The placing of flowers
and other items
on or near graves
​within St.HIERITHA's churchyard.​

The Diocese of Exeter has clear regulations regarding the erection of headstones and ledgerstones within churchyards. Undertakers and memorial masons should supply details of these to any bereaved family should they wish to mark the grave of their loved-one. These regulations also restrict the placing of vases and other ornaments on the grave of the deceased.

​Bearing in mind the sensitive nature of such matters, but also mindful of the need to maintain the churchyard as a place of peace that is pleasing to all who visit it, the members of the PCC at their meeting in February 2017 agreed the following guidelines

• FLOWERS: FRESH flowers should be placed in an approved vase at the base of the headstone or incorporated into a ledgerstone. The flowers should be removed once they have withered. PLASTIC flowers are not appropriate, though Christmas wreaths and poppy wreaths are permissible but should be removed after 2 months.
• PLANTING of bushes and trees is not permissible. Bulbs and small plants may be planted near to the headstone but not in a position to impede the routine mowing and maintenance of the churchyard.​                                                          
• In exceptional circumstances, when it may help with the grieving process, and following discussion with the vicar, TOYS, SMALL PICTURES & MOMENTOES, within reason, may be placed on the grave. The vicar and churchwardens reserve the right to ask for their removal should they become unsightly, or after a period of one year has elapsed since the burial. The PCC accepts no responsibility for any damage to, or loss of, these additional items.
• ARTIFICIAL ILLUMINATION of any grave is not permitted.