Can I make an application to erect a memorial direct to the Joint Burial Committee?

Yes you can but your chosen memorial mason normally does this for you. If the memorial mason fills out the application on your behalf you must be the rightful owner to the grant for the ‘Right to Burial’, or acting as the executor or administrator to the deceased if they are the rightful grant owner. The application form will not be processed without the proper signature.

Why do I have to make an application to erect a memorial when I own the plot?

Only the burial authority owns the plot, you may only own the grant that gives you the Right to Burial in that plot for the time specified on the grant itself.

Can I erect a memorial on the grave space myself?

No, memorials are extremely heavy and dangerous structures and therefore have to be mounted using industry approved fixings, this extends to kerbsets (the only fixings allowed are type approved by the National Association of Monumental Masons).

What type of memorial can be erected in the cemetery?

There are different types of permitted memorials for each section of the cemetery, these generally are:

• Flat Tablet 18” x 18” (460mm x 460mm) – Lawn section (cremated remains)
• Headstone (not exceeding 4ft (1220mm) in height) – EX 2, EX 3 (cremated remains) and the newly constructed section
• Headstone exceeding 4ft (1220mm) and kerbsets – Old section, EX and EX1  (providing there are spaces available)
• Commemorative Plaque (for a period of 20 years) – Garden of Remembrance

Who is responsible for repairs if the memorial fails its five-year health and safety check?

If the memorial is less than 10 years old it is possible that the memorial mason who constructed and erected the memorial will do the repairs under warranty providing it has not been vandalised or subjected to storm damage.. If the memorial is out of warranty it is the responsibility of the grant owner to arrange suitable repairs or have it removed to a place of safety (not within the cemetery grounds unless it is laid down directly and safely on the relevant plot)

Why do the regulations seem so harsh?

The burial authority has a duty of care to ensure that the cemetery is properly managed and is a safe environment for anyone to visit regardless of the purpose of his or her visit.

Why is the grant owner of the ‘Right to Burial’ the only person allowed to apply for the erection of a memorial?

Following bereavement family disputes are a regular occurrence, to avoid expensive legal conflict between family members this policy is rigidly enforced.

How much does it cost for memorial?

This very much depends on your requirements. This is normally negotiated between yourself and with a monumental mason of your choice. The fees listed by the Devizes and Roundway Joint Burial Committee only relate to the rights for erecting a memorial.

When will my memorial have a health and safety check?

All memorials will eventually be tested in compliance with current regulations on a five-year cycle. Newly erected memorials will be tested before a grant is issued to the owner, this should be done no sooner than one month following installation. There in after the memorial will be tested every five years.

How much will it cost to renew my grant for the Right to Erect a Memorial?

All new memorials are issued initially with a five year grant, following testing the owner will be notified of the results and should the memorial pass the grant will be extended for a further five years on receipt of nominal fee (set at 10% of the current application fee)

Why is the burial authority charging 10% of the current application fee for extending the Right to Erect a Memorial?

There is a resource and administrative cost implication to the testing regime imposed upon the burial authority as a result of legislative requirements. Therefore a reasonable nominal charge is raised to reduce the burden of further taxation on Devizes and Roundway parishioners.

What should I do if I see an unsafe memorial that looks like it has been abandoned?

Don’t touch it. Note where it is located and report it as soon as possible to the Clerk of the burial authority by email or by phoning 01380 722160.

What other memorials are permitted other than headstones or tablets?

People often like to dedicate a tree or bench to a loved one. Officers working on behalf of the Joint Burial Authority will advise and arrange everything for you.

Why can’t I plant my own tree/bush or install my own bench?

The roots of trees and bushes often pose problems with root spread into grave areas and if they are badly placed they get in the way of routine grounds maintenance. Benches purchased from local retailers are not suitable for public use and can rapidly deteriorate if not regularly maintained. Benches also have to be properly secured to a solid platform to avoid accidental tipping, theft and abuse.

What can I place on or around my headstone?

Flower vases are to be securely mounted on the base of the headstone, please consider this when arranging for a new headstone or when having an additional inscription incorporated. Other personal items should not be likely to offend other visitors and must be placed on the base of the memorial stone/tablet.

Why do my fresh flowers keep getting vandalised?

If the flowers are not kept on the base of the monument or in a loose vase nearby it is possible that it has got in the way of grounds maintenance equipment although the operators are instructed to be as careful as possible. Most fresh flowers are damaged by wildlife (i.e. deer and rabbits) that find them irresistible to eat. The burial authority has found that it is impossible to keep wildlife from accessing the cemetery.

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