Our churchyards have an important role in enabling Saddleworth Church to support bereaved families. As we work to keep the yards open, we hope for the cooperation of visitors as we also protect and care for the heritage of our church.

The purpose of the regulations is to ensure that the distinctive character of a churchyard will be preserved and that anything placed in it will be of good design and in harmony with the surroundings. Strictly speaking a person who want to put up a headstone or alter an existing memorial needs written permission to do so. The Church of England terms permission as a Faculty, which is given by our Benefice Clergy. An application, includes a full description of the proposed work, and must be submitted to the sexton for prior approval. We do not want to have to remove memorials in the cases whereby permission has not been given.

The regulations also apply to the burial of ashes (as noted on the back of the white certificate) this also requires permission. Please remember that we have a legal and historical obligation to register any burials.

In some cases a fee will be charged. Part of this fee is paid to the Diocese of Manchester and the rest is used to pay for maintenance and repairs that our volunteer team cannot do. If we are unable to generate sufficient income from donations and fees we will have no choice but to close the yard(s) for safety reasons. We appreciate your understanding and ask you to direct any questions using the contact button on the top right of this page.

A summary of the guidance;

• The bereaved must follow the diocesan churchyard regulations
• Memorials can only be introduced in line with the regulations or with a faculty. That means that the size, materials and wording of any memorial have to be within the parameters of the regulations
• There is no automatic right to a memorial or a burial. Permission must be given
• Additional items are not always permitted depending on the terms of your diocese’s regulations (e.g. photographs, toys, windmills, etc)

FLOWERS AND CARE OF THE CHURCHYARD

1. Bulbs may be planted in the soil of any grave, adjacent to the headstone.
2. Cut flowers may be placed in a receptacle for flowers; otherwise they may be placed in a removable container which must be completely sunk into the ground, close to the headstone. Please remove plastic wrappings.
3. No artificial flowers are allowed except for Remembrance Day poppies and traditional Christmas wreaths, which must be removed after a period of not more than two months. Any vase, flowers or wreath not complying with the above rules may be removed by, or with the authority of, the Parish Priest
4. PCC regulations concerning the care and tidiness of the churchyard should be noted.