A
memorial headstone is not merely a marker erected over a grave to remind us of the
name of the deceased. It is a lasting symbol of remembrance: a tribute
to a life now ended; perhaps a final gift to someone dearly loved. It is
therefore extremely important that its design and the firm producing it
should be carefully chosen. Hasty decisions made choosing memorials and headstones while still in a distraught
condition are very often the cause of later regrets, so it is advisable
to wait and perhaps spend some time looking around.
Memorials
and headstones may take many forms but we will concentrate on
those erected in cemeteries or churchyards. Such memorials need
to be of a material which will withstand all kinds of weather,
take a permanent carved inscription (and possibly additional
ones later on), be suitable for shaping and ornamentation, and
harmonise with the surroundings. It should also weather attractively.
Centuries have shown that natural stone materials (i.e. stone,
slate, marble and granite) have all these qualities.
How
to select a memorial mason to create a memorial headstone.
Your
first choice may be a firm recommended by a friend or relative, but in
any event it is obviously sensible to go to one genuinely specialising
in memorial (or "monumental") masonry. Since few people are really able
to assess the quality of workmanship which should be expected, it is also
advisable to look for one which is required to work to certain specified
standards. This way regrets, additional distress and unnecessary expense
should be avoided. Members of the National Association of Memorial Masons
(NAMM) are bound by strict Codes of Ethics and Practice and are therefore
required to satisfy certain high standards of service. If a dispute should
unfortunately arise, then they are also bound by the findings of a free
and objective Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
What
you may choose
Cemetery
and churchyard authorities nearly always have regulations regarding the
types of memorials they will admit. These regulations vary from place to
place and therefore need to be checked before any choice is made. In addition,
certain varieties of stone may be more appropriate in some places than
in others, not only for their appearance but also because of the effect
of weather or local conditions. A reputable memorial mason will advise
you on all this. \It is, of course, possible to choose a design from a
mason's brochure or display. However, if you would prefer something more
individual, a reputable memorial mason will be pleased to design it for
you.
Cremation
memorials
Some
cemetery and churchyard authorities may not permit memorials to be erected
over cremated remains, and those that do may only permit very small headstones
or even just plaques. Sometimes there may just be a central memorial commemorating
all those whose ashes are buried in that area. Again, a reputable memorial
mason will be able to advise on all this.
Initial
enquiry
It
is quite normal to ask for prices and to obtain written estimates detailing
all the costs involved. These will include the memorial itself with all
the required lettering, ornamentation and finishes; its installation on
proper foundations at the plot, cemetery or churchyard fees and value added
tax. (Remember, some of these are set charges which the mason has to pay
in advance on your behalf). If you compare prices given by different firms
make sure you really are comparing like with like. E.g. Are the memorials
the same size? Is the stone exactly the same and not just a look-alike?
Is the lettering and ornamentation the same and worked by the same method?
Have VAT and cemetery or churchyard fees been included? Etc., etc.
Placing
the order
When
you place the order, you may be asked to pay a deposit, with the balance
of the agreed price payable on completion. The availability of the materials,
the complexity of design and the condition of the ground will affect the
time a memorial will take to complete. Again, a reputable memorial mason
will advise you on this. The mason will also help with the wording of the
inscription, if you so wish. Before signing an order make sure you have
checked it thoroughly and be particularly careful that the wording and
spelling of the inscription are shown correctly. Any alterations should
be confirmed immediately and in writing. Also note that, unless you give
definite instructions to the contrary, the layout of the inscription will
be left to the discretion of the letter carver.
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