Business Details
41 Years
experience
Bespoke Memorials and Cemetery Services in Burgess Hill
Established in 1985, The Downsview Monumental Services has dedicated over three decades to crafting bespoke memorials and providing specialist restoration services. Founded by Dave Collins, a master stone mason with 30 years of experience, the business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern expertise. Phil Lincoln joined in 2011, bringing 25 years of experience in memorial masonry and letter carving. Our team holds prestigious accreditations, including National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) registration, British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) membership, and City & Guilds qualifications.We offer direct, transparent service to private clients, ensuring memorials meet both personal and regulatory requirements. Our services span headstones, war memorials, hand-cut lettering, and restoration using techniques like gold leaf and lead filling. All work adheres to the NAMM code of practice, with installations approved by 24 local authorities. Clients benefit from our workshop appointments, condition reports, and annual maintenance options, paying via cheque or standing order. Our commitment to quality and compassion has earned us enduring trust in creating lasting tributes.
Services
Bespoke Memorials
Headstone Design
Memorial Restoration
Hand-Cut Lettering
Installation Services
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in traditional stone masonry.
- Our team is registered with the National Association of Memorial Masons.
- We offer direct service from design to installation without intermediaries.
- Our restoration techniques match original hand-carved lettering precisely.
- We are approved by 24 local authorities for memorial installations.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Memorial Masons
- British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons
- City & Guilds
What people say
Expert craftsmanship
Compassionate service
Detailed restoration
Professional installation
Authentic lettering
Services
Bespoke Memorials
We create custom memorials tailored to personal and regulatory requirements. Our craftsmen combine traditional techniques with modern design to ensure lasting tributes. Clients receive expert guidance on materials, inscriptions, and compliance with local guidelines.
Memorial Restoration
Specialist cleaning and restoration of weathered or damaged memorials. Techniques include gold leaf, lead filling, and hand-painted lettering to replicate original craftsmanship. Our team provides condition reports and photographic documentation before and after works.
Installation Services
Secure installation of headstones and memorials by NAMM-qualified fixers. We adhere to strict safety standards and are approved by 24 local authorities. Services include re-fixing unstable memorials and compliance with churchyard regulations.
Hand-Cut Lettering
Traditional hand-cut lettering that matches existing styles on historic memorials. Our skilled masons use techniques passed down through generations to ensure authenticity and precision in every inscription.
Cemetery Headstones
Durable, elegant headstones crafted from natural stone. Available in various designs to suit different faiths and cemetery guidelines. Each piece is hand-finished to ensure longevity and aesthetic quality.
People
Dave Collins
Founder & Master Stone Mason
Dave Collins established the business in 1985 after an apprenticeship with a 1939-established firm. With over 30 years of experience, he specialises in traditional stone masonry and hand-lettering.
Phil Lincoln
Senior Memorial Mason
Phil joined in 2011, bringing 25 years of experience from Bath College training. He excels in letter carving and restoration, ensuring precise replication of historic memorial styles for clients.
Questions
What types of memorials do you create?
We design bespoke headstones, war memorials, and monuments using natural stone, with hand-cut lettering and custom engravings to meet personal and regulatory requirements.
Can you restore old memorials?
Yes, we specialise in restoring weathered or damaged memorials using techniques like gold leaf, lead filling, and hand-painted lettering to replicate original craftsmanship.
Are your installers qualified?
All installations are performed by NAMM-qualified fixers registered with 24 local authorities, ensuring compliance with safety and conservation standards.
How do I discuss design options?
We offer workshop appointments where you can consult directly with our craftsmen to discuss materials, inscriptions, and design details for your memorial.
Do you work outside your local area?
While based in Burgess Hill, we serve clients across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey, with installations approved by multiple local authorities and churchyards.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment via cheque for one-off contracts or standing order for annual maintenance agreements, ensuring transparent and flexible financial arrangements.
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