Memorial ideas in Sunderland

When a loved one dies and chooses to have their ashes scattered, their family and friends may want to designate a space in their memory to visit instead of a grave. 

A memorial, such as a dedicated tree or bench, can be a meaningful way to remember your loved one. It can give you a spot to visit and think about your loved one in an area that was significant to them, such as the town where they grew up or their favourite spot in the park. 

In Sunderland, there are a number of ways you can set up a memorial for your loved one, including a memorial bench, or even a memorial tree or entry in the Book of Remembrance, both available at the Sunderland Crematorium. 

Find your funeral director in Sunderland who will help you arrange a cremation or burial, and give you ideas for a meaningful memorial.

Memorial trees honour the memory of your loved one and are a poignant place for family and friends to come together and reflect. 

Oak is one of the most popular kinds of remembrance trees. It symbolises longevity and strength and can live for centuries. Oak trees also have vibrant red leaves in the autumn, and their acorns attract birds, squirrels and other wildlife which makes it quite a sight to behold. 

Maple is another popular remembrance tree option. It is a sturdy and resilient tree that can prosper in different kinds of climates and soil. They’re also trees that can be enjoyed all year round. 

Sunderland Council offers the opportunity to lease a memorial tree for a 10 year period, with the opportunity to renew the lease. 

Dedicating a memorial bench to a loved one you have lost can be a poignant and touching way to honour their memory. If your loved one enjoyed visits to Roker Beach or perhaps holidayed there a lot, a bench could be placed at the seaside, or it could be placed at a local park or garden they liked to visit.

To place a memorial bench in a public area like a local park, you will need to contact Sunderland Council, which has a commemorative scheme. The council leases memorial seats for an initial 10 year period, with the possibility of renewing the bench for another 10 years. 

The Sunderland Crematorium was opened in 1951 and is owned and operated by Sunderland Council. The crematorium has a book of remembrance that can be viewed online as well as in person. You have a few options when it comes to honouring your loved one in the book of remembrance. 

Your loved one’s name will be recorded on the date of your choice, such as the anniversary of the death, their birthday, or any other important date. Entries are usually highlighted with an emblem such as a flower, animal, or even a military badge if your loved one served in the military.

You can opt for a two-line entry, a five-line entry, or a five-line entry featuring a floral emblem, a coat of arms, or a badge or illustration.

Sunderland Crematorium also offers other memorial options, such as a plaque in the Hall of Remembrance or a tablet honouring your loved one placed in the crematorium gardens.