Traditional v Virtual Memorials Debate at the House of Commons

On Thursday 11th November, The Memorial Awareness Board (MAB), the organisation that campaigns to raise awareness of memorialisation and related issues, held a seminar and reception at the House of Commons. The seminar, sponsored by Keith Simpson MP, discussed how the memorialisation and bereavement industries are responding to the need for digitalisation.

Two speakers presented their side of the issue in a friendly debate. David Jones of Memorial Tags spoke on linking past, present and future generations, while Harriet Frazer of The Memorial Arts Charity spoke about the importance of celebrating those who have passed with enduring works of art.

The seminar covered the importance of digitalisation in the memorial industry and whether it is necessary to bring the industry up to date in such a digital world. With more consumers moving to memorialise on-line, it was considered important that these changes are faced and ways found of working with both traditional and new technologies.

Virtual memorials mean that memories and history never have to be forgotten. On the other hand, it was debated whether using technology on memorials will change the traditions of the burial process.

A range of professionals from across the bereavement services industry were in attendance, including cemetery managers, funeral directors, memorial masons and other interested parties.

Mike Dewar, Campaign Director of MAB says: “This was our best seminar to date as the topic was one that cultivated an enthusiastic group discussion. Most importantly, the event brought together people from all sides of the industry to discuss a topic of great interest – one that defines the future of the memorialisation in the UK.”

If you would like more information and copies of the speeches, please contact Lauren Edwards at the Memorial Awareness Board on 020 7993 3190 or email her at the address below.