Blessing for Marlborough's cemetery extension (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Blessing for Marlborough's cemetery extension

7:00am Friday 26th November 2010 in News

Three quarters of a new extension to Marlborough’s town cemetery in Free’s Avenue will be consecrated by a Church of England bishop.

Town councillors who made the decision on Monday were told it was not really necessary because every new grave could be consecrated by the officiating priests at funerals.

Mayor Andrew Ross told councillors they faced a delicate decision because of the sensitive nature of the subject and he invited all 14 councillors to have their say.

A thought provoking discussion ensued with views from councillors who were Church of England, Roman Catholic, Methodist and some of no definite faith.

Instead of a vote at the end of the discussion Coun Ross said that majority opinion clearly favoured having part of the new extension consecrated – this will have to be done by a bishop or assistant bishop – but leaving a quarter of the area unconsecrated for other faiths.