In an ongoing dispute over the future of the former Calderstones Hospital cemetery in Whalley, concerns have been raised about the preservation of historical graves and the potential for development on the site. The Friends of Calderstones Cemetery, a dedicated group of community members, are particularly alarmed that parts of the cemetery, which are earmarked for a new crematorium and car park, may contain old burial plots, interred cremation urns, human remains, or have once served as a garden of remembrance. Their fears are compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the cemetery’s records, leading to calls for a more thorough evaluation of the land’s historical significance and future usage.
Originally sold by the NHS approximately twenty years ago, the cemetery at Calderstones has passed through different ownerships since its decommissioning. The site isn’t just a resting place; it is steeped in history, serving as the final location for many, including the infamous ‘Booth Hall babies.’ These children were evacuated to Calderstones Hospital from Manchester just before the outbreak of the Second World War, and their graves are believed to lie within the cemetery. The emotional weight of these stories adds a layer of urgency to the Friends group’s mission.
Recently, local authorities, including officials from the Ribble Valley Council, have expressed their concerns about the condition of the cemetery. They have pointed out that many headstones have been removed in the past, raising further questions about the integrity of the site and the reverence owed to those buried there. The historical records, according to the Friends group, appear inconsistent and unclear, leading to a growing skepticism about the planned crematorium and the land’s partial de-consecration by the Church of England’s Diocese of Blackburn.
The diocese de-consecrated a part of the cemetery earlier this year, a move that may pave the way for development projects. However, the decision has not been without its controversies. The bishop’s office stated that this update followed a consultation process that examined different opinions and evidence. The northern side of the cemetery became a focal point for this de-consecration, which further complicates the narrative surrounding potential burials and interments that might still exist there. The Friends group has been scrupulous in compiling records and pointing to inconsistencies that challenge the validity of the diocese’s claims.
In the most recent developments, Dennis Buckley, a member of the Friends group, raised new concerns about the potential for unrecorded burials dating back as far as 1968. With the involvement of Catholic authorities, Buckley reports that at least 19 individuals who remain unaccounted for in the official records may be buried somewhere on the site. He stated, “A total of 20 people were identified, with only one already known to us. The remaining 19, and there may be more, are believed to be buried somewhere. But like other cases, we currently do not know where. Enquiries are continuing.”
Buckley expressed his frustration with what he characterized as a lack of proper oversight and transparency regarding burial records. He stressed that the necessary pre-conditions for any partial de-consecration of the cemetery had not been fulfilled. The emergence of new information about potential unrecorded graves, along with recent drone photographs, adds to the group’s apprehensions. “One photo looks at the northern area where there are supposed to be no recorded burials,” he indicated. “There are distinct and regular rows of what the photographer believes to be disturbed earth, running from south to north direction, in a large area of what has been neglected, unmanaged, and supposedly vacant land.”
This latest evidence comes as the owners of the cemetery have begun erecting new signs to inform the community about their intentions to develop the site, which include plans for the crematorium and information boards for visitors. The Friends group has remained vigilant, recently reaching out to Nick and Sharon Gerard, the directors of Remembrance Parks Construction Ltd, the current owners of the cemetery. In their correspondence, Buckley noted that while the owners had taken steps to preserve individual memorials at the site, significant concerns about the overall site management and historical integrity remained unresolved.
The Friends group has even pointed out that the site’s owners had not adequately responded to their earlier concerns and failed to disclose what historical burial records, maps, or certificates they received upon acquiring the cemetery. To the group, these documents are vital for families seeking to pay their respects or understand the heritage of their loved ones buried there.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, campaigners recently claimed that a garden of remembrance, believed to be situated directly underneath the proposed location for the crematorium, had been identified by various individuals. The potential for irreversible damage to such a sentimental area of the cemetery has only intensified the outcry for a more protective and considerate approach to the land’s future.
In a response to the concerns raised by the Friends group, Ron Dunn, the representative for Remembrance Parks Construction, asserted that the group has a clear agenda opposing any development, particularly a crematorium. He argued that the developers seek a sensitive and respectful execution of plans that maintain the dignity of those buried at the cemetery. “They also wish to return the cemetery to public ownership,” he stated, “but this is highly unlikely, given the cost to purchase it, invest in improvements and maintain it at an ongoing loss — a cost that would ultimately fall on the general public.”
Dunn went on to emphasize the importance of management and oversight from a company that has experience in dealing with such facilities. He mentioned that since acquiring the cemetery in 2019, the company has maintained a commitment to preserve burial sites, asserting their intention to create a memorial for all interred there. This includes dedicating space for each of the Booth Hall babies, as well as providing information boards to highlight the site’s historical significance. Dunn emphasized that these efforts could provide a more substantial and meaningful remembrance of those buried there than could be achieved through the efforts of a small action group.
The Church of England Diocese of Blackburn has also provided its perspective, stating that a portion of the cemetery was de-consecrated in May to facilitate future use. A spokesperson from the diocese mentioned that this decision was made after carefully considering public input and following strict conditions designed to respect the dignity of all interred. They clarified that since the cemetery is privately owned, the bishop has no authority over its use.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Calderstones Cemetery underscores the delicate balance between development, historical preservation, and the memories of those interred. The efforts of the Friends of Calderstones Cemetery continue to highlight the complexities involved in navigating these competing interests, and the future of the cemetery hangs in a precarious balance as discussions progress. Coming together as a community to foster respect and understanding may ultimately shape the legacy left behind for future generations while honoring those who came before. As the situation stands, the interplay of local governance, community advocacy, and corporate responsibility is set against a backdrop of emotional and historical significance, reminding us all of the enduring importance of remembrance and reverence for the resting places of the past.