Glossary of Terms

What remains after a cremation. Ashes can be collected, scattered in the Garden of Remembrance, or interred in a grave.

A book that records names in memory of those who have been cremated. It is currently held at the Guildhall while the crematorium is refurbished.

Any of the cemeteries owned and operated by the Council — locally, Astwood and St John’s.

A standard produced by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). Worcester City Council is a charter member.

An independent official who investigates deaths that are sudden, unexpected or of unknown cause.

Worcester City Council.

Worcester Crematorium, which is owned and operated by the Council.

The document that records the Exclusive Right of Burial for a grave.

The right to decide who may be buried in a grave, leased for 30 or 99 years. The land remains the Council’s; the lease owner is responsible for the memorial.

The area at Astwood where cremated remains can be scattered or interred.

The garden that the crematorium chapel looks out onto.

The burial of a body or of cremated remains in a grave.

A grave laid to turf, with a memorial permitted at the head within set dimensions.

The person who holds the Exclusive Right of Burial for a grave and is responsible for its memorial. Also called the registered grave owner.

The Bereavement Services Business Manager, appointed and authorised by the Council to manage the cemeteries and crematorium and their staff.

An independent doctor who reviews the cause of death and confirms when the paperwork can go to the register office.

Permission, applied for on the Memorial Permit Application Form, to erect or alter a memorial on a grave.

A grave in a wildflower area at Astwood, for a single interment, with a steppingstone marker and no mounding.

A grave that allows a full memorial fixed on a concrete landing.