The ashes of deceased residents buried by the tower are now in the new memorial garden occupying the south western corner of the churchyard, by the lych gate.
It has taken some time from when we were advised they should be moved so that scaffolding could be put round the tower if needed. It was planned, the faculty applied for from the Diocese, and most importantly the agreement obtained of the families for the ashes of their deceased relations to be moved.
The moving of the ashes was carried on on Friday 7th June by members of the PCC and the Rector wielding spades. All were successfully moved, some caskets had survived, where others hadn’t the ashes were still contained in a plastic bag (of the kind used before undertakers were required to use bio degradable bags), and where ashes were in the ground all the earth containing them was moved.
Relatives have commented on how much nicer the new resting place is than by the tower. It gets the sun when it’s out, there is room to sit and the memorial plaques are spread out rather than crowded together.
Next plans are to install a bench, to plant some scented herbs, and to repair the lych gate