ST BARTHOLOMEW’S Church in Wilmslow is to install a memorial stone in the churchyard to remember people whose ashes are in the Garden of Remembrance.

“There has long been a need to bring some formality to the lawn area in front of the church where the ashes of members of the Wilmslow community have been interred for many years,” said Dr Alan Brown, a member of the PCC at the church.

“Individual commemorative plaques are not permitted here and, to date, names have been entered into a Book of Remembrance, kept in a glass-fronted case at the back of the church.

“The Parochial Church Council is about to have a memorial stone installed upon which the names of those whose ashes are in the Garden of Remembrance may be incised, to commemorate their passing.

“It will be in the form of a Yorkstone wedge, carrying the title - To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of - above columns of names, in a uniform font, with no other details.

“This will enable names to be added at any time, as and when relatives may wish to do so, i.e. neither in alphabetical nor in date order.”

The Memorial Stone will be placed along the south side the path leading from the south porch towards the ‘Pixie’ door.

In addition a simple stone bench will be positioned opposite the stone, on the other side of the path, where it will allow people to sit in quiet contemplation.

Dr Brown added: “Should you be interested in taking this opportunity to remember someone in this way, contact Helen Grout at the parish office as soon as possible, who is assembling a list of names for the initial working of the stone, before it is placed in the churchyard.

“Once the stone is laid further additions will be considerably more expensive to hand incise.

“Please note - this is only for ashes interred in this plot and not elsewhere in the graveyard. The Memorial Book will continue in use, with names and dates listed."

To contact the parish office call 01625 520319 or email office@wilmslowparish.co.uk