John first became involved with the cemetery way back
in 1984 when together with my wife and neighbour they were
instrumental in conjunction with Cllr Gloria Minghella in getting the gates
in Pellhurst Road locked.
This was instigated due to the amount of vandalism and
miss use that was occurring within the grounds. A friend had
recently buried a child there and the grave was constantly being desecrated.
Also people tending graves of loved ones felt threatened by those using the
cemetery as a thoroughfare and not affording them the peace and
dignity they should have expected to enjoy.
Due to the lack of concern by the authorities at the
time closing the gates at Pellhurst Road was felt to be the only possible
option.
When the proposal by Cllr Stevens to form a group to
take care of the cemetery John felt that he had to support any action that
would reinstate the area and enhance it.
Whatever the views one holds regarding death, burial
or cremation of past loved ones we all like to know that there is a peaceful
resting place for them.
Much of the mindless vandalism that has occurred in
the past was due to a lack of appreciation by those involved that their
grandparents or their parents fore-bearers might be laid to rest within the
cemetery.
The current initiative and plans for the cemetery will
provide the opportunity to put this to rights and enlighten them and give a
greater awareness and understanding of this facility to the town in general.
John has served the committee since its inception and
has contributed positively to all the efforts that are culminating in
the development that is currently in progress.
