ALL KERBING PROHIBITED BY ORDER 2021 PHOTO DIARY

ST MARY'S CHURCH OF IRELAND CHURCH - ALL KERBING PROHIBITED BY ORDER

Today I visited this graveyard for the second time, this time to try a different camera and lens combination [Canon 1DsMkIII - Sigma 24-105mm lens].

On arrival I was surprised to see the following notice: "all kerbing, temporary or permanent is prohibited by order". It caught my attention because I did not understand what the word "kerbing" means in the context of a churchyard or graveyard. [Note: if you examine my images you will see many examples of kerbing]

I later discovered that kerbed memorials differ from headstones in that a kerbed memorial covers the entire grave. In Ireland many cemeteries do not permit the setting of traditional kerbed memorials on an individual basis. Here is a good explanation https://www.ukmemorialservice.co.uk/a-kerb-set-provides-clear-definition/

An interesting discussion of the issue in Ireland https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/middle-line-needs-to-be-found-after-public-outcry-over-graveyard-flowers-and-trinkets-ban-35993292.html

Excellent advice regarding the maintenance of old graveyards: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/guidance_care_conservation_recording_historic_graveyards_2011_7mb.pdf