GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE GUIDELINES
When you come to consider the type of stone you would like to choose for your loved one after cremation, please could you be aware of the present policy for St. Boniface, Nursling and St. John's, Rownhams. This policy has been agreed by the Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.) of Nursling and Rownhams Parish after careful thought. It is broadly in keeping with current Diocesan guidelines. It aims to try and preserve the character of the churchyard so that anything placed in it will be of good design and will harmonise with the surroundings.
The size of the stone tablets for Remembrance Garden in the churchyards is to be 30cm (12 inches) by 25cm (10 inches), or at the most 30cm (12 inches) by 30cm (by 12 inches), laid flush with the turf or slightly below.
The preferred stones are: light grey Granite (eggshell finish), Roman stone (Nabresina), York, Purbeck and Portland. Highly polished or mirror finishes are not allowed, nor are blue or red granite and granites darker than Rustenburg grey; Carrara white or similar marble; synthetic stone or plastic. This is to try and ensure that materials used harmonise with the church and its setting.
No lead lettering is permitted. Lettering may be incised for clarity, though this can be bad for the stone in the long run. We accept the following colours of lettering: grey, brown, silver, matt white and matt black.
The inscription is usually simply the name of the deceased and date. There may be room for a short inscription with wording at the Vicar's discretion.
Flowers may be placed in a removable container. A metal one with spikes to hold it in place and a handle is a good idea to make removal for mowing easier. Wreaths and cut flowers may be placed in such containers or laid on the tablet, but should be removed once they look withered. (Please do respect the neighbouring plots.) Please do not use glass or china receptacles as they break easily and become dangerous. Remembrance Day poppies and traditional Christmas wreaths must be removed within two months. Usually other items (e.g. mementoes, statues, keepsakes) are not allowed, except in exceptional circumstances with the vicar's express permission.
We reserve the right to remove anything not complying with the above rules, and any badly withered flowers, at any time. This is to try and keep the Churchyards looking neat and tidy for all visitors, and to make it a pleasant place to be.
Permission for a memorial outside of these guidelines may occasionally be granted by the Archdeacon of Bournemouth. You would need to consult the Vicar first.
Related Links:-
First garden of remembrance at Rownhams
Second garden of remembrance at Rownhams