Derby

Community mission

Digging up the past

4 GoodGymers made their way to help the St Matthew's Church in Derby.

  • Ashley
  • Naomi Hope
  • Pete Emery
  • Ellen S
 
Saturday, 20th of August 2022
 
Led by Naomi Hope

St Matthew's regulars Ashley, Naomi and Pete were joined by Ellen on her first visit to support the Church for today's mission.

David suggested an area to focus on - we had made a start there on Tuesday - and with 5 of us it seemed possible (5 people x 3 hours = 15 hours, minus a bit of time for a cuppa!)

We soon discovered that the area contains dozens of memorial slates which we were very keen to uncover, so set to work digging the grass around the edges to unearth and clean them up.

As well as clearing long grass from graves and ivy from headstones, we uncovered 6 large graves, 25 memorial slates and another dozen or so slates found and ready to unearth next time.

Thanks to the brilliant team of volunteers for bringing to light more of the Church's fascinating history and for the respect and interest shown in each and every one of the people who are buried there.

It really is a privilege to be part of this fantastic project and we will keep coming back until all 3,000 slates are uncovered!

Report written by Naomi Hope


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