BRAMHOPE CEMETERY

 ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERMENT 

The following definition of eligibility for the purchase of and interment in both ashes and grave plots at Bramhope Cemetery was agreed by Bramhope & Carlton Parish Council at its meeting on 26^th September 2007. 

Terminology 

For the sake of clarity someone eligible to purchase a grave or to be interred is referred to as a qualifying person and the eligible area as the catchment area (see below for definition). 

Qualifying persons: 

Current and former residents of the Bramhope and Carlton parishes including those living adjacent to the borders of Bramhope Parish Council (geographic Bramhope) as defined below are qualifying persons subject to the following limitations:- 

-         Recent residents cannot become qualifying persons until such time as they have lived in the catchment area for two years or more.

-         Former residents of the catchment area can only be qualifying persons if they lived there either for at least two years within the last ten, or for some period of at least 20 years.

-         Non - qualifying persons whether or not they have close family connections with a qualifying person are not eligible to purchase a grave or ashes plot. 

Exclusive Rights Certificates and Reservations 

A person purchasing an ashes plot or a grave, and who must by definition be a qualifying person at the time of the purchase, is issued with a 99 year exclusive rights certificate. It is recognised that gives the bearer exclusive rights to the use of the grave or plot over that period subject to its capacity and to the appropriate fees being paid at the time of any interment. 

An eligible person may reserve a particular grave plot. However the option must be exercised with payment being made at the prevailing rate within 12 months of making the reservation or the option will lapse.   

The Catchment Area (residential qualification) 

The relevant catchment area is defined by the city council’s polling districts as follows:

AWJ - comprises Bramhope parish

AWL - comprises that part of Arthington parish physically part of Bramhope

AWK - comprises unparished parts physically Bramhope and East Breary.

OYF - comprises Carlton parish 

Note: Children living at the same address at a qualifying person are thereby regarded as being qualifying persons.  Qualifying persons in polling districts AWL and AWK being adjacent to the two parishes are currently required to pay double fees. 

In the event of dispute the electoral register will become the definitive document. 

Variations and Exceptions

 

The Clerk to the Parish Council who is responsible for managing the cemetery is required to apply the rules as set out has no discretion in varying the rules as established by Bramhope & Carlton parish council.  

 

Appendix  

Qualifying persons’ addresses subject to premium payments:- 

AWL – Breary Lane East 7-17,High View, 27-101
            Creskeld Crescent 17-19
            Creskeld Drive 7-25, 2-28
            Creskeld Garth 1-11, 2-12
            Creskeld Lane 27-55, 32-52, Orchard House, Wood Top Farm
            Creskeld Park 2-10

AWK -   Arthington Rd – Breary Cottage, East Breary Coach House, The Stables,
                                    East Breary Farmhouse and Black Dog Forge  (ie all East Breary)
            Breary Lane East 20-32
            Creskeld Lane 2-12
            Golden Acre – Park House
            High Ridge Way
            Kings Rd – Breary Grange Farm & No 23 

September 2007

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 FEES FOR CEMETERY AT MOOR ROAD

With effect from 1 May 2007
 

The above fees are subject to change from time to time, please check with the Clerk for the latest fees. 

The above charges do not include fees for Grave Digger or Vicar 

The Parish Council is responsible for the maintenance of the Cemetery and requests that the Cemetery Rules & Regulations are adhered to. 

Please view the rules on eligibility of interment in Moor Road Cemetery

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Responsibilities of Funeral Directors & Stonemasons under the Rules & Regulations for Bramhope Cemetery, Moor Road, Bramhope, Leeds  

Introduction 

Bramhope Cemetery was established in 1861, becoming the responsibility of Bramhope & Carlton Parish Council in 1894.  The whole cemetery, located in Moor Road, is now consecrated and is primarily for Bramhope and Carlton residents and those with a local connection, although requests from other areas are considered. 

The Cemetery Rules and Regulations have been developed with great care and give consideration to historical factors, legal requirements, health and safety issues and the wishes of Bramhope and Carlton residents.  This balance ensures that the cemetery and burial plots have the appropriate reverence, feel and appearance that maintain respect, dignity and sensitivity for burial purposes.  These Rules also incorporate appropriate Leeds City Council regulations necessary for the essential upkeep and maintenance of the Cemetery.  

The Rules and Regulations have been agreed to ensure consistent standards are met across the cemetery.  These are intended to present fair, objective and clear guidelines for all who wish to use the cemetery; they stipulate permitted materials, measurements, appearance, inscriptions and other important details.  

General 

In the event of any of the Rules and Regulations rules below being breached, the Funeral Director and/or Stonemason will be liable to correct any unapproved works or unacceptable maintenance, at their own expense.  Following any breach, failure to comply with any Parish Council directives on remedial work, will lead to the Funeral Director and/or Stonemason being charged with appropriate costs. The Council may refuse to permit any such grave or vault to be opened until any outstanding accounts are paid. 

Responsibilities of Funeral Directors & Stonemasons 

As the Clerk to the Parish Council plays a pivotal role in the smooth-running of the Cemetery authorisation must be obtained from the Clerk on all matters relating to the site.  

Funerals 

No funeral is allowed to take place at the cemetery without the Clerk to the Parish Council, as Registrar, being in attendance. The Funeral Director must liaise with the Clerk to the Council regarding the timing of all arrangements.  Please allow as much time as possible for arrangements to be made. 

The Funeral Director is responsible for securing the services of a grave digger. 

It is the Clerk’s job to check that the name plate on the coffin or ashes container matches the information submitted by the Funeral Director.  The Clerk will also ensure that the attending Minister signs the burials register when the proceedings are over. 

If necessary, the grave area should be re-turfed after a period of settlement following an interment, with the ground left as flat and level as possible.  This work is at the expense of the grave owner. 

Erection of memorials 

All memorial design and inscriptions (including materials) must be approved by the Clerk to the Parish Council before any work is carried out. The Stonemason must liaise with the Clerk to the Council regarding the timing of all arrangements. 

The Clerk will ensure that the stone is placed in the correct position.  Please contact the Clerk to agree times for fixing or erecting memorials, giving at least three working days' notice. 

The Stonemason should remove, to a place directed by the Clerk, all surplus earth or debris after fixing a memorial, leaving everything in a clean and tidy condition. 

The section or number of the grave should be cut plainly upon the rear of the memorial, at the expense of the person erecting the memorial.  The reference number will be provided by the Clerk. 

The monument supplier’s name may be cut in small lettering on the rear of the stone. Inscription sizes must be compatible with the headstone size – the Clerk will provide guidelines. 

Additional Rules 

Designs, Materials and Sizes of Memorials  

A simple, temporary wooden cross may be used for a period not exceeding six months. 

Designs of headstones and tablets should be simple; ornate or over-bearing designs will not be permitted.  The Clerk will provide suitable and appropriate advice on standard, acceptable designs.  

No kerbing or marking out of the grave area is permitted. 

Inscribed drawings may be carved as part of the natural design on the stone (no pictures or photographs are allowed to be fixed, either temporarily or permanently). 

No stone chippings or flags are allowed on the grave area. 

Memorials on full-sized graves should not exceed 76cm high x 61cm wide x 30cm deep (2’ 6” high x 2’ wide x 1’ high).   

Ashes plots (half size or smaller) may be marked only by a flat tablet.  Tablets should not exceed 38cm wide x 46cm deep x 8cm high (15” wide x 18” deep x 4” high).  They should be placed on a concrete plinth. 

The grave design should allow for grass mowing and path maintenance within the Cemetery. 

All memorials must be supported by such brick or other foundations as the Council may deem necessary and the making of such foundations shall be done to its satisfaction. The whole of the memorial must be made from the best quarried material (soft stones and non-quarried material are not allowed).  

Where a vase is to be used, the design of the memorial should incorporate a built-in recess for its stability (sunken design). 

Design colour should respect the reverence, setting and consistency across the cemetery – bright and inappropriate colours are not allowed. 

Trees, Shrubs, Flowers, Containers and Ornaments 

Loose ornaments are not permitted, as they can be scattered by the wind and get damaged by mowers.  Small, unbreakable personal items belonging to the deceased may be placed for a temporary period only following interment, subject to the Clerk’s agreement.  These must comply with Health and Safety standards.  The planting of flowers and small plants may only be carried out with the express permission of the Clerk to the Parish Council.     

Tree planting is not allowed in the cemetery.  However, tree planting, as memorials, may be considered in other parts of the village – please make any enquiries to the Clerk. 

Only metal flower vases are permitted.  These should be designed to fit into a permanent recess built into the grave design. Only natural flowers will be allowed in the vase (no artificial, plastic or dried flowers) and must be removed once they are past their best. 

Inscriptions 

All proposed inscriptions should be submitted to the Clerk for approval, who may refer them to the Parish Council as necessary.  The Parish Council reserves the right to veto an inscription that it deems inappropriate.  Guidelines are shown below to illustrate acceptable standards. 

            General criteria 

o        An inscription must be relevant and truthful about the deceased person

o        It should be positive about that person and any other message conveyed  

o        Words should convey sensitivity and reverence

o        Family names must be formally written; e.g. Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, etc. 

Examples of acceptable Inscriptions: 

o        Names and dates of the deceased

o        Names by which the deceased was known

o        Names of immediate family members only

o        Simple epitaphs such as “dearly loved husband……”

o        Simple religious tracts “thy will be done…….”

o        Words pertaining to the identity of the deceased (conveying how people identify and relate to them) such as father, brother, friend, builder, vet, farmer, etc, without excessively extolling their virtues.   

Conclusion  

These rules have been designed to ensure the family and relatives of the bereaved receive all the necessary help, guidance and support. 

As previously stated, the Clerk to the Parish Council plays a pivotal role in the smooth-running of the Cemetery; therefore it is essential that the Clerk is contacted before any action is taken on all matters relating to the Cemetery site.  

By following these simple rules and working with the Parish Council we will ensure that all the arrangements are dealt with in a dignified way and delivered to the highest professional standards. 

Thank you for your co-operation. 

Bramhope & Carlton Parish Council – October 2005
 

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  page last up-dated 5 October 2007