A memorial 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 is carefully chosen. Hasty decisions made 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 different churchyards or cemeteries finding the right memorial before speaking to us.

Memorials may take many forms but those in this leaflet concerns those erected in cemeteries or churchyards. Such memorials need to be of a material that will withstand all kinds of weather, take a permanent carved inscription (and possibly additional ones later on), be capable of shaping and ornamentation, and harmonise with the surroundings. It should also weather attractively. Centuries have shown natural stone materials (i.e. stone, slate, marble and granite) have all these qualities.

WHAT YOU MAY CHOOSE

Cemetery and churchyard authorities nearly always have guidelines for the types of memorials they will admit. Certain varieties of stone are more appropriate in some places than others, not only for their appearance but also because of the effects of weather or local conditions. There may also be limits to the design of memorials that are acceptable, we can advise you on all different restrictions.

Many people like to choose a design from a display shown to them by ourselves, perhaps an existing similar memorial in a cemetery or churchyard, because this way you will see clearly in advance how the work will look when it is finished. However, if you require something more individual, we will be pleased to design it for you.

CREMATION MEMORIALS

In some cemeteries and churchyards full size memorials over cremated remains may not be permitted. Where they are, they may have to be very small, or even just plaques. Sometimes there may be only a central memorial commemorating all the burials in that area. Again we will be able to advise and assist you on these matters.

INITIAL ENQUIRY It is quite normal to ask for prices and we shall be happy to give you a full written estimate, showing 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 will also be included. (Remember some of these are set charges which we have to pay in advance). We make application to the cemetery or churchyard authorities on your behalf to erect the memorial, when they will then send to us, their approval, once consent has been granted.

PLACING THE ORDER When you place the order, you will be told of the availability of the material, the complexity of the design and the condition of the ground will effect the time we will take to complete your memorial. Again we will advise you of this. If required we will also help you with the wording of the inscription. Before agreeing to the order, make sure that 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 us definite instructions to the contrary, the layout of the inscription will be left to the discretion of the letter carver.

INSURANCE

It is always advisable to insure a memorial against accidental damage and vandalism. The cost is not great and we have full details of a scheme available.

A Selection of Memorials from our Brochure

EC1 Dense Black Granite HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” Bronze praying hands  decorate the top corner  of this memorial. Chamfered Base	EC2 Warwick Grey Granite      HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” A bronze ornament adds symbolism to this light  grey granite. Shaped and chamfered base to match top of headstone.	EC3 Dense Black Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”          Base 3”x 24” x 12” A highlighted ornament      of a wild flower bouquet. Chamfered Base.
EC4 Blue Pearl Granite               HS 27” x 21” x 3” Base 3” x 24” x 12” Shown with optional silver praying hands attached.	EC5 Dense Black Granite  HS 30” x 24” x 4”         Base 4” x 30” x 12” “Morning by the Lake” Many favourite locations or scenes can be added by our highly skilled artists. Centre splay base.	EC6 Star Galaxy                     HS 27” x 21” x 3”          Base 3” x 24” x 12”      Vases 4” x 6” x 6” A bronze rose complements the reflective Galaxy Granite.
EC7 Lavender Blue Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” The individual markings on this blue granite mean no two are ever identical. Shaped to match top of headstone.	EC8 Bahama Blue Granite  HS 30” x 26” x 4”          Base 4” x 30” x 12” Rounded sides with Chamfers. Centre splay base.	EC9 Avon Grey                       HS 30” x 24” x 3”           Base 3” x 30” x 12” Shaped sides and chamfers. Shaped base.
EC10 Star Galaxy                        HS 30” x 28” x 4”             Base 4” x 30” x 12” A modern design with hand tooled rebates flowing down the left edge.	EC11 Amadeus Granite            HS 30” x 24” x 4”         Base 4” x 30” x 12” A distinctive and unusually coloured granite.	EC12 Butterfly Granite              HS 27” x 21”x3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” Polished rebates run down the side of this memorial.
EC13 Tropical Green Granite         HS 30” x 24” x 4”             Base 4” x 30” x 12” This rich green granite has a striking maroon vein.	EC14 Avon Grey                      HS 27” x 21”x3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” A contrasting moulded edge.	EC15 Xiamen Pink Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”          Base 3” x 24” x 12” A fully polished moulding on both headstone and base on this delicate pink granite.
EC16 Dark Grey Granite               HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” A polished moulding adds emphasis to the inscription area.	EC17 Dense Black Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” Sandblast etched rose and double border.	EC18 Flint Grey Granite             HS 27” x 21” x 3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” Flint grey granite gives fine contrast to the delicate white rose with elegant pin line.
EC19 Dark Grey Granite               HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” The rose design at the shoulder is highlighted with pure gold leaf.	EC20 Rose White Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” Fine blush rose white granite with a complementary individual inscription colouring.	EC21 Dense Black Granite         HS 30” x 24” x 4”          Base 4” x 30” x 12” The area above the inscription is recessed leaving a central raised heart. With colour painted violets.
EC22 Twilight Red Granite           HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” The highly individual markings are unique to each piece of this granite. Any flower or design can be added.	EC23 Dense Black Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” A traditional churchyard shaped top and base.	EC24 Ocean Green Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” Shown in attractive ocean green granite and gilded inscription.
EC25 Dense Black Granite            HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” Traditional churchyard top   with chamfers.	EC26 Glenaby Granite  HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” A pin line accentuates the classic lines of this memorial. Shown with bow front base.	EC27 Steel Grey                       HS 27” x 21” x 3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” The scotia shaping on the shoulder is reflected on the base.
EC28 Emerald Pearl Granite          HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” Emerald Pearl Granite is an unusual variation on the more common Blue Pearl.	EC29 Dense Black Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12”    “A good round”          Please ask about the personalised memorials we are able to offer, reflecting the sport or hobby of a loved one.	EC30 Dense Black Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”          Base 3” x 24” x 12” With a scroll on the face   for an inscription.
EC31 Dense Black Granite            HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” A star cross and rose design	EC32 Dense Black Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” With a beautifully hand painted lily, any flower can be depicted.	EC33 Dense Black Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” One of many beautiful hand etched scenes that can be added to any memorial, ask for details.
EC34 Dense Black Granite            HS 27” x 21” x 3”              Base 3” x 24” x 12” An offset peon top with single rose ornament climbing up the side.	EC35 Blue Pearl                      HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” Roses or any other flower can be included in this sandblasted panel.	EC36 Coffee Brown Granite        HS 30” x 24” x 4”          Base 4” x 30” x 12” An attractive deep brown granite with plain pin line.
EC37 Dense Black Granite            HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” A square top and church window ornament.	EC38 Dense Black Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” An ogee top with church window and bible.	EC39 Dense Black Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” Any figure or ornament of this high quality can be added to any memorial.
EC40 Ruby Red Granite                HS 27” x 21” x 3”             Base 3” x 24” x 12” Deep rich Ruby Red Granite with ogee top and rounded shoulders. With matching corners on base.	EC41 Dense Black Granite HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 30” x 12”       Vase 7” x 7” x 7” Any ornament can be added to this memorial with a side vase.	EC42 Dense Black Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”           Base 3” x 24” x 12” Skilled craftsmen have etched a depiction of the Last Supper, any design can be specified.
EC43 Butterfly Granite                 HS 30” x 24” x 4”              Base 4” x 30” x 12” A high quality detailed angel ornament	EC44 Dense Black Granite         HS 33” x 21” x 3”          Base 3” x 24” x 12” A beautifully etched dove top centre.	EC45 Dense Black Granite         HS 27” x 21” x 3”          Base 3” x 24” x 12” A profusion of wild flowers surround this memorial.
EC46 Dense Black Granite            HS 30” x 24” x 3”             Base 3” x 30” x 12” A delicately hand etched  Angel overlooks the  inscription area.	EC47 Dense Black Granite        HS 27” x 21” x 3”         Base 3” x 24” x 12” Half ogee top with a stained glass window in the top left shoulder.	EC48 Dark Grey Granite             HS 33 x 24” x 3”            Base 3” x 30” x 12” A new concept, having a stained glass effect in the top centre, other designs on request.
EC49 Dense Black Granite            HS 30” x 24” x 3”             Base 3” x 30” x 12” A stained glass image of the Virgin Mary has been cut into this memorial.	EC50 Ocean Green Granite       HS 33” x 21” x 3”          Base 3” x 24” x 12” Circular stained glass window in the top centre.	EC51 Dense Black Granite         HS 30” x 24” x 3”           Base 3” x 30” x 12” A stained glass panel such as this can be added to any shape memorial.