A family in the local area has voiced their deep dissatisfaction following the removal of decorations and ornaments from their relative’s grave at St Michael and All Angels Church in Cammeringham, not far from Lincoln. Decorative plaques, ornaments, and floral arrangements that had been gracing the resting place of Ian Fyfe were consequently stored in a plastic bag after the church deemed the adornments to be a breach of their regulations. Tracy Fyfe, the deceased’s wife, has sharply criticised the decision made by the Parochial Church Council (PCC), calling it ‘abhorrent and disrespectful’. The PCC defended their actions stating that this was in line with Church of England rules which aim to protect the natural state of the churchyard. Even though the family had received a previous letter regarding this matter, the occurrence greatly upset Ian Fyfe’s son, Timothy Baxter, who now feels incapable of commemorating his father appropriately. The family insist that the adornments are a meaningful way to keep Ian’s spirit present, whereas the PCC continues to assert that regulations are vital for maintaining the environmental integrity of the churchyard.
This article is based on original reporting which appeared on www.bbc.com, adapted for The Lincoln Post.
