Cemeteries in Britain are seeing a rise in unconventional monuments, with tributes shaped like DJ decks, double-decker buses, and even football shirts becoming more common. This trend is being celebrated and highlighted through the annual 'Cemetery of the Year' awards, which aim to recognize excellence in the management and upkeep of burial grounds while also acknowledging evolving public tastes.
Joseph Richmond & Son Memorials, a Newcastle-based firm, has been at the forefront of crafting these bespoke memorials. They have created stone tributes that echo the hobbies and passions of the deceased. Among their notable commissions is a memorial for Jamie 'Roy' Grierson, a DJ and producer who passed away in 2022. His mother commissioned twin stone DJ decks to commemorate his career, which saw him play at venues worldwide, including prominent clubs in Ibiza.
The company also designed a full double-decker bus memorial for a family whose deceased relative frequently traveled on a specific bus route. This memorial was crafted to match the shape of the bus and included engraved details reflecting the route. Other unique designs produced by the firm include elephant sculptures, motorbikes, and football shirts, with one representing a Newcastle FC fan.
These creative headstones have earned Richmonds awards from the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM). The 'Cemetery of the Year' awards, co-hosted by BRAMM, evaluate burial grounds on numerous criteria, including maintenance, water supply, opening hours, and the types of memorials permitted. The awards are divided into categories based on the size of the burial ground: Large Burial Ground, Small/Medium Burial Ground, and Parish Town and Community Council.
Janet Walker, an awards spokesperson, emphasized the importance of cemeteries as underappreciated public spaces, often serving as green sanctuaries within urban areas. She stated that the awards aim to recognize the high standards of cemetery maintenance and ensure these spaces remain relevant and meaningful to grieving families.
Finalists for the Best Large Burial Ground category included notable contenders such as Canterbury City Council, Fallings Heath Cemetery in Sandwell, and Thornhill Cemetery in Cardiff. Canterbury City Council was recognized as the Best New Entry in this category. Winners for the current year's awards are scheduled to be announced on September 29 at the annual conference of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.