When a loved one passes, the process of remembrance can be both healing and difficult. Choosing a memorial is a deeply personal act—a way to express love, respect, and enduring memory. Beyond the design and inscription, one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects is how the memorial is fixed. In Bedfordshire, families have long trusted Quince Memorials for this work, a local, family-run company that provides NAMM-Approved Memorial fixing services with care, craftsmanship, and dignity.
What “NAMM-Approved” Really Means
The National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) is the professional body that sets the standards for memorial construction and installation across the UK. Being “NAMM-approved memorial” means that every memorial is installed according to strict national safety and quality standards, following the British Standard BS 8415. These standards ensure that memorials are fixed securely, can withstand weathering and ground movement, and remain safe for generations.
A NAMM-Approved Memorial is not only a matter of craftsmanship, but of responsibility. It means the mason has used the correct materials, approved anchor systems, and trained fixers who hold recognised qualifications, such as the Registered Qualified Memorial Fixer (RQMF) Fixer’s Licence, to carry out the installation.
For families, this translates to reassurance. It means the memorial has been installed by professionals who understand both the technical and emotional weight of the task. The result is a lasting, stable, and dignified tribute that stands safely through time.
The Process: From Consultation to Installation
Choosing a NAMM-approved memorial can feel daunting, especially when emotions are raw. Quince Memorials aims to make the process as supportive and straightforward as possible. Here is what families can expect:
- Personal Consultation – Families can visit Quince Memorials’ yard to view materials, designs, and lettering styles. Our friendly staff are always ready to answer questions, offer practical advice, and explain cemetery or churchyard regulations.
- Design and Approval – Whether it is a traditional design or something bespoke, the memorial is planned in detail. The team ensures that every element—from dimensions to inscriptions—meets the rules of the chosen burial ground.
- Quotation and Scheduling – Once approved, the memorial is prepared, and installation is scheduled. Quince Memorials handles the communication with local authorities or cemetery offices to make the process easier.
- NAMM-Approved Memorial Fixing – The memorial is installed using approved materials and methods, including stainless steel components and a ground anchor tested to national standards. Every step is completed by trained fixers holding RQMF licences.
- Aftercare and Maintenance – The relationship does not end once the memorial is installed. Over time, Quince Memorials can assist with cleaning, renovation, and the addition of inscriptions as families’ needs evolve.
This thoughtful, step-by-step approach blends professionalism with compassion. It ensures that every memorial is handled with respect—both as a piece of skilled stonework and as a lasting expression of remembrance.
Why Proper Fixing Matters
When families look at a memorial, what they see is the engraving, the colour of the stone, and the sentiment carved into it. What they often do not see—but what is equally important—is the foundation beneath it. Proper fixing is essential not only for appearance, but for safety.
A poorly fixed memorial may tilt, loosen, or even fall over in time due to ground movement, frost, or natural wear. Sadly, this can cause distress for visiting families and even pose a danger in public spaces. For this reason, most cemeteries across the UK now require all memorials to be installed according to BS 8415 and the NAMM Code of Working Practice.
By choosing a NAMM-approved memorial through Quince Memorials, families can be certain that their memorial meets these safety standards. It is built and fixed to last, reducing the likelihood of future repairs and giving peace of mind that it will stand securely for generations.
Suggested read: A Guide to Memorial Fixing Materials and Installation Standards
Restoring and Renovating Existing Memorials
Quince Memorials also provides renovation and restoration services for existing memorials. Over the years, natural weathering can cause stones to lose their lustre or inscriptions to fade. The company’s skilled craftsmen can clean, re-letter, and restore memorials to their former beauty—while also ensuring that older headstones are re-fixed to meet modern NAMM-approved memorial standards.
Whether it is re-engraving an additional name, restoring a family memorial, or refurbishing a war memorial, Quince Memorials brings sensitivity and expertise to every project. Our work honours the original craftsmanship while strengthening it for the future.
Local Expertise, Personal Service
One of the greatest advantages, aside from making NAMM-approved memorials, of working with a long-established, local company is familiarity with local rules and conditions. Each cemetery and churchyard in Bedfordshire has its own regulations about size, materials, and inscriptions. Our team has decades of experience navigating these requirements and can manage the necessary paperwork on behalf of families.
Just as importantly, our approach is personal. We understand that for many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime decision. Our team listens, advises, and helps families find something that feels right—both aesthetically and emotionally.
In a world where so much is done online, there is comfort in being able to walk into a workshop, see the stones being shaped, discover personally how NAMM-approved memorials are made, and meet the people behind the work. That sense of local trust and human connection is something Quince Memorials has carefully preserved since the day we began.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “NAMM-Approved Memorial” actually mean?
NAMM-approved memorial means the memorial has been installed according to the standards set by the National Association of Memorial Masons, following British Standard BS 8415. All materials, dowels, and ground anchors must meet strict safety and durability criteria.
Why are these standards important?
The standards ensure that headstones and memorials remain stable, even when exposed to strong winds, frost, or ground movement. It helps protect both visitors and the memorial itself. Compliance with NAMM regulations also satisfies most local cemetery safety requirements.
How do I know if a company is NAMM-approved?
You can ask whether their fixers hold an RQMF licence (Registered Qualified Memorial Fixer). At Quince Memorials, every memorial is fixed by licensed, experienced professionals who follow NAMM’s Code of Working Practice.
Can my existing memorial be refixed to NAMM standards?
Yes. Older memorials can be inspected and, if needed, re-anchored using modern methods that comply with BS 8415. Quince Memorials offers a full renovation service that includes cleaning, re-lettering, and re-fixing to NAMM standards.
Will you handle cemetery or churchyard permissions for me?
Yes. Quince Memorials routinely liaise with local authorities and cemetery offices to secure approvals for design, materials, and inscriptions. This helps take the stress out of the process for families.
Lasting Memorials, Made with Integrity
A memorial is more than a marker; it is a promise to remember. That promise deserves to rest on a foundation as strong as the sentiment behind it. A NAMM-Approved Memorial from Quince Memorials ensures just that—safety, durability, and enduring beauty.
For families across Bedfordshire, Quince Memorials remains a trusted companion through one of life’s most delicate journeys. Our blend of skill, respect, and understanding turns stone into something truly lasting—not only in structure, but in meaning.
To learn more about our NAMM-Approved Memorial Fixing Services and more memorial services, or arrange a visit to their yard to see their craftsmanship firsthand, you can contact our expert team by calling 01767 314419 or messaging sales@quincememorials.co.uk.
Because when it comes to honouring a loved one, every detail—from the inscription to the fixing beneath—matters.