Ryde Library Walk at Ryde Cemetery 6 October 2017

What a bright, dry morning it was on Friday 6 October, when a group of 12-15 people arrived at Ryde Cemetery for a walk organised by Ryde Library. Although chilly to start with it warmed up later.

Kate MacDonell led the walk accompanied by Dave Bushell. We followed the main carriageway between the West Street entrance and Pellhurst Road, making a few detours along the way – the northern path by the Lodge, Millionaires’ Row, the main path in the Catholic Section and the main southern path off the grass turning circle. Many people are surprised at how large the cemetery is, (12 acres), especially if they have never visited it before.

As well as recounting the history of the cemetery from its humble ‘God’s Acre’ of 1840, this history links directly with the growth and development of the town of Ryde. The walkers were also introduced to our new project, ‘The Lost Children’ and our ongoing World War One Centenary Project.

We stopped at a variety of memorials, all with very different stories to tell. The Library Walking Party were most interested and enthusiastic with many questions arising and kept us busy for two hours! Some were keen photographers and enjoyed studying the architecture of the buildings and monuments.

At the end of the walk, we were all more than ready for a sit down back at the Learning Centre where Ann Barrett was waiting with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Photographs by David Bushell