Memorial masons get a head start in cemetery safety

Ron Jenkins and Mike Holloway, of Anthony Ives Memorials in Parkstone, Poole, are among a select few in the county to qualify at anchoring gravestones using secure stainless steel fixings.

They gained the new qualification from the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons.

Ron, manager of Ives & Shand Funeral Service, said: “The tragic stories of three children in the UK who died due to falling memorials have sparked a need to improve safety at cemeteries nationally. We’re proud of the safety record at Anthony Ives but welcome the extra level of protection this accreditation brings.”

Ron added: “Although not every cemetery or churchyard asks for its masons to have this qualification –they could do soon. It gives extra reassurance that the headstones we put up remain safe for as long as possible.

“These headstones can be very heavy – the course also gave us extra tips on how to protect ourselves from lifting injuries.”

The men work extensively in local cemeteries and churchyards fitting memorials and making old headstones safe. Although the majority of the work carried out is for the six companies within the Dorset Funeral Plan, Anthony Ives also fix and tend to memorials for outside organisations.

The firm is also a member of the National Association of Memorial Masons, an organisation that promotes quality workmanship and encourages participation in training.

Dorset Funeral Plan includes A.E Jolliffe & Son, Albert Marsh, F.C. Douch & Sons, Ives & Shand Funeral Service, James Smith and Lesley Shand Funeral Service.

They’re based in Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Wimborne, Swanage and Corfe Mullen.