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The Last Journey
Even slower on the last journey to Stottercliffe Cemetery. It's a surprisingly busy place as it is very close to the Trans-pennine trail and local people often visit it or use it as a short cut to Thurlstone Road. Some people call it the dead centre of Penistone (sorry about that one).
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As I took the centre-left picture, I contemplated those with a one-way ticket down this side path, never to return. A sombre thought of a sea of tears. The lane shown to its right is top side of the cemetery wall. With the TP trail on the left, it leads to Stottercliffe lane, which emerges on to Thurlstone road, near the bad bend. There is a good collection of family, acquaintances or familiar names buried here and the cemetery is reasonably well kept by the council, although it is becoming quite full.
The oldest memorial stones are of stone and the newer ones usually of black or white polished granite, often with a feature such as a rose or cross etched in. None of these graves date before 1880 and most have an occupancy of two or even three. Some very old ones have angelic figures or carved ornate crosses.
Consecration of the New Cemetery Extension
This was an unusual ceremony which must very rarely happen. It took place on the cold but sunny day of Tues 6th March 2007, and was attended by a small gathering and myself. After an opening address by Ken Eastwood, Director of Regulatory Services, Barnsley mayor Cllr Margaret Morgan cut the tape to open the extension.
The Bishop of Pontefract, Tony Robinson, attended to the consecration in accordance with procedure. This was officially witnessed by the Registrar and a few local people. Penistone Mayor Cllr Nora Collett, the local vicar, assorted councillors and the town clerk were also much in evidence. Local historian Neville Roebuck also paid great attention to the ceremony. The Deed of Consecration was read out and the Bishop walked the boundary of the extension and scattered holy water before him.
Welcome and refreshing cups of tea and biscuits were laid on afterwards in the Community Centre.
