COVID-19 update
Update on funerals and cemeteries
Reviewed on 10 November 2020
As the government continues to review the restrictions on gatherings and activities, the council is keeping the arrangements for funerals and cemeteries under review.
The ongoing challenge is to balance the importance of enabling people to pay their respects to friends and family, whilst maintaining a safe environment for mourners and employees.
Here are the current arrangements:
Visits to cemeteries
Robin Hood, Widney Manor and Woodlands Cemeteries are open all day now, however please ensure that you follow both national and local Covid-19 laws and guidance:
- November to January - 9.00am to 4.15pm
- February, March and October - 9.00am to 5.00pm
- April to September - 9.00am to 6.00pm
- Sundays and Bank Holidays open at 10.00am and close at the same times as above.
- Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day - 10.00am to 2.30pm
Attendance at funerals - burials
Attendance at a graveside for a burial has increased to 30 mourners.
NB: if there is a preceding service at an onsite chapel, the number of mourners for this must be adhered to (see below). Social distancing guidance should be followed when gathering at the grave and during/after the service.
Attendance at funerals - cremations
The number of mourners at cremations (in the chapels at Woodlands and Robin Hood) has to be more restrictive, as the service is inside and the chapel has to be sanitised between each service. The limit on the number of mourners at both Robin Hood and Woodlands chapels is 20, in line with the governments 'one metre plus' guidance.
In addition, a further ten mourners are welcome to attend and can listen to the service from outside the chapel via loudspeaker.
Social distancing guidance should be followed in the chapel, and before/after the service.
Mourners are welcome to use mobile phones to film and share funeral services with those not able to attend, using media platforms such as Facebook Live provided they have permission from the funeral applicant and the officiant/minister. We are also offering webcasting at Robin Hood and Woodlands. Your funeral director can provide details of fees and book this service for you.
NB: the government has set a legal limit on attendance at funerals of 30 people. It is up to each council to determine what the specific maximum is, in line with social distancing guidance.
Scatterings and cremated remains interments can be booked through your funeral director.
Memorial headstone permits are being processed and stonemasons should email these to robinhoodcemetery@solihull.gov.uk We are sorry but we are unable to accept postal applications at this time.
We have three cemeteries in Solihull.
Attendance at funerals for burials
Attendance at a graveside for a burial has increased to 30 mourners.
If there is a preceding service at an onsite chapel, the number of mourners for this must be adhered to (see below). Social distancing guidance should be followed when gathering at the grave and during/after the service.
Attendance at funerals for cremations
The number of mourners at cremations (in the chapels at Woodlands and Robin Hood) has to be more restrictive, as the service is inside and the chapel has to be sanitised between each service. The limit on the number of mourners will increase to 20 mourners at both Robin Hood and Woodlands chapels, in line with the governments 'one metre plus' guidance.
In addition, a further ten mourners are welcome to attend and can listen to the service from outside the chapel via loudspeaker. Social distancing guidance should be followed in the chapel, and before/after the service.
Mourners are welcome to use mobile phones to film and share funeral services with those not able to attend, using media platforms such as Facebook Live provided they have permission from the funeral applicant and the officiant/minister. We are also offering free webcasting at Robin Hood and Woodlands.
NB: the government has set a legal limit on attendance at funerals of 30 people. It is up to each council to determine what the specific maximum is, in line with social distancing guidance.
Cemetery and Crematorium bookings
Bookings should be made through your funeral director.
Dedicated memorials
We have memorials commissioned by Solihull SANDS at all of our cemeteries dedicated to babies who have died around the time of their birth.
At Woodlands Cemetery we have memorials dedicated to children and to members of the armed forces commissioned by The Friends of Woodlands Cemetery.