Renovating existing memorial stones

Already have a memorial?

We work with accredited masons to provide memorial restoration, additional inscriptions and cleaning services.

Memorial inspection and remedial work

Memorials are built to last, but over time they can weather.

We offer a free of charge inspection to assess the condition of your memorial. We will need the grave number or a map/photos to find and identify the location of the grave and your memorial stone.

You will then receive a no-obligation quote for any work required, based on the inspection findings and your requirements. At AB Walker, we’ll only carry out necessary work, and make sure that you know upfront exactly what you’ll need to pay. Even for work on existing memorials, an application usually has to be submitted to the cemetery or church. We’ll advise you of these requirements and any fees that they charge.

If you decide to go ahead with work, we’ll ask you to return a signed copy of the quote and the completed churchyard or cemetery application form along with payment.

How long it takes for an application to be granted varies depending on the churchyard or cemetery.  Once permission has been granted we will then be able to give you an estimated date for completing the work.

All work is undertaken by our experienced monumental masons. Once they have completed the work on your memorial stone, we will send you a photo of the stone.

Having a stone removed for another burial

When you arrange a burial into an existing grave, our team will advise you if the memorial stone needs to be removed.

Before we remove the headstone or tablet we will take a photo and check the condition.

We will contact you a few weeks after the burial to discuss organising a new inscription or any remedial works.  We can match the style of the existing lettering as closely as possible, and a proof will be shared with you before the new inscription is added.

Choosing the inscription wording is a very personal decision. You may already know exactly what you would like to add; if not, these inscription examples may help give you some ideas.

A period of time may be required between the burial of a loved one and the memorial stone being fixed back in place for ground settlement.  Our team will advise you on this.

Obtaining permission for work on a grave stone

We will help you obtain permission from the cemetery or churchyard where the grave is located.  Cemeteries require a grave owner to complete the paperwork and this may mean ownership needs to be transferred before we can make any changes to the stone.  We will guide you through this process.