Prompted by an enquiry from a blog reader about the condition of his ancestors’ headstone in Ellesmere Public Cemetery, I decided to find out the extent of the damage at that site.
A friend, who lives near the cemetery, kindly offered to pop in for me to locate the the headstone, and to ascertain the damage.
The news isn’t good. Quite a few of the older stones have been broken or toppled, including some beautiful columns and obelisks.
Ellesmere is on my list of cemeteries to cover – a growing list! Check back often to see what’s new. I am currently adding to Kimberley, Darfield Roman Catholic, and South Malvern.
Happy Hunting!
Hunting Kiwis 
check out my blogpost at
http://henriettabentwhistle.webs.com/apps/blog/
Shows Linwood and bromley cemetary.
If thats any interest to your readers.
Ruru Lawn is a lumpy mess too.All the stones are below ground level quite markedly.
Addington is like Linwood.
Barbadoes is quite messy with liqufaction and fallen stones and the retaining wall giving way.
Regards Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa | May 28, 2011, 6:12 amJust terrible 😦
I notice you have captured yet another of these block-built obelisks that look like they’ve been “twisted” around. The memorial by Hororata church, and several others I have seen, have exactly the same damage.
I’d love you to join my FB page and share your images. We’ve seen very little from those areas. I have been in contact with the Friends of Linwood cemetery. They are having a working bee on the Queen’s Birthday. I will post up details if anyone is interested in helping out.
Great blog, Phillipa. I am putting together a list of resources and will include it 🙂
Regards
Helen
Posted by hleggatt | May 28, 2011, 6:19 amHi Helen. I think Ive been a Closet
Taphophile. lol.
Cemetaries have always fascinated me.
But now since Im getting up close, even more so.
Theres also a notice at the Addington Cemetery of a group being formed. Will get the info on the next visit.
Will do a photoshoot as well of some damage. Some of the HUGE obolisks are toppled, some others not.
Getting photos and info IS something I can do to help the city.
Posted by Phillipa | May 28, 2011, 6:50 am🙂 you’ve got the bug!
Posted by hleggatt | May 28, 2011, 9:26 am