Cemetery

• April to September (inclusive) 8:30am – 8pm
• October to March (inclusive) 8:30am – 4pm       

Section G (Lawned Graves) Information

All new full burials take place in Section G the Lawned grave area, with each grave accommodating up to two full burials and as many as six ashes interments. Here are the guidelines for burials and memorials in this area:

1. Full Burials and Ashes Interments:
   • The burial of ashes can only occur after all full burials in the grave space are completed.
2. Memorial Headstone:
   • An area at the head of the grave space is designated for a memorial headstone.
   • The headstone must not exceed 36 inches in height and 30 inches in width.
   • Flowers and mementos can be placed immediately around the base of the headstone.
3. Grave Maintenance:
   • The grave space will remain a grassed area, maintained by the Cemetery grounds team.
   • Placing memorials, mementos, and flowers across the grave space is not permitted.
4. Temporary Placement of Flowers and Mementos:
   • During the settlement period of the grave following a burial, the Council allows the temporary placing of flowers, plants, and mementos.
   • This period typically lasts about 12 months.
   • The grant holder will be notified when to remove these items so that the soil can be topped up and grass seed sown.
5. Funeral Arrangements:
   • The person organizing the funeral must sign a statement on the Notice of Burial form, confirming their understanding of the rules and regulations associated with the Lawn burial area. This will be facilitated by the Funeral Director.

By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that the Lawned grave area remains a respectful and well-maintained space for all visitors and loved ones.

Traditional Graves

In the older parts of the Cemetery (non- lawn areas) it is possible to arrange full burials in existing grave spaces which need to be re-opened or in new pre-purchased grave spaces. These areas can accommodate headstones and kerb stones.

If you wish to plant the area of the grave space with small shrubs, bulbs or plants not exceeding 2ft in height, these must not go beyond the area of the grave space (7ft x 3ft). Trees and conifers are not permitted. All planting and maintenance will be the responsibility of the Exclusive Right of Burial holder and maintained at their expense. The Council reserves the right to cut back any plants which encroaches another grave space or adjacent area.

If you wish to place any items on the grave, it is important that you understand these are left at your own risk, and the Council can accept no responsibility for the loss or damage of any such items. The Council reserves the right to remove any items which it deems to present a hazard or to be dangerous.

Full Burial applications must be submitted by the funeral director.

Interment of Ashes

The interment of ashes is the burial of the ashes of a loved one following a cremation. The ashes are normally provided to the family or the Funeral Director by the Crematorium in a container.

Ashes Interments can be arranged through a Funeral Director, or if you would prefer, the Town Council is able to organise the interment of cremated remains exclusively.

The Council recognises the significant role that memorials play in honouring the memory of loved ones who have passed away. We understand that placing a memorial on a grave is an important aspect of the grieving process for families.

The process for placing a memorial is as follows:

1. Arranging the Memorial:
   • Families can organise the placement of memorials through their chosen stonemason or Funeral Director.
   • Only stonemasons who are NAMM or BRAMM registered are permitted to work in Dunstable Cemetery.
2. Timing of Memorial Placement:
   • For full burial areas, memorials can be placed after 12 months to allow the grave space earth to settle sufficiently.
   • For ashes burial spaces, memorials can be placed after 6 months, once the earth has settled.
3. Exclusive Right of Burial Grant:
   • Only the registered holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial Grant may apply to the Council for a Memorial Grant. This grant provides the right to place and maintain a memorial or add an inscription to an existing one.
   • No permanent memorial may be placed on a grave without purchasing the Exclusive Right of Burial Grant.
   • Your chosen stonemason or Funeral Director will handle all necessary paperwork and submit the application to the Council on your behalf. Once approved, a memorial permit will be issued in the name of the Exclusive Right Holder. Your stonemason or Funeral Director will then organise the placement of your memorial.
4. Fees and Charges:
   • The fees and charges associated with different types and sizes of memorials can be found [here]
5. Maintenance and Safety of Memorials:
   • After a memorial has been erected, the grant holder is responsible for its ongoing maintenance and safety, including any associated costs.
   • The Council routinely tests memorials for stability. If a memorial fails, the grant holder will be notified and given an opportunity to repair and make it safe. If repairs are not completed within the notified timescale, the Council reserves the right to lay down or dismantle the memorial to ensure safety.

Memorial applications must be submitted by the stonemason on behalf of the grave owner. Forms are available upon request, from the Office.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines, which help us maintain a respectful and safe environment in the cemetery. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We wish to remind you of the important role held by the registered holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial Grant. The registered holder is the only individual who can give permission for a burial or the placement of a memorial on a grave. In the event that the registered holder is deceased, the Exclusive Right of Burial Grant must be transferred before any burial (other than that of the registered holder) or memorial application can be approved.

There are several circumstances that necessitate the transfer of an Exclusive Right of Burial Grant to another person or persons, including:

• The death of the grant holder
• The desire to place a memorial or add an additional inscription, if the grant holder is deceased
• The election by the registered holder to transfer ownership to another person or persons

Any Exclusive Right of Burial that is transferred will remain valid for the remainder of the grant period. The method of transfer and the associated paperwork will depend on the reason for the transfer and the administration of the deceased’s estate, which may include Probate or Letters of Administration.

To facilitate the transfer of the Exclusive Right of Burial, different documentation is required based on the specific circumstances. A detailed flow chart of the process is available [here], and the Town Council is available to assist you with the transfer process.

We hope this information is helpful and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the integrity and respect of our cemetery grounds.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Town Council.

Cemetery Fees 2024

Ashes Interment Application Form

Memorial Fees 2024

Application for a Memorial in Marlow Cemetery

Please scan in the QR code to make a payment to Marlow Town Council for burials, ashes interments, new memorials or additional inscriptions to an existing memorial.