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Hi All,
Whilst on a recent visit to the Manchester General Cemetery, the condition of it was very bad!!
Vandals have caused lots of damage, youths & yobs leave you feeling very intimidated!!(I know, first hand experience) Damage seems to be on a regular basis.
The Cemetery must have been lovely at one time, Manchester Council do not have the facilities or funds to maintain this Cemetery, and are concentrating on the Cemeteries in use!!
So, An idea has sprung to mind and we have now approached the Cemeteries and Manchester Council about Photographing, transcribing and mapping the cemetery. Before the details and Gravestones are gone forever!!
What is needed is VOLUNTEERS!! LOTS & LOTS!!!!!!
A proposal has been put together and relevant parties have been contacted.
We are hopefully going to show that there is lots interest in doing this, If consent is given, we name a day, preferably a weekend, you would need a camera, SD card, spare batteries, and a walking stick/stick.
Working in two’s, one photographs and one maps and records. When all data is collected it is transcribed.
Various ideas for access are being looked into i.e. Family History Society, Library, and Website. (Our aim is to make this free to the public, as it is done by volunteers) Emails have been sent and we have spoken to a couple of interested parties.
Whilst I appreciate that lots would like to help but cannot, (distance, health etc) we are trying to get a rough guide to how many would be there on the day and helping out, obviously the more the better, Hopefully with a list of volunteers it will be taken as a serious proposal
If you are interested in volunteering, reply below!!!!
Many Thanks Cancan & Luzzu
:) :)
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Hi Cancan and Luzzu,
What a great idea! I would love to help, so count me in. It is so sad when gravestones are removed with no record of what was written on them. They are a mine of information.
We could class it as a Rootschat meet with a purpose!
Regards,
Mo
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great idea,,,if i am available on the day,i will certainly help out ;)
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I'd love to help if I can make it on the day - or hopefully, days. One good day's set of results would encourage return visits I'm sure. Well done Cancan & Luzzu :D
Can it be fixed up before the (boo) clocks go back?
:) Barbara
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There's a thread here http://www.rootschat.com/links/09r8/ about a project they are trying to get going to sort out Southern Cemetery in Manchester which is also in a terrible state
Milly ;D
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Hi All,
Thank you!!! ;D ;D ;D
It's great to know that there are more of us!!!
We know it is a major job!! but we believe it can be done!!!
We would love for it to be done as soon as, but the replies to our proposal have been a little slow, it always seems to take a week for others to reply to emails. Hopefully at the meeting I have next week with the Man who is in charge of The General Cemetery, I can push our cause and have a lovely list of volunteers!!!!! I will be explaining that I also think it is a good idea to do as soon as, due to the change of season and weather!!
Southern Cem is well maintained, it is one Cemetery that the Council maintains. I visit almost every week and they have made great improvements. There is one thing I have noticed though, where there is a bench to sit on, the Gravestones around it have been vandalised. The bench is usually surrounded by waste, take way food wrappers, cigarette butts, used condoms, empty cans and bottles, I'm usually picking some of this up and putting in the bin. Whilst some do want somewhere to sit, is it worth inviting the vandals?? My family grave has had more vases, pots, flowers and plants stolen than I can count and have now had to re-think what I can take.
We would love all the cemeteries to be maintained, but it just isn't affordable???
Hopefully with the response we are getting, this is proving to be a great idea and will be worth doing!!!
Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!
Cancan & Luzzu
;D ;D
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Hi,
:D
Just thought I would post a few links to show an existing plan of the cemetery , a brief history and also the Genuki link which has a couple of pictures on.
http://www.twbaird.co.uk/cemplans/harpurhey.html
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/LAN/Harpurhey/ManchesterGeneral.shtml
http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,2207/tab,history/Itemid,293/
Although we can do nothing about the maintenance of the cemetery and probably it will never be restored to its former glory, before long all the information in there will be lost forever to family historians. The burial registers are in poor condition and are incomplete and that is why there are many entries missing from the Manchester Online Burials website. I think but am not sure that this cemetery's use became less and less once Southern Cemetery opened in 1879 and now it is only used occasionally for owners of existing graves.
At the moment we are looking for interest and appreciate that a firm commitment isn't possible until more detailed arrangements are made. Obviously volunteers are needed for the actual photographing on the day but also there will be other volunteers needed - maybe if someone has experience in mapping, health and safety, etc., etc., It may be necessary to do a trial area at first or may be do the project in phases.
Luzzu
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Well Ive never done anything like this before, but am very enthusiastic (these two things might be connected! ;D ). I'm an hour's train ride away from Manchester, but on the other hand I have very few commitments for the next few weekends (apart from one on Saturday 20th November). So could manage a good few hours on any chosen day.
I think a trial run on a small section of cemetery is a very good idea to get an idea of exactly what will be involved and how long realistically it might take.
Any chance this post could be stickied?
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Hi Barbara.
How do you get a post "stickied"? ;D ;D ;D
Cancan and I have wondered if sharing an ancestor who ended his days in an asylum :'( has anything to do with us coming up with a mad project like this.
Anyway, if we don't try, we will never know.
Luzzu
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I have PM'd a Mod to see if we can get the post "stickied".
Mancsman - those pictures are heartbreaking :'(. Apart from being totally disrespectful to the memory of the two men who gave their lives whilst doing their duty, how can our City's history and heritage be treated in this way? I have just downloaded your ebook and very much look forward to reading it.
Luzzu
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I am in on this one I live within a stones throw of the cemetery but I will not walk threw alone.
As long as other commitments allow I will be there as often as I can I have a camera if needed.
Apparently several off my relies are in the cemetery but alas so far I have not found the stones so this would be a great project.
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Thank you JDGen for the sticky!!!
And to Luzzu & BarbaraH for the idea of 'stickied!!'
And to Mancsman for the pictures, just shows what our proposal is about!!
Meeting arranged with the Person in charge of the Cemetery on Thursday will update with news on my return.
Thank you to all who have added their names to help, lets hope they keep on adding!!
Cancan ;D
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Hi Cancan and Luzzu,
I will do anything I can to help, I live very near and visit Southern Cemetery a lot and that's in great need of repair, although work is streadily progressing. I've not been to Manchester General yet, but look forward to a visit.
Mancsman have downloaded your book and look forward to reading it.
Regards
beannie
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hi cancan
where is the graveyard as i dont know it by that name. can you tell me where it is. as i will be happy to help
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Manchester General cemetery
Rochdale Rd,
Harpurhey
Lancashire
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What a terrific and worthwhile exercise this truly is!! Due to incapacity I will not be able to attend, however this does not stop me from wishing everyone well in their endeavours. It is just so terribly sad to see the state of some of our burial grounds and one struggles to find the real reason. Where the cemetery is a municipal one surely then the general rates should afford some income to the maintenance budget to keep the area in something like decent shape! Where the cemetery is a "single"faith one then the church (or relevant body) must have some input to keep the area something like decent. When I am taken to Southern Cemetery or to Gorton Cemetery (to my eldest son) I am impressed with the overall effect and can visually appreciate the effort that goes in. However when I am taken to Moston Cemetery, (to my Maternal family), I am, quite frankly, appalled at the condition of the place and I recognise that a massive injection of funds is required to bring it up to standard and therein lies the rub! Where should that come from? We do of course know the answer to that question, but will it? Anyway good luck to all taking part in the Manchester General Cemetery project! Bill
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Great stuff Ken :D :D :D
Well I can read quite a few of those pics well enough to transcribe from them, which suggests that there is scope for some people who are local to take photos, then send them to others who can transcribe them at home. This might be a useful approach for the more overgrown parts, which will take more time to get at on the day/days.
Just a thought! But let's see how Cancan gets on with her meeting tomorrow. All the best Cancan!
:) Barbara
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Mancsman will like this,,,,i think i have deffo got the totally addicted genealogy bug,,went to Philips park cemetery last week ,,saw these 2 graves,,,had to take a photo ;D
Moderator comment: Photographs removed at request of Manchester Council
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,,,i think i have deffo got the totally addicted genealogy bug,,
I think once you've passed 2000 posts on rootschat, we can safely say there is no hope for you gortonboy 8) 8)
and talking of stories there is a lovely one here
http://www.failsworth.info/famousfolk/benbrierley/benbrierleyinfo.htm
the Lancashire poet & author Ben Brierley buried in M'cr General - somewhere!
He is missed off the online records, I had a look (not that I'm addicted or anything..), but his wife is listed on them.
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;D ;D ;D Oh very good ;D ;D ;D
you could start one of those tours around the cemetery! Show people the sights...
"and this patch of nettles marks the grave of..." etc
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I also found this ref . He is buried in the Manchester General Cemetery (Harpurhey cemetery) in plot 5260NC next to his daughter.
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If you think i am spending all day in there you mistaken. lol but if you know where it is then yes I'll go.
Feeling brave today it raining lol
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi All,
How did it go? Well it was definitely a ‘positive’ response.
Mr D.L. was very Nice and listened to what we had to say. (He was interested!!) He was Very Happy that we had taken an interest in the General Cemetery, and thought the idea of Transcribing and mapping was a very good idea. And the Cemeteries & Bereavement Services are quite positive to that idea.
The only one point that has to be checked out in a more Legal sense is the Photographing; this seems to be a bit of a GREY AREA right now. Mr D.L. is going to look into more for us. As the Gravestones are on the Property of the Council, and whilst you can photograph your own family Gravestone, there are Legal Implications regarding others to publish on the internet etc., They are technically still owned by the families (descendants) of the deceased, and if any came forward to question the pictures etc., the person who took the picture can be sued!
Our aim was never to keep the photographs just to transcribe from them, and I assured him that we are fully prepared to hand these over to the Cemeteries when All Transcriptions are completed, we would like a free index for people to search, this preferably given to a library (Manchester), for all the public to view. (All transcription papers etc to be given to Library Archives)) I said that maybe Manchester Burials could make use of the photographs, for people to purchase like their burial records, this too will have possible legal implications that he said he will look into.
I told him of our visit a few weeks ago, and he did say that Police could be on hand, as he knows that is one of my concerns.
When I asked how I could take the meeting as, He said ‘POSITIVE’ I did mention this website which he said he will take a look at it. (Informed him of our posting) He is going to look a lot more into the Bereavement and Cemeteries position, as like he said they don’t want to find some ‘ancient law’ that pops up and causes a problem.
I have to say he was ‘Really Positive and Really interested’ and he could see what we wanted to accomplish and why.
I would also like to THANK!!! The two Teenage Lads who were at the Cemetery and on their own initiative were clearing and tiding the area, whilst they had to be asked to stop due to safety reasons etc., this helped, (Mr D.L,) see that this proposal is possible. If you can get Teenage lads to do this kind of thing it’s worth doing!!! These Lads had help from a Local Housing Association that provided the tools for them to clear out a nearby pond due to the bad condition it was in, and passing the Cemetery thought to do some clearing and tidying there, locals in flats rang the police thinking they were digging up graves? Needless to say we were all surprised when it became known the real reason!!
So fingers crossed Ladies and Gents, this is sounding a good possibility,
At present there is a plan in place by the B&C Services to tidy and re-erect all headstones in the Council owned Cemeteries, those broken and face down will be turned face up and kept lay down. Southern Cem is expected to be completed by April/May of next year. This apparently is hoping to happen in more Council Cem’s , the General included.
Mr D.L. is going to keep in contact with me and hopefully it’s a YES and we have a date soon!!
I will keep all informed and updated!!!
Hopefully more Volunteers will add their names and those who have can ask about to help add to our numbers!!
Cancan ;D ;D ;D
A BIG 'THANK YOU TO MR D.L.'
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Well done Cancan ;D ;D ;D
I think that is an excellent response for the first meeting. Let's keep everything crossed :P.
Luzzu
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Well done Cancan and Mr DL! :D :D :D
I presume that is the same Mr DL who was fending off all the moans when the burial search wemt offline last year? Poor chap! He sent a polite email in response to my grumble, which was nice of him. I feel quite contrite now.
Keeping me wellies polished in anticipation!
:) Barbara
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I would also like to THANK!!! The two Teenage Lads who were at the Cemetery and on their own initiative were clearing and tiding the area, whilst they had to be asked to stop due to safety reasons etc., this helped, (Mr D.L,) see that this proposal is possible. If you can get Teenage lads to do this kind of thing it’s worth doing!!! These Lads had help from a Local Housing Association that provided the tools for them to clear out a nearby pond due to the bad condition it was in, and passing the Cemetery thought to do some clearing and tidying there, locals in flats rang the police thinking they were digging up graves? Needless to say we were all surprised when it became known the real reason!!
So much for the big society which encourages people to take responsibility... what lessons did those lovely teenagers learn when they tried to do something good? Surely picking up litter should be praised and encouraged not frowned upon for flouting ridiculous H&S regulations. Honestly ::) ::)
Milly
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???"Locals in the flats rang the Police thinking they were digging up Graves" ???
The lads were not picking up litter, surprisingly there is hardly any, they were clearing the soil way from covered gravestones. Some of the stones are very unsafe and are ready for falling over. Those lay flat, some large areas could be seen underneath where the stones were, showing them resting on a couple of bricks, clearly not safe. As we walked amongst them we tripped.
Whilst they were doing a brilliant job, you can see the point of the H&S of the Council.
Mr D.L. has said that they are willing to help in anyway possible, to clear any items that could be dangerous before we go in on the day and Officers can be there as the Police and Council work together on projects like this!!
The lads added to our cause and helped Mr D.L. see that there are Good ones out there and they are willing to help.
"this helped, (Mr D.L,) see that this proposal is possible"
Also Mr D.L. took thier names to help them out in seeing what help he could get them from the Council!! ;D He was really impressed with them!!! It was he himself who said "It was like 'fate!' had intervend!!!
Cancan :)
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I think its a great idea and if I'm available I'd like to help
Is it worth contacting local Schools who may have Students doing Duke of Edinburgh Award as they have to do some volunteer work to complete their award?
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This is a very exciting and worthwhile project and I look forward to hearing more. With enough notice I might be able to take part (I live up in Scotland). If you need volunteers for the transcription work I can help with that. I assume that part will be done online? Good luck.
Chirp
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With enough notice I might be able to take part (I live up in Scotland).
Glad I'm not the only one with logistical problems - I'm in Malta. But I really want to be involved. Not even told my OH yet that I might want to go to Manchester to take photographs of gravestones - he doesn't share my enthusiasm for geneaology.
Luzzu
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Nor mine Luzzu but he knows it's my passion and after 20+ years of serious research he's used to it. I think it's amazing that you're considering such a long journey to be part of this, good for you!
Chirp
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I think it's amazing that you're considering such a long journey to be part of this.
There's the added incentive of a some retail therapy and a long overdue day out in the Trafford Centre ;D ;D ;D.
Luzzu
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I would like to jump in here, I have a few family members in the general cemetery, and have visited in the past only to spend all my time searching for the plots.
This is a great idea, and one which I would like to be part of, I look forward to hearing more and eventually getting some work done.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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Hi Cancan, add me to your list of volunteers, just let me know the date & I will do my utmost to be there, Spatts.
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi,
Thank you, please keep on volunteering!!!
Cancan :)
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Cancan
Hi - Just a couple of thoughts. Do you think that it may be worthwhile your contacting the Manchester & Lancs FHS and asking them to put something in their next journal? Also, do you think there could be an advantage in joining forces with the Rootschatters who are doing something similar at Southern Cem? Sorry I can't remember who is co-ordinating that one but I'm sure I've seen something on a thread recently.
Chirp
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Cancan
I see you are already a contributor to that thread.
Chirp
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Hi chirp,
Have contacted MLFHS and had a meet with the General Sec., they do support the idea and offered help with Transcribing and Volunteers.
The 'Friends of Southern Cemetery' is not the same as our proposal.
They just want improvements to the Cemetery, signed posts, better entrances, flowers beds, benches, etc., that kind of thing!!
This Proposal has never been done by any Council Owned Cemetery, if Granted this will be the first, Manchester City Council are very good at being the first to do lots of things, which other Councils soon follow.
So we are hoping that they feel the same as we do about this!! ;D
Our 'Grey area' is the photographing, which is being looked into. But as said this is only for the Transcribing, as written transcribing would take to long. Gravestones which are clear can just be photographed (transcribed from later - saving time as it is a large Cemetery) whilst the ones that are not so clear will have to be written from on the day.
All photographs would be given over to Manchester City Council, (when transcribing is finished) with possibly the idea/hope that they also provide a photograph of the Gravestone as well as the Burial Record. (possibly monies raised to go towards the upkeep of the cemeteries!) :-\
Patiently waiting for a reply from Mr D.L. (Bereavements & Burials Services MCC)
with Good News!!! :D
Thanks for Volunteering!!
Cancan :)
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Hello Cancan
Many thanks for the update and for all your efforts to get this project going. I shall look forward to learning more as time goes on.
I love the doggie.
Chirp
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Hi All,
It's a YES!!!!!
Mr D.L. emailed today to say ;D "he hoped he was the bearer of Good News!!!!" ;D
And he certainly was!!! It's a yes!!!
Manchester General Cemetery is having Gravestones re-erected, work commences March 2011.
Hoping Mr D.L does not mind part of his email being pasted here:
Head of Bereavement Services can give permission
for photographs of headstones to be taken in exceptional circumstances and
I am pleased to say that having spoken with him he is keen to work with us
on this project and he can see no reason not to allow you to photograph the
headstones. This is of course dependant on the terms you set out that no
photographs will be published or posted on the internet and will be handed
to Bereavement Services once the transcribing process is complete.
So we now need to move this on to the next stage and arrange a day!! I'm
not sure how quickly you would like to move on this. Our options are that
we could try and arrange something once the re-erection work starts on the
headstones. I know this is a few months off but it would mean the nights
are lighter and it would give us all a chance to promote the event and try
and attract as many volunteers as we can!!!
...............................................................................................
Whilst I know next year is a while off, I thought possibly a test run on a section, which has been suggested by others, to see how this would work, - method and time!!
I also have an appointment with the Manchester Library Archives next week to talk about the transcriptions with them.
Just to re-cap,
Manchester Breavement Services get ALL the Photographs when transcribing completed!!
Which was stated at meeting!!
Any suggestions, please give below, I will be emailing Mr D.L. Monday morning, so if anyone would like to ask anything or add, as I will ask for a small test run, if anyone is available for this and can suggest a date (weekends seems to be most peoples choice) let me know!!
Cancan ;D
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Fantastic Cancan! and Mr DL, what a star :D :D :D
I would suggest if possible, do any sort of trial run before the clocks go back (on Sunday 31st October).
If most people prefer weekends and assuming you don't want us to turn up tomorrow, that leaves five weekends:
Sat/Sun 2/3 October
9/10 October
16/17 October
23/24 October (start of most schools half-term hols I think)
30/31 October. M/cr Cemetery on Halloween, anyone? ;D
Myself I cannot do 2nd and 30th October, but any other date is fine. I could also make a weekday in the school hols (last week in October)
So do a day/two days photography in October, then mull over how it went and work on a trial transcribe through November? December is busy and Christmassy, but if some trial transcription results could go online around then, even as just a basic spreadsheet (here? on the Council website? Lancashire OPC?) it should generate interest for recruitment of volunteers in the New Year.
Looking forward to it already!
:) Barbara
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Excellent news! Keep us posted with regards to dates -I'll travel down if I can, but am away early to mid October.
Chirp
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Fantastic news Cancan. Well done. Seems like a really good plan to do a trial run as a taster for the main project next year.
;D ;D :D :D ;D ;D
Luzzu
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Wonderful !!! There is a letter in tonight`s M/C Evening News re the wonderful job done at Philip`s Park Cem. It has got the Green Flag award.
It seems Mr. Jim Birch, Infrastructure Manager at Blakely Cem. has been most helpful.Blakely now hold most plans , up to the closure of the little office at Philips park the ones for that Cem were there but after the closure I`m sure they will have been moved. They were wonderful, each grave drawn and properly plotted and numbered and rowed. All hand done in the 1800`s.I wonder if there are any for M/C General there too.
The time is right!! Seeing the cardiologist on Oct 14th so I` hope to know more about what I can and must not do. BUT I can write I`m sure.
Count me in please, I`ll do what I can .
Well done. Viktoria.
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Hi All,
How about a trial run: :o Sunday 17th October, 10am-10.30am ??? :o
We are impatient to get going!!!! ;)
Wellies more than likely needed! Camera, SD card, Batteries!!
We have a rough idea of how to do this, but would like a trial run to see if it works?
A couple of hours or so? :-\
As mentioned about photographing, SD card will have photo's 'moved' to Laptop on the day, meeting the requirements of the conditions for consent of proposal!
I'm really hoping most who volunteered can make it, :o hopefully with a lot done on the day we can begin the work of mapping and transcribing!!
The main event is more than likely going to take place next year!!
When there is better weather & conditions!
We are hoping for a big push for promoting the event (Newspapers&TV) and more Volunteers!!
Please, Please add you name again if you can make it on the 17th!!! ;D
Cancan :D
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Sorry Cancan but I will be away on the 17th. I wish all participants a successful day and I will be thinking of you! I hope very much to be there for the next one.
Chirp
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17th OK for me :D
Getting there for 10 am may be a little difficult though!
I love public transport, but its not at its best on a Sunday morning ::) looking more like 11.30 at the moment...
I'll see what I can do
:) Barbara
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17th O.K. for me too. Better find me thermals ;D ;D ;D
Mo
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Hi All,
the 17th is fine for me, does anyone know which bus I get from Piccadilly?
looking forward to it
beannie
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The 163 out side the amusement arcade corner of oldham st. or 17 from shudehill bus station. ther are others but they turn off rd the stop before.
you need 2 stops after queens road the big crossroads.
not sure but think i can make it
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I would gladly if i could drive ;D
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Thanks Goldy,
not been up that way before so appreciate not just which bus but also where to get off. Thanks mancsman for the offer of a lift, that's really kind of you.
beannie
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Cant say if im free on the 17th yet,,,,but if i am,,,i will be there ;D
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Hi Cancun, hope the project is progressing well.
You have mentioned a couple of times about the "grey" are of photographing graves and that they are the property of the family.
I have been thinking about it and hadstarted a thread here http://www.rootschat.com/links/09yf/ about it a while ago and no rootschatters came forward with any information. So I asked a copyright lawyer his views. He pointed me to the relevant bit in the 1988 Copyright Act which says that sculptures and other works in a place open to the public are NOT covered by the act.
"62 Representation of certain artistic works on public display
(1) This section applies to –
(a) buildings, and
(b) sculptures, models for buildings and works of artistic craftsmanship, if
permanently situated in a public place or in premises open to the public.
(2) The copyright in such a work is not infringed by –
(a) making a graphic work representing it,
(b) making a photograph or film of it, or
(c) making a broadcast of a visual image of it.
(3) Nor is the copyright infringed by the issue to the public of copies, or the
communication to the public, of anything whose making was, by virtue of this
section, not an infringement of the copyright."
I think it is a myth which has been growing over the years and wondered if it is something that the council folks said to you or if it is just something that people believe. Whilst some family members may be a little offended or upset by a photograph of a grave appearing on a website, I think it unlikely they would have grounds to actually sue anyone. And it would only be relevant for quite recent graves anyway.
It would be a real shame if people decided not to photograph graves to preserve the information based on a misunderstanding of the law.
Milly
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The copyright 'views' your friend said was stated at the meeting, as this is the general concensus
The gray area that comes into is
1. The General Cemetery was Originally Private, it was never purchased by the council only inherited.(in effect/ taken over)
2. Are Gravestones sculptures? I think when families had these made it wasn't thought of as a sculpture. There are questions today as to what one thinks of as art?
3. Copyright I don't think was around at the time, as photographs have only been around since 1860's?
4. If an Artist etc had designed a sculpture to be put on display in places open to the public, I think they would have/agreed, then giving consent of use of copyright. So as said it wouldn't be covered by the act.
5. You can photograph a 'grave' as after 50 years the grave plot is then owned by the landowner (council or private). But the Gravestone has been purchased by the family and is owned by them, The Council can in no way trace every descendant to see who owns the Gravestone. In effect it would be the owners permission sort to photograph.(As was it placed on private land or council at the time) As the Council did not purchase the Cemetery I think they are protecting themselves in case? Whether the Cemetery is now 'public', how do we get consent from the deceased? They thought they were in a 'private cem'
6. Most copyright laws have grey areas? Books are more easily covered where the internet is not, and as technology changes it is harder to police. 173yrs ago when the Cemetery opened this technology wasn't available. (M/C Council took over abt 1960) So by what law or act protects them?
People are photographing graves, they are not placing them all over the Internet, they are emailing them, as I do myself.
I gave the Council this website address to show that our proposal had serious interest and they have been watching this posting. This is not the first time an idea has been put forward about this, but it has been one that has been accepted!!
We have worked really hard on this, and the one point was the 'grey area' which we have all been checking out before and after meetings. (mostly PM's and emailing) It still is a 'Grey Area' but they agreed! Whether 'myth or not' I can only hope that the Council still believe in us and the project. So, does the standard copyright stated above cover this?? Who knows????
Our aim is, for this project to be successful for the hope of doing other Manchester Cemeteries, is a possibility, and If I sound a little upset by this posting, I am, as it has made out we believe whatever we are told by the Council. And as everyone knows, sometimes dealing with the Council can be?????
When the 'copyright law' covers every aspect, we can then do as we like within it, but meanwhile it is still a grey area! :-\
Also, I would to Thank those in putting there names forward for the trail run on the 17th!!
I look forward to seeing everyone!! ;D
Not everyone needed to volunteer needs a camera, we need volunteers to help writing out the transcriptions on the day!! ;)
CANCAN :)
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Milly's other thread is really interesting, and I think its great that she's done the research and asked an expert about these very confusing issues. Thanks Milly! :D
Although I'd love to get into a 'what is copyright' or (even better!) a 'what is art' debate, I'm going to resist! ;D
I'm fine with the arrangement. We take some photos, collate them, transcribe them, the info goes online. Done. If the council tried to charge money to look at photos I'd taken then I would be cross, but I think that's been covered and won't happen.
Anyway, I think my transport problems are now sorted. OH will drop me off at the cemetery on the 17th, he will then go to the Transport Museum which will keep him amused for hours :)
I have a techincal query; my camera is a Fuji Finepix which uses the XD card format - will the laptop you are using accept an XD card? Its slightly bigger than an SD. My laptop which is quite new, will accept either.
:) Barbara
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Hi Barbara, :)
I will have a universal card reader, which I'm hoping will do all types of cards. It says on it, CF/MD, SD MMC, RSMMC, mini SD (which is the one I have) MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, MS MSPro and square(shown as a square box)/SM. Admittedly it doesn't say XD.
The copyright act is shown on Rootschat, (this was one of the first places I looked) and we did check it out with some legals as well as the council checking with their own legals. We (& Council) are following the Rootschat policy if not certain don't show it! It better to be safe!!
I will pop to a photo shop and ask this week!!
Look forward to seeing you!!!
Cancan :)
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Sorry mean't to add,
I have managed to get together 20 clipboards and numerous pens and I have printed 2500 transcription sheets,(2 per page- 5000 in total) lets hope there isn't that many to write!! :o
Cameras, brollies, wellies and possibly packed lunch and drink is all that is needed!!!
Thanks Cancan :)
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Sorry - I wasn't intending to throw a spanner in your works. And as long as the project goes ahead and the photos get taken, people can access them and you are happy with the agreement then that's all that matters.
I was merely pointing out that there is a provision in the copyright law which should cover the issue which should make the council feel more, not less, comfortable about it.
Milly
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I agree with you Milly, however I suspect that poor old Mr DL would have to go through a year's worth of meetings to get policies changed!
Thanks Cancan, if your card reader won't take my card I'll just do wrting stuff instead. XD cards were only used by Fuji & Olympus and have now been phased out, so its a bit like a betamax videotape ::)
Weather forecast not looking too bad!
:) Barbara
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Other than sensible footwear and clothes( I mean sensible clothes of course!) what else would we need to bring?
At the Cardiologist tomorrow and hope I can get to M/c General Cem on Sunday.Many of my family are buried there so I`m definitely going to bring tissues.
Looking forward to meeting those who are able to attend. Viktoria.
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Hi Viktoria, :)
Thats all you need!! possibly a drink and something to eat??
Not saying we'll be there all day, but time does pass quick when your having fun!!!
Clipboards, papers, pens all provided.
I will be travelling up Princess Rd towards Manchester, if anyone needs a lift let me know!!
Good Luck at the hospital!!!!
Hopefully we'll see you on Sunday!!!
Cancan :)
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Brilliant news!!! if he can!!
Would be nice to meet him!!
Cancan :)
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Hi all :D,
I really wish I could be there on Sunday but alas its not to be :'(. Just wanted to wish you all a really successful day. Will be pulling out all stops to be there for the main event next year. Please pass on my regards to Mig. Did send him a PM but not sure if he is able to receive them.
Luzzu
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Of course it's true ;D ;D ;D and it's been raining today too with the promise of a thunderstorm later although its not cold. Huh - some people - they think I'm on the beach all day and every day 8) 8) 8).
Luzzu
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Hi cancan, looking forward to Sunday, boots, camera, flask & so on at the ready, see you later, regards Spatts.
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Hi All,
It's looking like the weather will be ok if a little colder!!
See you there!!!
Cancan ;)
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A quick question as I have never been before :)
Are there parking facilities at the Cemetery or do we have to park off the main road somewhere?
Mo
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Thanks Ken ;D
Mo
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Which location is the trial run to take place? We too are worried about parking and causing an obstruction but I wondered if the paths which run off the main drive shown on the map I have are suitable for parking?My husband is not always able to walk very far- we have a disabled badge - but we would not want to block anyone in, at the same time me would like to have the car in view. . We could bring the dog but it seems rather disrespectful ,although the last time we visited which was well over ten years ago there were one or two dog walkers there as well as some very "iffy" characters! We`ll be better able to decide when we get there. Viktoria.
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Hi,
As Ken says it's not a great place for Cars, I think our idea is to start at the back and work our way forward (towards the front) as this is the worst part. So possibly park on path inside until everyone arrives and all drive down to the back together and see then how things are!!
No matter how much we want this done, no one or their cars are to be put at any risk!!!
Hopefully as Sunday morning any unsavoury's are still abed till later.
Nice to hear you'll be there!!
Cancan :)
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CanCan thank you for organizing a fun morning. Let me know when you want to go again. I only live 5 min away ( the one in the red socks ) I am available in the day time 10 till 2
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Apologies for missing the event this morning,,,,i had hoped to be there,,but last minute work commitments intervened :'(
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Hi Cancan. It was so nice to meet you and everyone else who were able to make it.We enjoyed it very much .Sorry we left before the end but as you know the dog was getting upset cooped up in the car, and we old codgers were tired.( My husband is fast asleep in his chair even as I send this-we`ve been home 10 mins)
So cheerio for now and `til the next time. Viktoria.
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Hi,
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
Thank you to: Mosiefish, Beannie, goldy, spatts, Mancsman, Vicktoria, Shell, Donna, BarbaraH, and Migky for coming today.
Lovely to meet everyone!! Looking forward to it again!!!
If anyone has any other ideas of us doing anything any different or better than how we did today let me know!!
Looking at it all at the moment, I think we've done really well in the time we done!!
Sorry you couldn't be there 'gortonboy' see you next time hopefully??
Thanks Cancan :)
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I had a great time, lovely to meet everyone! :D :D :D :D
We drove to Boggart Hole Clough afterwards for my much-needed loo break, as I'd never been there before - so I've had a fantastic day, thank you for organising it Cancan! hope you can read my writing on the sheets
It all seemed to go really well, I'm certainly up for another go - can't think of any improvements apart from taking a trowel next time to uncover some of the moss on the flat graves
:) Barbara
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Hi cancan & all, it was good to meet you all, the weather was great & enjoyed the day, it was very interesting to transcribe the stones, some tell their own story. Looking forward to the next visit, hope to get more done next time, bringing a trowel & brush next time, just give me a shout, regards Spatts.
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maybe this weeks secret millionaregives you a clue ;) . it was filmed over the road ::)
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Hi,
I went to the meeting on Tuesday to see Mr D.L. & Boss- Barry and again they were really nice. Told them of our Trial run which they have been following on this site!!
Ask about a few questions which were brought up on the Sunday Trial.
These are what the details he will be confirming for us:
Just to confirm the points discussed today he has replied via email:
1) I shall confirm if we have permission to clear top soil from
graves/headstones in order to photograph inscriptions.
2) I shall confirm if the soil needs to be replaced or if we can keep the
stones uncovered.
3) I shall confirm if it is feasible for you to be present when the
headstone re-erection is taking place - I am conscious of potential H&S
concerns.
4) you will advise me of future volunteer days - this will enable me to
alert the necessary people.
5) Once we have completed the headstone re-erections we can organise a
Community Day to photograph the remainder of the headstones and hopefully
arrange a press release to publicise the event.
I hope I have covered all of the points however please do let me know if
you want to add anything.
Once again thank you for your time and commitment to this and I look
forward to hearing from you, D.L.
So, again good news!!
On the trial day we managed to about 100 written inscriptions and I think about 450/500 photographs, but need to confirm this. Mapping proved successful, even as bad as the Cemetery was with the condition of the fallen/vandalised headstones.
At present my computer is down and all is stored on it. Presently borrowing someones elses, hopefully mine should be up and running on Tuesday/Wed next week. I'm informed it's a video card in the computer that needs replacing??
I will try to check on any messages every couple of days or so, please post on board or PM any questions. Luzzu has been very kind to forward my messages to Volunteers via texts I have sent to her!! Thanks Luzzu!!!!
If anyone has any questions to ask Mr D.L. let me know, as they are very interested and very keen to help up and support us in any way they can.
I brought the question of the removing of soil up, as some were under a couple of inches of soil and we couldn't do them that day, we just made a note of it. Also mentioned the fencing at the back and sides of fencing which is down.
So, all in all again good news, I think though we we all realised that it cannot be done in a day, so, I think now we need to work out dates when we can go back and do some more, so if anyone wants to start putting dates forward. Best again in the morning before any visitors?? start arriving. I also think six or more at a time would be best, safety in numbers??
Personally, presently I can only do Sundays, but I can easily give papers, mapping etc., if others want to do other days.
And Barry has said he will pop down down on a day we are there!! Extra pair of hands??? Well!! we cannot let him come and see us and not help!!! ;)
Thanks Cancan :)
p.s. Mr D.L. makes a lovely cup of tea, but I didn't get to finish it!! Will all the discussion!!;D
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me too I have enough of my own common sense to stay clear of danger.
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I know the headstones would most probably suffer more from weather etc if laid flat, face up ,but it would be safer and they would be more stable and less likely to be pushed over again in the long term. Those that have always been flat in M/C General that we saw on Sunday are still legible , in the case of my family`s after at least 134 years. We do have to consider people who come after us in years to come and must save these things for them so if in the view of experts raising them again is the best way so be it ,but if the stones are broken off part way down the only way will be to partly bury them with the result mancsman has described.
I noticed with interest the method of erecting on some of the fallen ones at M/C General, quite ingenious really. A sort of dovetail joint in the upright which slotted into a recieving space in the base,all done with great accuracy - but they can not be re-erected using the same method because it would require skilled masons, and some of the stone would inevitably be sacrificed. It would take ages and (even if done by laser which is often the way carved inscriptions and memorial tablets are done nowadays)with the number involved is impossible surely. I obviously bow to the greater knowlege of all of you who are much more experienced than me.I am so pleased that someone has got the ball rolling.Well done .Viktoria.
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Well done all you people, maybe you'll uncover some of my ancestors graves. Sorry I can't help, Hampshire to Manchester is a bit of a long way. ::)
Lizzie
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3) I shall confirm if it is feasible for you to be present when the
headstone re-erection is taking place - I am conscious of potential H&S
concerns.
4) you will advise me of future volunteer days - this will enable me to
alert the necessary people
I found this on a Scottish website:
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/graveyardleaflet5.pdf
covers several of the H & S issues that Mr DL will be thinking about!
and that led on to this link, another very well written one
http://www.scottishgraveyards.org.uk/resources11.shtml
Legal pointers on these will apply to Scotland of course, but the practical information in them is great, very clear and jargon-free.
Maybe Mr DL's department could run to some basic H & S awareness training for one or two volunteer photographers, that could cover them working alongside the lifting machinery while gravestones were being repositioned? And lend out some protective clothing etc?
I'd love to do another Sunday morning - maybe Mr DL could come along with a great big flask of his lovely tea! ;)
Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
I have the second link, but I was given one from Oxford Family History it has proved a lot better and is in the U.K. It from from different sites which I researched when putting it all together.
http://www.gravematters.org.uk/survey-preparation.htm
The first link is great I will forward this on to Mr.D.L. I am up for a hard hat and ear/noise protectors!! ;)Thanks!!!
Cancan. :)
Anyone has any dates to put forward for another visit??
How about the Sun 31st Oct morning!!!!!!! or the Sunday 7th Nov morning 9-1.30pm
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Well done to all of you who have shown an interest and have been able to take part. You all deserve a bit pat on the back for taking the initiative.
Also, well done to Mr DL for his support.
Kit
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Sorry not sure I am available for a weekend till he 20th nov
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Hi cancan, can't make the 31st Oct but, 7th Nov looks ok to me, hope you get your pc sorted & thanks for the help today.
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Hi Cancan,
I can do the 7th also, glad what we've done so far meets with Mr. DL's approval.
Regards
beannie
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I should be OK for 7th too.
but arriving nearer 10 am than 9, as per last time.
I'll photograph faster to catch up! ;)
:) Barbara
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Will do my best to be there on 7th,about 10 O` clock.Viktoria.
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Hi,
:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Confirming Date of Sunday 7th November to continue with the Transcribing/Mapping and Photographing.
All Help welcome!!!
Thermals possibly needed!! Trowels & Brushes!!!!
Many Thanks to Luzzu for keeping me updated!!! ;D
See you the 7th!!!
Thanks Cancan :)
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Many Thanks to Luzzu for keeping me updated!!!
No problem. Really wish I could do more to be involved 8) but congratulations to you all, you are doing a fantastic job.
Luzzu
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Hi All,
Many Thanks again for the help!!!
Thanks to: ;D Donna, Spatts, Migky, Mancsman, Vicktoria & BarbaraH!!! ;D
Will get to work on it tonight with numbers, so will update on how we did!!!
Wellies/boots were certainly needed today!!! But a great day again!!!!
Never mind the trowel & the brush!!! I think we need spades and diggers :P!!!!!
Lovely to see everyone again!!!!
Maybe we can possibly try for one or two more before Xmas!!! :-\
Weather permitting!!!!
Thanks again to a wonderful team!!!!!
Cancan :D
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It was a good day cancan, I was quite happy with the amount I did & my bricklaying trowels were just the job but, better brush next time or two.
The sooner the better for the next visit, available for the 21st & 28th Nov, once we get into December, I think the weather will put a hold on the project until next year.
These trial runs have been going great, preparing us for the 1st big community day next year, a few more volunteers before then would be even better,
Good Day All Round, regards Spatts.
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Thanks cancan, the weather was very kind again wasn`t it ,and he dampness was of some help with moving mud etc.Mind you-- you did all that hard work.
Sorry we could only manage a limited amount of time but we enjoyed it.
Hope to see you again before too long. Viktoria.
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Hi All,
;D :o Sunday 21st November :o ;D
9am-?????
I'm really pleased everyone is offering there time for this project!!!
And were all in agreement to get as much done as possible, as soon as,
Is the date agreeable??? That we go again!! Does anyone want to extend time, as last time we said until 1.30pm. As I know a couple of our volunteers do travel quite a bit!!!
Let us know, by signing below!!!
I think a couple more gardening equipment pieces required!!!
Weather permitting of course!!!!
Mr J.M. from the MLFHS is presently writing a small piece to be put into the MLFHS Magazine about our project!! (hopefully I will ask if I can quote/paste the email I receive here.) And possibly get some more volunteers!!
Hope to hear from you & See you all soon!!!
Cancan :)
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sorry I missed last meet was at a friends for weekend and 21st I am away again.
But I am available this weekend or any after 21st.
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We will do our best to fit in but until I`ve been to hospital again this Thursday I am unable to make any hard and fast plans. But we hope to be there .
Viktoria.
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I'm not sure I can do the 21st, I'll have to consult me 'chauffeur' ;D
But I would love to get another session done before Christmas if poss
:) Barbara
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Hi All,
Just a quick update on the project!!
Things are going really well and we want to keep up the momentum!!
Sunday 21 November 9.30am-10am until 1.30pm -2pm to map transcribe and photograph, all volunteers needed!!
We need to try and get as much done before the Weather starts to get Bad!!!
So hoping to see ALL again!!! ;)
This week I took one of our completed mapped and photographed sections to the Office and match it with the burial records!!
:D GREAT NEWS, :D as we map, where there is NO Grave Number we have placed the surname in the box on the mapping sheet, so armed with this mapping sheet I have managed to give 99% of the Surnames a Grave Number!!
So, our plan is working!!
Speaking to Mr Dominic Lunn, again many thanks!! we seem to have 'hopefully' managed to get help from them regarding the photographing of the Gravestones which are face down, and are due for the re-erection, work to begin around Easter 2011!!
But we still need Volunteers to turn up when this happens, as they are willing to help us fill in days we cannot be there for this!! But we cannot expect them to do this everyday.
Nearer the time we will post a reminder!!
;D ;D ;D MORE GOOD NEWS!! ;D ;D ;D
Also, it has been brought up by the other Organizer Team Member 'LUZZU' about informing Family History Magazines of 'our project', which I'm leaving in her capable hands!!
Thanks also to 'Barry' at the Office, for helping me with the books & 'Alan' for the offer of a 'cuppa'!!! :)
Cancan :-*
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oh phewy i will miss another day sorry. free any time after this weekend.
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We`ll do our best cancan. Well done .Viktoria.
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That's a fantastic website, Mancsman!
Thanks to all involved in the project.
Alpinecottage, ex-Mancunian :)
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Great site Ken! :D :D :D looks really good.
Sadly I just have too much to do this weekend, so won't be able to make Sunday morning. :'(
Our other regular comrade tells me he won't be able to make it either.
But I'm sure OH and I can get down one weekend later on though, if anyone has spare time in Christmas run-up.
That's great about the mapping Cancan, well done! Must send you my last lot of photos too
:) Barbara
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The website is looking really good, Mancsman ;D. Some people are so clever ;D. Do you think you should put it on a different thread as well (which we should ask to be stickied) headed with the project name with a link to this thread ???. I hope it might generate some interest from Rootschatters who haven't previously been involved.
Don't worry Mancsman, we all have to succumb to wearing glasses when we reach a certain age 8). Just spotted another stray apostrophe ;D ;D ;D ;D.
Well done Cancan too. I think we all know there is a fantastic amount of work going on behind the scenes to ensure this project is a success.
Luzzu
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Just been re-reading the thread to write something to send to the various Family History magazines and noticed this idea posted a while ago by Sue_d18 which I think is very good and well worthwhile looking into.
Is it worth contacting local Schools who may have Students doing Duke of Edinburgh Award as they have to do some volunteer work to complete their award?
There does seem to be a Regional Co-ordinator. Shall I have a go and see what their response is ???.
Luzzu
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Hi,
In the condition we left left the Cemetery in, I found it hard to get out of the car, when I got home!!! Sat now with a 'butty' and a 'cuppa'. And I'm not moving for anyone!!
Cleared more mud, brought less home, but cannot get it off hands!! ;)
Off tomorrow to get another hoe and brush!! Do they make anything now, that doesn't bend or snap!!!
Same as: 'looking forward to next time'!!!!
Count done today was 155!!! ;D
In the New year will visit office again and match up grave numbers with names
Feet up now, settled in, still not moving!!!! :-* (if only I could)
Cancan :)
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Congratulations and thank yous to all of you for your hard work. I hope to benefit from the transcriptions in due course as I have many Manchester ancestors. If I can get up to help sometime, I will; but Gloucestershire is a long way south!
I know words are easy, but I'm sending a lot of grateful thanks all the same. :)
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Well done to you all! - I try and follow this thread and what a great effort you are all doing. I love your new website too. How wonderful that the Family History magazines have picked up on this story - perhaps you will gain some new helpers.
Best Wishes :)
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:) It was a good day if I say so myself, 155 graves covered, just recovering lol but, willing to go again, if the weather holds out for us. Just waiting for a date as to when from cancan, 5th Dec maybe?? Let me know. ;)
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5th good for me to. with tools
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Yay, I can do 5th as well :D
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Hi All,
Sorry I couldn't make it this weekend as it was my Birthday and had a few friends round for a wee drink, but will definately make it next time! You're all doing a fantastic job and at this rate the project will be finished in no time. The 5th is fine for me, hope the weather is.
beannie
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Hi,
5th Dec 10am-1pm-1.30pm
Sorry won't be with you, as other commitments
Spatts has generously offered to bring all papers etc., I will give all details to him of which sections etc has to completed or continued.
Tools needed and weather permitting, it's a date!!!
Thanks Cancan :)
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That`s wonderful mancsman, I don`t think anyone could be upset by those strict rules.
The more the project is known the more help there will hopefully be.( says she who did not get there on Sunday!!)
Cheerio and thankyou for all your hard work. Viktoria.
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Where has the website gone ??? :( ???.
Luzzu
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Hi All,
The website was not asked to be removed by myself, as origianlly stated on post and then amended.
The project is as always quoted 'General Cemetery Transcription Project'
I apologised for not having noticed the 'name' but when others asked us why it was called what is was, I asked for the name to be changed. We asked for the website to be about the 'General Cem' but things were going off track.
This project is only 'The General Cemetery', as said on day one at the Cem, if this project was completed to everyones satisifaction the Council said they couldn't see a problem with us doing other Manchester Council owned cemeteries. But this isn't completed and we didn't want to give incorrect info.
I am quite happy to continue with this project until finished. All advise has been taken onboard and I have used and taken with me to the Meetings to help us get our project going. Any input is welcome and ALL is shared and posted, (except the writing of the letters to organizations- this would just bore some). But we always update board to keep everyone informed.
No one and nothing matters except getting the job done, end of.
Now an update: :)
Sorry for not amending the title bar with the next date!!!
I will be hopefully, going to show a part example page of the data base, so everyone can see what it is going to be like and if anyone can give any advise for improvement etc., as always all welcome!!
I am trying to change my plans to get to the Cem on the 5th, as always all help is welcome. The more done, the quicker it is recorded. ;D
Thanks Cancan :)
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See you all there on the 5th Dec, looking forward to getting more 155 done on the last visit, less digging, more pics & transcribing hopefully. I think the snow will hit us next month, then it would get a bit messy.
Maybe we could ask for a Lotto Grant & if the request is granted, we could have monies ready for the Main project next year, ideas on how we would use it would be welcome.
Repairing Walls.
New Fencing.
Stone cleaning materials maybe.
Curb stones placed around Grave stones when laid flat etc etc.
Any ideas at all.
See you on the 5th. Regards Spatts.
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I would ask the Council about lottery funding, the form filling for that stuff is toe-curling and I would imagine Mr DL and his team are experts in the field.
but its a good idea!
:) Barbara
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Hi,
Spatts:
Have taken a look at the website about Lottery Grants, haven't quite got the jist of all of it all, but we are not a registered organization and this seems to be what is needed to apply for a grant.
But I will look into it further? and mention it to Dominic?
This though, I feel would need to be done by someone other than myself, as my own interest is now to only Map/Photograph and Transcribe the cemetery.
Barbara:
Brilliant!! I will contact Dominic, I cannot see a problem, but just to be on the safe side!!
Cancan :)
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I think you have to have Charitable status to apply for lottery funding, as far as I recall from a project here where I live.There was a lot of work involved and as I became ill in the middle of the application I am not at all up to date with the procedure.
It looks as if the weather may dictate whether the work can go on this side of Christmas.I personally can`t get there Sunday Dec 5th, my sister and I have our Christmas get together then, the rest of the time we are tied up with our families, grandchildren etc.
Anyway well done to everyone. Viktoria.
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It is by no means a narrow point to state that it is the photographer alone that holds or is the owner of the copyright in all cases.
Regards
William Russell Jones.
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It is by no means a narrow point to state that it is the photographer alone that holds or is the owner of the copyright in all cases.
Regards
William Russell Jones.
However, we have made agreements with the Council, in return for their assistance, as it were. We are effectively donating our gravestone images to the Council in return for their help in getting them into a publicly accessible format than is free of charge (and as far as I'm concerned, free of copyright). As I have said in my response to your PM, you can see how Cancan's discussions with them went in reply 33, 49, 51 and probably others on this thread.
:) Barbara
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Barbara has hit the nail on the head as far as I am concerned. I thought when joining the project that I gave up my rights to (any) photos I had taken because they were for the Project & Manchester Library. When you volunteer for something, you expect nothing back what so ever, all the people that have posted with, Well Done, thank you & a Pat on the back is sufficient for me, it puts a smile on my face ;D & I appreciate what people have said, thank you.
I'm not sure I have any ancestors buried at Manchester General Cemetary but, if I can have a look at the info when the project is finished, I'll be happy with that.
I know there is a web site concerning this project which I have looked at breifly & there are magazines concerning ancestry who have shown a interest but, I am only interested in finishing the Manchester General Cemetary Project. Maybe when we have finished this project, volunteers can be ask for another cemetary project, of which I may be interested but, until this one is done & dusted, there are no distractions for me, its in a box & labeled, needing attention until complete.
So that leaves me to say thank you to CanCan for asking me to be a part of the (Manchester General Cemetary Project) & organising it from scratch, Mr D.L for getting the go ahead & to (all) my fellow volunteers who have given up their time & the hard work they have put in, cheers, as I drink my coffee :)
So see you on the 5th Dec nice people,
regards Spatts.
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Cheers Mancsman, Now thats cleared up we can get on with the project, hope its a crispy morning like today with a bit of sunshine, lets beat that 155 we did last time :)
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It is by no means a narrow point to state that it is the photographer alone that holds or is the owner of the copyright in all cases.
Regards
William Russell Jones.
The photographer & photographs are irrelevant they are to help the transcribers only.
I believe William is correct.
Copyright remains with the grave owner.
Paragraph 3
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/329/funeral-burials/1102/cemetery_byelaws_and_regulations/4
I cannot see stated anywhere that copyright remains with the grave owner?
As far as I can see the byelaw simply states that a permit is required in certain circumstances, which would I presume will attract a fee.
However, we have made agreements with the Council, in return for their assistance, as it were. We are effectively donating our gravestone images to the Council in return for their help in getting them into a publicly accessible format than is free of charge (and as far as I'm concerned, free of copyright).
:) Barbara
Humm...think you might be incorrect in your assumptions in a legal sense?
Regards.
Steve
-
As far as copyright issues are concerned - I think most of us that are actively involved would prefer to just get on with the weeding and recording!
But thank you for your interest and support Steve, I'm not meaning to dismiss your contribution. :D
We are effectively donating our gravestone images to the Council in return for their help in getting them into a publicly accessible format than is free of charge (and as far as I'm concerned, free of copyright).
what I meant by this was, I am happy to hand over any photos of gravestone images to the Cemetery Department and whoever else gets involved, so that they can help with the project.
Best regards
:) Barbara
-
Hi all :D,
What does everyone want to do about Sunday?
Its not looking good 'cos of the weather and we are working in the worse part of the cemetery which is bad on good day. Do we want to hold off until tomorrow making a decision one way or another in case there is an improvement ::) or shall we decide tonight? :-\
Either way, it was probably going to the last "meet" until after the New Year.
Being positive, the database is set up and the transcribing is going really well. A big THANK YOU to Turnerchimes for agreeing to take care of the Latin transcriptions for us. :)
Hope to have the website up again next week. :)
Cancan
-
Hi,
:)
Whatever you all decide to do, PLEASE KEEP SAFE. The cemetery will still be there when the snow has gone - just been watching Sky News an it looks horrendous although not sure how bad it is in Manchester.
Luzzu
-
Main road here is clear constant flow of traffic keeps it clear. Paths are clearing slowly.
I am up for the meet as long as others are. But I don't want to be stood there like a wally on my own Who can I give my mobile number to if gets canceled on last minute?
-
What a great idea I wish I could help as it's something i would like to do for a church where I was born and grew up, as when i went there the curator told me the buriel records had been lost or destroyed, so i had great difficulty trying to find grave stones for my ancestor's and gave up after 3 hours. My problem is I live 50 miles away and currently working in Nigeria too :D
Can anyone advise me on how to find out if someone has already done it? is there a common web site for Church or cemetry records? such a shame that these will all be lost to future generations if no one cares now!!
thanks Elizabeth
-
Hi Busylizzie123,
When we started this one off, we really weren't sure where to go so as this is a municipal cemetery run by the Council, we approached Manchester City Council who have been fantastic. I think a church graveyard would probably be different though. This is our link to the first thread we did when we started discussing the project:-
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,477484.0.html
There are some good suggestions on there and some good links too as well as another Rootschatter, OldRowley, who is doing a village churchyard project.
I would also suggest contacting the local Family History group and also the local Archives/Record Office to see if what records, if any, survive.
Good luck :).
Luzzu
-
Hi Goldy :),
I think Cancan is offline at the moment but if you PM your mobile number I can email it on to her, no problem :) or you could PM it direct to her.
Luzzu
-
I was not going to
able to join the group this Sunday because of a long-standing annual arrangement with
my sister , well that`s been cancelled due to weather conditions and travel etc.But those conditions
mean I am not risking travelling to or being out in the extreme cold at the cemetery.
The stone seven foot high wall in my Victorian garden made from some quite large stones is all lifting up and is quite damaged, due to the frost . I think some unstable gravestones may have also been disturbed by frost and could be dangerous.
I do urge caution, and think you are all wonderful for even thinking about going.
Best of luck.Viktoria.
-
I am OK for Sunday. We will be 'on the road' to Manchester on Sunday in any case as we have some other stuff to do as well. So I'll PM my mobile no and one of you can text/ring me right up to the last minute. If the meet is cancelled, we will just carry on driving past, no problem.
Bizzielizzie, there is another board on Rootschat called Graveyards and Gravestones http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,160.0.html
might be of interest.
:) Barbara
-
The BBC forecast is 09.00 -2C, 11.00 0C, 13.00 0C, 15.00 -3C, with dark cloud, possible rain or sleat :-[ Not missed any visits so far, so it looks like a last minute decision :-\ I know its getting close to Xmas but, maybe we could look at the 12th as the last day this year? Decisions :-\ Decisions.
Regards, Spatts.
-
Hi All,
I finished work a little early today so I took a trip down to the Cem. Roads are clear, but I wouldn't think it would be great to drive into, especially with those hills/slopes.
Personally I think we should now CANCEL,
I walked into the Cem and it is isn't great to walk in. I slipped and slid all over, even with my 'working boots' on. And walking between Graves you couldn't feel let alone see what was there. Flat stones that couldn't be seen until you slid on them or off them as I did. :-[
As the cold snap is expected to last until the New Year.
I think we should wait for better weather & Temperatures.
No one wants any broken bones at Christmas or time off Work!! :'(
Cancan :)
-
You are right Can can untill the snow has melted not sure what Under foot. Is there any transcribing we can be getting on with?
-
Just signing in so you know I've read the 'cancel' message :'(
I'm happy to transcribe from the pics I took last time, if its any help
:) Barbara
-
Hi all :),
This is the link to the new website:-
http://mgctp.moonfruit.com
Mr DL likes it and is happy with the content and the photographs.
Any ideas, suggestions etc., are always welcome.
Luzzu
-
After viewing the link to your Website,I can only congratulate everyone involved in the project.I have bookmarked the Website.
Regards
William Russell Jones.
-
Hi Luzzu,
:D BRILLIANT JOB!!!! - on the website :D
Manchester Bereavement Services are hoping some maybe interested in forming a 'Friends of The General Cemetery'.
It would entail, as quoted by the Council:
Firstly we advertise a meeting in order to attract interested "Friends".
Then once a meeting is held it is required that a Committee be set up
comprising a Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer. A constitution needs
to be agreed (don't worry we can help with this). The Treasurer would need
to open a bank account and then the "Friends" can apply for funding (again
we can help with this). There needs to be about 4 meetings per year. Now
whilst Council Officers are not permitted to be on the "Friends" committee
we are able and willing to attend meetings and to support and advise where
possible. We currently have two well established "Friends" groups at Gorton
and Philips Park Cemeteries and we have just started ones at Blackley and
Southern Cemeteries; so we are experienced in how successful they can be.
So, if anyone is interested in doing this, you can PM myself and I'll give the contact details to you.
This is completely separate from the Transcription Project as we are not the same.
Cancan :D
-
:) Well chuffed with the site & to be a part of the project, makes all the hard work everyone has put in worth while, looking forward to the next meet & getting more done for the project, plus some pictures to add to the site, Excellent. ;)
Best regards & Merry Xmas to you all
Spatts.
-
Its a fantastic website, well done Luzzu :D :D
The 'Friends' idea is a great idea too, I know one of the local cemeteries up here has one (Torrisholme) and they have achieved great things like cleaning up generally, organising cemetery tours, starting a wildlife area and all sorts.
I think I'm a bit too far away to be much use on the Friends side of things, but like Spatts I'm eager to continue the transcriptions in the new year.
Merry Christmas to you all
:) Barbara
-
Great website. I've bookmarked it to keep up to date with what you are all doing. Hopefully, somewhere in all the Manchester graveyards there will be gravestones of my ancestors - I know where quite a lot are buried, but I guess the stones have long since gone or fallen over.
Lizzie
-
Just to say a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year to you all.
Looking forward to seeing you again in the better weather.
Kind regards. Viktoria. :)
-
Hope everyone had a good Christmas.
Just to let everyone know we have a leaflet/flyer available in both A5 or A4 sizes to publicise the project and to try to attract some more volunteers.
Cancan has taken some to Manchester Library today.
If anyone would like a copy to display on noticeboards etc., at wherever you do your research - may be your local library or LDS centre or anywhere where you think people would be interested, please PM your email address to either Cancan or Luzzu and we will email it by return.
Best wishes for the New Year.
Luzzu :D
-
Happy New Year :D
Just to let everyone know there is a new page on the project website to showcase a series of pics taken by Spatts of the various different gravestone carvings:-
http://mgctp.moonfruit.com/#/symbolism/4546652049
I think the whole subject is fascinating and hope others will too. Hopefully we will be able to add to the collection once the weather improves and the cemetery visits start again.
Great idea, Spatts :D.
Luzzu
-
Thankyou Luzzu and Spatts.The symbolism is really fascinating, and at a time when death was so much more likely from quite everyday illnesses that sort of thing would perhaps help people through,
I hope it did.
A Happy New Year to everyone and yes--- roll on the better weather!
Viktoria.
-
What a lovely idea Spatts, absolutely brilliant :D :D
-
:) Hi Barbara, I only took the pics, Luzzu sorted them out onto the site. The idea at first was to have the pics down each side of info on each page, smaller size of course but, that was the idea.
Glad you & others like the slideshow that Luzzu did, :D now thats done, its a matter of waiting for some decent weather, then Cancan, myself & others can get back up there to the MGC & get stuck in to the project once more. Just hope Dominic dosn't send the teams in before we get done what we can do, then its a matter of following the teams as they lift the stones & do whatever they are going to do & get the transcriptions done.
see you early spring, if not before, :D
regards, Spatts. :)
-
Hi Spatts,
Sorry I couldn't get them down the edges of the pages like you originally suggested but have to work within the confines of a pre-set template which is just as well because I wouldn't have the technical ability to work without one :D. Hope you like how it turned out - good teamwork I would say ;D.
Luzzu
-
:D Hi Luzzu :D I Think its great ;D I couldn't have done it in any way ha ha, well done to you & soon as we get down to MGC, it will be the first thing to do, take some more pics of sheilds.
really chuffed :D
regards Spatts.
-
Hi
:D
There is a small write up about the project on the "News" page of Your Family History magazine Jan 2011. If anyone would like a copy of the page, please PM your email address. Unfortunately they have printed the website address wrongly as when I first emailed them we had the first website up. I followed it up with an update but unfortunately they either didn't receive it or it hasn't been tied up with the original email. I am sure none of us have given up with our research because a website address didn't work and if anyone was serious about contacting us we can be easily found via "Google", nevertheless I have emailed again to let them know it is the wrong website address.
Who Do You Think You Are? magazine are keen to feature the project on a page called "Your Projects" but they are waiting until we can get some "work in progress" photographs because of the style of the article.
I haven't heard anything recently from Family Tree Magazine but they did seem interested. I don't receive a copy of this until a few months after publication as a friend in UK let's me have his copies when he has read them :D. The next time he will bring some out is in May so if anyone reads this magazine regularly please let us know if anything appears.
Luzzu
-
Hi all any news on next meet up?
-
Hi All,
No definite date can be given for the next 'Meet Up' yet, until the weather gets a little better.
3hrs of standing in cold damp conditions in a Cemetery I think would have us all leaving a lot earlier. Plus again there is the issue of safety with the wet leaves and holes etc in the ground.
We also need good daylight for the visible written transcriptions.
I will be dropping off some leaflets to Harpurhey Library, week after next, so I will pop into cemetery to see how things are??
I have to admit I've missed the visits and look forward to it again!! As do others who have contacted me!! :D
When weather improves, I will start posting the dates for visits. Hopefully with the better weather etc., we could try for every Sunday or every fornightly Sunday. As long as I think a minimum of four is there I think we should be all OK.
Thanks Cancan :)
p.s. goldy - did you manage to get chance of visit for snow photo's?
-
Hi how do you want me t o send the pics i have 12
-
I wonder if the magazine "Have Your Say" would publish something about the transcription project?
It is all about the Collyhurst, Ancoats ,Miles Platting areas of Manchester, all areas which would use Manchester General Cemetery before and after the opening of Philips Park.
The website for opinions and reminiscences is :-downourstreet.org.uk.
Address:-Unit, 73.
Cariocca Business Park.
Miles Platting
Manchester . M40 8BB
Perhaps there will be a few more volunteers although most readers are of an age with me---- ie old!
Just a thought. Viktoria.
-
Hi Viktoria,
Great idea!!!
Got your PM, onto it now!!!
Thank you!!
goldy and her husband visited the Cemetery whilst we had all our snow over Xmas & New Year!! And they have taken some great pics of the Cemetery with the snow, they have been added to the Gallery on the website http://mgctp.moonfruit.com/
Thanks all!!
Cancan :)
-
Hi All!!!!
Welcome to the 2011 'Groundwork Dates'
WEATHER PERMITTING!!!
Dates in mind are Sunday 13th February 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 20th February 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 27th February 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Equipment needed - Hoe, or a trowel or a spade. (or ALL!) Stiff brush definitely needed!!
I found a long handle on any equipment saves the back!!!
Good pair of boots!! & Camera
Hopefully we can get a minimum of four to turn up (on each date) and then that day will be definite, the more days we can do the better!!
I myself can do all these at the moment!!! Just add below your preferred day or all the dates you can do!!!
Thanks Cancan & Luzzu
:) :)
WE will add dates soon for March!!
-
sounds good to me. See ya there.
-
I should be OK for 13th, not sure about the other 2 yet.
I'll remember to give you the photos this time Cancan! ::) ;D
:) Barbara
-
:D Looking forward to all three dates & getting there a little early to get some pics of sheilds for Luzzu before you guys get there.
:D So, see you down there with your spades, brushes & so on ;)
Regards,
Spatts. :D
-
Hi All,
I am up for all dates and looking forward to it.
Regards
beannie
-
:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) ;D
Hi All
Thanks for the posts for coming, at the moment we have four minimum for each Sunday, so I think all days are definite.
Fabulous News!!
The Manchester Evening News Newspaper are very interested in our project and would like to do a piece on us!!!
I left more leaflets at the City Library (M/C) today as they were all taken over the New Year.
Fingers crossed for the weather on Sunday!!!
Cancan :)
-
Hi everyone, not able to do this Sunday, Son-in-law`s B/day and we are all going out. As this has been put off since the end of Jan I can`t cancel as it is hard to get everyone together.This was the only date for a while.
Best of luck with the weather.
Viktoria.
-
:( :o ??? ::) :P :-\ :'( :( :o ??? ::) :P :-\ :'(
Hi Everyone!!!
Have been keeping an eye on the weather reports and it looks like rain all day for tomorrow!
Shall we wait until next week ???
Cancan :'(
-
Oh dear, I thought it was going to get better :( :'( yesterday it was only down as light rain for Sunday
If others want to postpone, I'm OK to go next week instead.
:) Barbara
-
further to that last, I've spoken to my chauffeur 8) and we've decided in view of the weather, we'll give tomorrow a miss and go next week instead. As we have a ton of other stuff that needs doing indoors!
Watch the weather clear up now I've said that! ;D
:) Barbara
-
Hi All,
Have just checked weather again, and yes it's still forecasting heavy rain and windy conditions. :P
In view of this, I think it best to CANCEL and try for next Sunday - 20th.
For those who have previously been, we all know what it would be like there!!!
Fingers Crossed for next week Ladies & Gents!!
Thanks Cancan
p.s. I was really looking forward to tomorrow :'(
-
I'm gutted was looking forward to tomorrow.
As I only live 5 mins away if anyone still wants to go please pm me.
-
Hi Everyone,
I was really looking forward too! It's only seven days away, so hope the weather is fine then, pity it wasn't today as it's been quite nice.
See you all next week
beannie
-
:( What a bummer, thought it may brighten up, as its raining heavy now 1.50am, ok, see what next weekend brings.
-
I know any photos you take are going to be the property of Manchester Council, but just supposing you found the grave of an ancestor of a Rootschatter who had just happened to ask you to take a photo of the grave as you were in the area for the day? ;D ;D
I have had kind Rootschatters take photos of graves in Lincolnshire and Scotland for me.
My g.aunt Edith Florence Cockett was buried in Grave 45, consecrated section on 30 March 1894. Any chance of her gravestone (if she ever had one) still being there. She was only 5 when she died.
Lizzie
-
:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Hi Everyone!!!
It is looking good for the weather on Sunday 20th Feb,
they say dry & cloudy!!
Hoping to see everyone Sunday!!!
Times previously stated are same,
and arrangements for lifts, meeting points same!!
Thanks,
Cancan :)
-
:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Hi Everyone!!
We made it!! The weather held for us today !!
Had a great day!! We did longer than planned!!
I think it was nearing 3pm when we left.
Will work out the totals and post on board!
Thanks to: Spatts, goldy, beannie, BarbaraH, turnerchimes
Looking forward to next week! fingers crossed for the weather!!
Cancan :)
-
:D Hi all,
I agree with cancan, it was a excellent day, hard going though, some stones today under a foot of soil but, happy with what we all got done today & looking forward to next week, can't get any harder surely? hope not.
There will be some new pics going on the web site & maybe a video that cancan took, looking forward to seeing that.
More volunteers would be good too ;)
Spatts.
-
Hi Spatts,
Video was taken for Luzzu, as being in Malta, she's unable to see what it is really like! So it is for personnel use ONLY
But it is a good idea for the website! But, have a feeling consents from the Council would be needed, and to be honest don't fancy the hassel trying to find out!
If anyone has any ideas of what they'd like to do or see for the website, just drop us a line!
http://mgctp.moonfruit.com/
Cancan :)
-
:) Hi Cancan,
Hope you got the latest pics I took, the ones through the tops of stones, no transcriptions on them, just distance in background, sent them in a e-mail.
Well, heres to next Sunday, looking forward to it,
regards,
Spatts.
-
Sadly I won't be able to get to M'cr this weekend :'( :'( :'(
Hope to be there for the next outing!
:) Barbara
-
What is the plan for this Sunday ?
Sarah :)
-
Hi Everyone!!
The Weather for Sunday 27th Feb, is not looking good. :'(
Weather reports are for Rain, Heavy at times.
Rather than wait until Saturday night to find out for sure, this is stopping others from making any other plans, if cancelled and leaving people hanging on a thread!
I feel as the weather reports are not looking good or fine, the best thing is to CANCEL Sunday 27th Feb. :'(
We will post dates for March, this weekend.
Sorry!!!!
Cancan :-\
-
Hi All!!
'Groundwork Dates for March'
WEATHER PERMITTING!!!
Dates in mind are Sunday 6th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 13th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 20th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 27th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Equipment needed - Hoe, a trowel or a spade. (or ALL!) Stiff brush definitely needed!!
I found a long handle on any equipment saves the back!!!
Good pair of boots!! & Camera
Hopefully we can get a minimum of four to turn up (on each date) and then that day will be definite, the more days we can do the better!!
I myself can do all these at the moment!!! Just add below your preferred day or all the dates you can do!!!
So, as not to leave everyone dangling about the weather conditions. I will post Friday night before the Sunday Date whether we are going or cancelling due to the weather
Thanks Cancan & Luzzu
:) :)
-
Have you thought of volunteering but weren't really sure what was involved?
Cancan has written a page for the website about what actually happens at our Groundwork Days. The new page, "Groundwork" can be found as a sub-topic of "The Project" on the menu.
Also new pages added "Notable Burials" and "Wildlife" (more pictures needed).
We are also going to have a page about "Soldiers" buried in MGC but are still gathering information for this.
Also six new pics added to the Gallery page and five new gravestone shields added to the "Symbolism" page - thanks Spatts
http://mgctp.moonfruit.com/
Also the MGCTP will be featured in the April edition of WDYTYA? magzine on the "Your Projects" page in an article written by local historian, Alan Crosby.
Luzzu
-
:) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) :D ;D :) ;) ;D
Hi Everyone!!
Weather predicted for Sunday is Cloudy and Dry but cold!, possibly very cold!!
If you able to make it to the Cem, can you drop me a line or post just so I know for numbers!!!
Thanks Cancan
-
Can't do this week I'm afraid :'( :'( :'(
Nice additions to the website :D
next time I go I'll try and photograph as many varieties of tree as poss for the nature section - maybe some are original to the cemetery? although most seem to be silver birch that have seeded themselves right over the gravestone you're trying to transcribe ::)
:) Barbara
-
:) Okie dokie,
See you all down there, don't forget your flask :)
Spatts.
-
Hi Everyone,
Sunday is good for me, looking forward to it!
beannie
-
:D It was a good day, plenty of sunshine & a couple of coffee breaks & it getting easier as we go on.
Looking forward to next week, hope the weather is as good.
Regards,
Spatts. :D
-
Thanks to Spatts, turnerchimes & Beannie!!!
Yes I agree great day!!!
Hopefully next Sunday will be the same for the weather!!
Think we'll pay for it tomorrow though!!
It is taking time having to redo a couple of sections, but were getting there now!!!
Looks like it will start getting easier :-\
Off for a cuppa now before tackling the garden and taking dog for a walk!!!
Cancan ;D
-
I am free this weekend
-
'Groundwork Dates for March'
WEATHER PERMITTING!!!
Dates in mind are Sunday 6th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 13th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 20th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
Sunday 27th March 9.30/10am - 1.30pm
That last one is Census Day!
Are we all going to put "In the Cemetery" for the 'Where were you on the 27th March' question? ;D ;D ;D
-
Hi,
I will, if others will!! ;)
It's the truth!! I spend more time in cemeteries now, than I do at home when I'm not working!
When posting dates I only thought, we'd not get many Sundays in April as:
Sunday 3rd April - Mother's Day
Sunday 24th April - Easter Sunday
And the following Sunday is 1st May - Bank Holiday Weekend (as there is a wedding on the 29th) So a long weekend!!!
Cancan :)
-
Hi All
Weather forecast for tomorrow looks okay - they are saying it is going to be dry so the "meet" is on. Looking forward to a great day. See you all there :D :D
Cancan
-
Can't be there again this week I'm afraid :'( :'( hope you have another successful day!
And good weather, I must say its precipitating with rain up here in north Lancs!
:) Barbara
-
Hi All,
Soooo! SORRY last minute, but we'll have to CANCEL
It is throwing it down!!!
Weather still on TV, shows one channel raining the other dry???
Will try to reach some by phone!!! If you can let me know you got the message, I'd be greatful!!
SORRY!!! Cancan :'(
-
Sorry can't make tomorrow hope it goes ok
-
Just seen the article about your group in April edition of Who Do You Think You Are mag. You're getting famous now ;D as well as giving a boost to Roots.
Keep up the good work, if I still lived in the area I would join you.
Lizzie
-
I couldn't be there today either, hoping to make it for next week
:) Barbara
-
Whilst the rain may have been pouring down on us, we stayed and got stuck in!!
Even with the rain had a great day!!!
Weather - hopefully better next Sunday!!
Cancan :)
-
What is this with all the rain you're having in Manchester ::) We've had a lovely couple of days here in Hampshire as we did last weekend and I'm always telling people it doesn't rain in Manchester any more than anywhere else. :P
-
:) Not a bad day considering,
with Manchester being surrounded by penines is one reason it rains a lot here but, getting stuck in when it rains makes it all the better when the sun is shining.
Can't make next Sunday but, will bring some sunshine back from Lanzarote for the week after, hope you have a good day all the same.
Regards,
Spatts ;)
-
Spatts
I was born in Manchester, but living down south now I'm always standing up for the place when people down here keep on about all the rain it gets. I do remember getting wet quite a lot when going to school and having to hang coats up in the cloakroom during the day, but they were still wet at home time. My memory tells me this was only in the winter though.
Lizzie
-
Hi
:D
New page added to our website, "Press Cuttings" as a sub-topic of "News" and Benjamin Brierley and Edward Meacham added to the "Notable Burials" page.
Weather looking good for the weekend - possibly better than Malta 8) - have a great day.
Also Happy Holidays, Spatts.
Luzzu
-
Sorry couldn't get to today's do, OH had work deadline & poorly middle son was in need of chicken soup and man-size tissues :'(
I've told them they can take me to M'cr next week as a Mothers Day treat ;D
:) Barbara
-
Hi Everyone,
As it is Mother's Day next Sunday I know the majority
will be busy with the family
If the weather is good, I will be going to do some work!!
Anyone is welcome to join me!!
Cancan :)
-
:) Hi Guys,
Back from the relaxing hols, chilled out :D Sorry about this Sunday, I will be at my Mother's but, be back from the 10th onwards ;) Hope it was a good day last Sunday & we have some sunny days to come.
Regards & talk soon,
Spatts. :)
-
:) Hi Everyone :)
As there seems to be a lot happening in April there is only two dates that are possibles
Sunday 10th April 9.30/10.30am - 1.30pm
Sunday 17th April 9.30/10.30am - 1.30pm
Sunday 24th April - Easter Sunday (NO GROUNDWORK DAY)
Sunday 1st May - Extended Bank Holiday Weekend (NO GROUNDWORK DAY)
As usual, if you could let us know if your able to go on any of these dates on the week before each date.
If any dates CANCELLED due to weather, Hopefully I will be able to let you know by the Friday nights.
Weather for this weekend looks dry and bright :D, But you never know??? :P
Cancan :)
-
Hi Everyone,
With Thanks to beannie, goldy & turnerchimes
for coming out on Mother's Day!!!
It was dry, then rained, then dry, then rained, then dry, then rained, then dry!
On way home rain and hailstone!! We timed it just right!
UPDATE:
We have 50% of the cemetery mapped.
Three completed sections - transcribed.
1 very large section 3/4 transcribed
1 other section 1/4 transcribed.
We are able to help the Burial Services to update their paper work, as we have numerous gravestone numbers and names, that they have no record of.
(missing pages from their records)
Looking forward to next week, fingers crossed for the weather!!
Thank you again
Cancan :)
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Hi Everyone,
Even though the weather wasn't behaving today, we got alot of the mapping finished. hopefully next week the weather will be good!
See you all then
beannie
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Sounds like its all going great :D :D :D, wish it wasn't so darn hard for me to get there!
Here's hoping I can make one of the next two...
:) Barbara
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I am around this sunday.
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:) Lets hope its good weather this Sunday, I'll see you all there,
Spatts ;)
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:D Well it was good weather, I'm cream crackered now, excellent day had by all, a few rows then thats half the Cem done. The next half will be a lot easier, no digging or very little.
Roll on next Sunday :D
Spatts.
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Hi Everyone,
Yes weather was great, but sometimes a hindrance as flat worn stones had to be sprayed to show inscription. Need to take more water next time!! Lots of shadows cast, but hopefully all OK!!
Update on message #244
Hopefully we'll have a fine day next Sunday!!
Cancan :)
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At last I can get a lift down and help out tomorrow!
(My birthday treat, a day in the cemetery ::) :D )
:) Barbara
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Happy Birthday, Barbara
:D :D :D
Luzzu
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Thank you, it was happy :D
Lovely weather today and not too much digging this time (not for me and Beannie anyway)
Looking forward to working off the Easter eggs in 2/3 weeks time!
:) Barbara
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Hi,
I agree, absolutely fantastic weather!!
Until next time!! (dates to be announced for May)
Cancan :)
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Hi Everyone!!!
Just an update:
We have been notified that the re-erection programme for the headstones is underway. The team arrived at The Manchester General Cemetery on Monday 9th May to Set Up.
So, good news and possible bad news? As the work is now in progress we need to get those stones who's inscriptions will be lost!
Whilst we have had a great response in help at the Cemetery, we still need more!!
Cancan :)
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Hi Everyone!!!
We arrived at the Cem this morning to find the gates locked!
I think they forgot about us! Will be contacting Council in the morning!!!
The Workmen have definitely started work! :P Whilst it looks better in appearance!
It's disastrous for our project! :'(
>:( Major parts of transcriptions are being lost!! >:(
Personally the team feels it would be just better to lay the stones flat, which is what we mentioned to the Council! But what do we know??? :-\
All hands on deck needed!!! Anyone who can spare even an hour!! Please Please do so!!!
'goldy' had a great day!! Two years she has been searching for her family Gravestone!! Which the Council have no record of!! And she found it!!!
So, what we are doing is very worth while!!!!
So, come along and give a hand!! We do have a laugh!!! It's not all hard work!!!
Cancan :)
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yep fab day finaly found the flipin thing lol nowhere near wher we thought he would be. :o
Had a real laugh today my head wouldnt cope with all the numbers ;D sorry Cancan
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Sorry TOoooooooooo!!
I'll stick to prodding!!! ;D
I couldn't think up or down for numbers!!!! :-[
Lets hope the map will be easy for others to follow in the future!!! :-X
Cancan :)
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Hope I can make it for next week -
and just to say to anyone else who might be thinking about it, don't be put off by the 9.30 am start. I have to travel quite a way and I NEVER get there much before 11.30 when I go. Any amount of help is fantastic, so if you have an hour to spare and you're not a morning person, trot along anyway, it really is good fun :D
:) Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
It will be great to you, if you can make it!!
Yesterday we worked through the rain, until the papers got so wet you couldn't write on them anymore. :'(
Our aim now is to stay one step ahead of the Council Workers!
We have moved to other sections, with the aim of getting as much done as possible, before the Gravestones are re-erected. We know we cannot get all the inscriptions for those that are, but we're hoping to get the majority.
We did have a visitor yesterday whilst at the Cem, a Gentleman got intouch, and we invited him down, as he has been searching for his Family Gravestone, we managed to find and uncover it (Flat Stone) for him to Photograph. And it was nowhere near were he'd been told it was!!
He is going to come on a couple of Sundays to help out!! Thank you!!
Fingers crossed for the weather on Sunday, but, we'll get some big Umbrellas incase!!
There's No Stopping us!!!
Cancan :)
A reply from our visitor:
A big Thank You to you, Cancan and the team for helping me to find my
Great x2 Grandparents grave it's been an exciting day uncovering the
headstone. I've promised Cancan I will donate a couple of Sundays at the Cemetery
to help out she is going to email me some dates and times.
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Any idea what the Council's schedule is? And if its possible to be in the cemetery at the same time as they are working?
Reason I ask is, I might be able to do an extra weekday in a couple of weeks when schools are on half term (with OH or family member, not alone). Or maybe the bank holiday Monday. Middle son is (supposed to be) revising for GCSEs so we aren't going anywhere!
But if the Council are locking people out while they operate the machinery, I wouldn't want to make the journey for nothing
:) Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
Council are slow to reply to emails and even worse to get on the phone??
We were asked by Dominic if we'd like to be there when they erect the stones., as we asked for in the beginning. As most of us work, it is hard for a lot of us to get there. That email was last Wednesday, replied to it, but heard nothing since??
'goldy' offered to do some days and I can do odd Mondays (as day off work)
Awaiting a reply to email sent this morning to Council ::)
Haven't posted for the Bank Holiday Sunday/Monday in case others had other plans, but myself and beannie can be there.
'goldy' popped to Cem this morning to have a word with Council workers to see what the plan and schedule is, and it seems it was a 'No Show' for them, but she has very kindly been taking photo's of Gravestones that are on the ground face up or leaning forward. These are the ones we are hoping to get done before they are planted in the ground. The Stones that are face down are the ones we could possibly miss, unless the inscription is at the top of the stone only, therefore not buried.
We are not locked out, as such, pedestrian gate is open, it is the cars we cannot take in on Sundays, which means parking round the corner at the flats. A couple of ladies visiting the Cem, couldn't get in like us, who were hoping to visit a grave. But we don't want our cars out of site, in the area??
I will try again in the morning if 'No' reply today!
Cancan :)
Good Luck to your Son with Revising and Exams, have Niece same age doing Same!!!
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The idea of planting the stones at the MGCP by the Council seems a bit of a worthless point as regards the project, surely the best idea would be to lay them flat, we can then take pictures of them & add them to the plot plans we have struggled with.
I mean by the hard work of removing soil from the top of stones to get the inscription. If someone from the Council came down & seen what we are actually doing, they would understand that it would be of great benefit to the Project, the Council, Manchester Burial Services & Genealogists struggling to find their ancestor's resting place.
Surely, it makes sence to lay the stones flat, once we have pictures of them & plans of where they are, then it won't matter what the weather does to them over the years to come. I would hope the Council can understand our predicament caused by the decision to plant them into the ground.
We live in hope.
Spatts.
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Hi spatts,
Whilst the Council are pleased the project is happening, they wouldn't allow it to interfere with their plans.
Laying stones flat is the right way of things we think for this Cemetery, but only time will tell?
This is why a project like ours is important to Family Historians & Genealogists. ;D
The fact that we are over 50% completed now, shows it can be done.
Hopefully others will be inspired to ask their local Council to do the same for their Cemeteries, possibly with positive replies to negatives and a little more interest.
Determination, persistence, having a good laugh and recognising the fact that it is all worthwhile has keep us ALL coming each visit.
We've a BRILLIANT TEAM, and we're sure to continue to be friends after!! ;)
Cancan :)
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A member of our team, is taking a well deserved break.
Have a great Holiday Luzzu!!!
MGCTP Team!!! ;D
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:P Showers! Showers! Showers! :P
But it still doesn't stop us!!
We now have 95% of the Cemetery mapped, and it still throws up surprises!!!
A member of the Council Workers Team who is re-erecting the Gravestones has very kindly said he will photograph the Gravestones with Inscriptions that are to be placed below soil level. We are still though going to turn up on days and take photo's ourselves and do our project work!!
I would like to thank 'The Team' for turning up in all weathers!!!
Cancan :)
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;D :o ;D :o 100% Mapped ;D :o ;D :o
Today saw the finish of the mapping of the General Cemetery!
The work being done by the Council is making the Cemetery look a lot tidier, the grass has also been cut, and part of the downed fencing re-erected. Ivy has also been cleared from the gravestones.
We are getting photo's of the gravestones who's inscription is being placed below soil level, so this is a great bonus!! ;D
Dates posted for June, hope to see everyone!! And the weather to stay good!! :-\
Cancan :)
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Well done everyone who has worked so hard.
All who have relatives buried there will be very grateful I am sure, it will be much easier to find them now.
Such a lot of hard work over a long time and in dreadful weather is really worthy of recognition.
So once again well done and thank you .
Viktoria.
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Just received a couple of "thank yous" via the MGCTP website:-
The excellent work being carried out on the Manchester General Cemetery Transcription Project has led to the discovery of my gt, gt grandparents grave and headstone having laid forgotten for all this years. I thank you most sincerely for your efforts. Well done. Colin.
Many thanks to all the volunteers for your dedicated hours of work transcribing and photographing the graves in Manchester General Cemetery. I am in Australia and so am entirely reliant on the work of others to gain this kind of information on my ancestors burials. Thanks to you I have now found the grave of my 3 x gt grandparents and am extremely grateful to you all. Thanks again and best wishes. Shirley.
Luzzu :)
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I'm so pleased we are helping others it makes it all worth while!!!
And Thank You Colin, you have been very patient!! I know you have waited quite awhile!!!
Cancan :)
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Website news:-
Two more graves added to the "Notable Burials" page on the website. James Fielding who was the Cemetery Registrar for some 31 years prior to his successor, Reverend Thomas Grant. The other grave added is more controversial, that of Arthur Horton, a resident of Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, who was a conscientious objector in WW1 and died in Shrewsbury Prison.
Also thank you to Jon from Eastbourne who has signed our guestbook:-
"On a very quick visit to the cemetery i had never been to before i found some of the team photographing and mapping grave sites, i wondered what was going on. They were so helpful and explained the project and were very informative. They told me of this web site and took my email address to inform me of some questions we asked, now who would go this far without being paid. Sadly i live on the south coast and cannot visit regular or help with the project but keep up the good work".
As well as the preservation and recording of the memorial inscriptions at MGC for the benefit of local and family historians, we also hope this project will inspire people in other parts of the country to start their own similar projects. Not to mention the friends we have made and how much fun ;D we are having. As Cancan said in a previous post with 100% of the cemetery mapped and the project 50% complete, we have shown what can be achieved.
Luzzu
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:) Hi Luzzu,
Hope you had a nice holiday, the weather looks a little overcast this morning with sunshine, so I will be setting off soon & meat the team down there, flask of coffee & a bite to eat at the ready & I will be off.
Talk soon,
Spatts.
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Two more thank yous from people we have helped:-
I am totally thankful for the work you guys are doing, you wouldn't believe how many times I have had me and my wife looking through the cemetery only to draw a blank. I would like to thank you for looking for these gravestones for me.
Stan, Droylsden
I would like to thank you very much for your help with the Bennion Family grave 3637. The photos were lovely and I have been able to find more info on this family. I would like to thank all the people that did all the recording of graves.
Jean, Australia
Luzzu :)
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Makes it all worth while don't it ;D
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:o ;D :D ;) :) :o ;D :D ;) :)
Spatts and goldy wondered how many we 'dug out' on Sunday, well good news it was:
41
Brilliant for a mornings work!!! And that's only on 3 rows :P
Dig!! Dig!! Dig!!!
On Sunday 14th we arrived a little later than usual, our reason!!!!
Pic taken by beannie
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:P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P
Well, I never thought I'd say this, but it was to Hot to work in, as we were uncovering Flat Stones. So, we did finish earlier than normal!!
A couple who turned up at the Cemetery searching for their Gravestone, and we managed to find it for them. Under 4-6inches of dirt, but we will be uncovering it!!!
Sadly when we arrived at the Cemetery, the Metal Cabin the Council are using has been broken into. Can these vandals leave nothing alone!!!! Call to the Police, who were quite quick at coming!!
All in All another great day!!!
Cancan :)
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Another success story for our project and our team.
I was contacted yesterday by Barrie in New Zealand who believed he had a connection with Frederick Ernest Nosworthy who appears on our website Notable Burials page. I was able to send him more information and he has now been able to break through one of his "brick walls". He was delighted with our response: "What a response. In terms of time your e-mail reached us before we sent it!!" and this is the message he left on our Guest Book:-
Absolutely incredible for we, down under, to receive really positive help from this programme. The data gained has found links that have assisted to reopen a line that had stagnated for some time. Thanks for the many who have and contiue to build up this site. Grateful thanks from a Kiwi.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Luzzu
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8) :P 8) :P 8) :P 8) :P 8) :P 8) :P 8) :P 8) :P 8)
Another hot day!!!!
Got plenty done!!! But we did leave early 8)
Great News Luzzu!!!
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Some more "thank yous" added to our website guestbook this week:-
alpinecottage
Many thanks to the team for taking on this massive project. Your hard work has led to the discovery and identification of one of the few gravestones that I've traced for my family, which would have remained undiscovered without the team's help. It's wonderful that you have all been prepared to spend so much of your own time to preserve this useful and vital family history information.
Ken
What a great idea.I have been looking for ages to try to find my grandparents John and Ellen (Helen? )who died 1940 and 1942 respectively. On completion of this project,I might get lucky! Good luck and thanks to all volunteers.
Graham & Sue
We visited the cemetery on Sunday 26th June, arriving just as the The Manchester General Cemetery Transcription Project team were packing up. After a chat about what we were searching for the team turned around and helped us to find what we were searching for. Unfortunately, when we found the grave there was no visible headstone. Karen and her team checked the grave and established that the headstone was in fact covered in a number of inches of soil. One week later the team had uncovered the headstone and sent us photographs - confirming that we had indeed found some 'lost' relatives. Many thanks for your efforts and keep up the good work!
Jean
I would just like to thank you very much for your cooperation in helping me trace my families graves. I was overwhelmed with the amount of assistance i received and I can't thank you enough, because it is very difficult to do when you live in Australia.
Thank you again
Also a couple more people added to the Notable Burials: George Edward Lomax, a popular temperance and political speaker and witness to the Peterloo Massacre and James Ogden Fletcher MD who during his medical career was the surgeon at Manchester City Gaol.
Have a really good day tomorrow.
Luzzu ;D
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Hi All!!!
Well, it absolutely bucketed down today. :P So only managed to get the morning for recording transcriptions and uncovering.
Spatts & goldy did a exhausting job of uncovering!!
beannie is working on her project of epitaphs, soon to appear on the website!
beannie also came across today a gravestone that has been re-erected by the Council workers that had a ceramic picture of the lady in the centre of the Gravestone in 1901. Quite a find!! ;)
For those of the team who are holiday 8) at the moment or just going, enjoy and have a lovely time, see you soon! from ALL the TEAM. 8)
Cancan :)
Sadly all the work by the Council seems to have ground to holt at the moment, since the break in of their cabin. We are trying at the moment to find out what is going to happen regarding the Cemetery.
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Hi All,
Sunday 17th July's Ground Work day is :'( CANCELLED :'( due to the predicted bad weather, hopefully it will all have cleared by next Sunday!!
Cancan
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To cheer up all rained-off transcribers a bit - I found this in the newspaper archives..
"An egg was laid on Saturday morning, by a duck belonging to Mr. J. B. Rogerson, registrar of the Harpurhey Cemetery, Manchester; it measured in length 8 inches and in circumference 6½ inches; and weighs a quarter of a pound and 18 grains avoirdupois. the duck is a white one, of small breed, and lays regularly every morning."
Friday, May 24, 1850, reported for some reason, in the Newcastle Courant ???
As I'm not able to get down to the ground work days as often as I'd like, I thought I'd look through the archives for interesting news & burials in our cemetery - this was one of the first items to surface!
:) Barbara
PS article on John Bolton Rogerson, Manchester poet, registrar (and duck-keeper), from dictionary of national biography, here:
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Rogerson,_John_Bolton_%28DNB00%29
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OUCH!!!! Do you think a goose could have hi-jacked the duck`s nesting box?
I can`t get down at all -- my O.H fell and fractured his shoulder and wrist and then went into kidney failure so admitted to Fairfield Hosp as an emergency.He`s unable to drive for the present and I can`t so what with our long -term general health problems we are misssing it all and there are so many of my rellies buried there it is frustrating to say the least.
I never thought that on my wish list would be a visit to a cemetery!!!!
Well done all the stalwarts. Viktoria.
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That's an interesting snippet Barbara. They must have been short of news in Newcastle on 24 May 1850 ;D. Bit of nuisance that he died and was interred on the Isle of Man otherwise he could he (and his duck) could have featured on our Notable Burials section. We'll have to fit him in to the website somewhere though.
Luzzu 8)
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You mean we have no records for ducks? tut! :o :o ;D ;D ;D
There are one or two interesting people in the papers who did oblige by being buried in the cemetery though.
Found an actor, a boxer and a Waterloo veteran so far! I'll send you their details asap
And if there are any more like Mr Rogerson, we could start an 'Interesting Registrars' section ;D
:) Barbara
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Ooh yes Barbara send them through :D.
Still wondering why people in Newcastle would be interested in Mr Rogerson's duck, its egg with such precise measurements too ;D.
Luzzu
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:) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8)
Well, what a difference a week makes!!
Weather was fantastic and we got loads done!!!
The Council have now removed their works cabin after the break-in, and no more work has been done at the Cemetery since the break-in, which is a real shame as it was starting to look better!! Lets hope they haven't given up!!
Hopefully we have more to add to the website, with Luzzu doing a brilliant job of research!!
See everyone next Sunday!!
Cancan 8)
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Two more interesting burials, researched by Barbara, added to the website:-
Samuel Hyde, a veteran of Waterloo and Mary Bradley, the first deaf-blind woman in the UK to learn to communicate by touch.
Hope the team have a really good day tomorrow :D.
Luzzu
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At last I can get down to Manchester for tomorrow ;D ;D
And forecast says I won't be bringing rain like I usually do!
:) Barbara
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8) :) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8)
Hi All,
Weather was great again today!! Got plenty done.
As most are now on holiday's or going. 8)
Next Week the Sunday 7th August is Holiday Day!! I fancy a day off!!
See everyone on the 14th !!!
Thanks Cancan :)
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Any of us who have accessed the Manchester General Cemetery burial registers, either at the Manchester Archives or via the Manchester City Council's Online Burials website will be familiar with the name of Thomas Grant, who was the Cemetery Registrar and Chaplin for 24 years from 1885 until his death in 1909.
A while ago the team found his gravestone and we added him to our Notable Burials page on the website. This week I received a contact from his great grandson, Colin, and we were able to provide him with a photograph of the grave. He has very kindly provided us with a photograph of his great grandfather which I have added to the website today.
Luzzu :)
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HI....If I wasn't living in another country I'd be there in a heartbeat. Some of my relatives rest in that cemetery. GO Mancunians! You can do this!
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:) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8)
Thank You!!! We wish you were here too!!!
If you PM any information on your relatives we maybe able to help!! Or contact us through the project website.
http://mgctp.moonfruit.com/
Another great day, hopefully within the next month, we will be able to give quite a clear update of what's what! (number crunching at the moment!)
Last week whilst uncovering a flat gravestone we found our oldest resident to date 101 years old!!
But things are going splendidly!!!
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I think we are doing better than any of us could have imagined when we started discussing the project last August/September.
Two more items added to our Notable Burials page on our website:-
The Manchester Tragedy - the story behind this inscription:-
“In Memory of Mary Hannah Taylor, aged 11 years; Hannah Maria Taylor, aged 6 years; William Robert Taylor, aged 4 years. Forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. These poor innocents were found dead on 16th May 1862 and to avoid a paupers grave, Mr B Lee received in a few hours from upwards of 300 persons of all classes and sects voluntary contributions sufficient to provide a respectable funeral and purchase of this monument. One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
and as Cancan mentioned in her last post:-
Is this Manchester General Cemetery's Oldest Resident?
“In Memory of Fanny, wife of William Draper of Longsight, who died Feby 6th 1873, aged 62 years. Also Wiliam Draper, husband of the above, died March 21st 1903, aged 101 years.”
Luzzu 8)
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D Another great day :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Weather more or held for us, only once having to shelter under a tree!
Timed it right when leaving, as the walk back to the car - the heavens opened.
UPDATE of PROGRESS:
The Cemetery is 95% photographed of all upright and visible stones.
50% of covered (with soil) Flat Gravestones have been uncovered and photographed.
At the Same time the Cemetery is getting a bit of a tidy up from us!!
We are getting there!!
Sadly the Council haven't re-started the lifting of headstones, whether they are waiting for new equipment or decided to leave it no one is sure?? They did turn up and cut the grass, but sadly re-locked the gates again!
Cancan & beannie would like to say 'Thank You' to John & Val for the choc's!!!
We did enjoy them with our cuppa!!!
We are all pleased that we are able to help Searchers in their quest of finding those elusive gravestones and details. We have many names that Don't appear on the Burials website or in the Burials Registers!!
If we can help!! Just get intouch!!!
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:) ;) :D ;D :o 8) :) ;) :D ;D :o 8)
Well, What a great day for the weather!!
Last night we were touch and go with the weather reports!
Again got plenty done!!
'goldy' how's the bite?
Poor 'goldy' today got a bite from a Red Ant, needless to say VERY PAINFUL for her!!
Possibility that next week will be cancelled, will confirm in the week if that is happening!
Cancan :)
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My ankle and leg came up with lumps in several places that lasted about an hour, burnt like @#$%^&* but eventually went .
Ta for askin . Next time I'll wear my Wellingtons up to my knees
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I have just read your post and I have to say I am amazed! I live too far away and as yet do not have anyone in my family research who is from Manchester (apart from in-laws) I would have loved to be involved in something like this if it were closer to home....well done to you all, you deserve it!
Mandy
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:o :( :'( :o :( :'( :o :( :'(
SUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER --- CANCELLED
'goldy' that was a bad reaction, :o :'( glad to hear it's all better now!!! ;D
Between Ants Nests, Bees Nests, Wasp Nests and Hover flies - who just love to come at us all the time! We've done really well!!
'mandypea' Thanks for the support, it means a lot!!!
Cancan :)
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:D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D
The MGCTP celebrates its 1st Birthday today - 9 September 2011 - Many Happy Returns
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Happy birthday everyone! Do you feel a year older? And fitter, from all the bending and stretching? :D :D
If any of you subscribe to Find My Past, there are now some Manchester Cemetery records online there (links posted by MancsMan in the Lancashire Resources board). They include deaths of workhouse inmates, and some of these were listed as buried in Manchester General Cemetery, referred to in the collection as Harpurhey Cemetery.
These are records compiled by the workhouses, not the cemetery itself (the ones we have been working from) so this is great as its another source to identify some of the public burials if need be. :D :D
:) Barbara
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:) ;) :D ;D :o :-* :) ;) :D ;D :o :-* :) ;) :D ;D :o :-*
Happy 1st Birthday!!
I would like to THANK all those who have supported us and have turned up on Ground Days at the project!!!
To our WONDERFUL TEAM, a heartfelt THANK YOU!!!
1 YEAR TODAY
We posted our idea of Transcribing the Gravestones at the General Cemetery and posted the idea here first on Rootschat.
I have had and still having a fantastic time, I have made some wonderful friends and we have endured all weathers to collect the information. I like to think of us as the C TEAM!!!
The Cemetery is 100% mapped, we are doing a few tweaks at it, at the moment.
We have uncovered 283 flat stones that were completely covered and no visible signs off and have found plenty more covered with soil to uncover.
We have 95% photographed of all upright and visible stones. Soon to be 100%.
Of all photographs taken we have 85% transcribed.
We also have a FULL list of the inscriptions/names of the public graves which was collected from the back of the Cemetery in the late 1950’s.
We have recently found more Public Graves that are not listed in the Burials Registers or from the 1950's transcriptions.
We have plenty of names on Gravestones that do not appear in the Burials Registers.
We are OFFERING a look-up service and can be contacted through the Project Website!!
Which is run by LUZZU and has been doing a FANTASTIC JOB!! We hoping to see her next year on a 'Ground Work Day' - We have a spot all picked out for you Luzzu!!! Bring your Wellies with you!!!
We are Continuing on during September & October with the Groundwork Days and hope still to see our Ground workers. As most of our work left is uncovering!! We still have plenty to do!!
To: beannie, spatts & goldy!!
As we have mentioned at the Cemetery when talking!!
THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Cancan :)
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Cancan's post really illustrates just how far we have come in such a short time ;D. I think we have surprised ourselves with what we have achieved through determination, hard work and a keen interest in what we are doing.
If anyone needs help in locating a grave please contact me either via PM on Rootschat or through the project website:-
www.mgctp.moonfruit.com
We may already have the information you are looking for on our database. If not we will keep a record of your request and get back to you when we are in a position to help.
New addition to our Notable Burials page on the website and appropriately another "first":-
First Church of England Burial
“Kate, daughter of Christopher and Sarah Eliza Sweeting of Manchester who departed this life December 2nd 1848, aged 18 months. First interment in this consecrated ground.”
Whilst Manchester General Cemetery opened in 1837 and the first burials were those of a still born child and Margaret Segate Watt on September 7th 1837, it wasn’t until 1848 that the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend James Prince Lee consecrated part of the cemetery for Church of England burials. Kate Sweeting was the first person to be interred in this consecrated ground.
Also great news from Barbara and Mancsman about the new records, The Manchester Collection, which have just come online :D.
Luzzu 8)
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Congratulations on a wonderful achievement, so many family history searchers for generations to come will be grateful to you all . Your efforts and the splendid results ought to be commemorated somehow.
The weather and other problems would have daunted many people so you are all doubly deserving of recognition.
Well done and kindest regards from, Viktoria.
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Hi Everyone!
I can't believe it's a year already, we have done so much and as Cancan and Luzzu say there is still much to do. I'm so glad that we have such a wonderful team, it's worth all the effort, blisters, ant bites etc., as each week there are more surprises. It is very gratifying to think that we are helping someone to put another leaf on their family tree.
Thank you to Cancan and Luzzu for making my Sunday mornings so worth while!!
Kindest regards
beannie
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:) ;) :D ;D :o :-* :) ;) :D ;D :o :-* :) ;) :D ;D :o :-*
Happy 1st Birthday!!
I would like to THANK all those who have supported us and have turned up on Ground Days at the project!!!
To our WONDERFUL TEAM, a heartfelt THANK YOU!!!
1 YEAR TODAY
We posted our idea of Transcribing the Gravestones at the General Cemetery and posted the idea here first on Rootschat.
I have had and still having a fantastic time, I have made some wonderful friends and we have endured all weathers to collect the information. I like to think of us as the C TEAM!!!
I think it is an A team job - well done to all of you and look forward to seeing the progress in your second year!
Jean
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
If when searching for an Ancestor who was buried at the General Cemetery, don't be off put if you find they have a Public or Pauper Grave, the number which appears does tend to be a long one.
If the Plot Number appears as 18720518, this is actually the date of burial in reverse 18/05/1872.
So, this also means there is also a chance of a gravestone as not all public/pauper graves were at the back of the Cemetery.
The MGCTP have found many!!
If the number appears as Unknown 8234 , there is a good chance there is a Gravestone, as we have Gravestones and when we search on the burials website it comes up as Unknown 8234.
So, always enquire by PM or via the Project Website!
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:D Wow, a full year gone by already, mixed feeling about that, I'm now a year older :-\ maybe if I work twice as hard I won't have this feeling in six months ha ha.
It has been a great experience, the weather is no problem when your having fun & some good laughs with the rest of the gang. At times not everything goes to plan but, hey what the heck, its good to laugh seeing some members running around when they think hover flies are wasps hee hee. Wait till we do the other side near the wall, that should be fun, some big Spiders over there ha ha. :o ::)
Thanks for the fun & laughs to the gang when doing something worth while.
Spatts. :D
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Hi All,
Earlier this year we contacted 'Have Your Say' Magazine after being given the email address about a local magazine that is published.
This morning, I received a telephone call from the Editor of the magazine informing us that we are to have a notice in regarding our Project & Groundwork days, after speaking to her she has said she finds it really interesting and has said she'd like to do a feature instead.
Great News for the Project!!
We continue on!!
Cancan :)
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Oh good, they did not reply so I thought they were not interested .I think the M.E.N. had not shown great interest previously had they.
Anyway I`m very pleased for all of you who have done all the hard work.
It is really news-worthy and will inform even more people that they can now find rellies graves.
Well done again.
Viktoria.
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Hi Viktoria,
Yes they did reply originally, but they were in the process of getting funding, and said they would contact us, when they got it!
I'm really pleased too that they Remembered us and thought our project worthwhile!
M.E.N. did respond, and as they were busy they were supposed to contact us, thanks for the reminder, :-[ I'll get on the phone tomorrow to them. Sometimes I forget things, have lots to do!!
As they weather is now starting to change we need to get as many Sundays in before we have the Winter Break. Although it was October last year when the first Meeting at the Cemetery happened.
We are having great success at helping those contacting us for the location and pic of their family grave. We have another two to do this Sunday.
Cancan :)
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Good news about "Have Your Say" magazine and thanks for the contact Viktoria. Looking forward to seeing the feature.
I am sure the MEN will want to do something too once Cancan gives them a reminder :D.
I have just done a project update for WDYTYA? Magazine, Family Tree Magazine and The Manchester Genealogist.
Have a good day tomorrow :D.
Luzzu
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8) :D 8) :D 8)
Hi All,
Weather was Brilliant Today, got loads done again!!!
beannie & Barbara really got stuck in!!!
Had a good laugh!!
See you next week!!
Cancan :)
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You are doing an amazing job! Well done - this is a real achievement.
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Thank You!!!
Having a good laugh and a great time!!!
Those Hover Flies are still making us do the 'jungle dance!!!' ;D
Just glad we are the only ones who see us doing it!!!
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi All,
Good News!!!
It has just been confirmed by Mr Lunn, that The Cemetery Bereavement Workmen's Team is to resume it's work of Re-Erecting the Gravestones at the General Cemetery.
This is Brilliant News for the Cemetery and the Project!!!
And we only talking about it yesterday at the Cemetery!!!
Cancan :)
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Excellent news indeed! Thanks for posting Cancan
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:D Thats great news Cancan, hopefully they will take the gear with them & leave the gates unlocked so we can get the cars in. :D
Spatts ;D
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The MGTCP have recently located and recorded the grave of John Owen, author of the Owen Manuscripts. It is a flat gravestone and was totally covered by grass and soil.
John Owen (1815-1902)
“In Memory of James Owen who departed this life October 22nd 1848, aged 75 years. Also Alice, daughter of John and Mary Ann Owen, who departed this life April 15th 1858, aged 2 years 14 weeks. Also Samuel Fox, late of Deansgate, corn dealer, who died December 16th 1867, aged 68 years. Also Mary Ellen Owen, who died November 15th 1865, aged 17 years. Also Mary Ann, wife of John Owen, died December 19th 1876. Aged 50 years. Also John Owen who died January 18th 1902, aged 86 years.”
Born in Bolton le Moors, John Owen was the author of the famous Owen Manuscripts. He died on January 18th 1902, aged 86 years. The Owen Manuscripts were his life’s work and took around 60 years to compile. He travelled extensively around the region gathering information comprising monumental inscriptions, parish registers, genealogical, architectural and archaeological information. His historical notes include a history of Manchester and a collection of the MI’s from both inside and outside of the Collegiate Church, some of which have been lost forever or which have been covered or are now inaccessible. He was a draughtsman and the collection includes drawings of houses, churches and gravestones. The collection is accessible via Manchester Archives.
Luzzu :)
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Thankyou very much for that Luzzu. t There was a Rootschatter a while ago keen to find the grave of an ancestor whom it was believed was buried in Cathedral grounds, but no record avilable.
Walkers Croft was mentioned as a possible burial place as it was a sort of "overspill" burial site for the Cathedral, but of course that`s under Victoria station .
Thanks again for that info. Viktoria.
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May I congratulate you all on one year as a team, a brilliant achievement and the work you are doing is invaluable in preserving the history of Manchester, my praise to you all.
I would also like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the team who helped my find a family grave at the Manchester General Cemetery, it was amazing that you were kind enough to help me out and I am so happy ;D
Matt :)
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:D Hi all,
We had a good day on Sunday, got quite a lot done, suffered a little with some ant bites but, the savlon took care of them :-\
Cancan got some very good shots for the web site concerning wildlife & one that had the girls in stitches :o as to what it said on the gravestone, :o maybe Cancan will put them up on here but, I'm sure they will be going on the web site for sure ha ha. ;)
Thanks for all the good wishes, Cancan is organising a picnic for the 16th Oct to celebrate our 1st anniversary of the project & there will be a cake that Cancan will tell you all about in due time.
Best regards :D
Spatts.
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:o :D ;D :o :D ;D :o :D ;D
Well Done the Team!!!
55 Flat Stones uncovered on Sunday!!!
Painkillers are definitely needed spatts!!!
Picnic is on the Sunday the 16th October!!!
The little funny epitaph, one liners are always the best!!!
(below)
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Cancan, I am having trouble with posting replies and P.Ms .I have tried to reply to you thanking you for the invitation to the Sunday meet.
Unfortunately My O.H. is really not well enough and is still not able to drive.
Hopefully we`ll meet up one day,.
and congratulations again to all the team .
Viktoria.
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:( :'( CANCELLED SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER CANCELLED :( :'(
Sadly due to the Weather Forecast of Constant & Heavy Rain predicted tomorrow, I thought best to cancel.
Hope to see everyone at the Cemetery next Week for the picnic
Keeping fingers crossed for the weather!!!!
Viktoria, sorry to hear you won't be with us next week, we will be posting pics on the website of the day!!! As we have a couple of things planned!!!
Give my best to your hubby, Take Care, Cancan & the MGCTP Team :)
Missed off last posting - whilst we uncovered 55 Flat stones, in total we done 173.
(Each stone dug out can take 10 minutes for each person - but our wonderful team work together as a TEAM and have a good sense, rhythm & judgment of what needs done for preparing the stones for recording and photographing!!)
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:D Sunday 16th October :D
Weather looking good for Sunday!!!
Hope to see everyone!!!
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
We're having a DRY DAY TOMORROW!!!
Just cooking!!!, all anyone needs to bring a drink!!!
Meeting time 11.30am
I don't think we'll be doing any work ;D
See you tomorrow!!!! ;)
We will be taking plenty of photo's, so if anyone wants to put their lippy on and do their hair, I've given notice!!!
spatts - excluded from the lippy only!!! ;D
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Have a great day 8).
Luzzu
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I don't do lippy either Spatts, but I'll put my best earrings on :D
Will try to get there for 11.30 from oop north!
:) Barbara
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Hi All,
Can do lippy and sunglasses, but not earings!
See you all there, I can't believe it's a year already, it's been good fun and met lots of good people and lets not forget loads of hard work, worth giving up my Sunday lie in for!
See you all in the morning
beenie
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Hi,
I have just remembered that I heard the Mancunian Way is closed all this weekend. :-[
So anyone coming from the South of Town will be hitting possible delays in traffic. :P
A diversion is in place along Fairfield Street, Whitworth Street, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate and the Bridgwater viaduct.
"Manchester City are playing on Sunday so drivers have been warned of extra delays that afternoon." ::)
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Today we are celebrating the MGCTP's 1st Birthday in style. Thanks to Cancan's sister for baking the cake and to her niece and nephew for the excellent and very apt decoration. Great job :D.
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:D :D :D STOP PRESS :D :D :D
Just heard the Manchester Evening News have joined our celebrations this morning.
Aren't we all pleased we remembered our lippy?
Luzzu
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:D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D
Well, we got up to rain this morning, will we ever learn not to listen the Weatherman ??? But by lunch time it had cleared away.
Brilliant Day had by all!! Quite a bit of a detour around Manchester to get to the Cemetery, but we made it!
Manchester Evening News Newspaper came and took plenty of pictures, although a couple of us were camera shy!!! Hi-Ho!! Hi-Ho!!
Hopefully we will be told which date we are to appear in the paper!!
Stuffed ourselves silly at the picnic, though we did get quite a few looks from passersby, I think they were wondering 'why we were having a picnic in the Cemetery!!'
Grateful thanks for all those who have constantly volunteered and constantly turn up in all weathers and for the continued support of the Project with the constant encouragement!! THANK YOU!!!
1 Year!!!, :o looking forward to the next!!! :-*
Hi Ho!!! Hi Ho!!!
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Congratulations to you all - and what a fantastic cake!
I wish Gloucestershire wasn't so far away, but I still hope to join you for a day sometime. In the meantime, all I can do is send greetings and encouragement :D
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I`m jealous, green with envy and all that but at the same time so pleased for you all.
Really glad the weather held for you.
Smashing cake and great sense of humour, well done whoever made it.
Congratulations to you all .
Viktoria.
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:D Congrats to all on the 1st anniversary :D
I may have come in drag but, draw the line at shaving my tash off ha ha, Excellent day, the buffet & the cake were fantastic, thanks Cancan. Think everyone deserves a pat on the back for what has been done over the past 12 months.
Will be there next sunday, weather permitting.
Spatts.
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Love the pictures, and what a great cake - wish I could have been with you.
Do let us know when you are headliners in the Manchester Evening News! ;D
Jean
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re that super cake----- the flat gravestone right at the front on its own, with a few flowers at the base is one of my family`s, I recognise it from photos mancsman kindly sent sent me some time ago.
Famous at last!!!
Cheers, Viktoria.
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Another great day, got loads done!!
A Really warm day for October!
We had another visitor who we were able to show exactly where their Family Gravestone was. Another Success!!
Hoping to complete the section in the next three weeks if the weather is good to us!! This then we can announce will make all visible stones 100% completed.
Just need to uncover the remaining flat stones, as mapped we know where they are, so will be easy to locate and complete!
:) :)
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Hopefully a dry day tomorrow!
Keeping fingers crossed that we can get to the end of November like last year for the Ground work Dates before we take a Winter Break!
All hands needed if poss to get section completed before Winter Break ;)
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Can't be there tomorrow I'm afraid, it is youngest son's birthday - he is strangely unimpressed with the idea of spending it in the cemetery! ;D young people today eh?
Have a good time
:) Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
I'd much rather spend my Birthday doing what I wanted if I were his age!!!
Many Happy Returns!!!!!
Have a Great Day!!!!
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Have a good day and I hope you have a few volunteers to help you out on your marvelous project,
it was a pleasure to meet you yesterday in Manchester,and if I lived closer ,I would be there to help you all today,
Best wishes,
I hope the sun is shining, Gillian
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
A great day for the weather, really warm and loads of sunshine!!
Got loads done again, and found three more successful lookups!!
Keeping fingers crossed for the next three Sundays with the weather!!!
Gillian - Lovely to meet you yesterday, We'll have to do it again!!
Journey home pass quick with the books?
We may have put the clocks back an hour but upon leaving the Cem it certainly felt as if we'd done an extra hour!!!
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Two new messages from the website guestbook following requests for grave searches.
Jan
SLOANE/HARDMAN/ROBERTS ..Thank you dosn't seem adequate to explain my feelings for you finding and photographing my G and GGmothers grave.
I have searched the graveyard a few times and was unable to find it. Many years ago the office at Philips Park could not tell me if there was a headstone or where the grave was, saying that the records had been destroyed.
I can now visit the grave and pay my respects.
John
I would just like to thank the team for helping me locate the gravestone of my Great, Great grandfather. On my first visit to the MGC I just didn’t know where to start but with the help of the team I was able to find the plot and get a great photo of the stone. It is clear from my visits that there is a lot of good hard work being put in by the team so a big thank you to you all!
By the way, the comment on the web-site about wildlife is spot on. Some very interesting species to be seen.
The number of visitors to the website has now exceeded 5,000.
Luzzu :D
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
We have just had it confirmed we are to be in Thursday 10th November's Edition of the Manchester Evening News!!!
Looking good for tomorrow with the weather!!!
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
With everyone being busy bees, there was only the two of us again today
Thanks beannie!!!!
For quite a few times now there has only been the two of us, but we get loads done!!
Almost completed the last section for visibles!! Then will be 100% completed on visibles. We now know how many need to be uncovered and will work on those next year!! Council workers will re-erect fallen face down gravestones and once those are done, it just a matter of finishing transcribing, which is moving along great!!!
Will soon be wrapping things up for the winter!! Maybe sooner than we thought as we are ahead of the planned schedule. ;D
Cancan :)
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I dunno - some of us only turn up for the cake ;D ;D ;D
I will get down for one more before we hibernate, I promise!
:) Barbara
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Remember the item about Mr Rogerson's duck Barbara found during her search of the newspaper archives:-
Newcastle Courant 24 May 1850
"An egg was laid on Saturday morning, by a duck belonging to Mr. J. B. Rogerson, registrar of the Harpurhey Cemetery, Manchester; it measured in length 8 inches and in circumference 6½ inches; and weighs a quarter of a pound and 18 grains avoirdupois. The duck is a white one, of small breed, and lays regularly every morning."
We have just received a contact via our website from John Bolton Rogerson's
3 x gt grandson, Michael, who found the item amusing and wished us well with the project.
Still puzzled why the item would be of interest to readers in Newcastle-upon-Tyne though. ??? :D ???
Luzzu
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Cancan has compiled a list of the war graves the team have found at Manchester General Cemetery and we have put the list on the project website:-
http://mgctp.moonfruit.com/#/soldiers/4557191916
Luzzu
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Website is looking better and better! And it looks like you have lovely weather for today :D :D
Middle son has flu :'( so could not get down this week. Fingers crossed for next week! If there's anything left to do that is!
Did the project get into the MEN? Shops don't stock it in north Lancs unfortunately so didn't get chance to look
:) Barbara
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Another great day!!! Weather Fab!!
Only seven rows left to complete section!!
Myself & Beannie worked hard!!!!
Workmen have arrived back and have finished one section of the Cem, sadly they are only re-erecting the fallen Gravestones, it seems if it is leaning or partly buried under soil there not touching, which is a shame! If they do the job proper now they won't have to go back in a few years to re-do???
A job done good is a proper job!!!
Have emailed Council a couple of times recently but rather slow to reply! (if)
Manchester Evening News - No we weren't in!!! I have telephoned and left a message for the reporter - Pamela Walsh?? but if we get a reply??? Really disappointing!!!
Fingers crossed for the next two Sunday's and then our Winter Break!!!
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I hope the sun shines on Sunday for you and Beanie,such a shame you cant muster up a few more volunteers in your area,I would be there with you, if I lived in Manchester,
You are amazing,the amount of groundwork you have achieved is unbelievable,such a dedicated person,I wish you well and hope you manage a winter break,
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :o ;D :D ;) :) ;D :D ;) :)
Weather looks GOOD for tomorrow
Not arriving until about 11am
See you in the Morning!!
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:o ;) :o ;) :o ;)
A Very Very WINDY Day!!
After uncovering flat stones we gave up brushing them until it came time to record them, the wind was so strong it was even blowing the soil back onto them!!! Still we had a good laugh!!!
ErrorSPAM
REPORT THIS POST AS SPAM (Use 'Report to Moderator'). DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THIS POST. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS PERSON.
]Grateful THANKS to Barbara for traveling down from Lancaster to help with the uncovering, with myself & beannie we all got the last 7 Visible rows completed.
Although 7 rows doesn't sound a lot, when your uncovering it is!!! Now the Cem is 100% done of ALL Visible Stones.[/color]We will be popping in next weekend to record the stones re-erected by the Council Workers, although a few have been missed :-\
Work will resume in 2012, it will be mainly uncovering flat stones so plenty to do, although we have uncovered lots as we have gone along!!
Again many Thanks to the Team for their continued support and attendance!!!
See you ALL next year!!!
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A huge well done to the team members who have turned out to work in Cemetery on Sunday mornings :D.
Just over a year on, the MGCTP project is going much better than I think anyone envisaged when we first came up with the idea. This is 100% due to the hard work, determination and dedication of the people who have been turning out in all weathers (remember the snow last winter) to uncover, map and photograph. Without your hard work, there would be nothing for us to transcribe. You are all amazing.
Thanks Cancan for being a fantastic co-ordinator :D.
Luzzu
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All being well, there will be an article about the MGCTP in the March issue of Family Tree Magazine which comes out on 24th February 2012.
Luzzu :)
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In the current issue (February) of WDYTYA? Magazine, there is a "Death Record Special" and in an item advising readers on locating an ancestors grave they have used a screen shot from the MGCTP website together with screen shots from Manchester Online Burials and Manchester Archives and the cemetery plan for Southern.
We think it is wonderful that they are showing the sources available and Manchester seems to be leading the way and our project is included.
Luzzu :)
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Found this by accident whilst browsing :D:-
http://www.madaboutgenealogy.com/2011/12/02/manchester-general-cemetery-project/
Luzzu
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Just been in to find a grave
Has the headstone restoration stopped completely?
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Hi Ken,
The work hasn't stopped but possibly may have slowed down a bit given that its winter and the ground will have been frozen at times. The gardeners are in at the moment and have got rid of loads of ivy, trimmed trees and cleared branches etc., that were lying all over.
Luzzu
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:) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Really pleased to say we are in the March Edition of Family Tree Magazine!!!
We have been dedicated 3 wholes pages for 'Luzzu's' piece.
A fabulous piece of work ALL her Own words and NO editing Cuts from the magazine!!!
Brilliant Job!!!! Perfect again!!!
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Hi Ken,
The work hasn't stopped but possibly may have slowed down a bit given that its winter and the ground will have been frozen at times. The gardeners are in at the moment and have got rid of loads of ivy, trimmed trees and cleared branches etc., that were lying all over.
Luzzu
Thanks Luzzu
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Gosh, thanks Cancan. Somebody is blushing out here in Malta :-[.
Just wanted to add that without the hard work of the team members who turn out in all weathers to work in the Cemetery, there would be nothing to write about.
So very proud to be a member of a wonderful team and, all being well, looking forward to joining you in the Cemetery for a couple of Sundays in May.
Luzzu 8)
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I've just found the magazine & brought it home - it has Actually Impressed My Children :o well the youngest one anyway
Bless!
Its a great article, well done Luzzu.
:) Barbara
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I read your article, Luzzu, yesterday in the newsagents. Really good piece, especially in view of the fact it wasn't edited at all! Well done!!
Also Rootschat got a mention a few pages further on in the same magazine - described as "a popular family history forum" or words to that effect - fame x two! ;D
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Hi All,
Well done Luzzu! A fabulous article about the project, although I noticed the absence of photos of certain people who shall remain nameless (one in particular), hopefully it will get even more people, especially more volunteers for this very worthwhile project.
beannie
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Hi all,
There was also a nice piece with pics :D in the NE Manchester Advertiser on
8 Dec 2011. We have only just got copies thanks to a resident who had saved us a copy. I was hoping to attach a PDF so it could be downloaded but am having a bit a trouble :-[. Feel free to PM your email address if you would like a copy and in the meantime I'll keep trying to attach it.
Luzzu
PS. Its attached now :D. Not the best scan as its a bit close to the typing but hoping to get a better copy soon so will redo it in due course.
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As well as people asking for grave searches at Manchester General Cemetery, we receive a large number of enquiries via the Manchester General Cemetery Transcription Project website for help in finding graves at cemeteries other than Manchester General.
We set up a page on the MGCTP website covering the cemeteries that we are asked most about but we need to extend that now and find we don’t have the space to cover everything we need. We also think its important that the MGCTP website only includes information about Manchester General Cemetery. We have therefore set up “Manchester Cemeteries”, a sister website for the Manchester General Cemetery Transcription Project website.
We wanted to try and answer the most frequently asked questions we are asked and also include some of our cemetery finds, such as the memorials at Southern Cemetery for the Chorlton Union, Wesleyan Cheetham Hill and Walkers Croft reburials. We are also offering grave searches at Southern Cemetery as well as Manchester General. We can also offer help with checking monumental inscriptions from the various cemeteries/churchyards featured.
This is the link to the Manchester Cemeteries website:-
www.manchestercemeteries.moonfruit.com
The website is at an early stage but we are hoping that it will develop into a useful resource especially to those researchers who aren’t familiar with the Manchester area.
Luzzu & Cancan :)
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Let's do it!
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:) ;) :D ;D SUNDAY 25TH MARCH:) ;) :D ;D SUNDAY 25TH MARCH:) ;) :D ;D
SUNDAY 25TH MARCH 2012
10am until when we want to leave
Hi All,
The weather seems to be good for us, so we are now starting to head back to the Cemetery for our 'Groundwork Days'
It is all about the digging now!!! We have, we think a rough estimate of 400-600 flat stones to record.
Hoping to see everyone again!!!
Will update if anything changing via 'the weather'
Cancan :)
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Best wishes for an excellent "Groundwork Day" on Sunday, the first this year.
Latest thank yous and comments from our website guest book:-
I have recently found this website through a family history mag and been in touch with them regarding my past kin who are buried in the cemetery.Their replys to my queries have almost been as fast as CONCORDE.I cannot say enough praise for their help to me,they have really surpassed themselves.The work they are doing for us family historians is fantastic and there is not enough praise i can give to them.Their work they do for us is so rewarding,keep up with your excellent project you are doing a great job.You have my most heartfelt gratitude for your help you have given to me,God bless you all.
Having seen the article in Family Tree magazine re your project, many thanks for your assistance and prompt reply to my efforts to locate the grave of my great great grandmother Hanna/Anna Morris from Belfast, buried in November 1857 in Harpurhey Cemetery. I visited the Cemetery two years ago and was sorry to see the vandalised state of the graves and headstones. Keep up your good efforts for the benefit of others!!
Having found several ancestors were buried in Manchester General Cemetery, I wished to find where the graves were located. The Project helped to identify that the graves were marked with gravestones and were able to provide photos from their database. One stone had been excavated prior to the photo being taken, and has been re-covered over again. I would never have found the grave on my own. Thanks to everyone in the Project and for responding very quickly to my query.
Luzzu :D
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Hope I can be there on Sunday, not sure just yet!
:) Barbara
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:) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8) :) ;) :D ;D 8)
Looks like a great weekend for weather!!!
Thanks to those who have been intouch, see you down there!!
:) ;) :D 8) :D ;) :)
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Hope you had a lovely day, sorry couldn't make it this time, boys need starting off on their dreaded Exam Revision (we have had letters from teachers! ::) )
Hope to be there next time - am definitely in Manchester on April 15th :D
:) Barbara
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8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Hot!!! Very hot!!!
We got loads done, which was great with the weather being so hot!!! Especially when digging!!!
Gained a lot of new information.
Cemetery is looking a lot better than when we first started there in 2010.
Council are still working on erecting Gravestone, and in areas they have done it looks tons better!!
Grass cut regular, trees and bushes pruned and cleared away.
We noticed that there are a lot more visitors to the Cemetery as lots of Graves have new flowers left on them. So it seems the Council are getting there!!!
Next Groundwork day April 1st 2012
Lets keep our fingers crossed for the weather!! We seem to be having Sunshine at the moment!!!
Cancan :)
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Just added more soldiers to our website page. We now have 86 in our database and as work continues the team are confident of finding more.
Some of them are from gravestones which until recently were either buried or lying face down. Don't forget, if you are related to a soldier on our list, please contact us. We can provide a photograph and location of the grave or memorial (some are not actually buried in the Cemetery but have had their names inscribed on the family gravestone).
Luzzu :D
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Hi,
Posting on behalf of Cancan who is having a nightmare with her broadband/telephone company and consequently has no connection at the moment and probably until after Easter.
There will not be a groundwork day on Sunday, 8 April 2012 because its Easter Sunday.
If anyone needs to contact Cancan in the meantime, feel free to PM me.
Luzzu :)
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do we just turn up with trowels in hand lol
i'll come on sunday if i can get a baby sitter,
I was in the cemetery today, its so sad to see how badly neglected it is :( trees growing right through gaves, glass everywhere, broken stones :'(
i do have a question though, where is the consecrated section :-\
ConsecratedSection- 1268
for example :-\
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Hi Sezzle,
Something a little bigger than a trowel - Spade!! :D
We have all upright & visible Gravestones mapped & transcribed.
All that is left is the flat stones to uncover. Some are only a couple of inches of soil, others deeper.
If you PM your email address to me, I can notify you of any last minute changes due to weather. Too wet we cannot dig. Good pair of boots needed!! ;)
It would be great to see you!!!
Consecrated at the top of the hill & the right hand side up the hill! Plus part of the middle section. Plus part of the left hand side up the hill.
Our website will soon display the new Map of the cemetery with all the plots on.
But if we can help with any info just PM the details. Is it C1268 your looking for?
The Cemetery is all but closed to burials, only two have happened in 2 years, so not in use much. Council have to spend resources on open cemeteries, but it is a lot better than in 2010 when we first started the project.
Cancan :)
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i have a spade;D but no wellie bobs and their deffo needed after todays experience lol
I have 13 graves to find (and im finding more relatives there by the minute lol)
I enjoyed looking today though, reading some really beautiful epithahs and some really sad ones too :)
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Will definitely be there with spade and, hopefully, spade operative ... my mum! :)
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Hope to be there too!
With my own spade! ;D
:) Barbara
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Hi Ho!!! Hi Ho!!! it's off to work we go!!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone and new volunteers!!!
Remember snack and drink!! Shop though across road!!
Cancan :)
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Hi Cancan
I'm not being Dopey! ha ha!
Looking forward to Sunday and meeting the new volunteers, the more the merrier.
See you all then
regards
Beannie
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:) ;) :D :) ;) :D :) ;) :D
Brilliant Day!!!
New Voulnteers really got stuck in, so plenty done!!!
Cold but sunny, back next week hopefully!!!
Cancan :)
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i really enjoyed it ;D roll on next week lol
on another note, i was talking to my mum about the baby in the fireplace grave, she said she had always wondered where that was and then said that what had happened was a mother was nursing her baby infront of the fireplace and she fell asleep. At somepoint the baby rolled off her and into the fireplace.
She has known this story since the 70s.
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Well done for finding Samuel Hyde's grave - one of our Notable Burials and our Waterloo veteran. Barbara researched Samuel Hyde last summer and made contact with his American descendents. At the time we were unable to locate the grave but yesterday the team found it. I hope they will be delighted to see a photograph of their ancestor's grave as the team were when they discovered it.
Thanks for posting the story about the baby grave, Sezzle. That is really sad. I am going to change the website to reflect both the versions of the story. Just shows how stories change and alter as they are passed around.
Two more Soldiers found as well yesterday and added to our list - CQMS Thomas Murray and L/Cprl James Andrew Brodie, both of whom lost their lives in 1914. We have also started a CWGC photograph gallery on the website too.
Luzzu 8)
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Our latest Notable Burial:-
Robert Rose (ca1806-1849)
Robert Rose called himself “The Bard of Colour and Laureate of the Western Isles”. He was described as “a wealthy gentlemen and not a native of Lancashire”. He was believed to have been born in the West Indies although details of his early life are unknown. He lived in St Stephen’s Street, Salford and in the early 1840’s was Vice Chair of a Literary Group which met at The Sun Inn on Long Millgate, opposite Chetham’s Library, known as “Poet’s Corner”. Robert Rose met his untimely death, aged 43, on 19th June 1849 in a Salford police cell. He was arrested a few hours earlier in a drunken state having consumed “an incredible quantity of alcohol”. He was buried at Manchester General Cemetery on 21st June 1849 and his gravestone was inscribed with the following verse:-
"I’d rather have my tomb bedew’d at eve
With the lone orphan’s or the good man’s tear
Who softly stole at twilight here to grieve
And sobb’d aloud — the friend of man rests here
I’d rather have this quiet humble fame
Than hollow echo of an empty name"
Unfortunately the team have been unable to locate his gravestone and believe it is no longer in existence. Chetham’s Library however hold examples of his work.
Luzzu :)
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And have we mentioned this already?
John Bolton Rogerson, the Cemetery Registrar (the one with the duck! :D) was also one of the Poet's Corner poets
http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/gone/poetscorner.html
:) Barbara
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I believe John Bolton Rogerson and Robert Rose were good friends and JBR officiated at Robert Rose's funeral.
Luzzu :)
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:( :'( :( :'( :( :'(
Sunday 22nd April CANCELLED
Due to Weather
Hopefully it will resume next Sunday!!!
Cancan :(
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:'(
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Number of visitors to the MGCTP website tops 10,000
:D :D :D
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:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
CANCELLED Sunday 29th April CANCELLED
Apologies
due to the bad weather of heavy rain and winds predicted for Sunday
we are cancelling the Ground Work Day.
Hopefully we will be there on the following Sunday. :)
Cancan :)
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I can definitely come on the following Sunday, ie 6th May. However, it's a bank holiday, so will everybody else be up for it? :)
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I'll try and bring some good weather with me from Malta for May 8).
Luzzu
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When we first discussed the idea of mapping and recording Manchester General Cemetery , we never anticipated our project being the success that it is just 18 months down the line. Our motive was purely to provide an additional resource to help fellow family historians and the project is totally voluntary. Our team members spend many hours both working in the Cemetery and transcribing and collating the information collected.
We have found information in the Cemetery that wasn’t in the public domain before, particularly with regard to the graves and memorials for local soldiers and servicemen. As many of them are not actually buried in MGC, their names do not appear in the burial registers or on the Online Burials website. They are of course commemorated on the CWGC memorials and website, but there is no indication, in many cases, that memorials exist in MGC. Their names have been added to various family memorials within the Cemetery, many of which are buried (and have been re-covered after the details have been recorded for preservation purposes) and therefore are almost impossible to locate.
It appears that other parties are using the information and presenting it as their own. As one of the principal objectives of the project is sharing information, all we ask is that if other groups do use it they at least acknowledge the work and dedication of the MGCTP volunteers.
Luzzu and Cancan :)
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are we on for tomorrow ;D
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;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D
Yes!! Yes!!! Yes!!!
Weather for tomorrow is looking 'Dry But Cloudy' just like today!!!
See everyone tomorrow, should be there about 10.15 am, ALL welcome, we've plenty to do ;D
Cancan :)
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Mortified!
No internet access all weekend until mid-morning on Sunday, so I didn't get the confirmation until it was too late to get there and make much of a contribution. :'(
Hope it's a successful day and fingers crossed for next weekend. :)
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:) ;) :D ;D 8) ;D :D ;) :)
Sunday 13th May
Hoping for good weather
Sunday 6th May - another great day!!! Weather was great!!!
See everyone on Sunday!!!
Cancan :)
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Hi all
Looking forward to another dig on Sunday 13th. Will definitely be there with new tools and jaffa cakes!
:) :D ;)
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well the jaffa cakes have sealed the deal for me :p
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Hi,
Looking forward to Sunday and to meeting everyone.
Luzzu :D
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:) ;) :D ;D 8) ;D :D ;) :)
Weather predicted to be fine!!
See everyone there
Work and then meal!!!!
Cancan :)
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8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Brilliant Day Again
Weather was great!!!
49 uncovered including 1 fantastic find!!!!
'Luzzu' finally met everyone in person, and boy did she work!!!
(cannot wait to see how your feeling in the morning ;D
The whole team really got stuck in and we all had a great day!!
A few really deep ones which 'JohnTheIguana' really worked hard on!
'BarabaraH' & 'sezzle' enjoyed their gardening!!!! ;D
'goldy' always find that extra one!!!
'beannie' - never parted from her hoe - again got stuck in!!
Lovely meal!!!
Thanks to everyone 'The A Team'
Cancan :)
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well i was really disapointed :(
not one jaffa cake in sight :P
Had a lovely day with some lovely ladies :)
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We had 'chocie hob nobs!!!!'
Not sure where you were!!! Think you were busy with Barbara with your tree!!!
But we stuffed our faces :D
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aaaah im not a hob nob kinda gal LOL
have literally just got home and sat down, ended up watching my friends kids as one of her boys is in hosp so been a right busy bee today ;D
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Sorry Sezzle!!! Couldn't get jaffa cakes so had to bring the chocolate orange mini-rolls instead. Sorry if you missed out on those as well - ya musta bin too bizzy diggin'. Will make it up to you next time - I promise it'll be jaffatastic!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)
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I preferred the hobnobs anyway!
I trust the photos have been deleted by now? You know the ones... ;)
:) Barbara
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:o what photos :o
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I think you escaped the photos Sezzle :) but there was one of me with that darn tree that I wasn't too keen on!
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BOYYYYYYYYY do I ache today youshould have seen me wadling on my crossing this morning lol
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Enjoyed meeting everyone in person at last although through Rootschat I felt I knew you all already.
What a team!!! Really pleased to find the "notable" we had been looking for. It was well worth the hard work digging it out.
Sorry BarbaraH, I have the photos (but I can be bribed though 8)) and Cancan certainly knows how to take a flattering shot ;D. No worries, though, I have no intention of posting photographs of my backside or anyone else's :D.
Once the painkillers had kicked in this morning Cancan, Luzzu's mum, Sezzle and I returned to do a few more this morning.
Will be fully recovered and raring to go again next Sunday. Everything crossed for fine weather.
Luzzu
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:o soooo tired!!
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Weather was Brilliant
Twenty Two uncovered today
Luzzu had another Great Day!!! Left very tired!!
Back to Malta tomorrow with all her info and pics, she'll be very busy!!!
Two weeks have passed very quickly!!!
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well i was glad the jaffa cakes made came along lol,
Was lovely meeting you Luzzu :D
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Off back to Malta today for a rest 8).
Seriously though it was fantastic meeting everybody.
Must be getting used to digging now as not aching anywhere near as much as I was after the first Sunday.
Luzzu
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8) 8) 8) CANCELLED Sunday 27th May CANCELLED 8) 8) 8)
Can you believe it, Were CANCELLING due to the weather being too HOT!!!
We think it is a little to hot to be digging in the heat that were are having and tomorrow is predicted to be warmer than today!!!
As we don't want our brilliant team to have Heatstroke we are going to leave it until next Sunday!!!
We go from one extreme to another!! But at least the weather is FANTASTIC!!!
See everyone next Sunday!!
Cancan :)
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Our car also has heatstroke I think, so couldn't have got there tomorrow anyway!
Certainly is too hot for digging, I tried to do a bit of gardening today & lasted about 5 minutes!
:) Barbara
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:'( CANCELLED - SUNDAY 3RD JUNE - CANCELLED :'(
Due to the predicted Rain for Sunday, I'm posting early to cancel as with it being the Jubilee Weekend I don't want to leave it last minute for those who were going to come enabling you to make other arrangements.
Fingers crossed for the 10th June.
Everyone one have a lovely weekend :)
Cancan :)
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Hi all,
Is it still on for tomorrow 10th June?
:) Barbara
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ooo id like to think it is but after all the rain today im not sure....
Hey Barb:D how is thee :D
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Missing the spadework and hobnobs! ;D ;D
I'm able to get there tomorrow so if its on, see you then :)
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Leaving today!!! Sorry !! forgot to log on had a busy week.
Ground will be sodden after all the rain we've had this week so not good to dig.
Hopefully we'll be able to make it next week
Cancan :)
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Just received some team pics from Cancan to put on the project website but thought I would share a couple here too. Loved meeting you all and really wish I could take part more often. If any newcomers want to get involved, everyone is welcome. We are a friendly group. Just watch the posts on this thread for when we will be down at the Cemetery (usually Sunday mornings) and just turn up. Everyone gives as much time as their personal commitments allow. As well as being really interesting we have a lot of fun and spending the morning digging gives you a great workout. If you value your nails though, I recommend a pair of marigolds :D.
Luzzu
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CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED
CANCELLED Sunday 17th June CANCELLED
Sadly once again the weather has not been kind to us, the Ground at the Cemetery is absolutely Sodden. So once again will not be good for digging or clearing off the Gravestones.
Lets keep our fingers crossed for next Sunday
Cancan :'(
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:'(
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:'( :'( :'( :'( Sunday 24th June :'( :'( :'( :'(
Sadly once again the 'Groundwork Day' for Sunday is CANCELLED, is the weather ever going to get better for us?? Six weeks now!!! Missing our Sunday's!!!!
It's now the longest we've not been except over the winter break!!
Once again fingers crossed for next Sunday!!
Luckily all the hard work that has been done in the passed few months has meant that Transcribing is still continuing. :D
Fingers crossed for next week!!!
Cancan :)
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:'( :'(
Grass will be waist high by the time we get back!
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:'( :'( :'( CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED :'( :'( :'(
Once again we are having to cancel! ::)
Just watched the weather report for tomorrow on 3 different TV stations and each one gives a different prediction, but they are all mentioning Rain!!
So, once again fingers crossed for next Sunday and anything else we can cross to try and get a decent day to do some very needed digging.
I did have a drive down this afternoon and the area we are working is very sodden, as we've heard when we've been there befor,e we can hear the water in the ground running down the hill when it has been raining.
Cancan :'(
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:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Thank goodness we have plenty of transcribing to keep us going.
Whilst transcribing we have had an interesting but sad :'( find. A set of quadruplets, 3 boys and 1 girl. Sadly two of the babies died at 24 hours old, one at 36 hours and the last at 40 hours and they were buried together.
I was wondering whether quadruplets in the 1850's were unusual or whether we just never hear about them because they didn't survive.
Luzzu
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Hi
Dont think can make the 8th July,how regular will this be as could possible do the one after that. Its a really good idea and am sure will get lots of support!
;)
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Hi Cupidsarrow,
Thanks for your vote of confidence. The project is going really well, much better than we ever thought it would when we started.
As to when we meet, it all depends on the weather and who is available but Cancan normally posts on this thread on a Saturday evening. Meets are on a Sunday morning from around 9.30 a.m./10.00 a.m.
Everyone is welcome. The more the merrier.
Luzzu :D
PS. If you haven't seen it already, this is our website:-
www.mgctp.moonfruit.com
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CANCELLED CANCELLED Sunday 8th July CANCELLED CANCELLED
Well, keeping everything crossed hasn't helped!!
Sadly once again we are having to cancel the Ground Work Day for Sunday :'(
Maybe we could sing the age old childhood song 'Rain Rain go away, come back another Day' or maybe in our fondest wish of the moment!!! Next Year!!!
All crossed again for next Sunday :D
Cancan :)
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Email from Council today to say workmen going back this week after a break!!!
They were needed else where for a while!! :'(
Hopefully if weather good this weekend we'll be going!!! ;D
Cancan :)
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That's good news. Let's hope they leave them working at MGC for a while now so they can make some progress.
Luzzu :)
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:D ;D 8) :D ;D 8) :D ;D 8)
Finally!!!! some good weather for Sunday :)
Hope to see everyone!!!
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Totally peeved that I missed ya'll on Sunday, I got there late :(
Fingers crossed for this sunday x
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Another Manchester Tragedy
(research courtesy of Rootschatters and MGCTP team members Beannie and BarbaraH)
41 year old, Martha Ann Carr was found dead at her house in Harpurhey on July 5th 1912. She had been strangled. When the police arrived, they found her husband, who they believed committed the offence, sitting in a dazed state staring at his wife who lay on the rug in front of the fire. Two of the couple’s children, who were in the house at the time, raised the alarm by their screams. It seems that her husband, James, had been in poor health and unemployed for some time. Financially they were desperate and his former colleagues at Cawley’s bleach works in Blackley had made a collection which had raised more than £8. Just before Martha Ann was found dead, a workmate was on his way to the house to give them the money. James Carr, a finisher’s labourer, aged 44, was subsequently charged with murder. Evidence was given that he was a sober, industrious man who had lived happily with his wife, however, he had been out of work for some time and suffered from depression. When the case came to Crown Court in November 1912 the jury was dismissed as Mr Carr had been certified insane and had been sent to an asylum. Martha Ann was interred at Manchester General Cemetery on July 11th 1912.
John Alexander Moss (1808-1867) and Mary Moss (1812-1897)
(with thanks to Rootschatter, Dotty, for her research assistance)
The inscription reads “John A Moss, who departed this life, April 9th 1867, Aged 59 years.He was for 13 years Master of the Borough of Salford Ragged & Industrial School. Also Mary MOSS, Wife of the above, who died March 27th 1897, Aged 85 years”
Salford Ragged and Industrial School opened on August 14th 1854 in the former Salford Workhouse building at the junction of Broughton Road and Garden Lane. John Alexander Moss and his wife, Mary, were appointed Master and Matron of the School. They had previously worked at Mr Ashworth’s British School at Egerton, Bolton. Industrial schools were seen as a tool for “drying up the sources of juvenile vagrancy and criminality and for training young outcasts of society in the fear of God”. Children, of both sexes, who were living on the streets of Salford, unprotected, were to be brought to the school and “raised from their degraded state”. They received instruction in the scriptures, useful knowledge and industrial training. As nearly all the scholars would have been previously dependent upon begging, the schools also provided a daily supply of good, plain food.
Luzzu :)
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If you are searching for a burial at Manchester General Cemetery and your ancestor is buried in “Public Ground”, he or she may be buried in the area pictured . There are several public areas within the Cemetery but we believe the burials identified on the Manchester City Council burials website by a long number, which in effect is the burial date in reverse, i.e. 18640821, will be buried in this area. The location is at the back of the Cemetery and at the moment it is separated by a wire fence from the Consecrated section. On the Cemetery plan which is currently available, the area photographed is shaded in black.
http://www.twbaird.co.uk/cemplans/harpurhey.html
Public graves containing large numbers of burials, i.e., Unknown 97 containing 120 burials, we think are situated in other parts of the Cemetery and we will post pictures in due course.
The Public Ground section in the photographs contains public/common graves. There may or may not have been a payment for a burial in this area as any public/common grave could also contain the remains of paupers.
A common grave was a general term for a grave belonging to the owners of the cemetery in which no private burial rights existed. Common graves were filled over the course of a few days with the bodies of unrelated people who died during that period and who could not afford a private grave (although there would have been a payment for a burial in a common grave). Sometimes (but not often) there would be a simple inscription (name, date of death and age) on a flat gravestone. This would depend on what the family could afford at the time.
Any common grave would probably contain some paupers as well. A pauper was defined as a penniless person and the cost of their burial was borne by the Board of Guardians (i.e. public expense). The term "paupers grave" was never used officially and they aren’t identified as such in the burial registers.
We haven’t been able to work in this section as yet due to the prevalence of Japanese knotweed, which is being treated by Manchester City Council.
Its also worth mentioning that some of the people buried in this area have been commemorated on memorials on family plots in the Non Conformist and Consecrated sections of the Cemetery. Presumably when the person who was buried in Public Ground died, the family were unable to afford a private grave but when this was purchased in later years, family members buried in common graves have been remembered on the headstone of the private grave even though their remains are buried elsewhere in the Cemetery.
Cancan & Luzzu :)
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:) ;) :D :) ;) :D Sunday 19th August :) ;) :D :) ;) :D
Hopefully the date above is the next Groundwork Date
Weather Permitting!
Drop me a line if you can make it! :)
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Finally a decent Day for Weather!
Popped down to the Cemetery today and managed to get a few things done. But no uncovering. :'(
The ground is absolutely water logged. :'(
The workmen have been pulled out of the cemetery that were erecting the gravestones as it was deemed to dangerous for them due to the sodden ground. They will of course be going back when the weather and conditions get better. The difference it has made to some sections of the Cemetery can be seen, there now looks a lot more Gravestones, where before it looked a little sparse in sections.
The Wall of the Cemetery which runs round the side of the Cemetery on the old Cemetery Road is presently being re-built. So, this has made another improvement.
So, fingers crossed, if the weather is kind to us, we are hoping to get back to some uncovering of flat stones.
It has been a bit of a disastrous year for uncovering due to all the rain.
So, hoping possibly for some better weather between now and the end of November to get back to uncovering.
We are asking for as much time as anyone can spare to help us to catch up with uncovering.
Will be checking the weather all week with fingers crossed!!!
Hoping to see everyone next week!!
Cancan :)
Next Ground Work Date: Sunday 9th September 2012
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Are we on for tomorrow ladies? Xx
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Hi Sezzle,
Yes we are there tomorrow!! Finally some sunshine!! (Remember the juice!!)
Not digging, only doing some re-mapping!!
Will arrive abt 10am and we are finishing abt 1.30, as some of us have other commitments for later.
Poor beannie got a massive blister last week!! and has just told me she got bit on the foot by a nasty bug!!! Boots for everyone!!
Will be great to you!!!
Cancan :)
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Hi all, hope you had a good 'do' yesterday!
Been on holiday last two weeks in August and then off to family party in Wiltshire yesterday.
Poor Beannie! It seems like whenever I've been able to go this year its been rained off :'(
Hoping to join you next week if poss
:) Barbara
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Hi All,
Don't worry about be I'm fine, it's amazing what antibiotics can do!
I'm made of stern stuff!
See you all Sunday
Beannie
:)
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As Usual checked the weather reports on a couple of channels and guess what they both say something different - nothing unusual there then is there?
It is predicted Rain, seems it only went away for one Sunday!
Not sure whether to post a cancellation now or wait for the morning to see, what they say for the weather?
Not much help I know - Sorry!!
Cancan :)
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Well, after checking the weather this morning both TV channels again have different times of when the Rain is arriving? Between 11-1pm.
Will pop down but only to do some re-mapping, if the rain does arrive we will be leaving, so I will leave it to yourselves if you want to come today?
Would like to say typical British weather, but checking our dates of when we went last year we done great for Sundays!
Cancan :)
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Well, another dry day for us in Lancashire tomorrow ;D
Aren't we lucky, as seeing the weather reports for tomorrow night and Monday look horrendous :'(
Mapping again tomorrow, won't make the same mistake as last week, missing off a whole row and sitting on mobile phone and breaking glass screen.
Will bring the 'spade'!! sezzle incase you make it!
3 Sundays in a row, hoping for next week as well, hopefully our luck is changing weather wise, even though Autumn is arriving!
See you tomorrow!!
Cancan :)
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Fingers crossed I should be able to make it this week, I had no baby sitter last week so was pretty gutted, mum said she doesn't need the spade now lol typical pft
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CANCELLLED Sunday 30th September CANCELLED
Cancelling tomorrow as just seen the weather report and it is predicted to rain. Rather than leave it last minute posting a CANCELLATION gives everyone chance to make other plans. Fingers crossed for next weekend!!
Cancan :)
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Gadzooks ... have been off the radar all summer, but was hoping to get back down to some hard labour again tomorrow. Still, best laid plans & all that! :o
Away next weekend so keeping everything crossed for 14th October! :D xxx
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Sunday 7th October
Well the weather is predicted to be dry on Sunday but cloudy!! with out breaks of sunshine!!
So, keeping fingers crossed it stays this way for us!
Still doing some re-mapping rather than digging, apart from clearing soil from re-erected stones, ground would be too waterlogged, and last time we were there it doesn't seem to be drying out, but there again it doesn't seem to stop raining :'(
Cancan :)
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Cannot be there tomorrow sadly :'( hopefully next time
Have a good day
:) Barbara
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Hi,
Two new pages added to the website - Timeline and Stillborn Burials.
If anyone has any interesting items for the Timeline, I would be pleased to receive them.
With regard to the Stillborn Burials - we have now compiled an index for Manchester General Cemetery. This will never be published online, however, we will be pleased to check for names, addresses etc.,
We are also hoping to get our new plan of the Cemetery on the website very soon together with photographs of the different areas.
Number of visitors to our website has now topped 16,000 :D.
The rain and bad weather may have left the Cemetery waterlogged and slowed down our progress with the digging and uncovering but it has given us the opportunity to catch up with the transcribing and the time to make progress with the mapping.
Luzzu :)
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I've just stumbled across this thread and I can't tell you how excited I am. I need to go through each page to see what you've all been up to.
I live in Canada and went to the cemetery a couple of years ago to try and find where my ancestors were buried and to get photographs of the stone. I spent about five hours going row by row and I had no luck in finding the stones.
I'm thrilled that you've taken on this project and can't wait to see the results. I thank you all for your hard work, determination and effort. It's truly appreciated.
Diane
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Hi Diane,
Welcome to Rootschat and thanks so much for posting on our thread and for your comments :D.
We will be pleased to try and help you find out whereabouts in the Cemetery your ancestors are buried and if there are stones, we can send you photographs.
Please feel free to send a PM (personal message) to either Cancan or Luzzu - you need to make 3 posts on Rootschat to use the PM system. Alternatively, visit the project website - www.mgctp.moonfruit.com - and you can use the "Contact Us" page to get in touch.
Luzzu :)
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Oh my gosh! I'm beside myself with happiness.
One more post and I'll PM you. I just went digging through my papers and I have the grave number.
Thank you Luzzu!
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Just one more post and I'll stop spamming. I went and checked out your website - it looks fabulous.
I just wanted to add that I actually have an original funeral card for Benjamin (Ben) Brierley's daughter Annie. Maybe you would like a copy for your website? Let me know.
Diane
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Just got your PM and I have emailed Cancan about your grave search request. Fingers crossed we will be able to help.
We would love a copy of Annie Brierley's funeral card. Thank you so much.
Luzzu :)
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Good news ;D ;D ;D
Just heard back from Cancan and we are able to help with your grave search. Photograph and location on its way to you this afternoon by email.
Thanks once again for sending Annie Brierley's funeral card.
Best wishes,
Luzzu
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PLEASE HELP US ...
Have you searched for your ancestor's burial using Manchester City Council's Online Burials website but in doing so have found the name of your ancestor has been mistranscribed or misspelt?
http://www.burialrecords.manchester.gov.uk/
With the continued and valued support of the Bereavement Services Team at Manchester City Council, we hope to be able to help them make as many corrections as possible.
Probably this will be done on completion of the MGCTP but in the meantime we would like you to contact us with any mistranscriptions or misspellings.
Cancan and Luzzu :D
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Alice Books..should be Brooks.. buried 09/12/1942 Philips Park Cem. Consecrated Section.. L 527
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Thanks Babling Brook. I've added Alice to the list.
Luzzu :)
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Hiya luzzu and cancan is there any chance you could get a photos or information on my ancestors grave tombstones its Henry bruckshaw and Hannah bruckshaw buried in Manchester general cemetery I would love to see there tombstones :)
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Sorry I forgot to add consecrated section grave 362 would be lovely if you could get me a photos and if readable what it says .i live in Sussex by the sea so am miles away would love to go myself one day in the future
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Hi,
C362, is in Church Plot 1, there is no headstone, the was one originally, as the plot register states there was a Full Headstone, this area was badly vandalised. At in the 1970's and 80's lots of stones were removed due to vandalism.
I can tell you that the Grave Plot was purchased by Frederick Carter
deed no: 1860.
I will send you a PM to ask for your email address and we can send you a map of the exact location.
Cancan :)
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Hi,
As we can see from our little icons with their Santa Hats - Winter is now here. The MGCTP will now be on Winter Break until Feb/March 2013 Weather permitting.
I would like to say A Very Large Thank You to those who have turned up to the Ground Work days this year, even in the very bad weather. Especially 'Beannie' - finally I have bought that flask
Hopefully next year for the weather will be better than this year. Next year is to be DIG DIG DIG. And all hands greatly appreciated. As all covered gravestones have been re-mapped and those not too deep will be uncovered, but now that they are all re-mapped on our new mapping system it is easier to locate them.
New updates and information will be added to the website over the winter, and Manchester Council have now, I believe, finished re-erecting the gravestones in the Cemetery.
We are still open for business of lookups, photo's etc., via Rootschat & the MGCTP website. And A Big Thank You also to LUZZU for her wonderful work on the website and research. Looking forward to seeing your again in 2013 - bring those Marigolds!!!
:) ;) :D Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year To A Fantastic Team! :) ;) :D
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thats awful its a shame those vandals have ruined the headstones and taken them :( ,thankyou for your help though
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Enjoy your winter break,its been a very bad year for groundwork,I hope you have some new volunteers in the New Year,
Best wishes to you and your team,Gillian
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Hi Cancan,
Looking forward to joining you next May for some digging and uncovering - yes really :D. The project has been a pleasure to work on and so interesting. Thank you Cancan for your hard work, determination and co-ordination.
Luzzu 8)
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Hi Gillian,
We're hoping to do a big push on the volunteers for next year to complete the project.
All hands welcome!!!
How's your project doing!
Cancan :)
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Sorry it is not possible for me to volunteer if I lived closer I would but I live at the very bottom of England bye the sea
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Actually ,
Cancan my project is still going on up ,at St Albans in Earsdon Northumberland,slow progress,due to bad weather,this year,I have now one helper ,who is great, but like me, small for her age,we have hacked back so much ivy ,you can nearly access the hidden head stones,and we have found many interesting epitaphs of which we record,sadly the local Tyneside council is not at all supportive of our efforts,they came in last year,for the centenary of the Hartley disaster,laid a new path down from the church,tidied up a bit,and then disappeared of into the mist again,so we will plod on under our own steam,compared to the jungle I first encountered on my first visit,when I started,with a lot of care you can get into the woods and search for your ancestors,resting place,so if anyone reads this and lives in the North East you would be welcome to join us,tools needed and strong gloves,call into the Cannon in Earsdon,first,the land lord or lady will tell you if I am around,due to me having to drive three hours to get there,from Cumbria,its usually a Wednesday,
Have a great Christmas,and the next time I am coming down to Manchester ,I will let you know,
Gillian,
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due to me having to drive three hours to get there,from Cumbria
Three hours! Thought I was batty to do an hour's trip!
And I'm not even the one doing the driving! ::)
Haven't been much help this year, we were rained off every time I was ready to go - except for that one time it was too hot!
Hopefully I'll get there more often next year
Merry Christmas!
:) Barbara
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Three hours! Thought I was batty to do an hour's trip!
Nope, your just batty in general :p
well lemme know when we can go catch up again, im missin it summet rotten! i have recruited my sister so i have a sitter :D
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weather seems to be brightening up a bit..... any plans to start up again soon? :-*
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Hi sezzle,
Getting ready to go back for March hopefully!!
Hopefully better weather than last year!! Fingers X
Cancan :)
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Hi All,
Weather slowly getting better even if cold!!
How about trying for next Sunday - 3rd March 2013
Usual time abt 10.00am
Hopefully weather stays dry and we can get work done, plenty to do!!!
Cancan :)
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Hi y'all
Definitely up for diggin' on Sunday, weather permitting. And hopefully, Noah's flood, aka "summer 2012", will not be repeated in 2013!
:) :) :)
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baby sitter being booked in the morning;D ;D ;D ;D
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If transport available, will be there! :D :D :D