"Restore Loxley Cemetery to its former picturesque setting"

This letter sent to the Star was written by Mick Drewry, Chair of Friends of Loxley Cemetery Group, S36
Loxley Chapel and cemetery, taken by Natalie JonesLoxley Chapel and cemetery, taken by Natalie Jones
Loxley Chapel and cemetery, taken by Natalie Jones

The campaign to restore Loxley Cemetery to its former picturesque setting has been well-documented in The Star for almost two decades and the paper’s support for the campaign is appreciated by those leading the campaign, now members of the newly formed and constituted Friends of Loxley Cemetery Group, of which I have the privilege to be chair.

Since being established last September, the group’s elected management committee have met monthly (a big thank you to Ollie and his staff at the Wisewood Inn for hosting our meetings), to ensure that the group is well organised and capable of achieving its aims and objectives. In addition to restoring and maintaining the cemetery, these include the creation of records of social and historical interest relative to the cemetery and the people buried there, that will be a useful research resource for future generations.

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While the owners of the site, Ali Property Development, have granted permission for the group to undertake this work, we are currently awaiting a response from Jameel Ali regarding issues that need resolving before the group can undertake the physical work that is required. This needs to commence in the very near future and preferably before the start of the growing season.

Once these issues are resolved, work can, and will, begin: over to you Mr Ali!

To promote the group we have secured a stand at the forthcoming Sheffield Heritage event at the Millennium Gallery on January 18 and 19, where anyone interested in joining us can have a chat with me and other members of the group.

I will be selling and signing copies of my books on the Great Sheffield Flood (Inundation), and the Sheffield Outrages (Intimidation), at the event; 10 per cent of the sales will be donated to the group.

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And talking of donations, whilst the group have agreed an annual subscription of £5 for members, and possible funding options are being explored, we would be most grateful for any donations, be they financial or ‘in-kind’ contributions.

If you want to join or offer your support to the Friends of Loxley Cemetery Group, please come along and see us at the Heritage event.

I look forward to meeting you!