Friends of Shrewsbury Cemeteries volunteer day

Tue, 21/04/2015 - 10:00

On the 24th November 2014 a new group was constituted; the Friends of Shrewsbury Cemeteries. This group will focus on Longden Road Cemetery and, in partnership with the owners Shropshire Council and the charity Caring for God’s Acre, aims to conserve and enhance the cemetery whilst increasing knowledge of, access to and learning about this fascinating site. We can organise volunteer involvement through practical work days, biological survey, historical research and monument recording. We may have fund raising events, perhaps some evening talks and walks and could, if there is the capacity within the group, apply for grants and funding.

Longden Road Cemetery is a fabulous site for wildlife and has recently been granted Local Wildlife Site status in recognition of this. It is also one of the important places in Shrewsbury for learning about the past and several of the Friends are interested in doing some research and would love to see monument inscription recording take place. Whilst we have some keen volunteers, we do not have many and need someone who would be able to assist with organising this recording. Would any members of the Shropshire Family History Society be interested in taking this forward?

A date for your diary: 21st April 2015

We will be cutting saplings and pulling seedlings from graves and also raking up grass cuttings. Please come along with rake, secateurs, loppers, gloves and outdoor clothes from 10.00 onwards and bring a packed lunch.

It would be lovely to have some monument recording taking place as well on this day as this might encourage volunteers and raise awareness of the historical importance of the cemetery as well as the conservation value.

If you are interested in helping with a monument recording project in Longden Road Cemetery or in attending on the 21st April please contact Harriet Carty

Nb: The Friends of Shrewsbury Cemeteries is not a Shropshire FHS Group, it is part of CFGA, however Shropshire FHS does have a representative in the new group.