Questions & Answers
I appreciate you have questions so here are those most often asked and their answers
What areas do you cover?
I want to ensure I can provide the best service so I only look after a small area (see below) which is about 5 or so miles around Didcot. If you are outside that area and need help, do let me know and I am sure we can sort something out.
Sorry, I am not sure I can explain exactly where the plot is - that a problem?
To be honest, it can be but I always take a very flexible view on this as it can mean less time actually tending. The more information you can provide the easier it is going to be to find the plot. If you can also speak to the cemetery folk beforehand to let them know I am visiting that will be a big help as then they will then be able to help me.
When will a visit happen?
For first visits, I would recommend allowing at least 2-3 weeks as it may be a place I have not visited before and I must have the appropriate permissions from the folk in charge of the area before I can start any work for you.
Subsquent visits will have sorted such matters and are booked in advance so you will know well beforehand - just in case you would like to bring things forwards or push backwards to reflect a particular occasion.
Do you work all year?
Yes, I do! Some work, such as levelling the ground or a thorough clean, may be best done at particular times of the year but we can discuss that as needed.
Also, I avoid working in exceptionally hot, cold or wet weather. Each of which brings their own challenges and I want to be sure to deliver the highest quality of service to you.
Should it be necessary to postpone a visit, I will let you know and I will visit within the next few days.
What do you use to clean the stonework?
Over time the stonework of a memorial will naturally degrade. There are many factors that may accelerate this such as the type of stone, the situation, how it has been cleaned etc.
What I want aim to do is manage that process with you. Some folk wish the memorial to naturally age but keep particular aspects such as the surroundings or inscription clear and others may want it to always look its very best. There is no right or wrong approach it is just about what you wish.
So when it comes to cleaning I, and all good grave tenders, use the least disruptive methods and materials first. Often the simplest, a good scrub with an appropriate mild soap, water and plenty of elbow grease will do wonders.
For some types of stone and their state a different approach might be needed so I might need to use some very mild chemical solutions (always within the rules of the cemetery) to sort things out.
I never use a power washer or harsh/environmentally damaging chemicals - though they might make things look nice for a short while such methods will degrade the stonework much more rapidly.
The tending work is not in a cemetery, can you still help?
Of course, as long I have the permission of all involved there is no problem with tending elsewhere. On arrival I will need to undertake one of those pesky risk assessment things which is in the interests of all but I rarely encounter a problem and so can quickly get on with things.
Do I have to make a payment beforehand?
No! Once the work is complete I will send you the photos and state report along with the invoice which I ask be paid within 7 days. If you are not happy with the work done, just let me know and I will cancel the invoice and you need not pay.
How do I make payment?
The invoice will include bank details to make a direct transfer. Alternatively you can pay online using a credit/debit card, cheque are also accepted or if I am making regular visits we can set up a Direct Debit if you wish.
Do you charge VAT?
No. There are no hidden charges or VAT for my services as I work well under the threshold for VAT registration.
May aim is that we work together to maintain the grave or memorial of your loved one and so everything is transparent and clear.
Are you insured?
Yes I am! Your visit confirmation Email will include a link that will let you download a copy of the current certificate. I can also provide a copy on request.