"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" Matthew 5:4
The Churchyard
Tending to Graves
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Kindly note that since the churchyard is consecrated ground, there are rules about tending to graves. Please read our Guidance for Families here.
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Headstones
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Control of the churchyards and suitability of memorials rests ultimately with the Diocesan Chancellor. As such Rev'd Rachel is only allowed to give permission for memorials which fall within the guidelines; anything unusual will need to be referred to the Chancellor by way of a faculty application.
When you come to consider a memorial, your stone-mason or funeral director should be able to advise you on what is possible. For full details, read the Diocese of Chelmsford's Churchyard Handbook here..
Please note that over the years, guidelines have changed and so what you see on a neighbouring gravestone may no longer be permitted or may require a faculty.
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Caring for the Churchyard
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We are very grateful to all those who tidy the churchyard, particularly to the Community Pay Back Team who mow the grass and help us keep the Churchyard looking so well.
In keeping with our commitment to care for creation, we want to encourage biodiversity and are in the process of creating a wildflower area so that wildlife can flourish. We also have a bug hotel and are taking more measures to be creature friendly.
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The Garden of Remembrance
The Garden of Remembrance is a resting place for those who have been cremated. There are three walls for memorial plaques to remember loved ones.
If you wish to make use of the Garden of Remembrance, your undertaker will be able to help you with arrangements and will contact us for you.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23