November 23rd 2024.
The Garden of Remembrance in Stoke-on-Trent has recently announced a new policy regarding out-of-hours visits. This cemetery, located in Longton, will now require a one-time purchase of a VIP pass for anyone wishing to visit their loved one's graves outside of the designated opening hours. This pass will cost £5 for a visit to a grave or cremation plot, and £10 for access to the rose garden. The cemetery will still be open for free visits between 9am and 3pm on weekdays.
This new policy has caused quite a stir among those who have family and friends buried at the Garden of Remembrance. Jode Bourne, whose father is laid to rest there, expressed her outrage at having to pay a fee to visit her loved one's grave. She called the policy a disgrace and shamed the cemetery for implementing it.
The Garden of Remembrance has been in operation for 19 years and prides itself on being a unique, independently owned cemetery. According to a notice posted on the site, electric gates will be installed in January 2025 to protect the grounds. These gates will open and close automatically at set times, and only those with a VIP pass will be able to enter. This is being done to ensure the safety of staff, families, and visitors. The cemetery asks that visitors make sure to obtain their VIP pass before the new year.
Another notice states that those without a VIP pass will only have access to the cemetery during office hours from Monday to Friday. This means no access on weekends, bank holidays, or any other days when the office is closed. The cemetery owner, Jason Taft, claims that these notices contain incorrect information. He states that the gates will actually be open from 9am to 5pm in the winter, and until 7pm in the summer. Mr. Taft has also handed out 90 free passes to the most vulnerable visitors, in an effort to make the cemetery more accessible.
Mr. Taft has also spent £8,000 on increased security measures to ensure the safety of the cemetery. He reassures visitors that they will not be locked out and that the VIP passes are simply a way to give them access after normal operating hours. He believes that this will provide a safer and more secure environment for visitors, as it will prevent any unwanted individuals from entering the cemetery. The use of these key cards will not begin until January 1, as Mr. Taft understands the importance of allowing people to visit their loved ones during the holiday season without any added stress or inconvenience.
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