Cemeteries - Stoke cemetery

Stoke Cemetery is often referred to locally as Hartshill Cemetery.

A SANDS (Still Born And Neonatal Death Society) memorial is near to the garden of remembrance, in memory of all the babies and children buried in the cemetery.

• new full earth graves 
• graves for cremation ashes 
• woodland garden of remembrance for the burial of cremation ashes 
• garden of remembrance 
  • lawned area for the scattering of cremation ashes
  • an area available in front to display vase tablets
  • a decorative area where families can lease shrubs and other memorials
• re-open graves 
• chapel (not in use) 
• conservation areas
• private gardens

After a burial in a lawn grave has taken place, the grave will be topped up as necessary as the ground settles. Graves are usually turfed between October and March, prior to any turf being laid the ground must be allowed to settle. This takes up to six months. This can be about three months after the burial or up to six months if the burial takes place in spring or summer.  We will not normally turf during the summer months, instead we wait until September/October when weather conditions are more suitable.

All memorial items should be placed on the memorial foundation - not the grass. Don't use items that will break, such as glass or earthenware, and make sure all items left are safe and appropriate. 

We will contact you to ask that unsuitable items be removed within two weeks. If we think that something causes an immediate danger to staff or visitors or makes it difficult for us to carry out grounds maintenance, we will remove it immediately.

Following a burial funeral wreaths and other floral tributes will be removed two weekends after the burial.

All Christmas wreaths and floral tributes are removed on or after the third Monday in January.