TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery
Contact June Bridgeman Send to click here
Website http://www.friendsofwoodburyparkcemetery.org.uk
The group was formed in 2006. Woodbury Park Cemetery is a beautiful mortuary garden laid out in 1849 at the edge of Tunbridge Wells. Some well known characters from Tunbridge Wells history, as well as some national figures are buried there. Quite small - only 3 acres - it was already nearly full by 1873 when a new town cemetery was laid out at Hawkenbury. Thereafter the only interments were to existing graves and even these ceased by 1934 when the Tunbridge Wells council took over its care.
Today this is a hidden oasis in a heavily built up area. It is much valued by the local people who have discovered its tranquillity and stately trees. But some of the monuments are collapsing and it is also the target for petty vandalism and arcane doings by Goths. In November 2006 the local Soroptimists Club brought together various organisations at a meeting in the Town Hall and the Friends of Woodbury Park was established.
Three months on a Parkwatch scheme has been established and it is hoped that in working with the council that management and conservation plans can be established.
The Friends acknowledge the help and advice frommber. existing Friends groups and shortly looks forward to welcoming its 100th member.