ILKESTON
Friends of Stanton Road Cemetery
August 2008. Esther Collington reports a special occasion when the refurbishment of a cricketer's grave also marked the memory of the late Frick Smit who had served the Friends group as treasurer.
Frick had been a keen cricketer who had played for two local clubs and did much to encourage younger players.
The restored grave was that of James Tilson [1859-1882], only 23 years old when he died was the brother of John Tilson who played for Derbyshire and England.
The widow of Frick Smit, Ann. and her two children admire the newly restored grave of cricketer James Tilson.
May 2008 On 16th May the Friends had a display at the Partners' Event [Erewash Borough Council] held at Long Eaton Town Hall.
May 2008 Esther Collington reports that there had been recent press interest in the fact that the Friends were planning to repair the grave of Samuel Taylor who at 7 ft 4 in was known as the Giant and traveled with a fairground. Click here for more detail about the Ilkeston Giant on the Friends' website.
February 2008 Esther Collington reports that the Friends requested Erewash Council to lop branches of trees overhanging the cemetery some of which were regarded as potentially dangerous. Here as a result we see a much lighter space which will encourage the growth of flowers and plants.
January 2008. The chairman, Helen Varnam reports on another successful year for 2007 with a record number of tidying up sessions often with the practical help from the students of South East Derbyshire College. They removed litter, fallen branches and ivy encroaching onto headstones and cut back holly, ash and brambles where they had obscured graves and memorials.
In July the group was shocked to find racist and obscene graffiti. The Council reacted immediately and much time and money was spent to discover the correct method to carefully remove the black paint used. The vandalism attracted press and media coverage resulting in many more visitors to the cemetery.
Following a tree falling the Council did an inspection and arranged to remove some old branches for safety reasons and this has made the cemetery more light and airy.
Erewash Borough Council has been very supportive during the year. There has been a grant of £5000 from the Landfill Tax by San Gobain. The money is not sufficient to cover all the tasks needed and the Friends are seeking extra assistance from Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire.
December 2007. The Friends assisted by students from South East Derbyshire College planted 50 trees and shrubs within the cemetery. The plants were provided by Erewash Borough Council as part of the Pride of Erewash Campaign. This follows the successful planting of 10,000 bluebell bulbs.
NEWSLETTER NO 17 APRIL 2006
Helen Varnam, chairman reports:
There has been an improved relationship with Erewash Borough Council which has led to the cemetery paths being mown more frequently greatly increasing access to more areas. we have enjoyed several sessions when students from South East Derbyshire College have joined us in clearing foliage from monuments and their hard work has been much appreciated.
Our Lottery bid has not been pursued due to various reasons including a change of rules concerning eligibility and types of award. However, we are actively looking for alternative areas of funding to enable us to carry out restoration work. groundwork Erewash Valley is reviewing our management plan. We now have a website.click here
The website is linked to the the guest page of Ilkeston and District Local History website where you can find out more about the cemetery.
