memorials

Memorial (noun)

a statue, stone etc. that is built in order to

remind people of a person who has died.

Placing a headstone is a tradition that goes back as far as 3,000 BC although it wasn’t until the mid 1600’s that placing headstones in churchyards and cemeteries became common.

A memorial is a heartfelt connection between the departed and their loved ones and we are here to help guide you through the process and available choices. This ensures the person who has passed away is honoured as well as being of comfort to their friends and family.

There are also regulations set out by the cemeteries and churchyards to consider too.

We understand it can take time to finalise the memorial and we are happy to advise and help whenever we can.

We can offer-

Help and guidance on choosing the

memorial and inscription.

Draft inscription layouts.

We are happy to provide various options and make amendments as you require.

Creation of unique and bespoke designs

Advice on Church and Local Authority

regulations and fees

cemetery memorials

Memorials placed in local council cemeteries are required to meet safety and size regulations but the varieties of type, colour, finish and decoration permitted aren’t subject to the same rules as with monuments placed in churchyards. However, an application and appropriate fees still must be made to the council before work can commence.

churchyard memorials

There are generally more requirements in place for memorials placed in churchyards.

Natural stones are preferred to blend in sympathetically with the church and its surroundings. Inscription wording should be simple and appropriate. We follow the regulations set out by the Church of England (Diocese of Hereford) and all memorials must be approved by the individual vicar.

Materials such as granite, sandstone, limestone and slate are recommended. With particular colours and finishes suggested as well as lettering colours and designs/ornamentation. We can help advise what is generally allowed by the church but the final decision rests with the parish.

cremation memorials

These are generally a tablet style memorial either flat, wedge or desk. Churchyards and cemeteries again set a maximum allowed size and as with headstones the church have recommended materials, finishes and colours.

We recommend waiting at least 4 – 6 months after a

burial for the ground to settle before placing a memorial headstone.

The individual church may suggest longer.

Added inscriptions

We provide a removal service of existing memorials for new burials and cremations and adding the new inscription to the memorial. When the time comes, please contact us and we will arrange to remove the memorial before the date of burial or cremation and store safely at our workshop until you are ready for the new inscription to be added.

We will then work to match the new inscriptions to the original lettering.

This can take time getting even the smallest details correct but we strive to ensure that any new lettering blends seamlessly.

A new company that's working hard to provide an excellent service. Kirsty and Richard were very kind in offering to place a supplementary monument on our family grave when the competition proved difficult and expensive. They were a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend them.

David barrington, hereford