JOHN DOBSON

10.06.09. - Great, great, great Grandson of John Dobson contacts Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery.

The Great, great, great Grandson of John Dobson, the architect of Jesmond Old Cemetery and many of the North East's finest buildings, contacted Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery having been searching the web in relation to his family history. Mr Michael Hurst, who resides in Portsmouth, has provided us with a number of photographs of John Dobson's grave in its original pristine condition and also some interesting snippets in relation to the Dobson family. Interestingly, Mr Hurst's Mother, Mrs Margaret Dobson, is an accomplished musician, much like her Great Grandmother, John Dobson's daughter, who is also buried in Jesmond Old Cemetery. 

Mr Hurst is, obviously, very pleased to hear of our organisation and its volunteers, and has thanked the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery for caring for the Cemetery and the grave of his ancestor.

DIRTY WEEKEND A SUCCESS

06.06.09. - Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery enjoy their dirty weekend.

As part of the BBC's 'Breathing Places' campaign, Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery took part in their 'Dirty Weekend' series of events. Over twenty people, young and old, turned up to help us plant over 100 flowering bushes and renovate footpaths around the 'eastern' central mound. Although the weather turned out to be a bit damp, it certainly didn't hinder our work and the results of our labour will, hopefully, contribute to the biodiversity of Jesmond Old Cemetery by helping to attract butterflies and bumble bees. Follow the 'Dirty Weekend' link to view pictures of the event.   

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL DINNER

28.05.09. - Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery give talk to Soroptimist International Newcastle upon Tyne Branch.

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery were invited to give a talk on both the history of the Cemetery and some of its famous inhabitants at an evening event hosted by the Soroptimist International Newcastle upon Tyne Branch, which was held at Newcastle Civic Centre. Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. Following dinner, the audience were given a 60 minute presentation that focussed on many of Newcastle's beautiful buildings and their subsequent association with some of the famous people buried in Jesmond Old Cemetery. 

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery would like to thank Ms Catherine Waller, the President of the Branch, for her kind invitation and the keen interest shown in our work. If your local group or society would be interested in a talk to hear more about the famous people in Jesmond Old Cemetery, please do contact us for further details.   

BBC BREATHING PLACES CAMPAIGN

13.05.09. - Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery join the BBC's 'Breathing Places' campaign.

The BBC has invested over £9 million of lottery funding in creating new 'breathing places' within town and city centres for everyone to enjoy and Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery are pleased to announce their registration with such an important campaign, particularly as it aligns quite nicely with our aim of promoting for public benefit, the restoration, conservation and respectful enjoyment of Jesmond Old Cemetery. As part of this campaign, we are taking part in their 'Dirty Weekend' range of events where, on Saturday 6th June 2009, we are planning to improve footpaths, plant a range of butterfly and bumble bee friendly flowers and plants, and carry out our normal work of removing brambles and ivy from a number of monuments. Further details can be found on the BBC website, which is www.breathingplaces.org and if you put 'Jesmond Old Cemetery' into the search box, up will pop a whole range of information.  

WORK BEGINS ON RESTORATION OF PERIMETER WALL

27.04.09. - Classic Masonry commence work on Sandyford Road perimeter wall.

At last, work has commenced on the restoration and conservation of the Sandyford Road perimeter wall. As reported on the 23.03.09. the works were held up until after a report on the presence of bats had been carriedout; following the implementation of the necessary arrangements to minimise any impact on the bat population, local firm Classic Masonry have now begun the very important task of repointing and, where necessary, replacing the brickwork. Already, the work carried out is quite noticeable and it certainly adds to the overall aesthetic improvements of Jesmond Old Cemetery and the surrounding area.    

HOME GUARD IN JESMOND OLD CEMETERY

15.04.09. - Request for information about Home Guard presence in Jesmond Old Cemetery.

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery have received a request from a Mr Peter Hastie, who is researching the Home Guard in Newcastle. He has discovered a document, addressed to the Chief Constable of the day, that confirms jesmond Old Cemetery had an explosives store built in its grounds during the Second World War. The area indicated in the original document no longer exists as part of the Cemetery, this being the eastern 'point', which was removed some time ago as a result of the road and pedestrian improvements at the Sandyford Road/Jesmond Road junction. Unfortunately, there are no City Council records of this explosives store being built but, in order to try and help Peter, if there are any people with long memories out there who can remember the explosives store or, even better, have any photographs of it, we are sure Peter would welcome hearing from you. He can be contacted via his excellent website at www.ccoynblhomeguard.co.uk. It is about the Home Guard company based in Jesmond and is well worth a look.

A BAT SURVEY TAKES PLACE WITHIN JESMOND OLD CEMETERY

23.03.09. - E3 Ecology Ltd undertake bat survey on behalf of City Council.

Prior to conservation works commencing on the Sandyford Road perimeter wall and the South Lodge, the City Council commissioned a bat survey of the areas affected in order to ascertain the likely presence of bats and to identify what measures could be taken to minimise the risk of harm to individual bats. The detailed survey concluded that small numbers of pipistrelle bats were likely to use the cracks and crevices in the walls for roosting and hibernating and, as such, identified a number of proposals to ensure that the cemetery retains the potential to be used by bats in a similar manner. Obviously, in terms of the overall management of Jesmond Old Cemetery, we are extremely pleased to see such a high priority placed on ensuring that the bio-diversity of this important wildlife corridor is maintained or even enhanced during such important conservation work. Read more about our philosophy on managing Jesmond Old Cemetery on our conservation page.

THE WAR MEMORIALS TRUST CONTACT FRIENDS OF JESMOND OLD CEMETERY

12.03.09. - The War Memorial Trust ask for help in raising awareness of war memorials.

The War Memorials Trust works for the protection and conservation of war memorials across the UK and have contacted Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery to both help raise awareness of any war memorials in Jesmond Old Cemetery and to report any concerns about the condition of the memorials, or any threats to them, to the Trust. Of course, we are only too happy to help in any way and, as part of our contribution to their campaign, we have added a war memorials page to our website. 

THE ROYAL MAIL PROVIDE A ROYAL DAY OF HELP

11.03.09. - The Royal Mail, in association with Business in the Community, spend a day with us in Jesmond Old Cemetery.

As reported on the 26.02.09. employees from the Royal Mail spent a day with Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery, greatly contributing to the restoration of the 'eastern' central mound. In fact, so great was their commitment and effort to our cause, it will be forever known as the 'Royal Mail Mound'!! The weather was nice (again) and, along with the banter and humour, it all made for a fab day. We are very grateful  to the Royal Mail for their help and, once again, we would also like to thank Claire Taylor from Business in the Community and Ken Scott from Bereavement Services for helping us to make such a success of the day. Go to Royal Mail to view images of the work completed.  

JESMOND OLD CEMETERY HIGHLIGHTED BY ENGLISH HERITAGE

28.02.09. - Jesmond Old Cemetery singled out in English Heritage press release.

English Heritage, in their press release entitled 'Bright Future for North East Heritage', include Jesmond Old Cemetery in their list of vulnerable historic treasures that they expect to see removed from from its Heritage at Risk register. Heritage at Risk is an annual survey of the threatened heritage in our cities, towns and countryside and includes listed buildings, historic parks, archaeological remains, battlefields and protected wrecks. This year's register will be published in the summer but already English Heritage is confident that a number of sites across the region will be removed as a result of a lot of hard work from a range of partners who are ensuring that the region's historic environment has a future. Jesmond Old Cemetery represents one of their works in progress, specifically the South Lodge, which has been on the Heritage at Risk register since 2002. Having been blocked up in the 1930's, the interior was full of rubble and stone and the roof, being infested with dry rot, collapsed late last year. A grant of £35,000 to Newcastle City Council will help see the building repaired and brought back into use, part of which will be for the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery.      

A HIT WITH BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY - AGAIN

26.02.09. - Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery invited to work with Business in the Community again.

Following on from our very successful partnership with Business in the Community and Ward Hadaway last November, where we made great progress with the 'eastern' central mound, the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery have been invited to once again play host to a major employer who wish to rise to the challenge of helping to restore Jesmond Old Cemetery. We are very pleased to announce that Royal Mail are very keen to get involved and, as such, are 'lending' us twelve of their finest employees for the day!!! Having completed a site visit, where representatives from the Royal Mail and Business in the Community were shown around the Cemetery, arrangements have been made for the Royal Mail to come and work with us on Wednesday, 11th March 2009.

Obviously, we are very grateful for their interest and contribution; additionally, it is testament to the professionalism, hospitality and credibility that the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery possess that we are attracting such high profile interest in our work. Watch this space for further news on Royal Mail's contribution to the cause.    

STANNINGTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

GREAT NEWS FROM THE SIR JAMES KNOTT TRUST

21.01.09. - Sir James Knott Trust approve application for funding.

As reported on our blog, an application for funding was submitted to the Sir James Knott Fund in order to help us purchase two petrol driven brush-cutters and associated personal safety equipment. The Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery are very pleased to announce that our application was successful and we have been awarded £800, which will enable us to purchase every piece of equipment identified in our bid for funds. Obviously, this is a major boost to our efforts to clean up Jesmond Old Cemetery and we are very grateful for the support received from the Trustees of the Sir James Knott Trust.        

STRETTLE HELP FRIENDS OF JESMOND OLD CEMETERY 

15.01.09. - Strettle restore monument.

Local monumental masons, Strettle, answered our call for help and offered their expertise and skill for free. As a result, the 'western' central mound looks even better as one of the monuments laid flat is restored to it's former glory. The Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery are very grateful to Strettle for their invaluable contribution to our cause. Click on the link above to see photographs of the Strettle staff working at Jesmond Old Cemetery.

FESTIVE THANKS & BEST WISHES FOR FRIENDS OF JESMOND OLD CEMETERY

22.12.08. - Christmas Message.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all very sincerely for your time, effort and support over the last seven months. Since starting in May of this year, we have made such a difference to the Cemetery and, as a group, we have gained the respect and thanks of many individuals and local companies who have relatives in, or connections with, Jesmond Old Cemetery.

I think we have come a long way as a ‘Friends’ group in a relatively short period of time as, in addition to two articles in the Evening Chronicle and a feature on Radio Newcastle, our web site has had over 500 ‘hits’ since going live in September and this has obviously helped to spread the word about what we are doing. Our finances are in good shape, with over £1,350 received in private donations; obviously, various subscriptions, the web site and insurance have all had to be paid for, but we still have over £900 in the bank to help fund our cause.

From my point of view, what started off as a bit of a madcap notion to ‘do something’ has grown into the reality of ‘doing something’ and, during the course of the ‘doing’, I have had the pleasure of meeting some really nice people. So, once again, many thanks for your help with the ‘doing’ and the chats and the laughs and the banter and the etc. etc.

With very best wishes for a Peaceful and Merry Christmas.

Ray
Secretary, Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery

'BULBATHON' A SUCCESS

24.11.08. - Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery brave the cold.

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery braved the Arctic conditions at the weekend to plant over 2,000 bulbs in the area of the newly cleared 'western' central mound. The bulbs, including daffodils and crocus, were kindly supplied by Newcastle City Council. Hopefully, our horticultural skills will match those of our restoration skills and we can look forward to a fine display of colour in the Spring. 

DAMAGE TO SOUTH LODGE NOT A CONCERN

20.11.08. - Reports of damage to the roof of the South Lodge received.

A number of people have contacted Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery to report recent damage to the roof of the South Lodge. The City Council is aware of this and, having investigated, are confident that the damage is not as a result of vandalism but more likely due to a combination of the ongoing poor state of the roof and the recent bad weather taking its toll. In essence, the collapse of the roof will save money in the long run, as it would have had to be removed anyway as part of the planned renovations of the South Lodge, which are scheduled to commence in the Spring of 2009.

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY EVENT

17.11.08. - Ward Hadaway help Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery.

Business in the Community is a unique movement of over 800 of the UK's top companies who inspire, engage, support and challenge member companies to continually improve the impact they have on society and the environment. In pursuing these set of aims, Ward Hadaway, a local member of BITC, have kindly agreed to send a number of their employees along to the Cemetery to work alongside the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery in improving the area around the 'eastern' central mound.

In organising the event, which will be held on Thursday 27th November 2008 from 09:00 onwards, the Friends group have worked closely with BITC's Claire Taylor, Ken Scott (Bereavement Services) and Dave Heslop (City Monument Manager) and we are very grateful for their help and co-operation.

At the moment, the Cemetery is lacking in basic amenities, so we must also acknowledge the understanding and support of Ward Hadaway and BITC in working with us to overcome the difficulties associated with the provision of refreshments and shelter. Additionally, the Friends group would also like to thank Dave Heslop for kindly arranging access to the toilet facilities for the day.

Hopefully, the event will be a great success for all concerned. Watch this space for a report and photographs of the day.

RENOVATION OF THE SOUTH LODGE

12.10.08. - The South Lodge is set for major renovation works.

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery are pleased to announce that plans for major renovation of the South Lodge are well underway. The Grade 2 listed building has been derelict for a number of years but it is now to be restored to its former John Dobson designed glory; this will involve the demolition of the unsightly external lobby area and the full restoration of the fabric of the building, including the reinstatement of the original chimney design. Once the external work has been completed, the interior will include a room for the sole use of the Friends group, which will also include a toilet, water and heating.

Hopefully, work will start in early Spring, with the building being completed and ready for use by the Friends group in the Summer of 2009. Further details will be provided as the scheme progresses.

IMPROVEMENTS TO PERIMETER WALL

7.10.08. - Perimeter wall on Sandyford Road to be renovated.

Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery can announce that the perimeter wall along the Sandyford Road edge of the Cemetery is to be repaired. The City Council's Bereavement Services Department have recently been granted funding to carry out the essential repairs. They are working with the Technical Services section of the Environment and Regeneration Directorate to program these works. A photogramatic survey has been carried out to determine the scope of the works involved and a tender document is currently being drawn up.

A road closure will not be required for the works to take place and it is anticipated that work will begin on site in January 2009. Watch this space for further updates on the progress of the repair work.