Cemetery of the year award winners 2021

Despite a second year of coronavirus restrictions and in a year which has seen burial authorities under a lot of pressure and many cemetery managers working from home, the Cemetery of the Year Awards went ahead with a marked improvement in the scores, which again confirms that the competition is having a positive effect on promoting best practice.

The Parish, Town and Community Council category again attracted the largest number of entries and we have received many examples in all categories of how the questions and feedback have prompted positive changes to be made which will benefit everyone involved in the sector, and most importantly bereaved people.

We are very pleased to announce the winners of the Cemetery of the Year 2021. (When there are more than 2 x Silver winners in a category, this indicates a tied score)

Large Burial Ground Category

Gold – Philips Park Cemetery Silver – Ropery Lane Cemetery Silver – Fallings Heath Cemetery Silver – St Helens Cemetery

Small/Medium Burial Ground Category

Gold – Memoria Kirkleatham Cemetery and Crematorium Silver – Moorside Cemetery Silver – Tipton Cemetery

Parish, Town and Community Council Burial Ground Category

Gold – Forest Row Cemetery Silver – Chesham Bois Burial Ground Silver – Syston and District Cemetery Silver – Cyngor Cymuned Llanrug Cemetery

Natural Burial Ground Category

Gold – Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and NBG Silver – Old Park Meadow NBG Silver – Hay Meadow BG

The Gold Awards winners in each category have received the following –

£1000 cash prize for their Cemetery. Cemetery of the Year 2021 Gold Engraved Plaque. Cemetery of the Year 2021Gold Certificate CYA Press release that can be used to promote their work and achievements.

The Silver Awards winners in each category have received the following –

Cemetery of the Year 2021 Silver Certificate. CYA Press release that can be used to promote their work and achievements.

All entrants receive a copy of their respective scores as well as an average score for each question so that they can see how they compare with other entrants in their category. They will also receive a summary report of the competition which includes information on Best Practice and Legislation from the supporting organisations. This allows the entrants to develop their cemeteries, improve standards and create environments and services that are safer, more user friendly and compliant with current legislation.

Many thanks to everyone who entered the competition and also to the supporting organisations.

• Memorial Awareness Board (MAB) • Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) • The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) • The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) • British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM)