Grave yard etiquette

[MrsLizzy]

They should certainly be photographed and the images safely stored in a central database somewhere. 

I wonder if there's a clever way of photographing stones that have worn, that could reveal the inscription?  A sort of x-ray?

[millymcb]

Good point.  They could make it part of the agreement when they give them planning permission that they at least do that. Like when they find archealogical relics and have to record it all before continuing.   

[MarieC]

I agree.  Just wiping out gravestones is criminal, in my view!! 

MarieC

[PaulaToo]

Yes indeed, putting aside the respect to the dead side of the matter, graveyards and gravestones are a part of this country and its history. The monuments to the ordinary people are as important as the ones to the rich and famous.

[LizzieW]

I sent a request to someone who I found on a website listed on Rootschat, asking if he would be able to photograph the grave of my grandad in a cemetery in Aberdeen.  He suggested I contacted Aberdeen council asking for the "lair" number.  It took the council about 2 days to reply with the details and asking for my address so that they could send me a detailed map of the relevant cemetery.  They sent me the maps within another couple of days and all at no charge.  So well done Aberdeen.

Once I had the info, the man I had contacted in Aberdeen very kindly visited the cemetary.  Unfortunately, there was no headstone (I hadn't expected there to be one), but I received beautiful photographs of the grave area.  When I e-mailed my thanks, I commented on the good state of the cemetery, I received an e-mail back that said,

Despite Allenvale being close to the city centre it is a well-maintained and quiet place. There are full-time gardeners there and it always looks in splendid condition. .

So at least some councils are happy to care for their cemeteries.

I am going to e-mail the person who took the photographs to see if he is happy for me to post one on here to show you all, what a well cared for cemetery should look like.

Liz

[LizzieW]

I've now had a reply from Colin Milne the person who kindly took the photos for me and he is happy for me to post them on here.  His website if anyone else is interested is: (e-mail address posted in error now removed)

The photo shows the grassy site of my grandfather's grave, no gravestone though, at Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen.  It just goes to show that a cemetery can be well looked after.

Liz

[millymcb]

Yes they do seem to look after it very well.   

There appear to be some stones in the middle of the path  .... have they been moved there for some reason do you know?  (eg if they fell over or had to be moved from original site?). 

Just thinking if they can relocate fallen stones.. then other cemeteries can do it too...not just dump them like they do up in Philip's Park, Manchester's where many of my ancestors are.

[LizzieW]

Millymcb kindly sent me a pm to say I had quoted an e-mail address instead of the website.

The website is:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nescotland/

Please don't all e-mail Colin, unless you want him to do something for you.

Liz

[LizzieW]

Milly

I don't know why the stones are placed as they are.  It just looked to me as though they had all been moved to the edges of the paths, so that it was easier to mow the grass.  I will e-mail Colin and ask him, he is bound to know.

I do know that there is no stone for my grandad but at least his piece of grass is nicely kept.

Liz