Ideal weather for Chris, Alan & Rita working in the cemetery today (26 April 2026).
Alan and Chris decided to start work on the Toms grave that was in a bit of a state, the only kerb that seemed in the correct position was the small kerb at the head of the grave, the two long kerbs had both been broken and knocked out of place, and the other end kerb was missing. The head stone had been laid down in the centre of the kerbs and had been pushed at an angle, of course plenty of grass growing where it shouldn’t and the occasional weed. A bit of head scratching went on while they decided what to do, then decision made, that the fallen Saunders headstone directly behind was also out of kilter and needed to be straightened up before they could do anything else.
The J35 Saunders headstone was broken in half, grass growing between the two halves and out of line. It didn’t take the ‘boys’ long before this had been cleaned and straightened up, they then started work on the Toms J15 grave.
They straightened up and levelled the headstone, cleaned up the kerbs and put them temporarily back into position, ready for cementing together. They built up the bottom open end with earth and Alan was sure they had a spare end kerb in their storage area. Off they went tape measure in hand, a bit of measuring and discussion went on, and finally sorted out how they could get all kerbs matching up without encroaching into the pathway. All made safe and with a bit of time left they moved down to the Harding J12 and straightened up this fallen headstone that had slipped to one side.
Chris then cleared around the fallen cross of the Kemmish J5 grave as this had been buried under grass.
During all this hard work going on, Rita quietly, yes quietly for a change, worked away on clearing the weeds and ivy on the J57 Hook grave that she started last week, all finished now and the boys think it would look better if the kerbs, although all in place, would benefit from being lifted up as they have sunk a bit in the middle where the kerbs join.
Again, another good work session this week.