Parochial Church Council of St. James, Barlborough
POLICY ON BURIAL
Scope
This policy sets out the residential guidelines for the interment of those (or their relatives acting on their behalf) making representations to the incumbent of St James’ Church, Barlborough, Diocese of Derby. The churchyard is now closed. A municipal burial ground for the time being is located at Barlborough Road, Clowne.
Policy
Because the churchyard is closed to earthen burials, in this policy ‘burial’ or ‘grave’ refers to the interment of cremated remains only.
This policy has been reviewed at a meeting of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and by a majority vote in favour, it passed a resolution put to the PCC agreeing that: –
Part 1 – Burial
Any person who is normally resident at an address in the ecclesiastical parish of Barlborough at the time of their death may be interred in land consecrated for that purpose within the jurisdiction of the Parish Church of St James, Barlborough.
Persons who can demonstrate a very close connection or relationship with the Parish of Barlborough but who do not reside therein may apply (or relatives apply on their behalf) to the incumbent for permission to be buried there. Such consideration will be strictly limited to the interment of cremated remains in the same plot as a near or only relative or in a location specifically identified for cremated remains.
In exceptional circumstances, for example where the deceased has fulfilled a specific and substantial role in the service of the community of the Parish of Barlborough, the incumbent may give permission for a burial. Each such representation will be considered on its individual merits and shall not be construed as setting a precedent for a more open policy.
Part 2 – Reservation of Plots
People may ask to reserve burial space for their future use but this can only be arranged through the grant of a Faculty petition to the Consistory Court of the Diocese. The Rector or a Churchwarden will provide information about this.
The prior reservation of a burial plot before a person’s death creates a number of practical and administrative problems and is opposed by the PCC under this policy.
There are administrative and practical reasons for this, in addition to the PCC’ obligation to be equitable in its dealings with all residents of the Parish. Consecrated land could quickly be taken up if a large number of young people were to adopt the prior reservation of burial space. With reserved but unused land, there may very well be no unreserved space left for an immediate need. Reserved plots at preferred locations may create gaps between existing graves as the other space is progressively taken up, becoming aesthetically unattractive and leading to a more difficult maintenance routine.
BY ORDER OF THE PCC
2017
Prepared in compliance with Diocese of Derby, General Regulations for The Erection of Memorials & Gravestones in Churchyards (2000)
Churchwardens: Mr V. Sanderson; Mr J. Whybrow