Getting involved in word and deed

With my councillor hat on, I have been responding to concerns of some local residents about the Stroud Town cemetery which we are responsible for. We have an 'old' and a 'new' cemetery and soon will need a newer one. They are also designated nature reserves and the Council is responsible for not only arranging burials here but also for managing them.

The Green Spaces team recently obtained permission to clear back some of the terribly overgrown graves, where the badgers have a sett, which was one of the concerns of Janet Hobbs and Janet Knee. They both agreed to come and pose for some publicity shots for our website and the local papers. This is only the beginning of planned improvements, but we want residents to have a say in what and how it is done. We will now try to establish a Friends of the Cemetery group, which the Town Council will support.

The grave here is of a local MP for the area in the 1880s, Sir John Dorrington. The newly revealed mausoleum looks wonderful, with its amazing wrought ironwork still in great condition. Apparently the metal wasn't removed during the World Wars for the war effort because they were part of the grave. The stonework has been damaged by brambles and Buddleia which have invaded the joints and cracks. On the hillside above is the disused chapel, with fabulous views out towards the Severn Vale and across to Butterow and Rodborough Common.

The official photo was set-up and taken by Andy, the Mayor, and I was included in the shot beside Mike, my friend and fellow councillor, and Helena also kindly joined us behind the two Janets, as they call themselves. Andy suggested I take a picture too as he knows it is the sort of thing I do. I expect he knew it might end up here, as I am one of two blipping councillors.