There could not be a greater honour in life than being asked to write or deliver a person’s eulogy. It is a chance for you to proudly remember the life they led, the anecdotes they were a part of, the accomplishments they achieved and the impact that they had on those they knew.

Greatest Honour

We understand the sincerity, emotions and importance attached to delivering a eulogy, but don’t be worried by the prospect of it. Here are a few helpful tips to remember when creating and performing your special speech.
 

• Less is More, as the ancient proverb goes: 3-5 minutes is the most suitable duration; but don’t be fazed by time limits – take your time and be sure to include those special details.
• Start off by introducing yourself for the benefit of those who may not know you. Brifly specify who you are and what your relationship was to the deceased.
• Talk to the family, friends and companions of the deceased to help get a few ideas together. Informally discuss those funny anecdotes, special memories and achievements that make you proud to have been a part of their life. Think of your own anecdotes too, but be sure to consider whether they are suitable.
• Think about the tone you think will be most suitable. While eulogies are often seen as sombre events, a light-hearted approach can be the way to go in some instances.
• Struggling with how to start? Open with a few short remarks or words that sum up the deceased in the kindest way. This could be as simple as ‘Father’, ‘Mother’, ‘Traveller’ etc. Think about what they achieved in their life and try to sum it up in a few simple words.
• Understandably funerals are incredibly emotional. If you feel yourself ‘go’ during your speech, take your time. No one will judge you. Stop. Breathe. Close your eyes and count to 10 before starting again. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to act as a back-up or stand in should you need them.
• Close your speech on an affirming thought that will provoke positivity and happiness when your audience think of the deceased.
• Don’t be afraid to ask a friend to read it through and offer feedback. It can help you feel more confident in the lead up to the day.
• Most importantly, practice your speech. Read it out aloud to hear your own voice and become comfortable and confident. It may read differently to what you have written so be sure to edit.

Remember your loved ones and provide them with a memorial they truly deserve with the help of J & A Memorials.

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Granite

Granite is the most commonly used material for memorials and headstones. There are many benefits to having a granite memorial, here are just a few:

• It is renowned for its durability and is extremely long-lasting. Even after years of being exposed to outside elements, it retains its integrity and original form.

• Although a hard stone, granite can be etched, sandblasted, carved and polished.

• It is a beautiful looking rock and some types come with flecks of grey, blue and green, depending on the minerals present in the stone.

• It can be carved into a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a person’s budget.

Marble

The beauty of marble also makes it an extremely popular choice for memorials and headstones. Marble has its own characteristics that set it apart from granite and natural stone as well as its own set of benefits:

• It is softer than granite, hence, it can be easily carved into intricate and detailed designs.

• There are many colour options to choose from when it comes to marble white is not the only option, there are a plethora of shades to choose from.

• Just like granite, marble is durable and long-lasting, though not as durable as granite.

Natural Stone

The most common types of natural stones in the UK include Nabresina, York, Purbeck and Portland varieties. These are porous stones and are extremely versatile.

• Using natural stone for memorials means having a unique headstone, since no two natural stones are alike.

• Natural stone comes in a variety of colours, textures and patterns that are visually appealing.

• The softness of the stone allows endless design possibilities, enabling people to create aesthetically beautiful memorials and headstones.

• It is durable and lasts a long time.

Whether you are looking for granite, marble or a natural stone memorial, you can contact us to create the perfect memorial for your loved one, based on your choice of stone, budget and design. You can be rest assured that with J&A Memorials, your recently deceased love one will get the memorial he or she deserves to keep their treasured memories alive for a long time.

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With such a scope of styles, materials and options available, what many people struggle with is deciding on which design to choose. Don’t worry; here is a guide to inspire you to find your perfect design.

Traditional

Traditional gravestones are elegant and bold in their design. Strong in their heritage, their simple and polished style ensures that they stand out for years to come. From large, long-lasting kerbstones that bear personal tributes to smaller, curvaceous designs, a traditional headstone provides the perfect remembrance.

Contemporary

As time moves on, you can often see the progression of headstone design as people look for more striking, unique designs. From sophisticated heart shapes to pillared designs, with such a range of stone samples to choose from, you can create a personal and stylistic commemoration.

Bespoke

The real beauty of our service is the completely bespoke service we offer. We invite you to bring in your own design ideas, images, personal messages and creative flair in order to create a unique and exclusive product. Our skilled stonemasons will work with you every step of the way, offering advice and finely-styling your headstone.

For design and advice tips, our team are more than happy to take your call so get in touch today on 0121 559 5556. Alternatively, contact us online.

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Knowing how to maintain the gravestone or memorial of a loved one will ensure that their memory lives on long after they have passed. Here at J&A Memorials, we believe in providing our customers with only the best headstones and memorials around. But how do you keep them looking as good as new?

Follow our tips to maintaining and protecting the gravestone of a loved one:

1. Gentle Touch

It is important to clean the gravestone but care must be taken to ensure they is no damage to the stone. Gently wash the gravestone with water and a soft bristle brush – never use a Wire Brush! Similarly, avoid using soap as this contains ions that can be damaging to the gravestone. Non-ionic detergents should be used to remove algae and lichen from stone

2. Feed The Surroundings

Once the gravestone is clean, turn your attention to the gravestones surroundings. Lay grass seeds where turf is bare or worn and water plants and seedlings regularly to provide the perfect, peaceful setting.

3. Flourish With Flowers

Ensure that fresh flowers are regularly laid on the grave and suitably arranged. Candles, letters and ornaments will help to personalise the grave. This will brighten up both the gravestone and the cemetery itself creating a beautiful place to remember.

We offer a complete and all-round service that providing personal and touching memorials for all occasions. For more information on our range of products, be sure to check out our website or call us on 0121 559 5556.

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