As we all know, it can be an emotional wrench to leave the UK at the best of times, and for some this can be made worse if they have no one to look after the final resting place of their loved ones, after they have left the country.
This means that too often graves and headstones become untidy, with memorials getting dirty and in some cases, even damaged.
Fortunately, there are a number of specialist grave care businesses, who will maintain graves when you are away from the UK.
Usually, there are a range of services available, including upkeep of graves and plots, planting of seasonal bulbs and plants, flower displays and memorial refurbishment.
Try to choose a service that offers to take a digital photograph to be e-mailed or posted to you. This enables you to visually inspect the work carried out, and to see the difference that the maintenance has made.
You may also want to use a business that will provide you with a quotation if the memorial or kerb edging requires some repairs and/or additional maintenance.
Make sure they can provide detailed photographs and a written report of any work that needs completing at subsequent visits, including the replacement of old or 'lost' grave vases, the renewal of stone/pebble/
Also, ensure that they employ a specialist monumental mason to carry out any repairs that may be necessary to the memorial or the inscription.
Most grave maintenance services only provide for the local community, but there are one or two such as Guardian GraveCare, based in Worcestershire in the UK that do operate on a national basis, so these businesses are able to satisfy your needs, wherever the cemetery or church is located.
