The borough of Bournemouth has four cemeteries, Wimborne Road Cemetery, North Road Cemetery, East Cemetery, and Kinson Cemetery. Click here for full addresses and directions.
Do I have to be a resident of Bournemouth to be buried in one of the Borough Cemeteries?
The Cemeteries are provided for the Citizens of Bournemouth. Non residents can be interred within the Borough Cemeteries but there will be additional fees payable at the time of the interment.
How do I make arrangements to be buried?
It is important in the first instance to make your wishes known to your representatives, i.e. your direct next of kin of your executor. If you do not make your wishes known it may be assumed at the time of making the funeral arrangements that you had no preference towards burial or cremation and therefore your wishes may not be carried out.
How much will a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral will be determined by the requirements of the person arranging. If the selected Funeral Director is a member of N.A.F.D (National Association of Funeral Directors) he is bound by a code of Practice, which has been drawn up in consultation with the Office of Fair Trading. Under this code he will be required to give you a written estimate of the cost of the funeral before arrangements are finalised.
Do I need a Minister of Religion?
No, but it is usual to follow the deceased's religious beliefs.
Can I have a burial service in my local church?
Yes, this in order, you should make your wishes known to your next of kin or other personal representative who will be responsible for making your funeral arrangements.
Do I have to purchase a grave?
The Right of Burial does not have to be purchased in rotation or reclaimed graves, but if the family wish to choose a grave in a selected area of the cemetery, then the Right of Burial will have to be purchased. No memorial can be erected unless a grave is purchased.
Can I buy a grave before I die?
Yes. The Exclusive Right of Burial can be purchased at any time.
What is the exclusive right of burial?
The Borough Council, being the Burial Authority, are the owners of the Cemetery land. As such, the council can grant to any person the Exclusive Right of Burial in a grave for a set period of years.
The Exclusive Right of Burial is the legal right for the owner to determine who shall be interred in the grave. The right is for a set period of years as defined on the Certificate of Grant from the date of purchase. The maximum period is 50 years. On expiry of that right, the owner can arrange to renew the burial right for a further term of years, subject to any terms and conditions at the time of renewal.
What evidence do I have that the grave is purchased?
The Borough Authority will have a record of all graves purchased in its Cemeteries. In addition the owner will be issued with a Certificate of Grant of Right of Burial which must be kept by the owner for reference, if the grave is to be re-opened or if a memorial is to be erected. The Certificate will show the owner's name, the section and the grave number, the term of years and the date of issue.
What is a rotation grave?
A rotation grave is where the Authority allocate the next grave available for the appropriate denomination.
What are the lawn sections?
The Lawn sections are the areas of graves where there are no stone kerbstones. Any memorial required on the grave is restricted to a headstone or vase and set in the prepared borders of the section. All the grave areas of this section must be kept free of vases or other obstructions. Only one memorial is permitted on these graves.
Can I have a temporary marker on the grave?
Yes. This is in order, but you should advise the Cemetery office that you intend to fix it on the grave and confirm that the size and type of material is allowed. Temporary markers are accepted prior to a permanent memorial being erected. A stonemason may be able to provide a temporary vase until such time as the new memorial has been made and erected.
How do I make arrangements for a new memorial?
A memorial other than an a small stone vase can only be placed on a grave where the right of burial has been purchased. You will find the name and addresses of Stonemasons in the Telecom Yellow Pages book under 'Monumental Masons'.
Are there any restrictions concerning inscriptions?
Providing an inscription does not appear offensive there is no restriction. Memorial inscriptions can be stereotyped and unimaginative, and families should, perhaps consider including some descriptive words recording the deceased's achievements, etc. Stonemasons are willing to give a free estimate without obligation.
Is it necessary for my memorial to be removed if the grave is to be reopened?
Memorials in the general areas of the Cemeteries are removed from graves prior to them being opened, for Health and Safety reasons and to prevent unnecessary damage to it. The memorial is removed by a monumental stonemason who either temporarily leaves the memorial in a nearby position in the Cemetery or returns it to his premises to await instructions from the family for an additional inscription.
What can I do about my family's old gravestone?
There are many gravestones in the Cemetery neglected and in a poor state of repair. As the memorials were provided by the families concerned, the Council do not accept responsibility for repairing them. If requested, the council will remove a memorial partially or completed, free of charge if requested to do so. Alternatively, the family may make arrangements with a stonemason for a memorial to be restored, modified or cleaned if they so wish. In most cases the removal of old kerbstones from the grave will enhance the appearance of many memorials.
Can I plant my family grave?
Yes. This is in order, providing the plants are small. You should consult the Cemetery Superintendent if you wish to plant a tree or shrub on the grave. Any planting in the Lawn sections must be confirmed to the head of the grave.
Will the Council maintain my grave?
Yes, the Council have a grave maintenance scheme, For an annual payment, individual graves will be planted with flowers twice a year and memorials given a cold water wash once per year. You should contact the Cemetery Office for details.
Can I have my cremated remains buried in my family grave?
Yes, this is in order providing the owner of the Exclusive Right has given permission.