Memorials

We know how important memorials are as a lasting symbol of remembrance. We provide help to make sure that all memorials meet cemetery regulations.

All headstones, memorials and inscriptions are subject to approval by the Burials & Services Officer

Applications to erect a memorial should be submitted through our memorial application form, (pdf, 227kb) with details being completed by both yourself and your appointed memorial mason.

All memorials must be erected in accordance with the National Association of Memorial Masons Code of Working Practice. Any memorials that do not comply may be removed and action may be taken against the installer.

Memorials, vases, plaques and their inscriptions are only permitted on purchased grave plots.

All headstones must have the appropriate grave number engraved into the base.

Additional information on memorials and regulations within our cemetries can be found in our Choosing a Memorial Information Sheet (pdf, 122kb) and our Memorials and Monumental Inscriptions document. (pdf, 156kb)

Memorial testing will be carried out periodically within all our cemeteries. Notices will be displayed in each cemetery giving the dates of these inspections. Further details are available in our Cemetery Memorial Safety Programme (pdf, 576kb).
 

Lawn cemeteries

Etwall, Marston-on-Dove and Newhall Cemeteries are designated lawn cemeteries. Lawn graves are designed on the war grave principle (to have only a memorial of limited size at the head of the grave with the rest of the grave laid to lawn).

These graves are sold on the understanding that only lawn-style memorials are erected.
 

Memorial Regulations

Headstones and vases only shall be allowed, except in Church Gresley and Findern cemeteries where kerb memorials are also permitted, and the materials used must be natural stone unless prior approval has been given by the Burials and Services Officer for the use of other materials. Headstones to be between 2ins (50mm) and 4ins (100mm) in thickness. 

  1. The overall size of headstones including base and plinth, shall not exceed 3ft (91.4cm) in height on a full sized grave, 2ft 6ins (76.2cm) in width and back to front 1ft 6ins (45.7cm). Vases shall not exceed a size of 10ins (25.4cm) square base and 8ins (20.32cm) in height.
     
  2. The overall size of headstones including base and plinth in the Cremated Remains area, apart from those within the cremated remains section of Section J at Newhall Cemetery, shall not exceed 2ft (61cm) in height, 2ft (61cm) in width and back to front 1ft 6ins (45.7cm).
     
  3. The overall size of headstones, including base plinth in the Children’s section shall not exceed 2ft (61cm) in height, 2ft (61cm) in width and back to front 1ft 6ins (45.7cm).
     
  4. Newhall Cemetery, Section J only – The overall size of a cremated remains memorial, within the cremated remains section of Section J at Newhall Cemetery, shall not exceed 2ft (61cm) in width, 1ft 6ins (45.7cm) front to back and 4ins (10.2cm) in height/depth. A temporary marker of no more than 1ft (30cm) in height will be permitted for a reasonable period of time.
     
  5. Church Gresley & Findern Cemeteries - The overall size of a kerb memorial shall not exceed 6ft 6ins (198.1cm) in length, 3ft (91.4cm) in width and 8ins (20.32cm) in height. 
     

Memorial Bench Scheme

We have now introduced a Memorial Bench Scheme for our parks, cemeteries and open spaces.

Memorial benches can be placed in many of South Derbyshire’s parks, cemeteries and open spaces to commemorate and remember the life of a loved one.

The Scheme includes the supply and installation of a bench, a commemorative plaque and a 5-year maintenance scheme with costs being dependent on the style of the bench but starting from £1602.

For more information about the scheme, please see Memorial Bench Scheme Document (pdf, 853kb).