Grieving mum told she can’t leave more than 2 toys on son’s Battle grave

A grieving mother has spoken of her upset after being told she cannot leave more than two toys by her son’s grave at Battle Cemetery.
Natalie Reeves by her son's grave SUS-200210-132219001Natalie Reeves by her son's grave SUS-200210-132219001
Natalie Reeves by her son's grave SUS-200210-132219001

Natalie Reeves, whose two-year-old son James Manning died more than two years ago, received a letter from Battle Town Council, which manages the cemetery, telling her she had to remove all the excess items from the toddler’s memorial.

She said: “Mine and another mum’s sons are currently the only two children in Battle cemetery’s children’s area and have been since 2018.

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“Their regulations have stated only two items on their memorial. But other graves have much more so I have not thought it an issue to have more toys, keeping it child-friendly and very tidy.

James Manning choked on a sausage at Butlin's in Bognor Regis SUS-200801-121757001James Manning choked on a sausage at Butlin's in Bognor Regis SUS-200801-121757001
James Manning choked on a sausage at Butlin's in Bognor Regis SUS-200801-121757001

“I contacted local MP Huw Merriman, as before lockdown I received a letter telling me to remove as many toys as possible due to regulations. They stuck to asking me to do that and I thought that was the end of the matter.

“But on Wednesday (September 30) I received a letter telling me I have three weeks to remove all but two items or they will take them to the council office for me to collect.

“This is heartless and senseless to me as a mum who visits her only child every day and makes sure he is well-kept.

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“Neither Sidley nor Hastings cemeteries have such strict issues. My son, James Manning, should have been buried at Sidley but due to him attending playgroups in Battle I paid the extra £400 for James to be in Battle.

“If I had known how strict and hurtful this outcome would be I would have chosen Sidley instead.”

James, from Battle, died in June 2018 after choking on a piece of sausage at Butlin’s in Bognor Regis.

Cllr Glenna Favell, Battle Town Council’s chairman, said: “Battle Town Council is very proud of its beautiful and tranquil cemetery, which is visited not only by the bereaved, but also by people who enjoy the wildflowers, butterflies, the tree walk, etc, and those seeking peace and quiet.

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“Before the cemetery was extended in 2016, councillors visited other cemeteries in order to inform the design and regulations.

“It was agreed that the children’s cemetery would be a discreet circular area, enclosed by a low hedge to demonstrate our desire to surround the children with loving care.

“The cemetery regulations are in place to ensure that the cemetery retains its dignified character and to also protect our staff from injury. Funeral directors make their clients aware of the regulations, which are posted at the cemetery as well as on the council website.

“The regulations are regularly reviewed and the rule of only allowing one toy on a child’s grave was recently changed to allow two toys, which was felt to be particularly important if families are separate.

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“However, the council is also sensitive regarding families wishing to mark a special anniversary by temporarily placing additional items at that time.”

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