Expert Liaison for Reading Borough Council

Reading is a town of rich historical character and diverse green spaces from the award winning Forbury Gardens to the tranquil landscapes of the Henley Road Cemetery and Reading Old Cemetery. We understand that applying for a memorial bench in the Royal County of Berkshire can be a complex administrative hurdle particularly with the town's current 10 year leasehold structure and specific placement regulations. At Memorial Benches UK we specialise in removing these challenges acting as your professional technical partner to ensure your memorial bench meets the Borough Council’s rigorous Heritage Grade standards for durability and civic aesthetic.

Council Requirements:

Bench Material:

Bench Size:

Plaque Material:

Plaque Size:

Fixing Type:

Fees:

Application Type:

Additional Notes:

Overcoming the Challenges of Reading Council Approval

Reading Borough Council maintains strict regulations for its cemeteries and crematorium grounds to ensure uniformity and public safety. For 2026 the council typically offers 10 year lease periods for memorial benches with current fees approximately £1,716 including the plaque. Families often find the technical requirements for sustainable hardwood and the specific anchoring designs for local cemeteries to be a significant barrier. We bridge this gap by providing the council with a comprehensive trade data pack. This documentation confirms that our Grade A teak is 100% FSC certified and naturally oil rich proving to the local authority that your memorial is a 25 year asset designed for public safety.

Bereavement Services (Henley Road):

0118 937 2200

Email Contact:

cem.crem@reading.gov.uk

National Technical Support:

Call our office on 01580 201518 to receive the technical data pack required for your Reading application today.

Heritage Grade Specifications for Henley Road and City Cemeteries

To ensure your tribute remains a dignified landmark we only supply timber scrupulously checked for grain density and structural integrity. Our Great Maytham range is an excellent choice for Reading because its extra heavyweight 8 x 8cm profile and traditional mortise and tenon joinery meet the structural requirements for high traffic cemetery gardens while providing the classic look required for the town's historic Victorian areas like the Old Cemetery at Cemetery Junction.

Garden Bench Key Features:

• Constructed from 100% FSC Certified sustainable teak heartwood for ecological compliance.
• Traditional mortise and tenon joinery with a heavy duty profile for public safety.
• Available in 2 seat 3 seat and 4 seat widths to suit specific garden or cemetery footprints.
• Precision CNC engraving for a permanent dignified tribute that respects the area's heritage.

Professional Coordination and Long Term Assurance

Memorial bench dedications in Reading typically cover a 10 year initial term with options for renewal thereafter. While the council provides a maintenance service including power washing and teak oil treatments for a fee, our Grade A teak is designed to exceed minimum durability expectations for over two decades. By choosing the personalisation, expertise and trust of Memorial Benches UK you are providing the borough with a superior furniture asset that reduces their long term maintenance burden. We manage the technical coordination directly with Reading’s Bereavement Services ensuring your memorial bench would be delivered and installed to exact municipal standards.