Harrogate Borough Council
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Friends Group for Stonefall Cemetery
ONE thing that cemeteries have in common is that
they all bear sad testimony to the loss of a loved
one. Yet they are often beautiful and tranquil
areas in the centre of busy towns, where people can come and
remember loved ones or just simply to enjoy the peace and quiet and
perhaps spend a few moments in quiet reflection.
Harrogate Borough Council is keen to make sure that the
service it provides at Stonefall Cemetery meets the local
communities needs and, to give them the chance to have some input
into how the cemetery is managed, bereavement services' staff are
now considering creating a Friends' group for the cemetery.
A similar group set up for Pateley Bridge Cemetery has
proved to be very successful.
Whilst it may be true that all of us at sometime will have to
manage the process that surrounds the death of a loved one,
relative or friend, many of us shy away from understanding the
process
Philip Andrew, Bereavement Services Manager, believes that the
many people who have never visited Stonefall will be amazed to find
that it is so much more than just a cemetery or
crematorium.
He said: "Our innovative and beautiful
Garden of Remembrance was the first of its kind and, as well as
providing a fitting sense of occasion and decorum for burials, the
gardens and sculptured features offer an attractive and peaceful
setting for everyone to enjoy.
"Some local residents have expressed an interest in working
with us to complement the management of our bereavement service at
Stonefall which is why we have decided to see what interest there
may be in setting up a Friends' group for what is the district's
largest cemetery."
An initial informal meeting, which is open to everyone, is
being held on Monday, 9 May at 7.00 pm in the Hall of Woodlands
Junior School, Wetherby Road, Harrogate. Light
refreshments will be provided.
At the meeting, Terry Knowles, Chairman of the Pinewoods'
Conservation Group, will make a short presentation on how this very
successful community group has grown over time and showing just
what can be achieved by an enthusiastic and committed team of
volunteers. Those attending the meeting will be
invited to put forward their views and ideas.
ENDS