In Memoriam
1 May 2008
Some people spend their whole lives searching for a telling phrase to frame their epitaph.
Few can match the mordant wit of Spike Milligan who is reported to have said: ‘I told you I was ill’ or Oscar Wilde’s famous last words, ‘either that wallpaper goes, or I do.’
Often as part of the funeral arrangements you will be asked whether you want a headstone. Then, of course, you have the burden of coming up with a telling inscription.
You may also be offered flowers to be placed in a ‘garden of remembrance’ or a book of remembrance for the mourners to sign, which can be left open as an ongoing witness to the deceased.
But time moves on, and the work of the monumental mason has lately been supplanted by more modern forms of record keeping.
It is now possible to archive the whole of someone’s life with photographs and testimonials in an online memorial for all the generations to see.
Genealogy is now a major pastime and, over the years, your family will be able to trace its heritage with detailed and personal records of family members who have gone before.
Useful websites and addresses
The Bereavement Register - to reduce the amount of direct mail sent to the deceased
www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
