We recognise it can be difficult choosing a memorial or headstone as a suitable tribute to a loved one, which is why we are here to help at every step of the way. Our MD Neil has over 41 years’ experience in the memorial trade and is an expert in helping customers choose a fitting tribute, we have collated a few frequently asked questions that we think may help you throughout the process of selecting that perfect lasting memorial.
What is the best material to use?
We supply various materials from polished, coloured granites for town cemeteries to hard Yorkshire stone for local village churchyards. It’s worth noting that local burial authorities or the governing diocese set the rules for their respective burial grounds, so not all materials can be used in all burial grounds.
In our opinion, granite is the hardest material and is the easiest to keep clean. However, we have also used one quarry for our hard Yorkshire stone which we like, this specific batch of stone is clean and very hard wearing.
Other materials are available including slate, limestone and marble.
Is there a range of inscription choices, including different fonts and colours?
We offer a huge selection of fonts and finishes, from incised-only to gilded letters. We will always supply you with a layout of the inscription for approval prior to any work being undertaken.
When the inscription is drawn up on paper it is easy to change, but once it is set in stone it is literally set in stone, so it’s important that you are 100 per cent happy with the design before it is implemented.
We have the flexibility to adapt to any job specification as our skilled craftsmen use traditional stone masonry techniques to hand carve letters and designs alongside our cutting-edge machinery.
Is there a limit to how many words you can fit on the headstones and memorials?
In short yes there is a limit, but we always oblige to match our customer’s inscription requests. Our experts can advise on the wording and layout to allow a balanced and aesthetic arrangement ensuring the inscription beautifully suits the memorial.
Is there various shapes and colours of headstones and memorials?
There are hundreds of shapes and styles available. Again, it is worth noting that burial ground regulations on size and materials can limit your choices, but our compassionate craftsmen will always advise to ensure the memorial conforms suitably.
Do you install the headstones and memorials?
We have a team of British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) licenced fitters who travel around installing the new memorials. Our BRAMM fitters can also re-install memorials that have had extra inscriptions added or that have undergone any renovations or refixes.
Our fitting team always follow the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) Code of Working Practice which is required in all burial grounds in the area.
Our team of specialists will take care of your requirements from start to finish, contact us today on 01845 522523 or email info@dalesofthirsk.co.uk
© Neil Collinson – Dales of Thirsk