Primarily, the role involves working alongside the Team Rector/Vicar or other officiating member of the clergy and Undertakers arranging funerals, burials and interment of ashes.
This requires:
Being available to take phone calls during the day and to arrange the church for the service.
Attending church approximately one hour before the service and ensure all the facilities are in place.
Arranging for the organist or other forms of music to be in place.
If a burial, ensuring the correct location/position of the grave site and liaising with the gravedigger.
Informing the undertaker what the fees are, as they do vary.
Collecting the fee at the funeral and dealing with the paperwork of recording in the funeral register and informing the Registrar when necessary.
For the interment of ashes, along with the vicar, agreeing a date, informing the family of the arrangements, including the fee, arranging for the ash plot to be dug and also attending the graveside service.
Ensuring adherence to the Diocese regulations controlling what is allowed in the graveyard.
In cooperation with the Vicar, dealing with the paperwork regarding the installation of memorial stones and supervising the stone mason regarding the permission agreed.
You will receive a fee (currently £70) for each burial or interment of ashes. This does not come from church funds but is part of the fee charged for the funeral.
Our current Verger is Ken Holt, who will stepping down at the end of April. Many thanks to him for all the wonderful work he has carried out in this role over many years. Further information can be obtained from him at ken.holt11@btinternet.com or on 07729 859694.
