What does a taphophile do on a birthday trip to Hanmer Springs? Yes, that’s right, she finds the local cemetery and spends a few hours recording it!
Ross / McKay gravestones at Hanmer Springs Cemetery
How could I resist? A lovely Autumn day, time on my hands and an understanding husband armed with Sudoku on his phone meant I was able record 75% of Hanmer Springs Cemetery last weekend. Unfortunately my batteries didn’t quite have the staying power that I did so I will need to return to finish the task, which is no hardship with the hot pools to relax in afterwards.
If there’s one thing I love it’s uncovering a mysterious gravestone. In the case of Hanmer it’s the mysterious “W A Wattse” – the earliest burial I found in the cemetery. Except, there are no records for a “W A Wattse” to be found. That’s because, I discovered, his name is actually “John W A Watts” and I’ll tell you more about him, and his unfortunate demise, in a Headstone Histories article in due course.
In the meantime keep checking back as Hanmer Springs listings are added over the coming week.
Happy Hunting!
Great effort Helen
The perfect birthday trip!
Cheers
Sarndra
Posted by Sarndra | May 19, 2011, 4:30 amI knew you’d understand!
Helen
Posted by hleggatt | May 19, 2011, 4:34 amHi Helen, Heard you this afternoon on National Radio. I especially waited to go out till after I heard your slot. Your site also featured this past month in the Newsletter for the Papakura Branch NZSG. Margaret
Posted by Margaret | May 21, 2011, 9:21 amThank you, Margaret. I hope you enjoyed the broadcast and that the NZSG find the resource useful.
Regards
Helen
Posted by hleggatt | May 21, 2011, 9:52 amI think your site is wonderful Helen. You are an amazing job, its time consuming work! I am currently photographing the Oxford cemetery which has become an earthquake hazard area unfortunatly.
Posted by leandra | May 29, 2011, 7:52 amFantastic! I live nearby – Oxford is a massive job – well done for taking it on!
Let me know if/when you publish the data and I’ll link to it
Helen
Posted by hleggatt | May 29, 2011, 7:58 am