NFCF is a member of ASCE as are some of the members of the Federation.
Non-profit organisations are offered free membership of ASCE and we urge more British based cemetery groups to join ASCE.
Significant Cemeteries in Europe Week is held annually the end of May beginning of June each year and all members are urged to promote an event [walk, lecture, exhibition etc]
August 2007 Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery became a member of ASCE.
July 2007 Friends of Surrey Cemeteries became a member of ASCE
The Federation congratulates ASCE on being awarded a Medal by Italia Nostra for "dedicated service to the safeguarding of Europe's cultural heritage"
At the 2007 AGM of the Federation, John Moffat of Flaybrick reminded the delegates that his group is to host the 2008 Annual Conference of ASCE at Birkenhead in September that year. Normally only a few British members attend the European events and it is anticipated that more will do so at an event based in the UK. John said that the capacity was limited to 200 persons and as the last event was well attended, he urged British attendees to respond promptly when the details will be published in May 2008.
Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe
has busy year but calls for more UK involvement
Gwyneth Stokes reports:
The spendour of sculpture in the European cemetery was the theme of the workshop at the 2006 AGM.It was held in Verona and attended by 92 members. In the new members' section, Henry Vivian-Neal of the Friends of Kensal Green gave an impressive presentation of that cemetery. Also attending were Gillian and Henry Will of Ford Park Trust, Plymouth and John Moffat of the Friends of Flaybrick, Birkenhead.
Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery were included in the list of new members as were the Friends of the English Cemetery, Florence and DeadIreland, an association formed in 2006 to promote the heritage, history and preservation of cemeteries in Ireland.
Mauro Felicori the President called on more cemeteries to take part in the annual Discovering European Cemeteries Week [In 2007 taking place between 28 May and 3 June]
The 2005 AGM in Berlin saw Mauro Felicori re-elected as President and among the seminar speakers was Dr Julie Rugg of York University's Cemetery Research Group. John Moffat and A. Brannick of Flaybrick and John Gaukroger of Lister Lane Halifax attended. Dr Henry Will, Chairman of Ford Park Cemetery Trust contributed a paper to the Zargreb workshop on the role of the volunteer. Bologna
Whilst on holiday in Bologna, your secretary had the opportunity to meet Mauro Felicori and his team and to enjoy their hospitality whilst discussing ASCE matters and be guided around the city's amazing Certosa. Mauro was very concerned at what appeared to be lack of interest and support from the UK groups for the meetings, though the main meetings; Gwyneth assured him must be lack of funding by hard pressed Cemetery Friends who have to have restoration as their priority. However as their meetings are always in attractive cities it is hoped that more people will be able to include these in their holiday plans. This year's meeting is to be in Verona 28-30th September. In 2008 it will be hosted by the Friends of Flaybrick in Birkenhead as part of Liverpool's Year of Culture- so no excuses that year. Keep an eye on the website
www.significantcemeteries.net/ for more information. The theme at this year's meeting is the 'Splendour of Sculpture in European Cemeteries' and ASCE would welcome any suggestions for experts in that field to make a contribution.
