Victorian Symbolism
The rewards of volunteering
Who’d have thought that a visit to Ford Park Cemetery with a local history society would would be so enjoyable and interesting it would mark the beginning of active voluntary service there for more than a decade?
Rod Pickles (pictured) was puzzled when the Land Registry History Society had arranged to come to the cemetery in 2006. He hadn’t appreciated back then the wealth of history and human interest stories to be found at the cemetery. Volunteer Pat Luxford was the visit guide and the experience was so interesting a return visit the following year was organised.
Within weeks of retiring in the summer of 2007 Rod joined Ford Park Cemetery Trust as a volunteer supporter.
Since then he has given talks about the cemetery on site and to audiences in the wider community; guided tours and helped out at a variety of events. He has also served as Chairman of the Friends of Ford Park Cemetery on three occasions. Rod is currently supporting the Trust as the Volunteer Co-ordinator.
Reflecting on the rewards from this voluntary service Rod says it is feeling he has contributed to the success of an event which either raises valuable funding for Ford Park Cemetery or engagement with the local community it serves.
His proudest moment was the publication of the booklet he researched and wrote about the RAF airmen laid to rest at Ford Park Cemetery.
Volunteering has many benefits:
It provides a sense of purpose.
Volunteering is about becoming part of something greater than yourself as an individual.
It provides opportunities to socialise and work towards a shared goal with other people from all walks of life, combatting social isolation and loneliness.
It improves self-esteem and confidence and you can learn new skills.
And it can be fun and immensely satisfying!
If you would like to give a little time to help out at Ford Park Cemetery we would love to hear from you.
You might like to do physical tasks like gardening, baking or set up for and host at our fundraising and community events.
Or carry out simple admin and research jobs.
You can call our office 01752 665442 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BZ to HMS Raleigh recruits
Recruits from HMS Raleigh gave their time and energy to grounds maintenance tasks in Ford Park Cemetery today at the start of national Volunteer Week (runs from 1st-7th June).
We are lucky enough to have them with us for a total of four days. Our relationship with the Royal Navy training establishment HMS Raleigh is highly valued. Over the years we have been able to draw on the enthusiasm and team work of the recruits to help us with physical jobs on the 34 acre site. There are many graves of military personnel at Ford Park and we are proud of the historical connections in Plymouth with the Royal Navy. We hope the recruits enjoy their time working outdoors and feel they have made a positive difference in the community.
Judging by their efforts on their first day we are confident they will deserve a sincere BZ (Bravo Zulu) from us. Navy ships in the fleet used to pass messages by morse code and through flag signals. BZ is a combination of the Bravo and Zulu nautical flags being flown together as a way to convey “Good job or well done.”
Nurture and Nature
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.
Calling all bakers
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.
Donate
Please consider supporting our efforts.
Events
Tickets £10 from the cemetery office
Including songs from the Forties
Tickets £12 from the Cemetery office
Opening Hours
Grounds
9 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (Summer Time)
9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. (Winter Time)
Office
10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. (Mon to Fri)
Vehicular access is available whenever the grounds are open.
Visitor Centre Exhibition
Building Plymouth Exhibition - Architects & Architecture
From Sunday 7th April until Thursday 23rd May
Opening Times
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.30am to 3.30pm
Sundays 11.30pm - 3.30pm
Craft Club
The Craft Club meets weekly in the Northey Room between 11.00am - 3.00pm every Wednesday - Free tea & coffee - bring your own food or sandwiches available to purchase from the cafe. All welcome.
Puzzle Swap Club
Twice weekly in the Coffee Shop Tuesday & Thursday 10:30 to 3:30 also Saturday & Sunday 12:30 to 3:30 - All welcome.