PLANS have been announced to consecrate a well-established Christchurch resting place.

Since 1966 the Garden of Rest in the grounds of Christchurch Priory has provided a final resting-place for many Christchurch residents.

Today it continues to offer a tranquil setting, with the Priory Church on one side and the Mill Stream on the other, for those who have been bereaved to come and remember those who have passed away.

The Garden of Rest was not consecrated when it was first established because of legal advice at the time, but the situation has changed.

Therefore the Parochial Church Council of Christchurch and the priest-in-charge, Canon Charles Stewart, have requested for the entire Garden of Rest to be consecrated. The Bishop of Winchester has approved this request, subject to public consultation.

The intention is to consecrate the Garden of Rest at a special service presided over by the Bishop of Southampton, the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, to which the families of those interred in the Garden of Rest will be invited.

Rev Canon Stewart: said: “In the fifty years that the Garden of Rest has been in use it has provided a peaceful setting for all those who have been bereaved to come and remember their loved ones.

“In many ways, for residents of Christchurch and members of the parish, the garden is already holy ground through the prayers of countless thousands over the years.

“We are asking Bishop Jonathan to formalise what we believe is already the case by consecrating the Garden of Rest.

“Families and friends of those interred in the garden will be invited to the consecration service on Thursday September 20, which will be an opportunity for the bereaved to celebrate the memories of their loved ones.”

To take part in the consultation about the consecration contact the Bishop of Southampton’s office by September 3 2018, at Bishop’s House, St Mary’s Church Close, Wessex Lane, Southampton, SO18 2ST, email bishop.jonathan@winchester.anglican.org.