It’s surprising how much is involved in running even a small organisation such as the Friends of Teignmouth Cemetery. Here is a flavour of what we do and what members can help with.
Clearing Graves. What the public sees mostly is the practical ‘gardening’ work in clearing graves and creating garden areas in the cemetery. This can range from ‘simple’ weeding to clearing anthills to trimming grass around war graves to the much heavier work of ivy and bramble clearance. We have a broad plan that we work to which has evolved over time based on experience and lessons learned. See HERE.
Saving the buildings. The Friends were formed originally to find a way of restoring the buildings for community use. So far this has involved preventing an adverse planning application going ahead, submitting an Expression of Interest in the buildings, preparing business plans acceptable to Teignbridge District Council and creating a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The work continues as we seek to secure a lease on the buildings and then begin their restoration.
Special Projects. The largest single project we have undertaken was the special war graves clearance and subsequent ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
History. As we clear graves we research the people buried there. Sometimes there is nothing to find, sometimes there is some genealogical history, and occasionally some fascinating stories emerge. A selection of these can be found on our “Tales from the Grave” page which can be found HERE.
Publicity. With hard work and commitment comes recognition. But for us to keep going longer-term needs continuing finance, volunteers and community support. So promoting awareness of what we do is vital. We run this website and our Facebook page. We endeavour to get publicity in the local press and give presentations to local groups. And we try to keep a photographic record of what we do, encouraging local photographers to take part too. See our “November Gallery” HERE, for example.
Fundraising. The bulk of our expenditure historically has gone on tools and equipment related to the clearance work in the cemetery. This has been funded largely through grants from the local town council and district council. We are also grateful for the many donations we have received from people appreciative of the work we have done on their family graves. Our longer-term plans though for restoration of the buildings will require a significant effort in raising finance for the work.
Organising. All of the above needs planning, organising, administration which rests on the shoulders of the committee.
We are always looking for new committee members!!
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Teignmouth Old Cemetery 