If you want a memorial headstone it is usually arranged on your behalf by a memorial mason.

Any work carried out by memorial masons in our cemeteries, such as the erection of a memorial or the addition of an inscription, requires a work permit, which is chargeable.

Any of the memorial masons on our registration scheme will assist you in choosing an appropriate memorial. The memorial registration list is reviewed annually in April each year to ensure requirements are met for liability insurance.

To apply for a permit you will need to provide the lair certificate. This can only be issued to a mason who is a member of the memorial mason registration scheme operated by the cemeteries service. Permits are normally issued within a week of receipt. Memorial headstones need to be placed on foundations, which are provided by the cemeteries service.

Memorial headstones are the responsibility of individual lair holders, therefore consideration should be given to securing appropriate insurance, which will cover damage, for example, resulting from vandalism.

We are concerned about memorial safety as we have a duty of care as landowner. A programme of memorial risk assessment is underway. Any memorial which is believed to be unsafe will be made safe by temporary fencing or temporary supports or by laying flat and we will attempt to contact the lair holder.

A registered memorial mason list can be obtained by contacting our cemeteries office on 01698 506300.