following the interment, depending on their condition. Christmas tributes will be removed after Easter.
Memorials
Memorials may be erected subject to the following conditions and it should be noted that a fee will be payable to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council for the right to install any type of memorial.All memorials erected in a cemetery must be of natural quarried stone and the design approved by the council prior to erection. No memorial may exceed 3ft. 6in. (105cm) in width and 18in (46cm) in depth and the maximum permitted height is 4ft (120cm). However, for cremation and casket plots and children’s graves, these dimensions will be considerably smaller. Vases and tablets are allowed subject to the necessary approval. All memorials must be installed by a mason registered to work in the council’s cemeteries. A list is available on request.Memorials can only be installed on “purchased” graves – do you have the grave deeds/exclusive right of burial that has been issued by the Borough Council?
Wooden crosses
The installation of wooden crosses is not encouraged; any grave owner who wishes to install a wooden cross is advised that it should only be regarded as a temporary measure prior to the installation of a permanent memorial in natural stone.
Back to back memorials
All sections employ a back to back memorial alignment, which allows a 17 foot grass ride between memorials, as mentioned in the first part of these guidance notes this will result in “head and footstone” memorials.
Garden of remembrance
If you have chosen to use the garden for cremated remains, it should be noted that there is no exclusive right to a section of the garden and therefore no wreaths should be placed on the garden itself, but placed on the paved area nearby. Vases are provided for your use. It is possible to have a plaque installed on the wall in the NewGarden and a memorial kerb in both the New and OldGarden. Please contact your Funeral Director/Monumental Mason who will apply for this on your behalf. A fee will be payable. Any vases/containers that are not authorised will be removed. Please do not fix any items to the Wall of Remembrance. Christmas tributes will be removed from these areas at the end of January.
Natural burial graves
The plot location and orientation is set out best to fit the natural environment as opposed to the more traditional east/west orientation layout. The graves in this area will be sown with wildflower seed during the next growing season and the area will be disturbed as little as possible as we wish to encourage wild flowers and nature to flourish. No memorials of any kind are permitted in this area, this includes planting flowers/plants etc. and these will be removed if found. A floral tribute may be placed on the grave for a period of 14 days.