Consistory court judgments – October

Overview

October’s judgments include a number of aspects of reordering, the creation of a family grave, and adherence to Churchyard Regulations. The case of Re Holy Trinity Cambridge concerns a substantial reordering project costing an estimated at £3.48M. Two different approaches have been adopted to the vexed question of the replacement of pews with upholstered chairs (and carpeting), and in Re St. Andrew Witchford HH Judge Leonard QC left the Diocese of Ely in no doubt by as to the responsibilities of incumbents, stonemasons and funeral directors in relation to ensuring that headstones conform to Churchyard Regulations. A similar strong message was delivered by the Worshipful Mark Hill, QC in Re St. George Donnington in relation to the preparation of material &c relating to a faculty application.

In Re St. Laurence Alvechurch, Deputy Chancellor Robert Fookes included a useful taxonomy of decisions relating to family graves; and in Re St. Mary Mappleton the medium-term use of Ubiflex roof covering following a number of thefts is considered. The earlier post Masonic symbol banned on headstone examined the issues raised in Re St. Oswald Dean.

The last meeting of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE) was on 22 September 2016 and links to its determinations are here; the next meeting will be on 3 November 2016. Continue reading