LETTERSFrom Mrs Marian J. Lamsley-Jones, Cowes:
With reference to the work being carried out at Northwood Cemetery (CP, 03-02-17).
The article did at least give voice to opposing viewpoints but, as a volunteer who is involved with this work, I do feel the visitor is failing to see what we are trying to achieve.
I would like to set the record straight on one of the issues voiced; we mean no disrespect to the deceased nor to visitors of the cemetery.
Like cemeteries up and down the country, due to years of neglect there are quite large areas which need attention and it is a time-consuming process.
We endeavour to leave pathways clear as there is only limited space available to us while work is in progress.
I’m sure I can speak for my fellow volunteers by saying we love the work and regard the cemetery as a very beautiful place.
There are thousands of daffodils, crocuses and primroses about to bloom and these areas will increase following our clearance of previously impenetrable shrubbery, brambles and ivy.
We have no intention whatsoever of damaging the graves nor are we 'messing with them’ in any detrimental way.
I do invite this visitor to look on the Friends of Northwood Cemetery website for an overview of all that is taking place.
Better still, come and meet up with us on a Wednesday or Saturday morning.
I work with a very pleasant and friendly group of people and I can assure the visitor of a cordial greeting.
Perhaps he or she will allow us to share our excitement of discovering graves which haven’t seen the light of day for decades.
The historical aspect is fascinating, the memorial inscriptions quite moving.They need to be seen.
We would welcome this visitor and anyone else who might like to volunteer a few constructive hours of their time.
I personally take great pleasure in helping out at the cemetery and have a firm belief the deceased would be glad to know of our efforts, for surely, to ignore and abandon them is truly disrespectful.