St Bridget's Church in Brean accused of disposing of sentimental items

Linette Jordan told the Weekly News that she went to visit her parents’ grave at St Bridget’s Church, only to find that several items had been removed.

“My heart dropped,” Mrs Jordan said.

“Everything was gone off the grave, and I was distraught.

“I asked the vicar what had happened, and he said items had been removed from a lot of graves, as they had had a lot of trouble with someone putting a lot of stuff on a grave.

“But these were sentimental items - there was a cherub that belonged to my two children, and I had left it with my mum.”

Mrs Jordan said that she came back the next day with her daughter, and found some items, but not those left for her parents.

They then tipped over a bin, and found all kinds of items belonging to people - including Mrs Jordan’s cherub.

There was, however, no sign of the other items she had left at her parents’ grave.

“The vicar said that he was told by the archbishop that everything had to be removed because of this one person,” Mrs Jordan added.

“But there were no signs up [informing people of this] - no notices at the gate or by the graves.

“I contacted Citizens Advice, and they said that they can legally move items, but they must have a notice on the front gate and a notice in the local paper, and if people could not be contacted then the items must be logged.

“There will be others in the same situation.

“It’s such a terrible, terrible thing to do to people.”

Mrs Jordan also said that she had been told by the vicar that items had been removed in all places under his supervision.

However, when she visited St Mary’s Church in Berrow - also part of the Benefice of Berrow and Brean, in the Diocese of Bath and Wells - she found that items had not been taken off the graves.

CHURCHYARD: St Bridget's Church (pic: Steve Richardson)

A statement on behalf of St Bridget's Church said: "It has been brought to our attention that items have gone missing from a grave in St Bridget’s churchyard without ours or the person concerned’s knowledge.

"As custodians of the churchyard we have been undertaking enquiries to try and understand what has occurred and have been in contact with the family throughout.

"Churchyards are sacred places which are special for everyone, particularly those who are grieving.

"Clear Church of England regulations are in place to ensure all churchyards, including those of St Bridget’s and St Mary’s, remain a fitting and safe place for people to visit and pay their respects.

"Notices outlining these regulations are clearly displayed in both churchyards, and the notices are replaced if they are damaged or taken down.

"They do contain restrictions as to what can be placed on graves and we advise families that items not permitted within the regulations will be removed.

"We know these often hold special significance and therefore everything which is removed is done so respectfully and sensitively, and is held securely while we seek to return them to a loved one."

Have you had items removed from the St Bridget’s churchyard? If so, contact our newsdesk by calling us on 01823 365100.