Bishop consecrates extra ground at Wokingham cemeteries
The space available for burials at Wokingham Borough Council’s two cemeteries was increased this week, when some extra areas of ground were consecrated by the Bishop of Reading.
Although burial provision is not a statutory duty, the council provides discretionary burial services to residents in two cemeteries - Shinfield Cemetery in Grovelands Road, Spencers Wood and St Sebastian’s Cemetery on Nine Mile Ride in Wokingham Without.
These cemeteries each have areas of consecrated ground for Christian burials, and also areas for different faiths and for non-religious burials. The Rt. Revd Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Reading, consecrated some extra pieces of land for Christian burials at both the cemeteries in two special ceremonies on December 12.
With the new areas consecrated, the two cemeteries in Wokingham Without and Shinfield are predicted to reach full capacity in eight years and 12 years respectively.
Executive member for Wokingham local and regional planning Gary Cowan said: “Although burial provision is not a statutory obligation the council is keen to continue to offer this very important service. Making maximum use of the existing burial space, by consecrating these new areas, will help ensure that we can continue to provide burial space in the future that meets the needs of our residents.”
Although burial provision is not a statutory duty, the council provides discretionary burial services to residents in two cemeteries - Shinfield Cemetery in Grovelands Road, Spencers Wood and St Sebastian’s Cemetery on Nine Mile Ride in Wokingham Without.
These cemeteries each have areas of consecrated ground for Christian burials, and also areas for different faiths and for non-religious burials. The Rt. Revd Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Reading, consecrated some extra pieces of land for Christian burials at both the cemeteries in two special ceremonies on December 12.
With the new areas consecrated, the two cemeteries in Wokingham Without and Shinfield are predicted to reach full capacity in eight years and 12 years respectively.
Executive member for Wokingham local and regional planning Gary Cowan said: “Although burial provision is not a statutory obligation the council is keen to continue to offer this very important service. Making maximum use of the existing burial space, by consecrating these new areas, will help ensure that we can continue to provide burial space in the future that meets the needs of our residents.”
Wokingham Borough Council
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