Bethel Sketty Cemetery
Preserving the History and Legacy of Bethel Sketty Cemetery
How to Maintain a Grave Plot
Cleaning stonework
It is important to know what type of stone you are working on, from sandstone, granite, marble or even cement. In order to clean the stonework you do need some elbow grease.
One important fact, do not use bleach or any acidic products.
Although we cannot recommend products to you, there are a number out there, D/2 equivalent solution and Wet and Forget to name just two.
Elbow grease, water, and a soft brush will do.
Grass Cutting
If you have a plot with a headstone and kerbstones, it is important you cut the grass around the plot. This will stop any unwanted roots penetrating the kerb stones or crawling up the headstone. If you just have a headstone, ensure you cut the grass straight over the grave and the boundary between graves surrounding. If you have grass within the kerbstones, it is important to keep this short, as it will stop roots penetrating the kerbs and crawling up the head stone. If there is no marked grave, cut grass over the grave and the boundaries between graves surrounding. When cutting grass. please check around first for any wild life, such as hedgehogs, slow worms or low laying nests.
Tombs/Vaults
Tombs and Vaults seem to be interchangeable for some. These are either bricked or granite blocks with an enclosed chamber. The chamber is where the deceased rests. These chambers can be above or below ground. It is important to know where the chamber is before doing any works to repair. Some brick and stonework can be repaired by a competent DIYer. However it is always best to get the advice of a professional stonemason. If you do work there, you will need suitable brick or stone, appropriate bonding compound, mortar and plaster.
Stonework
Whether it is a tomb, kerbstone or headstone you are looking to repair, first of all identify the stone. Gravestones are heavy, and you will need a few helpers to help you manoeuvre these, or work with a professional stonemason. If you are looking to repair wording, there are many different types. Lead lettering will need to be carried out by a professional, as re cutting in stone. Painting in or/gold leaf lettering can be carried out by a competent DIYer, but again take advice from a professional stonemason. If you are to re-bed kerbstones, you might need to dig out a new channel to bed in. You will then need to use a bonding compound to secure the kerbstones together. If you need to repair broken headstones, again, contact a professional stonemason. A competent DIYer could do small repairs, but large stones will need professional guidance. If you wish to re-bed a headstone, again, take advice from a professional stonemason. There are many self help videos on YouTube, but please be mindful of your own abilities and also keep within the law, as some cemeteries have regulations. Please always seek advice from a professional.
Tools and Equipment
This is a list of tools you may need to maintain a grave:
Battery or Petrol Strimmer Battery or Petrol Mower
Rake Spade
Hand Fork Hand Trowel
Shears Small Grass Trimmers
Pruning Saw Secateurs
Gloves Soft hand brush
Water Container Water
Cloth Bags (to take away grass cuttings)
For Repairs:
Mixing Tub Mortar
Cement Brick/stone
Water Container Water
Trowel. Bonding Compound
