Address:
Great Wyrley Cemetery, Station Street, Cheslyn Hay. WS6 7EG.
Opening times:
The cemetery is open every day of the year at the following times:
1 April to 30 September 8am to 7.00pm
1 October to 31 March 8am to 4.30pm
Anyone who wishes is more than welcome to visit the cemetery, however, we do ask visitors to be quiet and respectful and for children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult.
Burial times:
Burials take place between the following times:
Monday 11.00am to 2.00pm
Tuesday to Thursday 9.00am to 2.00pm
Friday 9.00am to 11:30am (Limited availability)
Interment of Ashes take place between the following times:
Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 2.00pm
Friday 9.00am to midday.
Car parking:
Parking at the cemetery is very limited, accordingly we respectfully request that visitors please park with consideration to all, especially if a service is taking place
Toilets:
Please note that the cemetery does not have any toilet facilities.
A brief history of Great Wyrley Cemetery.
Great Wyrley Parish Council came into existence in 1894, following the enactment of the Local Government Act of the same year. One of its very first investments must have been the purchase of land for the purpose of a Cemetery, the land being situated in Station Street in Cheslyn Hay. The Conveyance for the land is dated Nineteenth of May 1896, and is hand written throughout, and is not noted for its full stops. The land was purchased for the sum of “four hundred and sixty three pounds five shillings and eight pence”, and was purchased by the Parish Council from “The Great Wyrley Colliery Company” and “Bernard Gilpin of Longford in the Parish of Cannock in the County of Stafford Gentleman.” The Conveyance was signed by the then Chairman of the Council, Charles Bromwell, Member Thos. Sambrook and Clerk Thomas Garratt.
Headstones and Memorials
A Memorial Mason can help you decide on a suitable memorial and a permit must be obtained from the Parish Council before installation, only the owner of the Exclusive Right of Burial deed can request a mason to submit a permit application. We are flexible regarding the shape, colour and design of a memorial, However, memorials must not exceed the maximum permitted sizes and it is important that they are installed safely. Only Memorial Masons who are on the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) and/or the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) are allowed to work in our cemetery and all memorial work carried out in the cemetery must conform to the current NAMM Code of Working Practice.
Flowers
The cemetery staff will not remove any flowers or arrangements unless they are blocking access points for visitors. We request that trees and flowers are not planted in a grave plot or in any part of the cemetery to ensure that grass cutting and other maintenance can be carried out.
Photography
To ensure the privacy and dignity of individuals please do not take images of graves, memorials or funeral services within the cemetery.
Dogs
Assistance Dogs only are permitted in the cemetery.
Memorabilia
Please ensure that all memorabilia and flowers are kept within the grave plot itself and that they do not encroach onto the grass or the adjacent grave plot. The Council does not accept responsibility for any damage or loss of any items left in the cemeteries. Breakable items such as glass and pottery or sharp items are not allowed to be left in the Cemetery as these may pose a health and safety risk to visitors, staff and wildlife
Frequently asked questions
Can I book an interment directly with the Parish?
All burials and interment of ashes must be arranged through your chosen Funeral Director.
Who is responsible for the upkeep of a grave plot?
Great Wyrley Parish Council is responsible for grass cutting and general cemetery maintenance only. From time to time, it may be necessary to place soil on graves adjacent to those being prepared for an interment. This is usually temporary, and the area is returned to a clear and tidy condition as soon as possible.
Can I place a bench in the cemetery?
Several years ago, the Parish Council received a number of requests to install memorial benches within the cemetery. As a result, some benches were permitted and remain in place today. However, due to the volume of requests and in fairness to all, the Council took the decision to no longer accept new applications.
While this policy remains in place, the Parish Council recognises the importance of providing peaceful spaces for reflection and is currently exploring options to develop designated seating areas within the cemetery.
Are there any available burial plots at the cemetery?
Unfortunately, there are no new burial plots currently available at the cemetery. However, residents may use alternative cemeteries, including Strawberry Lane Cemetery, which is managed by South Staffordshire Council (Bereavement Services: 01902 696405, email: bereavementservices@sstaffs.gov.uk, website: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/life-events/), or Cheslyn Hay Cemetery, which is managed by Cheslyn Hay Parish Council (01922 410483, Clerk@cheslynhayparish.gov.uk, http://www.cheslynhayparish.gov.uk).
Cremated remains plots are available at Great Wyrley Cemetery for residents who were living in Great Wyrley at the time of their passing. As the cemetery is funded by the ratepayers of Great Wyrley, reduced fees apply to Great Wyrley residents.
Due to the cemetery’s location, cremated remains plots are also available to residents of Cheslyn Hay. As Cheslyn Hay residents do not contribute to the funding and maintenance of Great Wyrley Cemetery through parish rates, fees are set at twice the equivalent fee charged by Cheslyn Hay Parish Cemetery.
Is it possible to be buried in your cemetery if I do not live in Great Wyrley or Cheslyn Hay?
Due to limited availability of burial plots, the Parish Council took the decision in the early 2000s to restrict burials to residents of Great Wyrley or Cheslyn Hay only. A resident is defined as a person living within the parish at the time of their passing.
Where the deceased was a resident at the time of purchasing the Exclusive Right of Burial but has since moved away, an additional fee will apply. This does not include cases where a person has moved away due to health reasons, such as relocation to a specialist care home.
For historical purchases, where the deceased was not a resident of Great Wyrley at the time of purchasing the Exclusive Right of Burial or at the time of their passing, non-resident fees will apply to all charges.
Right to request a review
A non-resident is determined by the deceased’s last known registered address at the time of their passing.
Where there is a significant and longstanding connection to Great Wyrley Parish, families have the right to request a review of the non-resident fee. Requests should include details of the deceased’s connection to the parish and will be considered by Great Wyrley Parish Council. The Council’s decision following the review will be final.
To avoid any delay to funeral arrangements, the applicable fee must be paid at the time of booking. Any request for a review should be submitted in writing to Great Wyrley Parish Council, Community Centre, Landywood Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 6JX, or by email to Clerk@greatwyrleyparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Requests will be presented to the next available meeting of the Parish Council.
Can family members carry the coffin to the graveside?
The Funeral Director, or the family, is responsible for providing sufficient bearers to carry the coffin from the hearse to the graveside and to lower the coffin. Family members wishing to assist should seek guidance from their Funeral Director regarding safe practice.
Do I need to take out insurance cover for a memorial?
The Parish Council cannot be held responsible for damage caused by third parties. For this reason, we recommend that you consider taking out insurance cover for your memorial. Your memorial mason will be able to advise you further.
What can I do if the soil on the grave sinks?
It can take many months for the ground to fully settle following a burial, and in some cases, particularly after heavy rain, sinkage may occur. Grounds staff periodically inspect and make good graves as required. If you have any concerns, please contact the Parish Office on 01922 414768.
Useful information
What to do when someone dies
A number of people and organisations need to be informed when someone dies.
Death Registration To register a death, you first need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from a doctor or confirmation from the Coroner that they have issued the documents allowing you to register. You must contact the local Register Office to make an appointment. Deaths should be registered within five days of the death. In South Staffordshire, death registration is dealt with by Staffordshire Registration Service and you can make an appointment by calling them on 0300 111 8001 or by visiting their website www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/lifeevents/death/register-a-death
Arranging a Funeral – Most families choose to use a Funeral Director. When choosing a Funeral Director,it is advisable to check that they belong to a trade association such as the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Funerals can be expensive so seek quotes from more than one Funeral Director in order to get a competitive price. ‘Your Funeral Choice’ is a website that can help you to find sensibly priced Funeral Directors in your area.
Useful contacts
Information on what you need to do after someone dies. www.gov.uk/after-a-death
Bereavement Advice Centre
An extensive range of information on all matters relating to death and bereavement. Tel: 0800 634 9494 www.bereavementadvice.org
Cruse Bereavement Care
Offers support following the death of a loved one or friend with trained volunteers. Tel: 0808 808 1677 http://www.cruse.org.uk
Dying Matters
A national coalition of individuals and organisations which aims to help people to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement. www.dyingmatters.org
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) Tel: 0121 711 1343 www.nafd.org.uk
Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS)
Provides support, advice and information to bereaved parents. http://www.sands.org.uk/
The Good Funeral Guide
Offers independent information and funeral advice. www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk
The Natural Death Centre
Offers help, support and guidance when you are planning a funeral. Tel: 01962 712690 www.naturaldeath.org.uk
UK Funerals Online
The funeral information site for the UK. http://www.uk-funerals.co.uk/ funeral-directors/westmidlands.html
Your Funeral Choice
Can help you to select the right funeral at the right price for your needs. Tel: 01983 754387 http://www.yourfuneralchoice.com