A Place of Remembrance and Reflection

The Memorial Garden at St Michael’s Church was dedicated as a burial ground for cremated remains on 27 September 1998 by the Rt Revd Clifford Conder Barker, Suffragan Bishop in the Diocese of York.

The Garden serves the whole parish and provides a peaceful place for remembrance, reflection, and prayer. It is open and accessible at all times for those wishing to visit.

Who May Be Interred in the Memorial Garden?

The cremated remains of any deceased parish resident, or of anyone with a connection to the parish, may be interred in the Memorial Garden by arrangement with the Churchwardens through the Parish Office.

An application form must be completed before interment, and the applicable fees, as set annually by the Diocese, will apply. 

Arranging an Interment

Before an interment can take place:

• An application form must be completed.    Click here to download
• The relevant fee must be paid.
• The Crematorium Certificate must be provided.
• Permission must be obtained from the incumbent or authorised church representative.

A short service will be conducted by the incumbent or another authorised person, either in the church or, if preferred, within the Memorial Garden.

The ashes are interred directly into the ground without a casket or container and the lawn is carefully restored afterwards.

Caring for the Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden forms part of the church grounds and is maintained by volunteers and contractors on behalf of the church.

To preserve the Garden’s appearance as a shared place of remembrance:

• Personal markers are not permitted.
• Vases, memorials, artificial flowers, ornaments, tributes and other objects may not be placed in the Garden.
• Fresh flowers and wreaths may be placed on the lawn at the time of interment, on Remembrance Day and at Christmas.
• Any items that do not comply with these regulations may be removed.

A grid system is used to record the location of each interment. It is possible to reserve an adjacent plot or arrange for future family interments in the same location.

Book of Remembrance

The name of a loved one may be entered into the Book of Remembrance upon payment of the appropriate calligraphy fee.

The Book of Remembrance is displayed in a glass-topped cabinet in the nave of the church and provides a lasting record for future generations.

For more information about interments, fees or to request an application form, please contact the Parish Office on 0151 924 0561 email office@stmbsands.org