FAQs
Q Why should we use Dales of Thirsk Ltd and not just place our order through the funeral director who took the funeral?
A We are specialised memorial masons who design manufacture, letter and erect memorials using our own staff. Therefore we know from start to finish what each individual job entails and what is required. Dales of Thirsk Ltd have been in business as memorial masons since 1880 and the current incumbent started work in the business in 1980. We do not pay commissions to Funeral Directors to obtain their business or recommendations.
Q How long does the order process take?
A If an item is in stock then the turnaround time of the memorial can be as little as two months from us receiving our work permit from the relevant cemetery authority to have your memorial installed.
Q Can we design our own memorial and can you manufacture that memorial to our specifications?
A Yes as long as the materials and designs are approved by the governing body for that burial ground then we can manufacture most designs, whether simple or ornate.
Q Can I have a photo on a gravestone/headstone?
A Yes, we work in partnership with a specialised photo ceramics company to provide tasteful photographic additions to any memorial headstone, although this is not allowed in churchyards
Q Do you have a showroom and what are your opening hours?
A Yes we have a modern and comfortable showroom where you can come along and discuss your bespoke requirements with members of our staff. We open from 8am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to noon on a Saturday. Home visits can be arranged individually to suit.
Q Can you send out memorial brochures for us to look at?
A Yes we can but they tend to be generic memorial brochures that may not be specific to the burial ground in question but they will give you some ideas and you can of course then call us for prices and advice or indeed come and look further at our showroom in Thirsk
Q Can you etch and carve individual designs from a photograph we supply?
A We have highly skilled craftsmen who can use your designs and transfer them to most materials using many methods.
Q What materials are allowed in local churchyards?
A In York Diocese churchyards you are allowed certain Granites, local Hard Yorkshire stones, Limestones and Slates with certain finishes. Each Vicar interprets the Diocese rules in their own individual way. We can advise you of what is allowed and what isn’t for each parish.
In Ripon Diocese churchyards you are not allowed granite or marble but are allowed Hard Yorkshire stones, Limestones and Slates
You are allowed any natural quarried material in most Cemeteries.
Q What is the difference between a Churchyard and a Cemetery?
A Churchyards are governed by the Local Diocese under the jurisdiction of the local Parish Vicar and tend to have more restrictions than Cemeteries which are run by local and district councils
Q What are Cemetery / Churchyard fees and why do they have to be paid?
A Fees are paid in advance to the governing body by ourselves in order to gain permission to place the memorial in the burial ground. They are sent with a form of planning application showing the type, size and inscription detail. We do this service on your behalf.
Q Why do we have to wait to have a memorial erected?
A The longer you can wait the better as in most places the grave will need to settle to reduce the risk of soil subsidence. Most authorities have a minimum waiting time, which varies from 3 to 6 months depending on land quality.
Q What are NAMM Ground anchor fixings?
A All our memorials including re-fixings are erected using a NAMM approved fixing method that includes stainless steel mechanical fixings through the components of the memorial into the ground for stability purposes.
Q Do you supply memorial insurance cover?
A Yes, we are agents for “Stoneguard” insurance. A fully comprehensive cover for new and old memorials.
Q Can you supply memorials outside of North Yorkshire area?
A We are happy to supply and erect memorials for any part of the country.
Q What guarantee do you supply with a memorial?
A We follow the National Association’s of Memorial Masons Code of Working Practice when we erect any memorial and they require us to give out a guarantee of conformity to prove we have followed their current guide lines and the standards required. We also have public and employers liability cover for £10 million in order to work in all churchyards.
Q Can we see a layout of the inscription before the work in done?
A Yes a paper layout can be supplied for a proof before any work is done.
Q Can credit cards be taken as payment?
A Yes, all major Credit and Debit cards are accepted.
Please come along to our showroom to discuss your requirements…