Buying a Grave
We are able to provide the following choices of grave.
All memorials must be fixed in accordance with the
recommendations of the National Association of Memorial
Masons (external link).
Slabbed Grave
These graves are situated on lawns, with a slabbed section at
the head where a vase or headstone can be placed. The graves have a
neat, though uniform appearance, and are mown every two weeks
during the summer.
Traditional Grave (Ward 10 Richardson Street only)
These graves are for those who want greater choice over the size
or design of the memorial, or do not want people to walk over the
grave. The entire grave area must be covered, and the whole
maintained by the grave owner. A large memorial can be placed, or
kerbs, to surround the grave, leaving an area which can be
gardened. The grave can also be brick lined to ensure the coffin is
soil and water free. Large memorials can be expensive, and this
should be considered.
Re-cycled Grave
There are many old graves owned by the Council, and last used
for burial in Victorian times. These are now used for burial of
those who do not want a private grave, or a memorial upon the
grave. This form of burial requires only the payment of the
interment fee, saving the cost of making the grave private. An
inexpensive biodegradable coffin must also be used and space for a
second burial cannot be reserved. The grave will be used again in
about 100 years, when all the human remains have disappeared. This
type of funeral is the least expensive that can be arranged.
Woodland Grave (Richardson Street only)
Our woodland grave option was the first in the world, and offers
a "Return to Nature" burial, with the accumulating graves forming a
forest, mainly Oaks. This is not a suitable choice for people who
require a neat and tidy grave. These graves may have long grass at
times, to offer a habitat to wildlife, particularly voles and owls.
Most people choose a biodegradable coffin and avoid the use of
embalming fluids, which may kill the trees. A tree is planted as a
memorial, often by the family some weeks after the burial, Some of
these trees will be thinned out after 10 years, and a tree to each
grave cannot be guaranteed long term. The two burials are side by
side, although a "half grave" can be purchased for a single burial,
at half the usual fee. A double grave should not be used if the
second burial is likely to occur perhaps 20 years later, when the
tree on the first burial may make access difficult for the second
burial. We provide the trees and cover all the planting costs. If a
bronze plaque is required, memorial wall plaques can be placed in
the nearby "Sheepfold".
Baby & Infant Graves
We offer small baby graves in all our cemeteries. The "Babies
Memorial Garden" at Richardson Street is reserved for the burial of
stillborn and foetal remains. All graves are individual and a small
headstone can be placed on graves.
Cremated Remains Graves
These small graves accept up to four caskets and are available
at all cemeteries, upon payment of an additional fee. You can place
a small memorial or vase, which gives you a personal place to visit
after the cremation. These graves are mown every two weeks.