Frequently asked questions about memorials

Who is eligible?

Only the holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial can give permission for a memorial to be placed on a grave or cremation plot. A memorial cannot be disturbed or moved without the express permission of the owner unless it poses a safety hazard.

Who is responsible for the safety and maintenance of a memorial?

It is the owner of the Exclusive Right of Burial who is responsible to ensure the safety and maintenance of a memorial on a grave or cremated remains plot. Also all memorials within the cemeteries shall remain there at the risk of the owners, and the Company will not be held responsible for any damage that occurs other than damage by Company employees.

What happens next?

On receipt of an application for permission to erect a memorial, add an additional inscription or replace/restore a memorial, the cemetery records are checked to ensure that the applicant is the holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial. The Company will also check that the type of memorial requested is in accordance with the type of memorial that is permitted on the grave or plot in question. If the application conforms to the Company's requirements a letter of approval is forwarded to the monumental accordingly.

Can I erect a memorial on my grave or cremated remains plot immediately?

At Congleton Cemetery memorials can be placed on graves immediately following an interment because they are installed upon undisturbed ground. However, at Sandbach Cemetery for grave memorials there is a minimum waiting period of six months to allow for ground settlement. At all our other cemeteries depending on the area of the grave plot will depend on when the memorial can be installed, please contact the cemetery office for further information. There is no waiting period for memorials to be installed on cremated remains plots.

Cemetery Rules

The Cemetery Rules are a necessary requirement for the management of cemeteries and due consideration has been given to accommodate the rights and choices by individuals wishing to place a lasting memorial in memory of a loved one. The installation of any memorials that do not comply with the Cemetery Rules is not permitted.

Issues of Safety

A Burial Authority has responsibility to ensure that its cemeteries are maintained in a safe condition and this also means that any person who carries out work within the cemeteries must do so in a safe manner and without putting others at risk.  Recognising the importance of the safety of memorials, Orbitas is registered with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) and therefore memorial masons applying to work within the area’s cemeteries are required to have BRAMM business accreditation. From the 1 October 2008 full compliance with BRAMM was implemented which means memorial masons are required to have a Business Registration Certificate.

BRAMM is a national scheme operated independently to improve safety standards and competency of stonemasons. The National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) administers the scheme and the aim is to establish a network of nationally accredited businesses and registered fixers.

As a registered member of BRAMM the Company is assured that any BRAMM business has adequate public liability insurance, employer’s liability, a current Health & Safety policy, risk assessment and a 10-year written guarantee including stability and safety of a memorial. There is also the assurance that a licensed BRAMM fixer has the skill and knowledge of the correct trade practices and procedures in order to erect a safe and stable memorial.