The Churchyard
At All Saints’ Laleham we cherish our churchyard and all who rest there. We see how much love is shown in the way so many families tend these graves and we are grateful for every expression of it.
The care of churchyards is a matter governed by law and we have a clear set of rules that have been agreed with the Chancellor of the diocese and need to abide by.
WHAT THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE
The main areas affected are as follows.
Flowers
Flowers are still very welcome. However, wreaths and cut flowers must be removed once they have withered, vases no longer in use must be removed, and artificial flowers must be removed within two months of being placed.
Items and memorabilia
Figures, toys and other memorabilia may be placed on a grave for up to twelve months following a burial or interment but cannot remain after that time.
Graves and surrounds
The area around a grave must be left as grass. Planting flowers, shrubs or other plants is not permitted.
Digging or excavating around a gravestone, or placing stones, gravel, chippings or edging around a grave, is not permitted.
WHAT REMAINS PERMITTED
We want to be clear that much is unchanged. Fresh flowers and wreaths are always welcome. Artificial flowers, within the two-month limit, are also permitted. Approved headstones and permanent memorials are entirely unaffected by these changes.
WHAT ARE WE ASKING, AND WHEN
We recognise that this may be difficult, especially where items have been placed with love over many years.
Every family will have the opportunity to make any changes themselves, in their own time and with dignity.
We will not remove anything before 1st September 2026. After that date, any items that fall outside the regulations will be carefully and respectfully removed and stored for three months, during which they may be collected by arrangement from the church office. Items not collected within that time will then need to be disposed of, after every reasonable opportunity has been given for collection.
If you have been recently bereaved and are concerned that the twelve-month period may be approaching, please do get in touch with us directly and we will do our best to help.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY THINGS
Items on graves will firstly be photographed in situ. A careful note will be made of what has been removed and from which grave. Items will then be taken to be carefully stored in the church office. Plant holders will be kept, but plants will be disposed of. We will record this date.
WHAT CAN I DO
The care of churchyards is a matter governed by law, and we have a clear set of rules that have been agreed with the Chancellor of the Diocese of London and need to abide by.
To request further clarification please contact All Saints’ Parochial Church Council at:
pcc@allsaintslaleham.org.uk
The regulations were originally produced by our neighbouring Diocese of Guildford in 2022. Please click on the link to read the regulations in full.