A labour of love lasting eight years has finally paid rewards for a Nelson church group.
It was back in April, 2005 that the Friends of St John’s Churchyard was set up with the intention of doing something about the condition of the site in Barkerhouse Road.
The work has now been completed – and as our pictures clearly show, the time and trouble spent by the Friends has been well worthwhile.
Friends spokesman Elaine Butterworth said: “The churchyard had been an eyesore for decades, very overgrown and besieged by Japanese knotweed.
“The knotweed, trees and enormous shrubs, along with vandals, had caused a great deal of damage to graves and in particular the headstones.
“We have a family grave in the churchyard but my elderly mother, along with many others, could not easily access our grave and certainly didn’t feel safe going into the churchyard alone.
“Our plan has been to retain the original churchyard with its ornate and prestigious gravestones, while creating a local heritage site and community space in natural surroundings.”
Originally Nelson’s first churchyard, the graveyard has served the local population since the 1850s. Graves of local dignitaries and townspeople are situated there and there are also more than 30 war graves, commemorating both World Wars.
Mrs Butterworth said: “Now the churchyard is open, safer and more easily accessible for the community to use, where the public can learn about their local heritage and relax. There are plans to produce work sheets and other educational resources to encourage visitors to make the most of their visits.
“Seating areas around the churchyard allow visitors to enjoy the peace and tranquility, especially in the newly created Remembrance Garden, and the dramatic view of Pendle Hill.
“St John’s churchyard remains a well loved graveyard where families and the elderly are able, once again, to safely visit their graves.
“It is also a local, accessible, and valuable source of information on social history where visitors, from schoolchildren to those with a growing interest in geneology, can be accommodated.”
An open day to publicise the fact the graveyard is open again will be held at the church on Saturday, August 17th.
The event will be opened by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson. Events being planned around the churchyard include a guided tour of “Stories Behind the Stones”, a War Graves walk by members of the British Legion and a children’s quiz. Nelson’s Town Crier Tony Beckett will be there, along with Nelson Brass Band and various stalls, with refreshments and a CD about the graveyard on sale.