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Choosing a Memorial
This information refers to memorials usually erected in
cemeteries and churchyards. These need to be of a material
that:
· will withstand the weather
· can take a lasting carved inscription (and maybe more later
on)
· is suitable for shaping and ornamentation.
Time has shown that natural stone (i.e. stone, slate, marble and
granite) has all these qualities.
Choosing a Memorial
Because a memorial is a lasting monument and tribute to a
person’s life, perhaps a final gift to someone dearly loved, it is
important to choose it carefully. A hasty decision made while still
in great distress often results in later regrets, so it can be
sensible to wait and to spend time selecting a suitable design. A
number of options will be possible.
Selecting a Memorial Mason
The Council has a list of registered stonemasons. You may wish
to use a company recommended by a friend or relative, or you may
wish to look around. It is generally advisable to use one which
specialises in memorial masonry. They should understand stone and
so be able to give you reliable advice as to whether the stone you
are choosing is suitable for the type of memorial you require and
the area in which it is to be fixed. Weather, pollution and
surrounding vegetation can have an effect on this.
Memorial masons must have public and products liability
insurance of no less than £5million and must also give a ten year
guarantee.
What you may choose
General: cemeteries and churchyards generally
have regulations governing the kinds of memorials, and sometimes
also the inscriptions and ornamentations they will allow. These
vary from place to place and so need to be checked before any
choice is made. A reputable memorial mason will be able to
assist.
Cremation: there are special areas for the
burial of cremated remains.
Obtaining permission
Before a memorial may be erected in a churchyard or cemetery,
written permission must be obtained from its management.
The Initial Enquiry
It is important to obtain a written estimate clearly setting out
full details of the memorial you are considering and all the costs
involved. The estimate should include the memorial itself (with
full details as to size, materials etc), the lettering, any
ornamentation and finishes, the secure installation of the memorial
on a proper foundation, the cemetery or churchyard fees and
VAT.
Please note: lettering and ornamentation can be carved, sand
blasted or machine cut. These options and the different types of
stone available all vary in price. If you obtain estimates from
more than one company, do check them carefully to make sure you
really are comparing like with like.
Placing the Order
When you place the order you may be asked to pay a deposit, with
the balance of the agreed price payable later. Before signing to
confirm your order it is important to check it thoroughly. Be
particularly careful that the wording and spelling of the
inscription and any dates are shown correctly. Any alterations
should be confirmed immediately and in writing.
Please note: unless you give definite written instructions to
the contrary, the layout of the inscription may be left to the
letter carver. The availability of the materials, the complexity of
design and the condition of the ground will affect the time the
memorial will take to complete. A reputable memorial mason will
advise you on this.
Responsibility for the Memorial
It is important to remember that it is you, and not the cemetery
or churchyard management, who is responsible for the maintenance of
your memorial. If it should become dilapidated or unsafe, steps may
be taken to lay it down or remove it. It is therefore wise to
arrange for it to be regularly maintained and insured.
Insurance
It is highly recommended that a memorial is insured against
accidental damage, vandalism and theft – and to make sure the cover
takes effect immediately the stone is fixed in the cemetery or
churchyard. The cost is very reasonable and usually insignificant
when compared with the possible cost of repairs. Any reputable
memorial mason should have details of the schemes available. A list
of approved memorial masons is available by contacting the
Cemeteries office.
Cemeteries Service, 2 Penner Road, Havant, Hampshire,PO9
1QH.
Telephone 023 9244 6425
E-mail: cemeteries@havant.gov.uk