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Headstone inscriptions are, for many people, one of the most intimidating aspects of choosing a memorial. An inscription will often include the name of the departed, the date of their birth and death, and sometimes some decorative engraving or artwork. Alongside these features there may also be a prayer, a quote from the deceased or a memory that was shared with loved ones. Below, Cope Memorials has taken a look at some of the more famous headstone inscriptions from around the world:

Winston Churchill

Charismatic British Prime Minister Winston Churchill passed away from a stroke on the 24th January 1965 and was buried in St Martin’s Church in the village of Bladon, where many of the Churchill family have also been laid to rest, including his parents and his wife. His headstone has had to be replaced and restored several times due to so many people coming to visit the grave, causing it to erode away. His epitaph reflects his humour and quick wit: ‘I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.’

William Shakespeare

One of the most prolific playwrights in history and known all over the world, William Shakespeare passed away on his birthday on the 23rd April 1616 and was laid to rest at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-Upon-Avon. During the 17th Century, people would often exhume the deceased in order to carry out medical research, which is why Shakespeare’s choice of headstone inscriptions is more of a poetic plea: ‘Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, and cursed be he that moves my bones.’

Princess Diana

Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales was renowned for her philanthropy and charity work, particularly in areas such as animal welfare, landmines, and serious illnesses like leprosy and AIDS. The shock departure of the beloved English princess provoked much heartbreak and mourning across the globe, her funeral famously televised before her burial at Althorp House in Northampton. Her tomb is placed away from public access on a small island in the middle of a lake, shared with four swans and lined with 36 birch trees. Instead of lengthy headstone inscriptions, a small plaque dedicates the short but heartfelt words: ‘The People’s Princess’, a title that many people would agree truly represents the beloved royal.

Frank Sinatra

Claimed by a heart attack on the 14th May 1998, famous crooner Frank Sinatra was placed to rest at Desert Memorial Park in Palm Springs, California, far away from his original New Jersey home. The musical legend is supposed to have been buried with a bottle of Jack Daniels as well as a pack of camel cigarettes, items that were evidently a popular indulgence of the singer during his 82 years of life. Sinatra boasts perhaps one of the more recognisable headstone inscriptions on his grave: ‘The Best is Yet to Come’, a truly optimistic declaration that comes from his popular 1964 song of the same name. 

If you are struggling to think of the right words to write on the memorial your loved one, why not head on over to our headstone inscriptions ideas page? Cope Memorials is an expert team of stonemasons, offering an exceptional service to those in need of beautifully crafted headstones and memorials. To speak with our caring and considerate team, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01773 602 187 or complete our quick and simple online form.

Knowing which headstone to choose can be extremely difficult, especially during a tough emotional time. With so many different types of headstone available, deciding on a style is never easy. That’s why we’ve put together a short guide to some of the different variations around, to help you make a more informed decision. 

Standing

Standing headstones, or upright headstones, appear as their name suggests. This common style of headstone consist of both the granite, limestone, or marble head piece and a solid base. The design is a traditional one, and one that allows the chosen inscription to appear clearly and be easily identified. 

Flat

Again, as the name suggests, these headstones lie flat on the ground. Their design means they usually only require one piece, making them quite a simple, straightforward style. They can either lie completely flat to the ground, or be raised slightly with the top higher than the bottom. 

Cremation

Cremation memorials are usually very similar to standing ones; their main difference is that they usually feature some sort of urn. The headstone and base will be designed so that the urn fits in with its surroundings. This type of headstone is a great option for anyone looking to commemorate their loved one in a traditional way, while still having opted for a cremation. 

Kerbed

Kerbed memorials are arguably the most different of all of our examples. The piece covers the entire grave, and often features a flower bed at the foot of the actual headstone. The headstone itself is standing, while the rest of the piece protrudes out from the tablet’s base. 

Cope memorials

We realise that this short guide won’t have made what you’re going through any easier, but hopefully you’ve got a basic understanding of some of the different options available now. We’re always more than happy to help you choose the right type of headstone here at Cope Memorials; all you need to do is get in touch. 

You can give us a call on 01773 602 187, or fill out one of our online contact forms.

It is generally accepted that the practice of stonemasonry dates back thousands of years. Exactly when people started shaping rocks and stones is unknown, but it would be impossible to put together a comprehensive history without writing a book. For that reason, we’ve put together a very short history of stonemasonry, taking a look at three different stages in its development. 

Ancient Empires

One of the best known examples of early stonemasonry, the pyramids of Egypt, provide us with a constant reminder of the skill of ancient civilisations. Add into the equation the temples of the Ancient Greeks and the vast array of buildings still standing in Ancient Rome, and it becomes clear that a great number of the world’s most fascinating landmarks are here because of stonemasons. 

Medieval stonemasonry

The medieval period, spanning roughly a thousand years, witnessed the construction of a huge range of buildings. These included castles and stunning cathedrals, such as Paris’ Notre Dame. While a number of buildings from the earlier medieval period were neglected, the Renaissance ensured that stonemasons were able to showcase their skills once again. Medieval stonemasons were highly skilled and sought-after, and began to introduce personal symbols. These would be added to their work to help differentiate it from other workers’.

Modern constructions

The modern world is full of memorials and castles from thousands of years ago, but is also home to a number of exceptionally talented stonemasons still in work. With the introduction of cranes and forklifts, techniques have changed, and large-scale projects don’t require so many men (or animals)! 

Cope Memorials

We specialise in creating memorials and headstones here at Cope Memorials. While we’ve never built a pyramid or a spectacular cathedral, our team is made up entirely of highly experienced professionals. If you require a reliable stonemasons company, then get in touch with us on 01773 602 187. Alternatively, head over to our contact page and fill out one of our online forms. 

As a parent, there is nothing more difficult than losing a child. Alongside the feelings of loss and hurt following their passing, you may also feel scared and overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing a headstone or memorial for your little one. Cope Memorials are here to let you know that you are not alone; below, we have put together five key considerations that will help you when looking at children’s headstones:

Take Time to Breathe

First and foremost, the most important thing to remember is that there is no time limit or deadline for when your headstone or memorial needs to be in place; give yourself time to process the loss and deal with your grief before you even begin looking at children’s headstones. Choosing a memorial is a very emotional journey for you and your family, which is exactly why you need to first give yourself the opportunity to heal before anything else.

Think Carefully about Your Words… but Don’t Feel Pressured

There is such finality to memorials and headstones that many parents will undoubtedly feel pressure to find the perfect words which will forever immortalise the memory of their child. In moments such as these, when you feel completely overwhelmed by the task at hand, simply take a step back and remind yourself of the purpose of this tribute; the headstone will be a dedicated place where you can come and remember your precious one, therefore, all you need to worry about is making the words personal and meaningful to you and your family. This could be a favourite saying of your little one or a reference to a special memory that you shared. If you are struggling for ideas why not take a look at our inscription ideas page to gain some inspiration and help you find the right words.

Check the Rules and Regulations of the Cemetery

Many churchyards and cemeteries have strict rules and regulations regarding what adult and children’s headstones, memorials, and gravestones that can be put up on the grounds. Avoid potential heartache by checking these regulations before arranging for a headstone to be installed, as failure to comply could result in the cemetery asking you to remove the memorial. 

Don’t Impulse Buy or Rush Your Choice

Although the headstone you have found may be the most extravagant option available, it doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you and your little one. Take the time to look through catalogues, review font samples, discuss designs, and learn about the different materials available. You may even want to deviate from the existing catalogue and go for something more personalised or, perhaps, a completely bespoke design.

Consult Stonemasons Who Are Experts on Children’s Headstones

We cannot emphasise enough how crucial it is to find and form a relationship with stonemasons who specialise in children’s headstones. They can offer advice and recommendations on a range of factors such as lettering, stone choice, and cemetery regulations, as well as providing general guidance on the memorial process. Cope Memorials and Little Star Memorials come highly recommended by many cemeteries across the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire region, meaning that you can trust us to guide you through the practical elements of headstone installation.

Little Star Memorials are a sister company of Cope Memorials specialising in baby and children’s headstones and memorials. Their dedicated payment instalment plan offers complete flexibility, meaning that customers don’t have to compromise on their choice of memorial and can give their little one the tribute that they deserve. To learn more, just call Alex Cope and his team on 01773 602187 or complete the Little Star Memorials online enquiry form.

Choosing the right memorial is never an easy task. Irrespective of the difficulty of finding the right style to match the person in question, having to choose at a tough time personally makes it a very hard thing to do. That is why Cope Memorials have put together a small advice post, to try and get the ball rolling for you. While everyone is unique, there are some basic considerations to take into account before you begin choosing. 

Make it personal 

What stood out about the person in question? What were their defining features, their interests, or their hobbies? These are all very important questions to consider before beginning the decision-making process. If a themed memorial isn’t right for you, then consider what their tastes and try to make your selections based on that. Would they have preferred a black, grey, or white memorial? Did they generally prefer smaller displays of affection, or would they rather have something that stood out? While no-one can answer these questions for you, just thinking about them will get you on the way to making the right choice. 

Ask around

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Talking to other family members and friends will go a long way to making the process easier for you. Reflecting your own and other people’s memories of a person is just as important as reflecting their own tastes and preferences. Discuss your thoughts with people who knew your friend or loved one, and ask them what they think. Just thinking out loud and putting your initial thoughts into words will help a lot; rather than bottling everything up and struggling alone, sharing your ideas with other people should prove useful. 

How do you picture it?

Is there a particular message or style that you picture when you think about the memorial? If so, then try describing it to someone, and talk about how you could get it to work. Think about whether or not you want an inscription at all; while it is conventional to have some sort of writing on a memorial, it is absolutely not compulsory. If you think a simple shape or colour would work better than a message, then there’s no need to stress over finding the right words. Often, the way you initially picture something is close to the best choice. Stressing about a number of different styles and colours only makes things harder. 

Where do you picture it?

Location is almost just as important as the way the memorial looks. If there’s a place you know of that meant something to the person, such as a place they enjoyed going or often talked about, then that’s a good place to start. While memorials aren’t appropriate everywhere, there is likely to be a cemetery relatively close to that special place. Remember, a place that you associate with the person in question is also a great choice. Never forget that your memories matter. 

While we are aware that we can’t choose anything for you, we hope that some of these pointers will have given you a starting point. Ultimately, it is up to the family and friends of a person to decide on their memorial, but the points above give you something to think about while making the decision. If you would like some advice about memorials, or wish to enquire about the services we offer, please give us a call on 01773 602 187 or 07817 187 371, or fill out one of our online contact forms. 

Arnold is a fairly large town in Nottinghamshire, situated in the East Midlands of England. This town has a rich history, known as the birthplace of the Luddite worker rebellion, and the famous Home Brewery.

This town is also home to an interesting war memorial which can be found in Arnot Hill Park (Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU). In Cope Memorials latest blog, we’d like to take an in-depth look at the war memorial in Arnold. Cope Memorials specialise in creating beautiful memorials dedicated to the local people of Arnold, and we’d like to explore other well-known memorials in Arnold and the local area.

About the War Memorial in Arnold

The war memorial in Arnold is approximately 4m tall; it is a Celtic wheel cross with intricate carvings on the front. A trapezoid shaped tapering plinth that is mounted on a two-stepped base. The memorial has been constructed from Aberdeen granite.

There are inscriptions located on all four sides of the plinth, detailing the names of both WW1 and WW2 veterans. The war memorial stands on a square area of concrete slabbing, found within a small memorial garden close to the main lake in Arnot Hill Park. The enclosure around the memorial is formed by a small dwarf wall with iron railings.

Further Details About the War Memorial in Arnot Hill Park

Arnot Hill Park is owned by, and the responsibility of, the Borough Gedling Borough Council. This public park is where this war memorial is located in Arnold.

Memorial type: cross

Commemoration: First World War (1914 – 1918), and the Second World War (1939 – 1945).

Total names on the memorial: 252

Maker: Mr W. H. Higginbottom (Architect) and Messrs Thomas Long and Sons (Builder)

Ceremony: Unveiled on the 27th May 1922

Inscription:
IN GRATEFUL MEMORY
OF THE MEN OF ARNOLD
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
IN THE GREAT LIVES
IN THE GREAT WAR
1914 – 1918
(NAMES)

AND ALSO OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES
DURING THE WAR 1939 – 1945
(NAMES)

How to find the War Memorial in Arnold

Head to: Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU

How many war memorials are in the UK?

Due to the widespread nature of the nation’s grief here in the UK, there are tens of thousands of war memorials and statues scattered across the country. Historic England is unsure exactly how many there are, but they “listed more than 2,500 war memorials over the centenary period 2014-2018”. 

War memorials make up a poignant part of the UK’s heritage, and they can be found everywhere in almost every town and city. This just shows how widespread and deep the tragic impact of the world wars had on the local communities throughout the country.

Every community set loved ones off to fight and work, and virtually all those communities suffered losses. This grief and sadness created a powerful desire for monuments. According to Historic England, “no greater wave of public remembrance has ever happened in history”.

We hope you found this blog article on the war memorial found in Arnold interesting. 

Contact Cope Memorials

Cope Memorials are an expert team of stonemasons, offering exceptional service in the local areas of Arnold; specifically, to those in need of beautifully crafted headstones and memorials. To speak with our caring and considerate team, please give us a call on 01773 602 187 or complete our simple online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch.

Everybody treats gravesite visitations differently. We all experience different emotions, thoughts and feelings when dealing with grief and thinking about the loss of a loved one. You may even be wondering whether you should visit a relative’s gravesite.

Sometimes, a visit to a cemetery can be cathartic, a time of healing, reflection, sharing memories, saying prayers or goodbye, or simply as an act of remembrance. Whatever the reason, it is a worthwhile visit. 

Are you wondering what to do when visiting a gravesite? Here are 10 ideas for your next cemetery visitation.

10 Ideas for a Gravesite Visitation

1. Bring flowers and lie the bouquet on the headstone 
2. Decorate the grave with pictures of the deceased, flowers, memorabilia and art 
3. Kneel down next to the headstone and pray 
4. Practice meditation and begin to let the healing process happen 
5. Speak to your deceased loved one, tell them about your life, what you’ve been up to, how much miss them or recount lovingly and nostalgically about the memories you shared together 
6. If you visited the tombstone with family members or friends, remember the good times you shared with your deceased loved one – the laughs, the love and the challenges you faced together 
7. If you’re visiting with family or friends, share meaningful quotes, song lyrics, recite from the bible 
8. If you’re visiting with family or friends, have fun and joke around. You can also use this time to plan for the future as well as reflect on the past 
9. If you’re visiting with family or friends, together you can discuss each other’s health and reflect on your own mortality 
10. If you brought lunch with you, or a snack, you can sit at a nearby bench and take in the beauty of nature that surrounds you. Take the time to be present, listen to the birdsongs, wind ruffling through the trees, and looking around at the landscape of headstones in all their different shapes, sizes and colours

 

If you’ve travelled far for the gravesite visitation, you can make it truly commemorative by having a stroll around the cemetery grounds. This gives you the opportunity to reflect on your loved one’s memorial, while also observing how others are memorialised and remembering their loved ones. 

Alongside taking a walk around the grounds, you can also take the time to clean the monument before you leave. It is always best to check the condition of your loved one’s headstone. While it takes thousands of years for a granite headstone to show deterioration, it can become soiled and stained. Often due to moss or mildew, leaves and twigs or the build up of animal and bird droppings.

During your gravesite visit you can clean the monument and beautify the plot by easily brushing off dirt, sticks and grass. For a better clean, you can bring soap, water and a cloth for a more efficient and thorough clean. Cemeteries cut the grass and trim the area around the gravestone and plot, but if you’d like the monument to look beautiful, this is your responsibility.

When do people typically visit a gravesite?

You can carry out a gravesite visitation anytime you feel compelled to do so. But, there are special times of year when people typically visit a cemetery, such as on Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, a wedding anniversary, a birthday, the anniversary of their death, Easter Sunday, a day of a special event you shared together, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

There are a number of different reasons why you might visit the gravesite of a loved one, and equally, so many things you can do while there to help you reconnect with the one you lost, remember them, and feel close again. It is a heartfelt moment visiting a grave and one that is very personal. We hope that some of the ideas shared here will help you next time you visit your loved ones gravesite, and help keep the beautiful memories of them alive.

Contact Cope Memorials

Here at Cope Memorials, we’re an expert team of stonemasons, offering an exceptional service in the local areas of Chesterfield, Burton-on-Trent, Ripley, Wilford, Belper, Derby, Alfreton, Buwell, Chaddesden, Nottingham, and Arnold; specifically, to those in need of beautifully crafted headstones and memorials. To speak with our caring and considerate team, please give us a call on 01773 602 187 or complete our simple online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch.

Online memorials have become increasingly popular over the last decade – millions of people have created one for their departed loved one as a way to recognise and remember them.

What is an online memorial?

An online memorial is a website that has been created for a deceased person. It provides a central location for family and friends to visit, share stories, fond memories, photos, as well as comfort one another and grieve.

The memorial can remember online for life or be available only for a specific period of time.

Originally, online memorials surfaced on the internet during the late 1990s, predominantly for well-known people in the world. This has now evolved into being available online for anyone who wishes to pay tribute to their departed loved one and ensure they are remembered.

What is included on an online memorial website?

Typically, the content published on an online memorial includes a biography, photos, and any stories posted from family members and friends. This can also be extended to include a timeline of key events in their life, along with any favourite music, and even videos.

Other features include visitors sending condolences and support in the form of candles and acceptance of thoughts. Furthermore, some online memorials also direct visitors to the departed person’s favourite charity or cause, encouraging visitors to make a donation as an alternative to sending funeral flowers.

How can I make an online memorial?

Website memorials

There are two ways in which you can make an online memorial. Either create your own independent site, or by using an established memorial site, which is what many choose to do. Memorial sites are easy to use, create and personalise; it can be done in less than 30 minutes.

Social Media memorials

Alternatively, you remove or turn the deceased person’s Facebook profile into a memorial for free when you show proof of death. Once a Facebook page is memorialised, any sensitive information will be removed, but friends and family can still post memories or condolences.

You can also turn Instagram accounts into memorial pages. On Twitter, you can request to get your departed loved ones profile removed or deactivated.

Contact Cope Memorials

Here at Cope Memorials, we’re always more than happy to help you choose the right type of headstone, all you need to do is get in touch. You can give us a call on 01773 602 187, or fill out our online contact form.

In recent times, we have seen a transformation in the way funeral services are conducted. For starters, modern funerals have become much more personal and tailored to the deceased individual. There are increased options for getting personalised coffins, choosing from a wide range of funeral cars, as well as many other customisable options.

What does a modern funeral look like?

Celebration of life

The 21st Century mindset and attitude towards funerals and death has shifted; today, we view funerals and funeral planning as an opportunity to celebrate life, rather than mourn it. Increasingly, modern funerals are non-religious with many also choosing to be cremated rather than buried.

Humour used as an uplifting way to mourn and connect the room

In conjunction with modern funerals becoming more of a celebration of life, there are often jokes and humour added to eulogies. The idea behind this is to encourage friends, family and loved ones to laugh at fond memories and stories, remembering the good and using humour as a way to connect with others also grieving. By making people laugh, we can mourn together and channel our grief into remembering and bonding over everything we loved about our departed loved one.

Colourful, personalised celebration

To celebrate life, it is becoming increasingly popular to use colour throughout the funeral service. This is often seen in the form of colourful clothing, rather than the traditional black attire. But also, there has been a rise in colourful and beautifully decorated coffins and personalised decor at the wake too. Often, these colourful injections of life and personality are following the wishes of the deceased.

Music collection rather than hymns

Nowadays, when planning a funeral we often decide to play songs that are personal, or favourites of our deceased loved one. This is to play homage to their memory, and take a minute to enjoy songs they loved and remind us of them. This is a far more personable way for mourners to celebrate life at a funeral, rather than commonly selected traditional funeral songs and hymns.

Expanding and unconventional cremation and burial options

Alongside changing the way in which modern funerals are carried out, there has also been a variety of different and unconventional funeral requests that have appeared in our time. Some people are deciding to donate their body to medical science, or have their cremated remains turned into something else such as diamonds and family heirloom jewellery.

For many years, burials were the most popular form of funeral, however with the gradual shift towards cremations, people are considering other alternatives. There are certain charitable organisations which now turn remains into an ocean reef (known as ‘eternal reefs’), in order to create new marine habitats and replace natural reefs that have been damaged.

Reportedly, there has also been a rise in Viking funerals within the UK; presumably, due to the popularity in fantasy TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Vikings. For legal reasons within the UK, a body must be cremated before the remains are placed onto a miniature scaled Viking boat and set alight while it sails away.

For the more eco-conscious amongst us, there has also been a rise in eco-friendly burials (also known as ‘burials pods’ or ‘burial urns’). This allows human remains to be buried beneath a tree. The carbon remains help the tree to grow and serve as an alternative to a headstone.

Contact Cope Memorials

Here at Cope Memorials we understand how important it is to say goodbye to your loved one in a way which is personal and special to you. For beautiful and bespoke memorials and headstones, please contact our expert team of stonemasons by calling 01773 602 187 or by completing our quick and simple online contact form.

A Guide to the Correct Funeral Flower Etiquette

The decision on choosing what flowers would be most appropriate to pay tribute to a loved one is an essential arrangement to the funeral and one that you want to decide on perfectly. It can be daunting and difficult to know what funeral flower etiquette is appropriate. This requires a lot of thought and consideration. This guide on funeral flower etiquette will help answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction to what flowers would be most suitable and personal to your family and loved one.

Flowers at a funeral are a very significant symbol and can mean different things. Particularly, the colour of the flowers can have varied meanings. For example; red roses are a symbol of love, romance and desire; white roses represent innocence, purity and youthfulness; yellow roses are often given to the deceased by friends symbolising harmony and affection. It is important to understand the message you are wanting to hand over in tribute to your loved one.

Lilies

Lilies tend to be the most popular flower for funeral services due to them representing innocence; majesty and purity. White lilies are the most preferred flower choice at funerals as they are symbolic of sympathy and they represent the soul leaving the body. Although lilies are very popular, there are an array of choices of different flowers that would be appropriate and available to offer for a funeral such as; carnations; chrysanthemums; gladioli and roses which all create beautiful displays for a funeral.

• Carnations
• Gladioli
• Chrysanthemums
• Roses
• Orchids

 

Flower Arrangement

With the lovely variation of flowers that are available for funerals, there are diverse flower arrangements that are possible. It is important to understand the funeral flower etiquette of what arrangement would be most advisable to present.

Casket Sprays

Casket sprays are an arrangement of flowers that are normally organised by the immediate family. They are displayed directly on top of the coffin-shaped like a diamond of flowers that can overhang beautifully.

Wreaths [crosses & hearts]

Wreaths are another popular choice of flower arrangement. The beautiful circular design is versatile and conventional; it’s ideal for sending to a funeral as a sign of respect. You can customise your wreath to whichever colours and flowers you wish to.

Posies and Baskets

Posies and baskets come in a variety of traditional or contemporary compositions that can be sent to the family or directly to the funeral. The ‘posy’ is traditionally circular-shaped which allows the flowers to look elegant from all angles.

Sheaves

Sheaves or the ‘hand-tied’ sheaf are a perfect gesture to send directly to a funeral or home address. They are hand-created and display a beautiful and appropriate composition to pay tribute to a loved one or family of the deceased.

Contact

If you would like any further information or advice on funeral flowers, or you have an enquiry about the services we provide, please get in touch by filling out an online form, or give us a call today on 01773 602 187.