Introduction
In every Town, burial grounds whether municipal Cemeteries or Churchyards form part of the landscape. These are important places:
Ann's Hill Cemetery opened 1st April 1855 and has in excess of 42,000 people buried there.
For most people, the interest and possible need in seeking information and advice is at a time of loss. It is to you that we offer our sincere condolences.
Death, whether a relative or a friend is a time of sorrow and stress. 'Getting through each day' is difficult enough without having to organise a funeral.
Funeral Directors will provide you with a sympathetic and sincere service offering guidance and advice to ensure that all Funeral arrangements are made embracing all your needs.
This page will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions prior to and after a funeral.
OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES
NOVEMBER - MARCH
OPEN: 9.00 AM.
CLOSE: 4.00 PM.
APRIL - OCTOBER
OPEN: 9.00 AM.
CLOSE: 8.00 PM. OR DARKNESS.
Tel: (023) 9258 0181
Cemetery Chapel
Ann's Hill Cemetery has two chapels, one of which is no longer in use to the Public.
The Chapel is available for funeral services subject to a fee and is arranged via your Funeral Director.
Music is available upon request, arranged through your Funeral Director.
Burial Options
Ann's Hill Cemetery offer grave spaces to be available for one or two interments. You should instruct your Funeral Director of your requirement.
Since 1st April 1992, the purchase of an Exclusive Right of Burial (Grant of Right) became obligatory with the National Assistance Burials and those paid to the Department of Social Security.
A common misconception by peopl is that in purchasing an Exclusive Right of Burial, is that the land space occupied by the grave has been purchased. This is not the case, it is the purchase of an Exclusive Right of Burial into a grave space (the right to be buried in that grave).
Coffins
Ann's Hill Cemetery provide three areas (see plans below):
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Lawn (Memorial - Headstone Only)
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Traditional (Memorial - Headstone and Kerbs)
You should discuss your preferred option with your Funeral Director. The Cemetery reserves the right to allocate spaces spaces within the area chosen due to space available.
Caskets (Cremated Remains)
Grave spaces are available in the Commemorative Gardens (individual plots) to which only a cremation tablet is permitted or within the main Cemetery (designated areas only) to which a headstone memorial is permitted.
Memorials
Regulations apply as to the type of memorial permitted. All memorial application and fees must be submitted to the Council for approval. Your Memorial Mason/Funeral Directors will submit this on your behalf only using authorised stone masons.
Grave Maintenance
Following a burial the Council will ensure that the grave is regularly topped up and allowed to settle before turfing (approximately 12 months). The grave is automatically included within the next appropriate turf program.
Tributes/Flowers
The tributes/flowers/wreaths are placed on the grave immediately after the burial by Cemetery staff. Removal of such is left to the family, should these not be removed within 6 weeks of the funeral, they shall be disposed of by the Cemetery Staff.
Periodically the Council will remove tributes and wreaths e.g. Christmas and Remembrance Sunday (approximately 1 month after the event).
Planting of Graves
Some of our Cemetery visitors like to plant flowers.
The Council has a duty to protect all visitors and staff therefore we ask you not to use unprotected glass containers, vases or chippings due to the obvious danger of broken glass if damage occur or flying chippings when operatives are strimming.
Grass Cutting
The Cemetery is cut 13 times per year subject to weather conditions. Periods of heavy rain can delay the cutting and often at times such as early Summer when growth is at its fastest. Also milder conditions cause a flush of grass early Spring, as a result more arisings remain in situ after the cut.
Restricted Mowing
Complaints about maintenance are received. This is because mowing in some areas is restricted where plastic items, DIY edging, posts, chairs and other 'unofficial items' have been placed on or around graves. Where such items occur, staff avoid the area both to protect the items and temselves from glass/plastic fragments. These should be removed to assist us in maintaining a high standard of maintenance.
Conservation
The Cemetery has areas designated to Spring and Summer meadows. Areas are allowed to grow longer to support a range of flora and fauna as such to create additional interest for visitors. For more information please contact the Cemetery Office.
Documentation
Following a burial you will receive a 'Grant of Right', you have been given this document because you have bought, organised or paid for the Funeral.
As the owner of the grave space you have the right to say who is buried within this space and what memorial is placed on that grave (subject to Cemetery Regulations).
Fees and Charges
Fees and Charges made by the Council are distinct and are in addition to Funeral Directors/Stone Mason fees. The full list of fees and charges can be made available to you upon request.
Cemetery Regulations
Regulations are in operation in the Cemetery some of which are included on this page. A full copy can be made available upon request.
Access to Graves
Cemeteries are places where burials take place continually either new or re-opened. For your information a grave next to 'yours' might need to be excavated in the future. The standard practice (throughout the Country) is to carefully cover the adjacent area to protect it. This may prevent you from visiting your grave for a short period. After the Funeral, the adjacent grave is backfilled and the soil is removed. Staff will leave the area tidy. The same procedure will apply if your grave needs to be re-opened.
Memorial Safety
The Council confirms that holders of the Grant of Right are responsible for safety of their memorial. The Council recommends that memorials installed have at least a five year warranty.
The Council undertakes Safety Audits of all memorials and endeavour to contact owners as soon as possible should it be deemed a memorial is unsafe.
Services Available:
Research
Genealogists are welcome and assistance will be given in the record search for which a fee is charged.
Inspections
Visits by individuals or groups are undertaken which cover geography and historical issues of interest with the Cemetery for which a fee is charged.
Commemorative Seats
The Cemetery no longer has space that can be used for this purpose however, the dedication of existing seats (Lee-on-the-Solent and Stokes Bay) is an alternative.
Cemetery Friends
The Council is aware that issues arising can be emotive and to assist us we would welcome members of the public who would be interested in serving on such a group. Please contact the Cemetery Office.
Our Pledge to You
Opening and closing times will be prompt. The staff closing the Cemetery will patrol the grounds and advise you of their intention to lock the gates giving you adequate time to vacate the Cemetery.
The Council will take action regarding any acts of vandelism reported by the Public, either to the Cemetery Office or the Police. Your assistance in this would be appreciated.
Should you have a query or complaint, please contact the Cemetery Office and we will take action to resolve the difficulty or provide an answer.
If the Cemetery Officer is closed and you leave a message on the answerphone, we will endeavour to return your call within two working days, or a written reply will be sent within ten working days.
