Graveside NI - Tending & Maintenance

06/08/2026

🏛️ Preserving History

Some jobs are more than just restoration… they’re about preserving history.

Over the past while, I’ve had the incredible honour of being asked by The Apprentice Boys of Derry to restore two of the most historically significant monuments in Northern Ireland – those of Captain Adam Murray and Colonel John Mitchelburn, two of the legendary defenders of the Siege of Derry (1688–1689).

These monuments are located in the peaceful churchyard of Glendermott Old Church, just outside Londonderry overlooking the countryside. This historic site is the final resting place of both men and has become an important place of remembrance for those wishing to honour the defenders of the city. It is a location deeply connected to the story of the Siege of Derry and forms an important part of Northern Ireland’s rich heritage.

To be trusted with work of this importance is something I will never take for granted. Knowing these monuments commemorate men who played such a pivotal role in one of the most famous events in Irish and British history filled me with both pride and a huge sense of responsibility. Every stage of the restoration was carried out with the greatest care and respect, ensuring these memorials can continue to stand proudly for future generations.

For anyone unfamiliar with their story, the Siege of Derry lasted 105 days, with the city enduring repeated attacks while those inside suffered extreme hunger, disease and hardship. Despite overwhelming odds, the defenders refused to surrender, making the siege one of the defining events in Ulster’s history.

Captain Adam Murray was celebrated for his fearless leadership and military skill throughout the siege, while Colonel John Mitchelburn was one of the city’s principal defenders and later became Governor of Derry. Their courage and determination helped shape the history of the city, and their names continue to be remembered more than three centuries later.

Seeing these monuments brought back to life has been an immensely rewarding experience. It’s a reminder that our history deserves to be cared for, protected and preserved.

I would like to sincerely thank The Apprentice Boys of Derry for placing their trust in me with such an important project. It has genuinely been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and I am incredibly proud to have played a small part in preserving these historic memorials for future generations.

At Graveside NI, we don’t just restore memorials—we help preserve the stories, sacrifices and history that they represent.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our small local business. Opportunities like this are something I’ll never forget. 💙

06/08/2026

🏛️ Preserving History

Some jobs are more than just restoration… they’re about preserving history.

Over the past while, I’ve had the incredible honour of being asked by The Apprentice Boys of Derry to restore two of the most historically significant monuments in Northern Ireland – those of Captain Adam Murray and Colonel John Mitchelburn, two of the legendary defenders of the Siege of Derry (1688–1689).

These monuments are located in the peaceful churchyard of Glendermott Old Church, just outside Londonderry/Derry, overlooking the countryside. This historic site is the final resting place of both men and has become an important place of remembrance for those wishing to honour the defenders of the city. It is a location deeply connected to the story of the Siege of Derry and forms an important part of Northern Ireland’s rich heritage.

To be trusted with work of this importance is something I will never take for granted. Knowing these monuments commemorate men who played such a pivotal role in one of the most famous events in Irish and British history filled me with both pride and a huge sense of responsibility. Every stage of the restoration was carried out with the greatest care and respect, ensuring these memorials can continue to stand proudly for future generations.

For anyone unfamiliar with their story, the Siege of Derry lasted 105 days, with the city enduring repeated attacks while those inside suffered extreme hunger, disease and hardship. Despite overwhelming odds, the defenders refused to surrender, making the siege one of the defining events in Ulster’s history.

Captain Adam Murray was celebrated for his fearless leadership and military skill throughout the siege, while Colonel John Mitchelburn was one of the city’s principal defenders and later became Governor of Londonderry, Their courage and determination helped shape the history of the city, and their names continue to be remembered more than three centuries later.

Seeing these monuments brought back to life has been an immensely rewarding experience. It’s a reminder that our history deserves to be cared for, protected and preserved.

I would like to sincerely thank The Apprentice Boys of Derry for placing their trust in me with such an important project. It has genuinely been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and I am incredibly proud to have played a small part in preserving these historic memorials for future generations.

History belongs to all of us. Throughout I’ve been fortunate to earn the trust of customers from both communities across Northern Ireland. That means a great deal to me. While we may all come from different backgrounds and traditions, I hope everyone can appreciate the importance of preserving places like these. They tell the story of our past, and caring for them ensures future generations can learn from and remember the people and events that helped shape Northern Ireland.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our small local business. Opportunities like this are something I’ll never forget. 💙

03/08/2026

01/08/2026

A transformation from a little while ago in Ballymena 😁

29/07/2026

Sometimes a headstone is more than just stone… it’s someone’s story.

A few days ago I came across a Facebook post telling the heartbreaking story of John McFadden, a young Coleraine man who served his country in the First World War. After four years of service, he was discharged due to his wounds, only to be tragically killed just weeks after the war had ended. He was only 25 years old.

Reading his story really struck a chord with me.

So, in my own spare time, I decided to visit John’s grave and carry out a full restoration clean completely free of charge. After 116 years, it deserved to look like a place of honour once again—a respectful resting place for a brave young man who gave so much.

It’s a small gesture, but I hope anyone who visits his grave in the future can see the respect and gratitude that he deserves.

Lest We Forget. ❤️

28/07/2026

89 year old headstone nearly lost forever

26/07/2026

Some jobs mean just that little bit more.

This memorial has stood for many years, carrying the names of loved ones whose memories continue to live on in the hearts of their family. we had the privilege of carefully restoring the gold lettering, ensuring each name can once again be read clearly and proudly.

We know that a headstone is far more than stone and lettering—it’s a place to visit, to remember, to reflect, and to feel close to those we’ve lost. Being trusted to help preserve that is something we never take for granted.

Thank you to the family for placing their trust in Graveside NI.

✨ Our services include:
• Headstone re-lettering (all colours available)
• Deep memorial cleaning
• Mini cleans
• New decorative stones and chippings
• Grass cutting and maintenance
• Memorial refurbishments
• Small repairs and general upkeep

Every memorial is treated with the utmost care, respect, and attention to detail.

If you’d like to restore a loved one’s memorial or simply give it a fresh, cared-for appearance, we’d be honoured to help.

Graveside NI
Restoring memorials. Preserving memories. Honouring those who came before us.

24/07/2026

☀️ Another beautiful day in Dervock, caring for a memorial that means so much to one family. ❤️

Today’s job was completed under glorious sunshine, bringing this beautiful black granite headstone back to its best. Featuring the iconic Liverpool FC crest, this memorial is a lasting tribute to a dearly loved son and brother, and we were honoured to be entrusted with its care.

Every headstone tells a story. It represents a life, a family, and memories that deserve to be preserved with dignity and respect. We take great pride in treating every memorial as if it belonged to one of our own loved ones.

Thank you to our customer in Dervock for choosing Graveside NI.

Our services include:
• Deep Grave Cleans
• Mini Headstone Cleans
• Headstone Re-lettering (various colours available)
• Grass Cutting & Ongoing Maintenance
• New Chippings/Stones
• Small Grave Repairs & Refurbishments
• Memorial Polishing
• General Grave Maintenance

We carry out all of our work by hand, with great care and respect—no pressure washing or harsh machinery.

If you’d like us to restore or maintain the resting place of a loved one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation quote.

Graveside NI – Caring for memories with the respect they deserve. ❤️