THE FRIENDS of Reading Old Cemetery is reaching out for stories about those buried in the cemetery.
The group has been advocating for the maintenance and conservation of wildlife and history of the site since it formed in 2013.
It also works with Reading Borough Council to help to manage the site and its wildlife.
Now they’re seeking stories from members of the public who may be related to or know the history of people buried at the graveyard.
Dr Yota Dimitriadi, a member of the Friends of Reading Old Cemetery, said that the group was issuing a call to action.
She said: “We want to encourage a conversation, both about Reading’s history and about death and grief generally.”
The group is working with Reading Crematorium and speaking to the families of those buried at the cemetery.
Ms Dimitriadi said that there are some important and wide-reaching history connected to the site.
“There are graves of activists and racers, as well as paupers graves and connections to both world wars.”
She said that there were plans to bring the stories together to commemorate the history of Reading, but also to dispel some of the misconceptions about it.
The group is looking to create a way of guests being able to hear an oral history of the site and those buried there.
Ms Dimitriadi said, “Like everywhere, there are dark stories here, and people can be quite reactive with regards to grief and bereavement.”
The group wants to encourage people to talk more openly about death, including wills and digital access.
It currently plans to host events to promote the stories it collects, and is in talks with artists to help tell the stories.
Ms Dimitriadi said that the group also hopes that the conversations about grieving and bereavement will help those who struggle with loss, as well as bring the community together.
“Despite our differences as people, what unites us is grief, and what we learn about one another in moments of grief is very powerful.”
To contact the group, search for Friends of Reading Old Cemetery on Facebook
