-

Grave Tributes, Headstones and Memorials

Grave Tributes

No shrubs, plants or flowers may be planted in the Cemetery or Garden of Remembrance.  The Council reserves the right to prune, cut down or dig up and remove any shrub, plant or flowers planted without authorisation, or which in their opinion has become unsightly or overgrown.  Such planting often causes problems by encroaching on neighbouring grave spaces and many plants, due to the depth of the roots, cause significant difficulties in reopening the grave for future interments.  Floral decorations may be placed on any grave.  When these are seen to be decaying the Council reserves the right to remove or dispose of them if the owner fails to do so.  In addition to the planting detailed above, the following items are not permitted in the New Cemetery or Garden of Remembrance:

  • Stones, granite chippings etc as these may damage grass cutting equipment
  • Grave edge kerbs, kerb-sets or fencing of any kind around the graves as this prevents effective maintenance and can create a trip hazard to others
  • Any glass or porcelain vases or other items, as they shatter in frosty conditions and create a hazard to visitors and wildlife
  • Wind chimes, lights or any other mementos which will infringe on the peaceful tranquility of the cemetery
  • Any mementos which will deteriorate over time such as beer cans or soft toys

The Council reserves the right to remove any receptacle for flowers, damaged wreaths, mementos, kerbing or fencing, etc, that it considers unsuitable, or which are broken, without notice.

Holly Wreaths

At Christmas many holly wreaths are left on graves. Our Cemeteries staff will remove them 5 or 6 weeks after Christmas.  If you wish to remove them yourself, please do so before 31 January.

Theft

Expensive fresh or silk flower arrangements are occasionally stolen or removed and placed on other graves.  The Council constantly monitors the situation and routinely liaises with the Police about problems.  Please let Council staff know if you experience such problems.

Applications for Memorial Work

Permission is required from the Council before any memorial may be erected, renovated or removed.  Permission is also necessary for additional inscriptions to be inscribed. Copies of the Memorial Application Form can be downloaded from the Useful Documents section at the bottom of the page.

Headstones and Memorials

The Council has a detailed set of regulations relating to headstones and memorials in its Cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance.

Wooden crosses are permitted as temporary grave markers in the New Cemetery, prior to the installation of a permanent memorial.

There are no restrictions of the wording inscribed on a memorial other than it should not give offence to other members of the public.

All memorials must be fixed or re-fixed in accordance with the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) Recommended Code of Working Practice.

All vases should be integral to the headstone or its base and the Council recommends that flower containers are not made of glass or porcelain, as these materials will often crack due to water freezing during periods of cold weather.  Similarly, some plastic materials become brittle due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.  The Council reserves the right to remove any receptacle of flowers, damaged wreaths, mementos, etc, that it considers unsuitable, or which are broken, without notice. ,Additional ‘free standing’ / unattached plinths or non-fixed stonework, etc, will not be permitted.

Memorials are private property owned by the Exclusive Rightholder.  Bodmin Town Council is not responsible for vandalism, theft or damage to the memorial.  The Council advises that Rightholders insure memorials against accidental damage, vandalism and theft, and recommends that cover should take effect immediately the stone is fixed in the cemetery or churchyard.  The cost is very reasonable and usually insignificant when compared with the possible cost of repairs.  Any reputable memorial mason should have details of the schemes available, but if they do not, the National Association of Memorial Masons will be able to assist.

Useful Documents

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology and are in the following formats: .pdf. Request an accessible format.