A new charity has been launched aiming to breathe new life into Lancaster Cemetery.
The recently formed Friends of Lancaster Cemetery are keen to see the cemetery brought into wider public use not only as a place of reflection and remembrance, but also as a community hub where people can meet and chat, exercise, enjoy performances and learn about the heritage of the space.
The group has published its plans to support Lancaster City Council's Cemeteries department in making improvements to the Quernmore Road cemetery.
They aim to revamp one of the cemetery chapels and make it suitable for performances and exhibitions and as a welcoming space for visiting residents.
Among the historical figures buried at the cemetery are James Williamson, otherwise known as Lord Ashton.
Lord Ashton was born and raised in Lancaster and was the son of James Williamson I who was mayor in 1864/5. He became the prominent business figure of the city in the late 1800s, managing businesses that employed much of the district’s population.
Lord Ashton is buried with his third wife Jessie Hulme and Lady Florence Maud Whalley (Lady Ashton).
Margaret Williamson - Lord Ashton’s first wife - is buried in the neighbouring grave.
Edward Graham Paley, a prominent and highly successful local architect is also buried in Lancaster Cemetery.
Paley designed many significant buildings in the Lancaster District, notably all three of the cemetery’s chapels, both cemetery lodges, Lancaster Priory, and Lancaster Cathedral. He travelled from his birthplace near York to work as a pupil of Edmund Sharpe, and later became his business partner. His contribution to the community extends all across the north west of England.
"The cemetery is a wonderful and peaceful green space with a long and interesting history," said Catherine Stott (pictured below), chair of the Friends group.
"It is full of stories and has quiet reflective spaces. You can sit and think or wander and catch a glimpse of the varied wildlife that lives here. But we want more for it.
"Our aim is to help improve this space for the people of our city and beyond. We wish to make it a place full of peaceful quiet corners where people have time to themselves if they want to pay respects to those passed.
"But we also want it to be a vibrant cultural and community resource with storytelling, music, theatre, fun activities, opportunities for learning and more. And we are really keen to establish the cemetery further as a wildlife haven."
Lancaster City Council has made available to the group one of the three cemetery chapels, which has been closed for many years. The charity's hope is that funding can be secured in order to refurbish the chapel.
The group will also conduct regular maintenance tasks around the cemetery such as litter picking, general tidying, pathway and flowerbed maintenance and other practical jobs in order to help the cemetery look cared for.
There are also walks and tours of the cemetery taking place each month and there is a plan to welcome school groups to the cemetery so pupils can learn more of its significance in the city's history.
The charity would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the Friends group and who feel they could help in improve the cemetery. A membership application form can be found on the group's website.
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
