DIOCESE OF LICHFIELD CHANCELLOR’S CHURCHYARD REGULATIONS
These Regulations set out what is permitted in the churchyards of the Lichfield Diocese. In particular they set out the types of memorials and related items which can be permitted by parish priests without the need for a faculty from the Chancellor. For a complete list of our regulations for headstones and tributes click here.
Tributes at the Grave Side
The Mease Valley Benefice has been granted special permission to allow artificial flowers as part of tributes laid at the grave side.
However, Lighting, ornaments, wind chimes, glass or stone figures sadly are not permitted as part of the Diocesan Regulations for Churchyards. Requests for memorial benches must be discussed at Parochial Church Council, and may need special permissions. These are not always granted, depending on the number of benches in a specific churchyard. Wooden noticeboards, or furniture may be an option within or external to the buildings. please contact our Rector, Revd. John Grice on (01827) 373 257 or email on revjohngrice@gmail.com
Care of plots in our churchyards.
The Mease Valley Churches look after seven open Churchyards in the surrounding area. Elford churchyard regularly attracts the silver award for its upkeep. We do remind as well that, although we can maintain the churchyard proper, and also to leave areas for wildlife, we cannot promise to maintain individual grave plots, around head stones. We do employ volunteer working parties from time to time, however it is families and loved ones that take on the care aspects around a burial plot. Of course, we do offer alternatives to this arrangement. See below for ‘Grave Care’
If in doubt please contact our Rector, Revd. John Grice on (01827) 373 257 or email on revjohngrice@gmail.com
DIOCESE OF LICHFIELD MEMORIAL APPLICATION FORM
Here is your copy of our form to print and to fill in, this form has a section for your funeral directors to sign and also for your chosen stone masons to sign.
FEES FOR HEADSTONES AND MEMORIALS IN 2023
Here is a comprehensive list of the Mease Valley Fees for 2023.
How do we get a grave plot reserved?
REGISTRY OF THE DIOCESE OF LICHFIELD GUIDANCE NOTES
Here is a set of notes (2024) for those seeking guidance, or wishing to
reserve a grave space in one of our churchyards. Please click here.
FACULTY PERMISSIONS FORMS TO MAKE A REQUEST
Once the Parish Church Council has agreed an application, there is a process to request the authorisation of a grave space from the Chancellor, please follow the link below to download the form. At this stage you may like to contact your parish priest to help with this application. Applications from outside of the parish are considered on a case by case basis at our PCC Church meetings (there are roughly between four and seven meetings a year so do allow time for this)
Private Individuals’ Faculty Petitions
Rector Reverend John Grice
Tel: (01827) 373 257 | Mobile: 07815 817 095
email: revjohngrice@gmail.com
Due to the volume of requests that come through for grave space reservations and memorial stones we do ask that a period of 3-5 months be factored into expectations.
Grave Care at our churchyards using a local service
Mease Valley Churches 
