The three-acre cemetery is a vital heritage asset, yet it has been very neglected. It’s a beautiful green space, but its benches are rusting and uncomfortable 1960s metal ones. All members of the community would benefit from spending time in this quiet sanctuary and natural haven in the middle of town, but inadequate seating is limiting this, particularly with the elderly. We want to share the life stories of those buried here but there is no place for that information to be kept and enjoyed.

We propose to install a circular stone seat, sympathetically designed and carved to complement the Victorian stone memorials. The seat will encircle a Liquidambar tree for dappled shade and has an integrated bookshelf, protected from the elements, housing a stock of books for children and adults to enjoy while they are there and then leave for others. Our documented research into the lives of those buried there will also be available for people to learn about their community social heritage.