Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery

This decision was not popular as it was felt Langney was too far away from Eastbourne for visitors. Ocklynge Cemetery was therefore extended towards Eldon Road in 1892. The land was purchased from the Duke of Devonshire at a cost of £9,000. (2)

1903 map of the cemetery plus extension.

'The Gore'

'Langney Cemetery'.

Ocklynge Cemetery was landscaped to provide a pleasant rural area for visiting relatives. It was finally consecrated & opened in 1857. In 1873 the cemetery was extended southwards towards a house called ‘The Gore’.
The Burial Board opened Langney Cemetery in 1882 at the other end of the town. (1)

Yes. 🙂

I think that is wishful thinking! 😹

Lionel, one of our volunteers, had his work cut out clearing this plot. 👏
Thick leather protective gloves were required to remove a mixture of holly, bramble, and elder from the grave of Elizabeth Hart and her children on the lower road.

Toni from the museum at Vancluse House visited us last year to see Sarah's grave. (2)
www.fooc.org.uk/notable-grav...

The Magnificent Seven cemeteries around London are always worth a visit & all the smaller cemeteries have many tales to tell!
If you are coming down Eastbourne way do visit the grave of Sarah Wentworth. We can also give you a guided tour. 🙂 (1)

The volunteers at the cemetery have now added 12,000 graves to FindAGrave. This a fantastic achievement and it was Danielle who hit the 12,000 mark today.
This resource is used by genealogists all over the world and we are all very proud to be a small part of their journey. 🌳
#Genealogy

I felt sorry for Harriet Jones on Doctor Who but we can live in hope but would rejoice if the same outcome happens because he is looking very tired! 😏

Question 6: Does anyone ever contact you as they recognise they sent the card! 😀

The grave of Caleb 'Luther' Adams was tidied by The Eastbourne Bicycle Club 1877. Luther founded the club & was the winner of the 1st bicycle race held in Eastbourne in 1869.
See their Facebook group.
#bicycle @le-tourdefrance.bsky.social @britishcycling.org.uk @bikesky.social @cycling.bsky.social

A lovely gathering for Remembrance Sunday today at the Cross of Sacrifice. Our chair gave a few words of intro, a poem was read & wreathes were then laid at the Cross followed by the two minute silence.
There was a short tour of the War Graves after.

Thank you @yorkshiretea.bsky.social for your warning on Facebook! I'm totally on board and would never use a microwave to make a delicious cup of Decaff Yorkshire Tea as don't wish to encourage intergalactic visitors to Sussex! 😁

The Chater plot was last cleared in April 2024 but had another tidy on Friday. In the plots where cotoneaster, for example, has established itself we regularly keep an eye on them & cut the growth right back. Sadly the roots have damaged some graves over the years.

Two or could be three furry ornaments moved into the cemetery lodge this year & they charm everyone they encounter on their walks! 😺

These photos at the cemetery today sum up the old Sussex saying 'It's dark over Will's mother's'!
The darkest clouds were over the South Downs.

All 18 UK species of bat hibernate during the colder months, starting in around October - November. To help them out, you can leave dead wood and thick vegetation, such as Ivy, in your garden to provide vital hidey-holes. 🦇😴

📸Brown Long-eared Bat © Hugh Clark FRPS

This particular fallen (may have been laid down) buried headstone took several visits to uncover due to the mass of tree roots that had to be removed before reaching the stone itself, which was approximately 5-6 inches under the surface.

Surely there is something that can be done to stop him?
When will someone step in if he starts demolishing more of the White House! 😐

More photos from last Friday's work party. Two plots cleared - one hidden stone uncovered and one still to be found!
🙂

As mentioned y'day Kevin, our Chair, is writing a booklet about Notable Graves in the cemetery.
He has published a booklet on our Commonwealth War Graves of which there are 178.
@cwgc.bsky.social
@sommecourt.bsky.social
"War Graves — Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery" www.fooc.org.uk/war-graves

Our Chair & local historian, Kevin, is currently writing a booklet that follows his guided walk at the cemetery of the Notable Graves listed on our website.
It will also include info on another 14 that are off the paths but with care can be visited by visitors.
www.fooc.org.uk/notable-graves

Notable Grave Sunday - Henry Mitchell Jones
As we reach the end of our week of notable graves at the cemetery we finish with a Victoria Cross hero.
@thehistoryguy.bsky.social #CrimeanWar
"Notable Graves — Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery" www.fooc.org.uk/notable-grav...

Notable Grave Saturday - Eugenio Possolo
(Brazilian Pilot)
#Brazil @bafnews.bsky.social #RAF
www.fooc.org.uk/notable-grav...

Notable Grave Friday-
Lancelot Keay, Architect.
@architecture.bsky.social @liverpoolecho.co.uk @beatlesbible.com @nationaltrust.org.uk #PaulMcCartney #Liverpool
"Notable Graves — Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery" www.fooc.org.uk/notable-grav...

In my head...'Don't worry it was the cat!' 🙄

Notable Grave Thursday -
Sarah Wentworth
(Wife of Australian Politician)
@australia.theguardian.com @socaustgen.bsky.social @auswhn.bsky.social
"Notable Graves — Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery" www.fooc.org.uk/notable-grav...

Saturday 18th October at 11:00, West Norwood Cemetery: Momento Mori, the Victorian Way of Death

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/memento-mo...

Notable Grave Wednesday -
Oswald Fitzgerald.
@jutlandremembered.bsky.social #WW1
"Notable Graves — Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery" www.fooc.org.uk/notable-grav...