How To Sort Out A Headstone

[bednobs]

need to get a headstone. grave is 18 months old.
Do you have to get permission from the council? do you just go to a FD and look at catalogues, or a stone mason? how much are they, and who actually installs them?

[wolf63]

Does this mean that the inquest and procedures are finalised?

I would approach the funeral director, they can either arrange the headstone or point you in the right direction.

xx

[zebo]

The place from where you're buying the headstone should be able to deal with the Church or Council, depending on where it's going. Be aware that there may be restrictions as to size etc.. If you go to the Funeral Director they'll order though a stone mason and it may be more expensive than going direct. It will be installed buy the stone mason.

[barry1010]

A headstone will cost in excess of £1000, including installation.
It is up to you whether to use a funeral director, we have always used a local stonemason.
The company should know all the rules and regs of the particular cemetery and will know what you can't have. In any case they will get the necessary approval for your chosen headstone and wording before they start work. You can't just put whatever you like, sadly.

You will need to show the paperwork that proves you have the right to put a headstone on that grave and normally pay a deposit. It will take around three months and you pay the balance aftet the work is completed.

Every stonemason and funeral director will be happy to give you quotes, advice and guide you through the process

[TheWinner]

The stone mason is the person to contact. (FD's have catalogues but are middlemen). Have a look around the cemetery at the nicest headstones and see who the stonemason was (that made them). Make sure it's anchored in, so it doesn't fall over. The stone mason will answer all your questions and they are the people that make and install them for you.

[bednobs]

tanks all. wolf, the inquest was closed in october 21. funeral was july 21 there was a small blip in feb 22 when social services reminded us we were still on their radar. i didnt help myself really by refusing to let them make an appt and putting the phone down on them!

[wolf63]

Bednobs, I was reading the story about Sally Clark the other day. It was so sad, I couldn't comprehend how they managed to find an 'expert' witness who didn't understand the statistics of SIDS.

I suppose that the authorities have to be suspicious, but, as you know, it is a painful process and they can make you feel worse.

[rowanwitch]

Check the restrictions currently in force as to size and design as they really vary. Recently a friend was restricted to grey or white, no photo, only certain carved decorations, ( lily, rose, or Celtic cross) and only black or white lettering where the managing authority had cracked down to stop some of the more extreme designs.