8th to 16th June 2024 is National Cemeteries Week and many of London's cemeteries will be holding events to celebrate this occasion. Cemeteries often contain nature and biodiversity to enjoy, as well as plenty of history!
Friends of West Norwood Cemetery - 8 June
'Hear the extraordinary stories of some key Victorians such as Mrs Isabella Beeton, Sir Henry Tate, and Dr William Marsden, as well as some of the more recent residents including Joe Hunte, and Oswald Denniston, both of whom arrived in the UK on the Windrush in 1948. The tour will also take in the remarkable Greek Enclosure, established in July of 1842 as the resting place of many notable Greek merchants such as John Peter Ralli. The newly restored St. Stephen's Mortuary Chapel is a sight to behold; established in 1872 by Stephen Ralli in memory of his son Augustus, the chapel was designed in Greek Revival style, quite possibly by famed architect John Oldrid Scott.'
To sign up and for more information, click here.
Willesden Jewish Cemetery
Nature Meets History
9, 10, 16 June 11:00
'As part of the National Cemeteries Week, we invite you to visit Willesden Jewish Cemetery to explore our beautiful grounds. Designed as a ‘Garden Cemetery’ in 1873, Willesden Jewish Cemetery offers a unique blend of heritage and nature. Join us for the guided walks to discover the captivating fusion of historic legacy and flourishing nature, revealed by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer guides.'
More information: https://shorturl.at/muV13
Family Discovery Day
'Sunday, 14 July, 10:00 - 13:00
A great opportunity for families to visit Willesden Jewish Cemetery, where heritage and nature offer a fascinating day out creating a unique experience for all ages.
Nature Walk (free, advance booking required):
Embark on a journey through Willesden Jewish Cemetery's picturesque grounds. Established as a 'Garden Cemetery' in 1873, our site offers a serene blend of history and nature. Explore the captivating fusion of heritage and flourishing ecosystems guided by our knowledgeable volunteers.
Children’s Activities (£5 per child):
Nature Crafts: Create beautiful things using natural materials and design a bug hotel, providing habitats for local wildlife to thrive. Stories from the Cemetery: Immerse yourself in history by exploring artifacts related to the cemetery's notable personalities in interactive sessions, which will include stories and pebble decorating – plus, try on a special hat for a perfect photo opportunity. You can share your thoughts on a pebble and leave it on the grave of your choice, according to the Jewish tradition.
Discovery Trails (free): Go on a discovery journey through trails tailored for different age groups, offering interactive experiences to uncover stories and secrets hidden within the Cemetery's grounds. From spotting symbols of Jewish traditions to unravelling mysteries surrounding intriguing figures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
For the grown-ups, we offer a leaflet with a map and life stories of 20 remarkable individuals, which will help you navigate through our enchanting gardens and significant monuments.
The Cemetery is open to all – come and enjoy our events - everyone will find something exciting and appealing at our Family Discovery Day.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
More information and to book: https://shorturl.at/nEOU0
Discover the Wonders of Nature: Holiday workshops for children
Wednesdays, 24 and 31 July, 2pm – 4 pm
Join us for an afternoon of children’s activities, which will include a walk and craft workshops.
Nature Walk: We’ll take a short stroll through our beautiful grounds, exploring the hidden gems of our local ecosystem with our knowledgeable guides. From towering trees to delicate wildflowers, from birds to bees, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as we stroll along the paths in the enchanting and picturesque grounds.
Following the walk, we will run a fun-filled craft session. Using materials sourced from the great outdoors, let your imagination soar as you create beautiful artworks inspired by the wonders of nature. From nature mosaics to bug hotels, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
The workshops are aimed at primary school children, but will be suitable and enjoyable for all ages.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The session will last for approx. 2 hours.
More information and to book: https://shorturl.at/gthnz
Brompton Cemetery
'Saturday 15 June, Scent Stroll, 1 pm - 2:15 pm. Led by Yasmine El Ghamrawy, a registered aromatherapist. Meet outside the North Lodge 15 min before the event start. The event is £15 (+Eventbrite's fee), which includes a take-home aromatherapy sample. For more details and to book, see https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scent-stroll-brompton-cemetery-tickets-780307640157. The stroll is meant for small groups and will be offered again on July 20, Oct. 19, Dec. 14.
Also, on Sunday 9th and 16th we hold our regular tours of the cemetery led by our volunteer guides.
£10 donation is encouraged for these.' https://brompton-cemetery.org.uk/ '
