We have introduced new stock in our shop in the Visitor Centre Chapel along three themes which represent Ford Park Cemetery - Nature,  Loss & Remembrance, and History.

Nature - we have a beautiful landscape and wildlife habitat which connects us with the seasons and provides a green space in the heart of a city.

Our shop corner has books, scarves, toiletries, pictures, cards, vases and ceramics inspired by nature.

 Loss & Remembrance - we are the final resting place for loved ones, a place where lives are honoured and remembered as a working cemetery which hosts funeral services and maintains graves. Our shop corner has books, cards, candles and keepsakes for the bereaved.

History - we research and raise awareness about the extraordinary lives of those at rest in our cemetery and the wider social history of Plymouth. Our shop corner stocks a range of books.

 All the proceeds from our shop sales go directly to our Trust so that we can continue to run, manage and develop Ford Park Cemetery for the local community for generations to come. 

Home baked refreshments are always popular at our fundraising events here at Ford Park Cemetery. 

Every pound raised by voluntary support helps our Trust to take care of the cemetery grounds and ensure that Ford Park benefits the bereaved and the community for generations to come. 

If you could spare some of your time to bake for any of our events we would love to hear from you. 

Register your interest by calling our office on 01752 665442. 

We were delighted to host the Plymouth Tree Partnership’s 20th anniversary celebration this month.

More than 60 guests enjoyed a guided walk around the 34 acre cemetery grounds, which has beautiful trees to admire, before presentations were held in the Visitor Centre Chapel with refreshments. 

Partnership Secretary Andrew Young thanked our Volunteer Vivien Warne for looking after them so well. He said: “The visitor centre was the perfect venue for us, whilst you and the team ensured we lacked for nothing.  Everyone had a pleasant time and we are most grateful for making it such a memorable occasion.”    

• Our Visitor Centre Chapel, Northey Room and Victorian Chapel are available for hire for private functions and meetings on our cemetery site. We have free parking, toilet and cafe facilities including a licence to serve alcohol. Bookings are welcome. Call 01752 665442 with enquiries.  

Ford Park Cemetery is supporting a special awareness week promoting the life-enhancing benefits cemeteries play in the community.

As a proud member of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) Ford Park is echoing the key message of the Discovering European Cemeteries 2023 week starting 26th May.

Naturally many only think of cemeteries as being a place for those whose lives have ceased but nothing could be further from the reality.

Trustee Wendy Coulton said: “Our cemetery is very much a community hub for a wide range of activities and opportunities for volunteering. We connect with different groups and individuals who are interested in what our cemetery has to offer in addition to the funerals which take place.

“Walking and making time to take a breath and notice what is around us in nature is recognised as a tonic for our mental and physical health and wellbeing. We organise guided themed walks around the cemetery throughout the year but the cemetery is open to anyone who appreciates having a beautiful green space in the heart of a city. Walking a lap or more of our 34 acre site can work wonders for your mood. 

“For those who love gardening - which again is acknowledged for its therapeutic benefits - or who just want to get more active we have simple light tasks around the cemetery which help us to keep it maintained. 

“And of course connecting with people keeps loneliness from social isolation at bay. Friendships are formed and there is untold rewards from giving your time and skills to a good cause such as our cemetery which is run by a charitable trust.

“So next time you pass our cemetery come in and see for yourself why it serves the living as much as those who have passed.”

Pictured: Every Wednesday morning these ladies come together to knit, crochet and make crafts which are then sold at our events to raise funds for our work here at Ford Park Cemetery. It’s also a much valued opportunity to catch up with like-minded people over a cuppa.