Cemeteries Useful Advice
One of the most traumatic experiences in life is the death of a relative or loved one. For this reason many people prefer to use the services of a Funeral Director to make the arrangements for funerals. Undertakers have trained, experienced and well qualified staff to provide a comprehensive service and make the appropriate arrangements with East Devon District Council regarding our cemeteries service.
Before any funeral can take place the death must be certified by a doctor and then it must be registered.
The registrar for East Devon is at:
Registrar for Births Deaths and Marriages
Register Office
Dowell Street
Honiton
Devon
EX14 8LX
Types of Grave
There are two types of grave in East Devon’s cemeteries. One grave is for the interment of bodies and the other is for the burial of cremated remains.
Graves
A grave plot allows for the entire space of the grave to be set aside for the interment of a body. There will be sufficient space for the erection of a stone monument on the grave and have flower plants. Alternatively the entire grave may be grassed over.
The grave is normally dug deep enough for up to two body burials, and at some locations the graves may also be big enough to take up to four sets of cremated remains. Alternatively full grave plots may be used exclusively for cremated remains.
Ashes Plots
Some plots are set aside exclusively for the burial of cremated remains. Many ashes plots will take up to four sets of cremated remains. On some ashes plots it may be possible to erect a stone monument, at others only flush-with-grass stone tablets are permitted. All other ashes plots are covered in grass.
Monuments
Monuments and Tablets
Monuments such as headstones, kerbstones and footstones may be erected on many graves. On ashes plots generally only tablets are permitted. In all cases an Exclusive Right of Purchase must have been granted. Requests for all monuments and tablets must first be approved by the Council. Only stone monuments conforming to dimensions and type will be permitted to be erected. There are different regulations for each cemetery which is why approval must be given before any monument can be erected. Monuments made of wood, plastic and metal will not be approved.
Inscriptions
Suitable wording may be inscribed on monuments and tablets. Prior approval for inscriptions must be obtained from the Council.
Scattering of Ashes
Ashes may be scattered at Garden of Rest in Seaton and Sidmouth cemeteries.
Wall of Remembrance
A plaque may be purchased to place on the wall of Remembrance in Sidmouth and Seaton cemeteries.
Chapel
A chapel is available for funeral services at Sidmouth Cemetery.
Woodlands Burial
The Council offers the facility to have a Woodland Burial at Seaton cemetery. Woodland burials allow a natural form of burial within an area especially dedicated to the creation of a flourishing woodland.
Seaton cemetery offers views over the surrounding countryside. Those who have chosen a woodland burial will be contributing to the creation of a new sanctuary for wild plants, birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
The cemetery is managed to evolve in a way that will bring enjoyment to the local community and future generations. Only biodegradable coffins and adornments will be permitted allowing the area to remain as natural as possible.
After an interment the area will be returned to grass. The Council will plant trees and shrubs at its discretion to enhance the woodland feel. Any tree planted will be a living memorial of great longevity. No individual markers or monuments will be allowed on any grave although there may be an opportunity to site benches within the woodland area onto which memorials may be inscribed.
Traditional or non-religious funeral practices may be followed, either with or without the services and guidance of a funeral director. The professional services of a grave digger must be employed for health and safety reasons.
Only single body burials are permitted in the Woodlands Cemetery. An Exclusive Right of Burial Certificate may not be purchased for the Woodlands Cemetery.
Exclusive Right of Burial
Most grave and ashes plots in this Council’s cemeteries may be purchased by means of an Exclusive Right of Burial. An exclusive rights certificate lasts for 50 years and permits the owner to guarantee a burial or ashes plot for themselves or another nominated person. Monuments may only be placed on a grave when the owner has purchased an exclusive rights certificate for that plot. The Exclusive Rights Certificate will specify who owns it, the grave number and cemetery to which it applies.
An exclusive rights certificate will remain the property of the purchaser and may be bequeathed in a will to another person.
Register Search
The Council’s Cemeteries office has burial registers for each of its three cemeteries. The oldest is the register for Sidbury which dates from 27 August 1868. Searches of the registers may be undertaken by advance arrangement. In all cases a minimum fee of £20.00 per name will be charged.
Residents Outside East Devon District Council Area
All of the cemetery services are available to residents who live outside the East Devon District Area. In most cases the fee will be doubled.
Sidmouth Cemetery Extension
An extension to the south side of the cemetery at Sidmouth has now been completed. The new area of the cemetery will be consecrated in April 2007.
Church Graveyards
The East Devon District Council’s cemetery team does not control church graveyards. All enquiries for burials must be direct to the church or church diocese.
Maintenance of Cemeteries
Street Scene maintains the gardens and grounds in East Devon’s cemeteries. Street Scene is also responsible for the over-riding security of the cemeteries.
All enquiries relating to maintenance of the grounds, security and purchase of memorial benches should be made to Street Scene on 01395 517528.
