National Federation of Cemetery Friends

REDCAR



Friends of Redcar Cemetery
Contact Ged Fleming  01642 471064 contact
 Website http://www.forcem.co.uk/
A number of Redcar residents started the group in 2006 because they felt that the cemetery was becoming run down with only the basic of care being given by the Local Authority. the cemetery has three sections opened in 1874, 1946 and 1956. The area covers 25 acres and includes a memorial garden dedicated to the burial of ashes and a section for Muslim burials.

Fifteen residents work together with councillors, Local Authority and bereavement services staff in bringing about changes. The group has accessed grants, raised funds, received donations from the public and services in kind from local businesses.

The monies have been used to change the gates and ornamental windows at the entrance to the cemetery and the paths have been narrowed and renewed. Many of the flower beds had become grassed over to ease maintenance but are now re-opened. Pressure has been placed on the council to repair the broken down fencing. Each year two newsletters are produced and are distributed to churches, libraries, clubs and leisure centres.


The social history of the town and of those lost in wars and sea disasters has been the subjects of research and displays mounted in local libraries and the museum and details of inscriptions and the significance of emblems on headstones featured in the newsletters.

There are about 150 babies buried in unmarked graves and the group erected a stone and plaque to commemorate them now allowing friends and relatives a focal point to visit. The stone and plaque were dedicated by the Reverend John Weeman and the Right Reverend Bishop Drainey of Middlesbrough. A Christmas carol service is held in the original part of the cemetery.

An award was granted for the  group's interpretation of various plants used in a flower bed representing the process of mourning. The judges were from One North East Regeneration, Durham Wildlife Trust and The Northern Echo and the shield and £500 prize were presented by ecologist David Bellamy.

A small group undertakes weed control and maintenance including litter pick ups and in 2008 a section of wild flowers is to be introduced. Funds have been raised to replace seats and the group has actively supported the keeping of dogs out of the cemetery and successfully achieved lighting in Thwaites Lane to try to reduce vandalism.

Lord Zetland the chairman of Redcar Racecourse Company is the patron and Mrs Robinson MBE, a local historian is the president. Teesside University and Laburnham Road Library assisted in the building of the website.