Behind the Coal Hill Lane Walls...
A review of 2021
Words by Fran Barker
2021 has proved to be a challenging, (curse of Covid, weather, etc) and successful year for all the volunteers and supporters of Farsley Rehoboth burial ground. Thanks to the incredible hard work of all the volunteers, (ages 11 to 90 years), and the immense support from numerous local businesses and organisations the site has changed from a reclaimed burial ground to a place of heritage, history and location to explore. This wonderful community asset now offers a permanent place of rest for all within the nearby locality.
Throughout 2021 we have received 1031 visitors who all visited for different reasons. The general consensus of our visitors was ” WOW, we didn`t think it was this big, what a fantastic job you have all done”. So what have we achieved? Please see below:
5900 dedicated volunteer hours achieved in 2021
To date, more than £101,000 raised for our UK registered charity
Circa £4,300 of donated machinery, goods & services
28 tonnes of sand, cement, path stones & memorial chippings purchased
60 yards of new wheelchair accessible paths laid
Details of 3787 individuals documented & new information details added to the database, for the 4,000 individuals interred (available to access on the website)
Launch of our website (www.farsleyrehoboth.org)
Installation of mains electricity including 100 metres of ducting/armoured cable, (volunteers can now make a cuppa!)
600 feet of stone wall rebuilt, up to 6 feet high
28 graves fully restored; 20 in progress, circa 200 cleared.
90 hand made Rehoboth reindeer made & sold
Implementation of full cloud based CCTV and Wi Fi hub throughout the burial ground
101 sponsored Grave Markers with dedicated named plaques installed, 50 more being produced
Books of Remembrance for the 4,000 interred individuals for reference produced
500 Tree Booklets documenting all protected trees compiled, written & printed
1,000 Visitors Guide designed & printed, (3rd edition)
16 Affixed QR codes and posts/maps for grave search installed throughout the site
Planting of plants in planters and bulbs.
Future Projects
Continuation of Grave Marker sponsorship fundraising initiative, (details on Fundraising section on website)
Spring 2022, launch of Bereavement Services, (for details, please email farsleyrehoboth@gmail.com)
Repair & upgrade of existing graves
Develop & market Heritage elements of burial ground
Compilation & print of book entitled “Behind the Secret Walls” with contributions from local residents
Our work will continue throughout 2022. Anyone who would like to visit or learn more about volunteering opportunities, please email us at farsleyrehoboth@gmail.com
