Borough Life Winter 2006: Special places
Haven for wildlife and plants
OWLS, stoats, weasels, in fact all manner of mammals, birds and even more plant life…
Wigan ’s cemeteries are some of the most important wildlife sanctuaries that exist.
Graham Workman, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Wildlife Development Manager, said: “The importance of cemeteries in terms of habitats for wildlife really cannot be overstated.
“In Wigan we are lucky enough to examples of many different types of environment in our municipal cemeteries from woodland, to wetland to grass land.
“They are a magnet for people who love wildlife and really are some of the borough’s jewels. Walk through any of the municipal cemeteries and you’ll soon spot something interesting.
“At this time of year, if you’re around early enough, you may even get a glimpse of the roe deer that are frequent visitors to the cemeteries.”CHRISTMAS and the New Year are traditionally times when visits to the borough’s cemeteries are at their highest. It is a special time of year and, for many, a chance to remember. In the run up to the Christmas period, the small but dedicated team of cemetery staff will be working hard to ensure our nine municipal cemeteries are at their best. Borough Life went behind the scenes to take a closer look at these…
Special places
TONY Bassett has dedicated his working life to the upkeep of our borough’s cemeteries. He started out as a trainee monumental stone mason at the age of 15. Now, aged 59, he is Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s cemetery services manager and is responsible for the huge swathes of open space that make up the borough’s nine cemeteries.
Tony and his team are responsible for public safety and the the upkeep of over 600,000 square metres of land. There are over 90,000 individual headstones.
“The local authority cemeteries are a statutory duty and as such must conform to many different laws,” said Tony.
“One thing that comes as a surprise to many people is that when they acquire a burial site, they have not bought the land but simply the burial rights. There are then a number of requirements they must comply with concerning the maintenance of the plot.
“We have had to introduce rules that restrict the amount of space on each grave that can be used for decorations. This is purely for health and safety reasons and ensures we can give the cemeteries the level of maintenance they deserve. We are relying on the co-operation of the public to work with us with regards to these rules.”
An example of this is the subject of wind chimes, which are a symbol of peace and tranquillity to some but a noisy intrusion to others. A survey of the council’s citizens’ panel found opinion divided almost equally for and against allowing them in cemeteries, proving that a cemetery manager often needs the wisdom of Solomon.
Tony admits: “It can be a difficult and sensitive job. We are dealing people at a very delicate time and we have to make sure we carry out our role in the most sensitive manner possible.”
The first municipal cemeteries opened in Wigan and Leigh in 1856. Atherton and Ince cemeteries followed a year later. Tyldesley opened in 1878, whilst Howe Bridge opened in 1974. Not least of Tony’s concerns are the number of older headstones that can become unsteady.
“Because of the age and history surrounding these places they are an important part of the borough’s cultural landscape,” said Tony. “But we also have to be very aware that heavy headstones can become unsafe and take action to protect visitors.”
Cemeteries are a haven for wildlife and can often be a green oasis in urban areas. Added Tony: “These days, working with the public to try and maintain the cemeteries is the only way forward. We conduct cemetery walks which are always very popular and we work with communities living close to the grounds to recruit volunteers for Cemetery Watch schemes. These groups report any problems to us.”
Tony and the team are always on hand to offer information and advice to any members of the public. The cemetery staff provide a full service including a municipal burial service, which, while less costly than some, is conducted with no less dignity than any other service.
“We are here to help,” said Tony. “The borough’s cemeteries are special places and it’s up to all of us to work together to preserve them.”
The Cemeteries & Crematorium Service is located at 1-3 Worsley Terrace Standishgate. You can contact the office on 01942 828993/4 or email cemeteries@wlct.org
- For more general information on the borough cemetery and crematorium service visit Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s website – www.wlct.org
THE borough’s cemeteries are the guardians of many historic tales and provide a huge amount of information about social history. Each summer Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust put on a series of popular cemetery walks led by heritage officer Tony Ashcroft.
For Borough Life readers Tony offers some fascinating facts about the local history to be found in the borough’s cemeteries.
The Lance Todd Trophy was named after Lancelot Beaumont Todd, a former New Zealand centre three quarters who played for Wigan. He is buried in Wigan Cemetery.
John Robinson (stage name Ajax) was a former music hall artiste and former weight lifting champion of the world who is buried in Wigan Cemetery.
William and Emily Day (whose daughter Eva married Sydney Larkin at Leigh Parish Church) are the grandparents of Philip Larkin, the poet. They are buried in Leigh Cemetery.
John Cook who died in 1891 and is buried in Leigh Cemetery was present at St. Peter’s Fields in Manchester when the Peterloo Massacre took place. He saw the head constable Joe Nadin arrest Orator Henry Hunt.
Elizabeth Parry who died in 1965 had been awarded the BEM in 1953 for her services to the coal industry. She had worked for 41 years as a screen hand at Nook Colliery, Astley and is buried in Tyldesley Cemetery.
Mary Fuller (stage name Marie Santoi) has no headstone, but is buried in Tyldesley Cemetery. She was an actress who was appearing at Bradford Alhambra when she died. It is reported that she had a fling with John Major’s father, also a music hall artiste. One of her daughters was Jill Summers, who played Phyllis Pearce in Coronation Street.
Lois Hartley (nee Heath) who died in 1994 was a former Cotton Queen of Great Britain. Whist holding this title she officially opened the ornamental bridge over the Marine Lake, Southport. She’s buried in Atherton Cemetery.
John Sagar who died in 1894 came from Hebden Bridge. He had spent some part of his childhood at Haworth and knew the Bronte family well after being taught by Charlotte’s brother, Branwell.
For more information on Wigan borough’s cemeteries visit Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s website at www.wlct.org