New Area for Interment of Ashes

What is needed

Interments within the current area number about 150 and the area has been extended to one side leaving approximately 10 spaces still available. This is the maximum area that can be used in this location as there are access paths on each side which have to be retained. Existing paths will be retained. The need is therefore clear – we have to find a new area for cremated remains to use

within the next two years.

General information

The burial grounds at Christ Church are quite extensive and in use both for burials and cremated remains. The Church was initially opened as an overflow chapel to Wonersh in the 1860’s and burials began at that time. The grounds were extended around the turn of the century, divided by a substantial hedge in total being 2 to 3 Acres. The original grounds have not been used for 120 years. Burials per annum mostly number 1or 2 but cremated interments are now up to 5 or more, some within existing graves but the majority are contained in an area set aside.

The proposal

The area we have chosen was part of the first to be used in the extended burial ground; there are no memorials left and according to our records the last burial was over 100 years ago.

It is a quiet spot ideal for reflection – we propose to access the area set aside with a grass path leading from the main tarmac throughway in the original burial ground linking with the grass access paths in the extended grounds. There will be a

sign directing those coming down from the Church or up from the

village.

The new area will be a level cut lawn, the interment plot size being

larger than the existing for ease of maintenance. To regulate the plot location, we propose to lay a nonslip paved surround with the paviours being sized to that of the plot. This also eases the task of setting out prior to interment and positioning of single size plaques. As presented, there will be enough space for 100 interments whilst in the future there is space to extend to the East.

We have applied for a Faculty from the Diocese and await their comments.