REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CHURCHYARDS OF ST BOTOLPH'S CHURCH, NEWBOLD-ON-AVON AND ST JOHN'S CHURCH, LONG LAWFORD AS LAID DOWN BY COVENTRY DIOCESE.

The object of these regulations is to ensure that:
a) The churchyards are not spoiled by monuments which are unsuitable and/or out of keeping with their surroundings.
b) The maintenance of the churchyards is made as easy as possible,for the benefit of all who use them.

1. Every application to place ANYTHING in the churchyards shall be made in writing to the Vicar, accompanied by an illustration showing measurements and materials. The details of any inscription and/or other carving must be stated and the type, size and position of the lettering and any other carving indicated.

2. Nothing may be erected or placed in the churchyards until the written consent of the Vicar has been received or a Faculty from the Diocese has been issued.

3. With regard to monuments, the following materials are permitted:

1. Natural stone (sandstone, limestone, slate)
2. English oak
3. Grey granite (this should be unpolished, except for the surface to be inscribed, which may be lightly polished.

Lettering is permitted in silver, gold, white or black.

4. The following materials are not permitted:

1. Marble
2. Black, red or blue granite
3. Plastic
4. Reconstructed/artificial stone

5. With regard to the design of monuments, the following are permitted:

1. Simple vertical headstones not exceeding 3'6" in height. If a vase base is included, this must not exceed 12" in height.
2. Slabs laid flat and sunk level with the surrounding ground, so that a mower may pass freely over them.
3. Cremation tablets not exceeding 21" by 21"

6. The following designs are not permitted:

1. Monuments depicting books or incorporating images or statues.
2. Monuments having kerbs, railings, chains, fences or chippings.

7. The following flowers and containers are permitted:

1. Bulbs or small annual plants on the grave space.
2. Stone vases or flower pots of materials allowed under 3. above.
3. Glass, china or metal vases or pots, but only if sunk in the ground so as to be virtually invisible.
4. Wreaths or cut flowers may be laid on a grave or kept in pots (as above) but any person authorised to look after the churchyard may remove them when they appear to be withered or untidy.
5. Artificial flowers, but these must be removed when faded.

8. The above regulations are subject to any licences, Faculties, decrees, orders or regulations, whether particular or general, which may be made or issued from time to time by the Chancellor of the Consistory Court of the Diocese.

9. In all cases not covered by the above regulations, or where there is any controversy concerning an application for a monument to be erected, the applicant shall be required to obtain the authority of a Faculty. 

Should you require any further information or advice please consult the Vicar.

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