Brookwood Cemetery

New Cemetery Sign

2011-12-30T20:54:00.001Z

During December the old cemetery sign facing the main railway line off plot 102 was fully restored. This included the construction of a replacement metal frame along with new lettering.

The sign reads "Brookwood Cemetery / Estd. 1852" and is designed to be seen from passing trains, as was the original.

Funeral of Lieutenant David Boyce

2011-12-12T21:54:00.000Z

The burial of Lieutenant David Boyce of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards took place on 11 December. Lieutenant Boyce was killed alongside Corporal Richard Scanlon on 17 November when their armoured vehicle struck a makeshift bomb in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.Following a funeral service held in Bath Abbey on 7 December, Lieutenant Boyce's ashes were buried at Brookwood. You can read the official Ministry of Defence communique, the coverage of his death from the BBC Website and the Daily Telegraph.

Pilgrimage Stroll Against Poverty

2011-10-17T14:16:00.001+01:00

This year's Pilgrimage Stroll Against Poverty took place on 15 October. Organised as part of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Tish Mason of the Surrey Heath Coalition Against Poverty arranged another group visit to the pauper burial areas of the cemetery. Tim Dodds, Mayor of Surrey Heath, also attended the stroll. The group visited part of the pauper burial sections before moving on to the Cemetery Chapel for short service to remember those who live and die in poverty across the world. As in previous years the purpose of the visit is to remember those who died in poverty, to show solidarity with people living in poverty, and to find out how to help those in poverty. The Brookwood Cemetery Society supported the event by providing refreshments before and after the walk, and having its sales and information stand open. After the walk, participants were invited to a Creative Workshop for families at the Frimhurst Family House, Guildford Road, Frimley Green.

There is an Audioboo interview with Jason French on the UN Day to End Poverty, and an Audioboo interview with John Clarke on the pauper burial areas,

London's Necropolis: A Perfect Place of Rest

2011-09-19T11:09:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 17 September the Association of Garden Trusts and the Surrey Gardens Trust arranged a study day at Brookwood. The main part of the day took place in the Brookwood Memorial hall. Three main themes were explored by guest speakers in the morning sessions: "The Evolution of the English Cemetery Landscape" by Jonathan Lovie; "Sepulchres and Statues: Criteria for Listing of Cemetery Mounuments" by Roger Bowdler; and "The Landscape of Brookwood Cemetery" by John Clarke. Following lunch an extended tour of the cemetery was curtailed due to heavy rain.

Celebrating Age Concern Woking's 5th Anniversary

2011-09-19T11:04:00.000+01:00

On Sunday 18 September Brookwood played host to Age Concern Woking's 5th anniversary. Around 100 people, including local councillors, clients and sponsors attended the celebration, along with some of the charity's volunteers. Age Concern Woking offers services to help improve the lives of older people. It supports older people who are isolated or have no family to offer them support.

2011-06-11T22:11:00.002+01:00

The funeral of Maqbool Fida Husain took place on 10 June 2011. Following a funeral service in London, he was buried in one of the Muslim community plots at Brookwood. Widely known as "The Picasso of India" or simply "MF", he left India in 2006 and divided his time betwen Qatar and London. He is mourned in India and by artists all over the world.

Visit by Representatives of the Johor Government of Malaysia

2011-05-11T21:22:00.001+01:00

We welcomed members of the Johor Government of Malaysia on 11 May 2011. The visit was arranged by Haji Dzul Karnain Asmawi of the Johor Heritage Foundation as part of a research visit to London. He was accompanied by 13 Johor Officials, headed by the Johor Heritage and Cultural Minister, arriving at the cemetery at 10 o'clock. Accompanied by cemetery owner Erkin Guney and Historical Consultant John Clarke, the group visited the old Muslim burial ground and in particular visited the graves of three eminent Johoreans, including the grave of Dato Abdul Rahman Andak.

Funeral of Major Matthew Collins

2011-04-18T19:22:00.000+01:00

The burial of Major Matthew James Collins of the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards took place on Monday 18 April. Major Collins was killed alongside Lance Sergeant Mark Burgan in Afghanistan on Wednesday 23 March. They were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) after returning from an operation in support of an Afghan National Army Company, alongside C Company of the Danish Battle Group, to disrupt insurgent activity and search compounds of interest in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province. You can read the official Ministry of Defence communique, and newspaper coverage of his death from the Daily Telegraph and a report on his repatriation to the UK from the Daily Mail.

70th Anniversary of the destruction of the Necropolis Station

2011-04-17T20:35:00.001+01:00

The night of 16-17 April marks the 70th anniversary of the destruction of the London Necropolis Company's London terminus. Situated at 121 Westminster Bridge Road, the station was largely destroyed by incendiary and high explosive bombs dropped during what was the heaviest air raid on London to date.

Report into UK Funeral Customs

2011-04-08T21:23:00.001+01:00

Co-Operative Funeralcare has conducted the first UK study into funeral customs. The Ways We Say Goodbye: A Study of 21st Century Funeral Customs in the UK draws information from across its network of funeral homes as well as from 2,000 members of the public.

It shows that today's funerals are much more likely to be a celebration of a person's life than a mournful occasion. More than half the population would choose this rather than a simple church service with hymns, and almost half are keen for their funeral to reflect their favourite hobby, colour, football team or music. You can read a summary of the report in the Funeral Service Journal, or see the full report here.

Europe's First Funeral School

2011-03-17T15:32:00.001Z

In Germany, trainee undertakers are learning everything from grave digging to dressing corpses at Europe's first funeral school in Munnerstadt. "It's a recession-proof career - people will never stop dying", trainer Wilhelm Lautenbach is quoted as saying. (From today's Metro)

Horse drawn funeral at Brookwood

2011-01-20T21:26:00.000Z

The cemetery witnessed a splendid horse drawn funeral in mid-January.

Supplied by the Brunswick Carriage Company, the hearse was drawn by a pair of black Fresians.

Other arrangements for the funeral were by Woking Funeral Service.

Increased burial fees in Brent

2011-01-10T21:32:00.001Z

Tonight's Evening Standard reported on increased burial fees charged by many London councils. These rises have been criticised as a "death tax". Brent Council will raise its plot fees to £2,140 (for residents) and £3,615 (for non residents). These charges may be compared with those at Brookwood: £2,200 (for unselected plots), £2,500 (for selected plots), £3,200 (for front row). These prices apply to most areas in Brookwood Cemetery and include a 50 year deed of grant as standard.

Cemeteries: Far from the madding crowd

2010-12-31T14:09:00.000Z

The Guardian published an interesting editorial on the penultimate day of the year, on the attraction of cemeteries. It notes "the most resonant kind of cemetery can evoke the history and spirit of a community as eloquently as any written account".

Any Human Heart

2010-12-07T11:42:00.001Z

The Channel 4 dramatisation of William Boyd's novel Any Human Heart began on 21 November 2010.

Episode 3 includes a brief scene filmed at Brookwood earlier this year.

Ebay Shop

2010-12-03T11:16:00.000Z

We have opened an Ebay Shop where you can order publications and gift items (keyrings and badges) directly. Further items will be added in due course.

Rupert the Bear at 90

2010-11-08T17:54:00.001Z

On 8 November 1920 the first part of Mary Tourtel's cartoon character appeared in the pages of the Daily Express. A single frame drawing of a bear dressed like a smart boy in scarf, sweater and checked trousers, was shown being sent off to the shops by his mother. Mary Tourtel continued drawing the daily strip until 1935 when she was forced to give it up due to failing eyesight.

Her place was taken by Alfred Bestall, the son of Methodist missionaries. Bestall's workload piled up as the popularity of Rupert the Bear rose. As well as the successful annuals, there were quarterly booklets and two pictures a day for the newspaper. Alfred Bestall continued drawing the daily strips until 1965 and went on producing covers for the annuals until 1973. He was awarded the MBE in 1985 and died near Porthmadog in 1986. He is buried with his family at Brookwood.

The current artist is Stuart Trotter, a huge admirer of Bestall's work. You can read more on Rupert the Bear's anniversary here and here.

Rupert Bear Museum, Canterbury

Caroline Bott The Life and Works of Alfred Bestall, Illustrator of Rupert the Bear is published by Bloomsbury

MP's Speech refers to the "national significance and importance" of Brookwood Cemetery

2010-10-28T23:56:00.013+01:00

Jonathan Lord, the new MP for Woking, made his maiden speech in Parliament on 27 October. During his speech he referred to the founding of Brookwood Cemetery and it being "a place of truly national significance and importance. I believe it is worthy of more support both locally and nationally":

"... In the 1840s, London's churchyards were running out of burial space, so the Metropolitan Interments Act 1850 forbade any further burials in London and encouraged the building of cemeteries outside the city. A further Act of Parliament in 1852 set up the London Necropolis Company, which went on to purchase 2,000 acres of land at Brookwood in Woking."

"Brookwood Cemetery remains a beautiful and tranquil place, a place of truly national significance and importance. I believe that it is worthy of more support both locally and nationally. One of those interred there was Dr Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner, an oriental scholar who was reputedly fluent in 50 languages. In 1889, he founded the Woking Shah Jahan mosque, which was the first purpose-built mosque in western Europe. For many years, it was the focus of the development of Islam in this country. I celebrate the fact that Woking has its first Asian mayor, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal. I pledged with him to serve the residents of our borough, and in particular our British Muslim population. It is worth noting that Dr Leitner, the founder of the first mosque in England, was Jewish. That is an interesting and wonderful thing that we should bear in mind as we seek peace and reconciliation in the world."

You can read the full text of Jonathon Lord's maiden speech in Hansard.

Booklet on the Glades of Remembrance

2010-10-28T13:21:00.001+01:00

This booklet outlines the history of the Glades of Remembrance, an area of the cemetery set aside for the reception of cremated remains. It was designed by Edward White and the Glades were formally opened in 1950.

Similar in format to our recently published history of the Columbarium, the booklet is illustrated throughout with historic photographs and full colour illustrations. It is available now at £5.00 post free from the Cemetery Office.

Pilgrimage Stroll Against Poverty

2010-10-16T18:00:00.014+01:00

Despite unexpected heavy showers, about 50 people attended the Pilgrimage Stroll Against Poverty on 16 October. Organised as part of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Tish Mason of the Surrey Heath Coalistion Against Poverty arranged a group visit to the pauper burial areas of the cemetery on Saturday 16 October. The group visited part of the pauper burial sections before moving on to the Cemetery Chapel for short service to remember those who live and die in poverty across the world. The Brookwood Cemetery Society supported the event by providing refreshments before and after the walk, and having its sales and information stand open. After the walk, participants were invited to a Creative Workshop for families at the Frimhurst Family House, Guildford Road, Frimley Green.

Consecration of the Church of St Edward the Martyr

2010-09-13T11:21:00.001+01:00

The St Edward Brotherhood celebrated the consecration of their church on Sunday 12 September. The service was led by Bishop Ambrose of Methoni. A description of the service appeared in the August issue of The Shepherd whilst photographs and video clips of the service have been posted on YouTube.

Booklet on the Columbarium

2010-09-12T11:13:00.001+01:00

This new booklet outlines the history of the Columbarium. It traces its history as a family mausoleum for the 5th Earl Cadogan through to its sale back to the cemetery in 1910, and its subsequent use as a columbarium for the cemetery. Illustrated throughout with historic photographs in black and white and full colour, this is available now price £5.00 post free.

This is the first of a series of booklets covering different aspects of the cemetery. The next title will be a history of the Glades of Remembrance.

Heritage Open Day: 11 September 2010

2010-08-26T11:38:00.002+01:00

The Columbarium will be open to visitors on the Heritage Open Day, Saturday 11 September, from 2pm to 5pm. Donations are invited for future restoration work.

Stewards from the Brookwood Cemetery Society will be able to answer questions relating to the building and the recent repairs to the roof.

We hope that copies of our new colour booklet, describing the history of the building, will also be available, price £5.

The Brookwood Cemetery Society will also have its sales and information stand outside the Cemetery Office during the afternoon. Refreshments will be available.

Lieutenant Mark Evison's diary

2010-08-17T14:18:00.001+01:00

The Evening Standard published an article about Lieutenant Mark Evison's diary in its edition of 17 August 2010. You can read the article here.

Funeral of Captain Jonathan Allen

2010-06-25T12:36:00.000+01:00

The burial of the ashes of Captain Jonathan Allen of the Royal Fusiliers took place on Thursday 24 June.

Captain Allen had survived two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He was killed after crashing his bicycle as he swerved to avoid a huge pothole on the A338 in Wiltshire. He suffered severe injuries after colliding with a lorry as he tried to avoid the pothole in heavy rain. It is believed Captain Allen did not see the water-filled hole until the last minute, and then swerved into the path of a lorry which was passing him.

You can read newspaper coverage of his death from The Times and the Daily Telegraph

Centenary of the Columbarium

2010-06-21T15:28:00.002+01:00

The 21 June marks the centenary of the Columbarium. 100 years ago, Earl Cadogan signed over his family mausoleum to the London Necropolis Company for £200. The Company subsequently converted the building into a columbarium for the reception of ashes.

A booklet outlining the history of the Columbarium, and its former use as a private mausoleum for the 5th Earl Cadogan, is currently in preparation.

The Brookwood Cemetery Society has recently completed emergency repairs to the roof and further information on this work can be found here. The Columbarium is likely to be opened on a limited number of days each year, for which further information will be posted here. The first date will probably be in association with the Heritage Open Days this September.

60th Anniversary of the Glades of Remembrance

2010-05-11T11:20:00.001+01:00

Today marks the 60th anniverary of the dedication of the Glades of Remembrance. Planned as a post-war development of the cemetery, the Glades were dedicated by the Bishop of Guildford on 11 May 1950 at a service conducted beside the lake. The lake was fully restored last year, and is now home to ducks and geese and an increasing range of other wildlife.

Blue Plaque for Forest Frederic Yeo-Thomas

2010-03-31T22:15:00.002+01:00

More than 60 years after being awarded the George Cross, Wing Commander Forest Frederic Edward Yeo-Thomas's life has been celebrated with a blue plaque placed outside his former London home. Yeo-Thomas was one of Britain's most famous wartime secret agents, codenamed the "White Rabbit". He has been described as one of the most outstanding workers behind enemy lines whom Britain produced. He is the first secret agent to be honoured with a blue plaque.

The English Heritage blue plaque was unveiled at Queen Court, Queen Square, Guilford Street in London on 31 March. Wing Commander Yeo-Thomas returned to his London flat after the war. He died in 1964 and his ashes lie in the Glades of Remembrance at Brookwood.

You can read more about the unveiling of the blue plaque from The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail.

Funeral of Warrant Officer Darren Chant

2009-12-02T22:35:00.003Z

The burial of Warrant Officer Darren Chant took place on Tuesday 1 December. His burial followed a memorial service held in the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks.

Warrant Officer Darren Chant, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Grenadier Guards, was killed on 3 November in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was one of five British soldiers shot by an Afghan policeman they had been training for several weeks.

The official Ministry of Defence communique reporting the death of Warrant Officer Chant may be read here.

Memorial to Ramadan Guney

2009-11-18T17:45:00.004Z

On Sunday 15 November the Mayor of Woking led a special service in memory of Ramadan Guney at the entrance to the Glades of Remembrance. The Mayor cut the ribbon over the memorial plaque and map of the Glades and made a short speech. Afterwards, Archimandrite Alexis of the St Edward Brotherhood blessed the waters of the lake, which has been restored as part of the overall improvements to this part of the Glades. The last part of the service saw the release of fish into the lake, donated by Iain Welter of the Welters Organisation, who have undertaken the restoration work on the lake.

During her speech the Mayor said "I am very pleased to be here to unveil this memorial plaque in memory of Mr Ramadan Guney, owner of Brookwood Cemetery between 1985 and 2006. Much restoration work has been carried out in recent years on the Cemetery by Mr Ramadan Guney and his son Erkin. The lake, otherwise known as the Pool of Serenity, has been without water for almost 20 years now. When Mr Guney was alive he tried on several occasions to restore the lake and waterfalls and this has now been achieved in his memory through donations and the Brookwood Cemetery Restoration Fund.

Exploring the headstones at Brookwood

2009-11-12T10:09:00.002Z

The Woking News & Mail published (12 November) a two-page feature on some of the memorials in the cemetery. Journalist Charlotte Talbot joined cemetery owner Erkin Guney on a journey of discovery around the cemetery.

Hallowe'en Walk

2009-11-05T09:51:00.001Z

The Woking News & Mail (5 November) reported on our trial Hallowe'en Walk. On a cold, clear night the walk was led by cemetery owner Erkin Guney and cemetery historian John Clarke. We hope to offer the walk next year. Donations have gone towards the cemetery restoration fund.

Pilgrimage Against Poverty

2009-10-17T21:47:00.002+01:00

As part of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, local organiser Margaret Howells arranged for a group to visit the pauper burial areas of the cemetery on Saturday 17 October. The purpose of the visit was to promote the dignity of and show solidarity with those who experience extreme poverty, and to raise awareness about the eradication of poverty.

John Clarke, Brookwood Cemetery's Historical Consultant, explained to the visitors about the many thousands of the poor who were buried on the cemetery's boundaries. They included inmates from workhouses, infirmaries, prisons (including Woking Prison), and asylums (including Brookwood Asylum). A short service of remembrance was held in the cemetery chapel. The Brookwood Cemetery Society supported the event through its sales stand and refreshments.

Restoration of the Lake

2009-10-06T21:18:00.000+01:00

Our current restoration project is the Lake near the entrance to the Glades of Remembrance. Work has just begun to make the lake watertight, to restore the lake, and the pump that fed the waterfall feature. The anticipated cost of the work is estimated to be in the region of £28,000. It is being undertaken in conjunction with Welters. We will post further information as the work proceeds.

Funeral of Lieutenant Mark Evison

2009-07-30T08:57:00.004+01:00

The burial of the ashes of Lieutenant Mark Evison took place on Wednesday 29 July. His burial followed a memorial service held in the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks.

Lieutenant Evison, of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was shot on 9 May whilst on patrol outside Check Point Haji Alem in Helmand province, Afghanistan, where he was serving as a Platoon Commander. He later died of his wounds in Selly Oak Hospital on 12 May.

The official Ministry of Defence communiqué reporting the death of Lieutenant Evison may be read here.

Lieutenant Evison kept a journal recording his experiences in the harsh fighting in Helmand. Published in the Daily Telegraph on 14 July, you can read it here.

A further article about his diary appeared in the Evening Standard on 17 August 2010

Funeral of Major Sean Birchall

2009-07-09T12:49:00.007+01:00

The funeral of Major Sean Birchall took place on Wednesday 8 July with full military honours. His burial followed a memorial service held in the Guards Chapel at Wellington barracks.

Major Birchall, of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was killed in Afghanistan on 19 June. He was killed by an explosion whilst on patrol in Basharan, near Lashkar Gah, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. One other soldier was injured in the incident.

The official Ministry of Defence communiqué reporting the death of Major Birchall may be read here.

Brookwood Cemetery designated a Grade I historic park & garden by English Heritage

2009-06-10T21:57:00.001+01:00

English Heritage has upgraded Brookwood Cemetery from a Grade II to a Grade I historic park & garden. This puts the massive 450 acre cemetery in the top 10% of registered parks & gardens in the UK, and recognises that the cemetery is of international significance.

Erkin Guney, Managing Director of Brookwood Cemetery, said he was very pleased with the news. “It reinforces what we have been saying for some time, that Brookwood Cemetery deserves to be recognised as a site of national and international importance. I hope this new status will be a valuable staging post towards our target of making the cemetery a World Heritage site.” He also wished to thank all those who had supported his vision of making Brookwood “the Kew Gardens of cemeteries”, especially his wife Melanie Guney, who is Senior Manager of the cemetery; the cemetery’s Historical Consultant, John Clarke; other company employees; and members of the Brookwood Cemetery Society.

The letter from English Heritage explained the reasons for the significant upgrade in status from Grade II to Grade I as follows:

“[English Heritage] have recently undertaken a systematic review of the grading of the 106 cemeteries on the Register and the reasons for their designation, and are writing to let you know that from the date of this letter [9 June 2009], English Heritage, the Government’s statutory adviser, has decided to upgrade the Register entry for Brookwood Cemetery from Grade II to Grade I for the following principal reasons:”

“Extraordinary scheme on an entirely different scale to other cemeteries
“Extent and complexity of design
“One of the finest nineteenth century designs in the country
“Quality of design and layout on the ground
“Designers of national renown
“Strong international links
“Wide diversity of social and religious aspects.”

English Heritage developed its Register of Historic Parks and Gardens under the National Heritage Act of 1983. During the 1980s the Register was developed and covered 1,065 sites, only 14 of which were cemeteries. The register is currently being revised and Brookwood Cemetery is one of nearly 1,450 sites in the updated register. Its upgrade means it is one of only 140 sites in the UK granted the prestigious Grade I status.

Forthcoming Events

2009-05-02T20:55:00.002+01:00

The following special services are scheduled to take place in Brookwood Cemetery during May.

Saturday 23 May: Spring visit to the burial ground of St Alban the Martyr Holborn

Sunday 24 May: American Battle Monument Commission Memorial Day (3pm)

Revised Opening Times

2008-10-25T19:16:00.003+01:00

We have revised our opening times as follows: Daily from 7am to 5pm (Winter: October to March) and 7am to 7pm (Summer: April to September). The gates at the entrance beside the Glades of Remembrance will be open from 8am to 5pm throughout the year. Access can be gained through other gates out of these hours.

These opening hours are in line with the traditonal opening hours of the cemetery and are consistent with opening hours in other local cemeteries and crematoria.

Access from Brookwood Station

2008-09-15T17:48:00.007+01:00

Following a number of complaints and incidents of vandalism in the cemetery (see for instance, June 2008 below), it has been agreed with South West Trains, the local Community Police, and the Councillor for Brookwood (Glynis Preshaw) that the entrance into the cemetery from Brookwood Station will be locked each night from 9pm through to 7am from 15 September 2008. Access to the cemetery will not be possible between these times.

The Council's proposed new burial ground

2008-09-13T22:56:00.004+01:00

The Woking Informer (12 September, and appears to have no website) reports on plans by Woking Borough Council to build a multi-faith burial ground on a 10 acre site which is not part of the main cemetery:
"The area has previously been used for pauper burials and will cost £600,000 to buy whilst a further £1m will be spent to develop the site as a burial ground. It will help meet the needs of the Muslim community, which has sought its own burial ground for some years, as well of those of other faiths. The price for a plot and interment in the historic Brookwood Cemetery was £1,600 which the [council's] executive said last week was too high."
"Negotiations over price had been held with the management of the privately-owned Brookwood Cemetery, but did not lead to a conclusion. However, council chief executive Ray Morgan said there was still a possibility that an amicable partnership for the use and heritage of Brookwood Cemetery could be achieved. ... The committee approved the purchase of land but authorised officers to continue negotiations with Brookwood Cemetery."
"Melanie Guney, Manager of Brookwood Cemetery, said that she was surprised Woking Council needed to buy land for burials when there were ample spaces in the cemetery for the next 300 years. She said an all-inclusive £1,600 is charged for people living in Woking and £1,700 for people within the borough, but higher charges are made in council cemeteries in other areas."
"Mrs Guney said there was a need to move forward and forget past disputes with the council. Under new management there had been extensive work and clearance to improve the appearance of the cemetery. She said "At Brookwood we bury everybody, regardless of faith or creed. Because we are a private cemetery, people have this idea that we charge thousands of pounds, which is not true. If the council goes ahead with this site, the final fee could be more than we charge. The Muslim community also needs to be aware the land is not virgin burial land, but that there are 4,000 paupers buried there."

Cecilia Colledge (1920-2008)

2008-08-31T17:21:00.004+01:00

The ashes of Britain's youngest ever Olympic competitor were brought back from the United States for burial in the family grave in Brookwood Cemetery. Cecilia Colledge died on 12 April 2008 at Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts. According to her wishes there was no funeral service.

Cecilia Colledge came third in the British Ladies Ice Skating Championship in 1931. This qualified her for a place at the Lake Placid Olympics in the USA the following year, where she came seventh. By the time of the 1936 Winter Olympics in Bavaria, Cecilia was British champion and narrowly lost to the Norwegian skater Henie in the free skating event. In 1939 Cecilia won the British, European and World titles. In 1946 she won her sixth British figure skating title and turned professional, subsequently moving to America.

Her father, Dr Lionel Colledge FRCS (1883-1948) was an eminent ear nose and throat specialist. Her mother, Margaret Brackenbury (1884-1968) was the daughter of Admiral J.W. Brackenbury. Her brother Maule Colledge (1918-1943) was killed on active service over Berlin on 14 September 1943.

You can read her obituary from The Times.

"100 Miles for 9 Smiles" Charity Walk

2008-07-07T21:20:00.003+01:00

The "100 Miles for 9 Smiles" Charity Walk started from Brookwood Military Cemetery on the morning of 7 July 2008. The 100 mile charity walk has been organised by mothers of soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Afghanistan. Money raised by the walk will go towards the Regiment's Afghanistan Memorial Fund. Originally aimed at raising £100,000, the Fund now stands at over £300,000.

The walk started from near the grave of Captain David Hicks who was killed in Afghanistan last August and who is buried in the military "annexe" at Brookwood (see our press release below under August 2007). The charity walk finishes on 13 July 2008 at the Regimental Museum in Duxford.

The Lasting Tribute website includes obituaries of all those killed in Afghanistan, including Captain David Hicks. The official Ministry of Defence communiqué reporting the death of Captain Hicks may be read here.

Vandalism in the Cemetery

2008-06-12T23:40:00.001+01:00

We regret to report that vandals struck in the Ahmadiyya section of the cemetery over the weekend of 7-8 June. The vandals appear to have targeted this area sometime between 4.30pm on Saturday and 1.05pm on Sunday. Two headstones were broken and ten further graves were damaged; in addition decorative stones were kicked about and the prayer room nearby was sprayed with graffiti.

Erkin Guney, owner of Brookwood Cemetery, is convinced the attack was racist and says he may have to close the gates to prevent this type of thing happening again. “People seem to be coming in from the entrance near Brookwood station. We will have to move quickly, putting up fences and security gates. The minority are going to make it worse for the genuine people visiting the cemetery."

“I will have to consider blocking off the entrance for the station because South West Trains doesn’t take responsibility for locking the gate in the evening, We have written to South West Trains on several occasions but the gate is not locked. Therefore we may have to take drastic measures that may be unpopular with the majority.”

A spokesman for South West Trains confirmed that there was a notice saying its gate would close at 9pm, but said: “It would not be fair to close the gate without consulting everyone, such as the council and residents." Things are unlikely to improve since Brookwood is one of many stations in Surrey facing reduced opening hours of its ticket office as part of cost-saving measures being implemented by South West Trains.

Woking Borough Council’s Muslim councillors responded more positively by hoping the council will help to improve security at the site. Maybury and Sheerwater councillor Mohammed Bashir said: “I condemn this sort of action. It is really hurtful to the community for this to happen. We, at the council, should look into what is happening at the cemetery and see if we can help to improve its security."

You can read the full report from the Woking News & Mail here.

The Colquhoun Family Mausoleum

2008-05-22T14:28:00.005+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on the recent clearance surrounding this family mausoleum which is in a neglected state. The entrance has been secured but to date English Heritage has shown no interest in the future of this elegant structure. Despite its "experts" undertaking a survey of the cemetery in 2002/3 and which resulted in 15 monuments being listed, the Colquhoun mausoleum, along with other memorials, were not included. English Heritage declares it "exists to protect and promote England's spectacular historic environment" but these aspirations seem to fall short when it comes to cemeteries.

Security in the Cemetery

2008-05-15T14:58:00.004+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on security in the cemetery. Managing Director Erkin Guney said: “We have increased security and have more covert guys and pick-up trucks patrolling the area. We’ve put up height restriction bars on the gates and will be increasing CCTV surveillance in the area. We are also installing turnstiles at the station entrance of the cemetery so that if people steal anything, they will have difficulty taking it out that way. We are looking after people’s loved ones so we need people to respect what Brookwood Cemetery represents. It is a big part of British history and we feel that many people don’t care. I am upset that someone should come to the cemetery to consider committing a crime. It should be a solemn, tranquil place, where people can say a prayer and pay their respects, not cause trouble.”

Thanking Mary Cockram

2008-05-01T08:33:00.002+01:00

Managing Director Erkin Guney was pleased to meet up with Mary Cockram at the end of April.
Mary worked for the Company from 1980 through to 1997 as Company Secretary.
For most of this period she worked alongside his father, Ramadan Guney, who passed away in November 2006.

New Permanent Exhibition at the St Edward Brotherhood

2008-04-28T18:44:00.007+01:00

The official opening of the St Edward Brotherhood's new permanent exhibition took place on the evening of 27 April. Assisted by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the exhibition interprets the story of the site along with the life of St Edward the Martyr and how the brotherhood came to be based in the cemetery. The exhibition is usually open to visitors on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons and at other times by appointment. It is located in the old mortuary building, next to the St Edward the Martyr church.

Our photograph shows Father Niphon, Mike Stonelake (designer), Archimandrite Alexis, Erkin Guney and John Clarke at the official opening.

Necropolis railway station

2008-04-05T18:14:00.002+01:00

The Guardian Weekend magazine included an article called "Pretty Vacant". It featured London buildings as reminders of bygone days. One of these was the entrance to the old Necropolis terminus at 121 Westminster Bridge Road which was illustrated and described.

Tales From The Country

2008-04-04T22:02:00.003+01:00

ITV1 broadcast a 10 minute documentary on Brookwood Cemetery on the evening of 3 April. Hosted by Tony Francis it was part of the series called "Tales from the Country". The complete series lasts 10 weeks, during which Tony Francis and Selina Scott discover some of the weirdest and wonderful stories which surround our daily lives - "the stories others overlook".

The series is shown across three of the ITV1 regions – London, Anglia and Central. It is produced by Kingsfisher Television Productions Ltd.

A Factsheet of the programme on Brookwood Cemetery may be viewed here (pdf format).

Commemorating Turkish Airmen

2008-03-19T19:56:00.004Z

On 18 March the Turkish Ambassador, the Interior Minister, and other eminent guests visited the Turkish Airmen's plot in Brookwood Cemetery. They were accompanied by Erkin Guney and Onder Guney, Directors of Brookwood Cemetery.

A short service of remembrance was held there. It was held not only for the Turkish airmen commemorated in the plot but also the 27 members of the Turkish Army who have lost their lives in Iraq. The area contains the bodies of 14 members of the Turkish Air Force who were killed during the Second World War.

The allotment also contains the mortal remains of Arif Bey (1816-1836) who died at Woolwich, and a commemorative plaque to the victims of the 1959 Gatwick air crash.

Douglas Wright MM

2008-03-12T15:21:00.002Z

The funeral of Douglas Wright MM (1919-2008) took place this afternoon attended by about 200 mourners. A former member of the SAS, he had been an in-pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea since 1998. The service was held in the Cemetery chapel, followed by his burial in the Royal Hospital plot (behind the military cemetery).

"Shadowtracks" Review

2008-03-06T21:37:00.007Z

The March/April issue of Opera Now contains a review of the W11 Opera "Shadowtracks" (previously covered in this blog for December 2007). Clare Stevens writes "From the moment the 21st century commuter train pulled out of the station and its Victorian counterpart chuffed in, until its heart-warming denouement, the show was utterly engaging." She concludes by commenting "Shadowtracks deserves to have a long and successful life beyond this production". You can read reviews of "Shadowtracks" here.

Woking Clay Pigeon Shoot

2008-03-05T12:00:00.001Z

The Woking Clay Pigeon Shoot meets fortnightly. Its land adjoins the cemetery and is only accessible through the cemetery. The Directors of Brookwood Cemetery Ltd consider it wholly inappropriate that shooting should take place adjoining its cemetery.

If you would like to object we advise you to write or email Adrian Bishop (Chief Planning Officer at Woking Borough Council) email adrian.bishop at woking.gov.uk with copies to Tony Rix (Environmental Health Service, Woking Borough Council), email Tony.Rix at woking.gov.uk

Every Square Mile Website

2008-03-01T23:24:00.003Z

A pilot website charting the history of Woking from the local point of view has been launched because of the town's rich past. Woking and Runnymede have been chosed by the BBC for its Every Square Mile site which was launched recently at the Lightbox. The "people's history site" captures events, personalities, landmarks and legends that make the area unique.

Celebrating 16 years of the Brookwood Cemetery Society

2008-03-01T23:19:00.002Z

Cemetery owner Erkin Guney presented Brookwood Society founders Mary Lucas and John Clarke with birthday bouquets to celebrate the 16th birthday of the Society. He said "I'm pleased to publicly thank Mary and John for setting up the society 16 years ago. They have done so much to promote the cemetery over the years and I'm keen to work with them and the society to make further improvements across the site."

The flowers were presented at the grave of Ann Cross, which was Mary's first project in the cemetery back in 1991. Her work clearing rhododendrons from the memorial fired a fascination for the extensive grounds and the society was born the following spring. John described his colleague as the driving force behind the society in the early years and added that the group was looking forward to its new season of guided walks.

2008-02-29T22:13:00.005Z

The Woking News & Mail published further correspondence about the proposed new muslim burial ground.

One correspondent applauds the newspaper's coverage despite the council's attempts "to pile as much into Part 2 to keep it out of the Woking residents' knowledge". Another letter describes the old muslim burial ground and why it became necessary to move the soldiers into the safety of Brookwood Cemetery, and goes on to ask "what is the need for another burial site?".

A former councillor points out that Brookwood Cemetery is available "for all denominations and nationalities of Muslims and every other culture" and queries the allegation that burial at Brookwood is expensive. "Nothing is free, not even death. Is the assumption that, should the plot be opened for burial again, it would be free?"

Cemetery Sign Refurbished

2008-02-26T23:22:00.003Z

The Cemetery sign at the junction of Cemetery Pales and the A322, giving directions to the cemetery and the Glades of Remembrance has been refurbished and repainted. We hope this will assist visitors to the cemetery.

Secret talks over proposed new burial ground

2008-02-16T17:28:00.005Z

The Woking News & Mail published an article about secret discussions for a new Muslim burial ground in the borough. After a meeting of Woking Borough Council’s executive last Thursday 7 February 2008 that a memorial site for Muslims in Monument Road, Maybury, was being considered for use as a Muslim burial ground. The proposed site is owned by the Horsell Common Preservation Society (HCPS) and is a listed Grade II monument.

It is unclear how this site will be adapted for use as a burial ground, who will manage it, who will pay for it, and who will deal with issues of vandalism. For the site is located outside Woking and persistent vandalism resulted in the bodies of First World War soldiers buried there being removed to Brookwood Military Cemetery in 1969. However when this matter was previously reported in February 2005, the same site was rejected for being too small and open to vandalism.

W11 Opera produce "Shadowtracks"

2007-12-19T17:48:00.010Z

Unique amongst opera companies, W11 Opera for Young People casts only school-age singers for each new opera it commissions every year. Entirely professionally produced, the performances are a stunningly unusual musical event.

This year's production, which took place on the weekend of 15-16 December, was called "Shadowtracks". Here librettist Christina Jones and composer Julian Grant mingle past and present as the ghostly Necropolis train breaks down, bringing a collection of ghosts and memories onto the station concourse.

Based on Brookwood Cemetery's former railway funeral service, the opera provided a vivid and moving mixture of fact and fiction, and of stories left behind in the shadows of the railway tracks through time.

You can read more about Shadowtracks here.

New memorial to Thomas Hawksley

2007-12-10T17:59:00.004Z

A new memorial has been placed on the grave of Thomas Hawksley. Sponsored by MWH Global, the granite memorial was put in place in time for members of the company to pay their respects on 5 December.

As 2007 marks the bicentenary of Thomas Hawksley's birth, the company felt it appropriate to place a permanent memorial on the grave. Previously there had been no memorial on what is a large private family plot in Brookwood Cemetery.

In connection with the bicentennial celebrations, MWH released a DVD highlighting Thomas Hawksley's career and the projects the company is currently involved in. They also released a commemorative booklet celebrating his life and times.

The granite memorial was designed and fitted by Tudor Rose Memorials.

President Václav Klaus´ visit to the Military Cemetery

2007-11-10T18:06:00.003Z

President of the Czech Republic HE Mr Václav Klaus and his wife Livia paid a visit to the Czechoslovakian Military Cemetery during their official visit to the United Kingdom (7-9 November, 2007).

After arrival on Wednesday 7 November, President Klaus paid a tribute to the Czechoslovak servicemen who fought in Battle of Britain. He laid a wreath at the memorial for the Czechoslovak servicemen in the presence of ten veterans who had arrived from all over the United Kingdom.

"Gillian's Meadow"

2007-11-06T18:08:00.002Z

We are pleased to announce that our green burial area has been officially named "Gillian's Meadow". It is named after Gillian King, who died in 2000, and was the first person to be buried in this new area of the cemetery.

War Memorials in the Borough of Woking

2007-11-03T12:50:00.003Z

The Woking News & Mail reports on the Goldsworth Park Community Association's project to record dozens of war memorials throughout the borough in time for Remembrance Sunday. Andy Jones has spearheaded the project with the help of various community organisations. This has enabled him to collect pictures and information about all the memorials in the area. The new site also has links to related websites. Mr Jones said: “I initially had the idea after Goldsworth Park’s memorial was restored. I started to write lists of those who had fallen in this area and it extended to St John’s, Horsell and Woking. I found it very hard so I decided to take photos of the memorials and it just snowballed. It’s frightening, the number of memorials there are in the area.”

New cemetery sign

2007-11-01T18:10:00.002Z

A new cemetery sign has been erected at the entrance on Cemetery Pales. This replaces the very old and battered sign that dated from the late 1940s.

It has been constructed from solid pine with the lettering in white plastic and is designed to be durable and low maintenance. We hope this sign will assist all visitors to Brookwood Cemetery.

It was fitted by L.F. Fisci of Garden Maintenance (Tel. 01276 508544 or 07956551281).

Funeral of Zdenka Pokorna

2007-10-30T18:15:00.002Z

The ashes of Zdenka Pokorna (1905 -2007) were buried in the Czechoslovakian "annexe" of Brookwood Cemetery on Sunday 28 October.

Zdenka Pokorna was a teacher and an unswerving patriot who was hailed on her 90th birthday as the "living conscience of the century" by the Czechoslovakian Government.
She challenged the Habsburg, Nazi and Soviet occupations of her homeland and was forced into exile in 1948. She spent the rest of her long life in Britain from where she continued her campaigning.

Her obituary from The Times may be read here.

St Anne's Obelisks

2007-10-15T18:11:00.003+01:00

Earlier this year, the "missing" pair of obelisks for St Anne's Westminster were rediscovered in the cemetery grounds. They used to mark the entrance to the unconsecrated section for St Anne's Westminster which was designated as a private family plot following the passage of the Brookwood Cemetery Act (1975).
The obelisks have been temporarily but publicly re-sited inside the entrance to the Glades of Remembrance.

This pair were removed from their original location in the late 1970s, and are in a better condition than the pair in the former Church of England section (plot 1) that form an entrance feature to the Bagh E Zehra burial ground.

Directors' meeting

2007-10-10T18:16:00.001+01:00

The Directors of Brookwood Cemetery Ltd would like to thank everyone for their sympathy and support following the death of their father Ramadan Guney last year.

At their recent meeting at the cemetery, the Directors fully approved the recent developments and improvements undertaken by the Managing Director Erkin Guney. They also reviewed and approved the future plans for further enhancements to the site, designed to make Brookwood even more attractive to clients and visitors alike.

Inauguration of the Three Wheels Buddhist Stupa of Namu-Amida-butsu

2007-10-08T18:18:00.004+01:00

The inauguration of the Three Wheels Buddhist Stupa took place on Sunday 7 October. The Stupa is located in plot 36 and is close to the graves of four Japanese students who died in London about 140 years ago. For the Three Wheels this site has been an enduring symbol of Anglo-Japanese friendship.

The service took place around the Stupa and included Dharma friends and Gagaku musicians. Guests then moved on to the graves of the four Japanese students (now within the Serbian Cemetery) and went on to visit the grave of Professor Alexander Williamson (1824-1904) of University College London who did so much to promote the wellbeing and welfare of these students.

You can also download a copy of the relevant Three Wheels News, which includes a fuller account of the ceremony.

Funeral of Captain David Hicks

2007-08-31T18:22:00.004+01:00

The funeral of Captain David Hicks took place on Thursday 30 August with full military honours.

Captain Hicks, of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died on 11 August following an attack on his patrol base north east of Sangin, Helmund Province, Afghanistan. He died from shrapnel wounds after refusing to abandon his men to seek medical attention during the frontline battle with the Taliban. Captain Hicks has been nominated for the Military Cross in recognition of his bravery in Afghanistan.

The official Ministry of Defence communiqué reporting the death of Captain Hicks may be read here.

New security gates

2007-07-20T19:57:00.001+01:00

We are providing new security gates at the cemetery entrances. These are situated at the entrances off Cemetery Pales. Work on these should be completed by mid-September. All gates will be locked at 7pm and unlocked at 7am daily.

John Sergeant visits Brookwood Cemetery

2007-06-30T19:58:00.007+01:00

In connection with filming for a short piece for BBC1's The One Show, John Sergeant visited the cemetery on 27 June. He interviewed Erkin Guney and other members of cemetery staff for a piece that is scheduled to be broadcast in August or September 2007.

Our photograph shows John Sergeant with Erkin Guney and John Clarke

New arrangements for guided walks

2007-05-17T20:04:00.002+01:00

Brookwood Cemetery is a privately owned and managed burial ground and the Company has introduced the following procedures for all guided walks in the cemetery. Follow this link for further information.

Guided walks of the cemetery grounds (which is private property) will not be permitted unless (a) agreed in writing by the company in advance and (b) the guided walk is led by one of our approved guides. All enquiries about guided walks should be directed in the first instance to the cemetery office. Enquiries may be made by post, fax or email.

We will need to know the date of your proposed visit, the name of your organisation (with contact details), and the anticipated number of visitors. You can print out a word document here. The completed form should be forwarded to the cemetery office. No walks may take place in the cemetery grounds without our express permission in writing. The company will charge a fee for guided walks. Fees are payable to the "Brookwood Cemetery Restoration Fund" and will be used for restoration projects in the cemetery.

Potential visitors are reminded of the programme of monthly walks arranged through us with the Brookwood Cemetery Society . These take place on the first Sunday of the month and start at 2pm. No prior booking is required if you wish to join one of the Society's walks. Further details of these walks are posted here.

Bigger Coffins

2007-05-06T13:06:00.002+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on another side to the obesity crisis in the UK which appears to be causing some problems for crematoriums. However funeral directors across the borough are meeting the challenge.

Andrew Lodge, of Woking’s Lodge Brothers based in Goldsworth Road, said: “Yes, people are getting larger and it is something that crematoriums are aware of. But it is all a question of dealing with the problem with dignity and respect for everybody involved."

Brookwood Cemetery restoration fund

2007-05-05T20:05:00.001+01:00

To support a number of proposed restoration projects, Brookwood Cemetery Ltd has created a restoration fund. This will be used entirely for the repair of particular memorials or sections of the cemetery.

Our first project will be to restore the lake in the Glades of Remembrance and we are currently seeking funds to assist us in completing this project. It is estimated the work will cost between £7,000 - £10,000. Further details of the lake may be found here. Our leaflet on "Save Brookwood Cemetery" may be found here.

Donations are welcome at any time. Cheques should be made payable to "Brookwood Cemetery Restoration Fund" and sent to the the Cemetery Office at Glades House, Cemetery Pales, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey GU24 0BL. For further information about this fund, please contact the Cemetery Office.

New memorial for Private William Reynolds VC

2007-04-30T20:08:00.002+01:00

A memorial commemorating the life of Private William Reynolds VC has been erected by the Scots Guards Association Club. The costs of the memorial have been covered by donations received by the Association at their offices in Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh. The memorial was made by James Percy (a former Scots Guardsman) and his staff.

A brief service was held beside the memorial on Friday 27 April followed by refreshments in the Garrison Church at Pirbright Camp.

Private Reynolds was a guardsman from No.4 Company supporting the Scots Fusilier Guards Colour Party at the Battle of the Alma in September 1854. This battle was the first major engagement of the Crimean War. Private Reynolds was awarded his medal for his significant role in rallying the troops and ensuring they fought on, despite increasing heavy fire. The bravery of this Colour Party was such that three of its members were among the first Scots recipients of the Victoria Cross. Private Reynolds was a stonemason by trade and came from Stockbridge, Edinburgh. He received his medal at an investiture held in Hyde Park on 26 June 1857. he later became a bank messenger and died in London in 1869.

You can read the report by the Woking News & Mail here.

Bury yourself in Brookwood

2007-04-28T13:18:00.001+01:00

The Daily Telegraph's property section extols the virtues of living, commuting and burying in Brookwood.

Ownership of Brookwood Cemetery

2006-12-10T20:12:00.002Z

Following the death of Ramadan Guney in November 2006, ownership of Brookwood Cemetery is now vested in his children who are all Directors of the Company. The Directors are: Alev Kanli, Erkin Guney, Gonul Guney, Gulen Guney and Onder Guney.

The Directors have appointed Erkin Guney as Managing Director & Secretary of the Company, and his wife Melanie Guney has been appointed the Senior Manager of the Company.

The death of Ramadan H. Guney

2006-11-25T20:14:00.003Z

We regret to announce the death of Ramadan Guney, owner of Brookwood Cemetery since 1985. His death took place on 2 November 2006 in Cyprus. A full obituary appears here.

Veterans pay tribute to the Battle of Britain

2006-09-22T16:40:00.001+01:00

A memorial parade was held in the Brookwood Cemetery RAF Memorial on Sunday to remember the Battle of Britain as part of nationwide commemorations. The service was led by the chaplain of Gordon’s School, West End, the Rev Dennis Robinson, and attended by veterans of the Aircrew and RAF Associations, Woking and Camberley Air Training Corps, the Mayor of Woking, John Kingsbury and Mayoress Linda Kemeny.

Many members of the public attended the service to remember the air battle over southern England in the summer of 1940 that helped to deter the threat of a German invasion of Britain following the fall of France earlier that year.

You can read more here.

Charity walk through Brookwood Cemetery

2006-08-10T16:12:00.002+01:00

John Clarke joined Woking Hospice staff last Wednesday to promote a sponsored walk through the cemetery grounds in aid of Woking Hospice. The hospice is holding two sponsored walks on Sunday September 17 — one for adults and one for children — to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Adults are invited to follow a five-mile trail guided by an information booklet provided on the day filled with directions and historical facts about the highlights of the route.

The children’s two-mile route involves a quiz on what they will see and learn as they walk.

You can read more about the walk here.

Accident on Cemetery Pales

2006-03-03T12:46:00.002Z

An accident took place on Cemetery Pales last week when a man was trapped under a tractor. The man was driving a red Massey Ferguson tractor and trailer across the road between the north and south sections of Brookwood Cemetery when he was in collision with a blue Hyundai Coupe car. The tractor overturned and the man’s leg was crushed under the vehicle. Surrey Fire and Rescue lifted the tractor so ambulance crews could treat the man. He was taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital. The driver is in hospital recovering from a broken foot. The driver of the Hyundai Coupe was not injured. Cemetery Pales was closed until 3.10pm

Horatia Nelson Johnson

2005-10-20T16:00:00.001+01:00

The memorial commemorating Horatia Nelson Johnson (1832-1890), grand-daughter of Lord Nelson, has been cleaned and restored by the Brookwood Cemetery Society. The work has been completed in time for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Pankhurst Graphic Masonry of West End undertook the restoration work. You can read an article from the Woking News & Mail here.

The repatriation of Italian soldiers

2005-09-30T17:50:00.003+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on the repatriation of the remains of some Italian soldiers buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery.

The Commonweatlh War Graves Commission liaised with the Italian government, who had made the arrangements. Graves of axis powers lying in Brookwood Cemetery are able to be exhumed and repatriated, although Commonwealth soldiers must remain there, under the terms of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Heritage Open Days at Brookwood Cemetery

2005-08-25T17:13:00.001+01:00

On September 8 and 9, there will be tours for schools and teachers available at Brookwood Cemetery.

On September 8, there will be a talk by Eadmund Dunstall at the Orthodox Church, St Cyprian’s Avenue, in Brookwood Cemetery, entitled "St Edward the Historical King". The relics of the same Edward, king and martyr are held inside the church under the stewardship of the St Edward Brotherhood. The talk starts at 6pm.

On Saturday September 10 there will be more activities at the same Orthodox Church of St Edward the Martyr, with tours and demonstrations of bookbinding and icon painting throughout the day.

Brookwood Cemetery guided walks will take place on September 10 and 11. Saturday’s walk starts at 8pm and is for those with strong nerves who want to experience the night time atmosphere of the cemetery.

On Sunday, a geological tour of the stone used for the memorials will being at 2pm.

Among the sites open during the Heritage Open Days are: Woking Palace, Old Woking; Brookwood Cemetery; the Muslim Burial Ground; St Mary’s Church, Byfleet; St Mary’s Church, Horsell; St Nicholas Church, Pyrford; St Peter’s Church, Old Woking; Catholic Church of St Edward, Sutton Green; Orthodox Church and Shrine of St Edward, King and Martyr; River Wey Navigation, Send and the Shah Jehan Mosque, Maybury.

Full details of the participating sites and events can be found in the Heritage Open Days 2005, a booklet published by Woking Borough Council. This is available from Woking library, the visitor information centre, the Galleries and borough council offices.

Brookwood Cemetery worthy of being a World Heritage Site

2005-07-03T11:59:00.002+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on claims that Brookwood Cemetery is worthy of recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

John Clarke is quoted as saying: “The size, the scope, the fact that there used to be a railway serving it, the memorials, the fact also that it’s a very embracing site, with sections for different communities from this country and from overseas, all add to the argument.”

The state of the Brookwood Memorial

2005-06-26T12:11:00.003+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on the state of disrepair of the Brookwood Memorial in the Military Cemetery. It has paint flaking off the ceiling, the piers discolouring and stone crumbling away from the steps. Its state has been criticised by the Royal British Legion in Bisley, Knaphill and West End and Brookwood councillor Philip Goldenberg. A call has been made for repairs to be carried out to preserve the memorial, which commemorates 3,475 men and women of the land forces of the British Commonwealth and Empire.

Listing of cemetery monuments

2004-09-18T17:26:00.004+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on the listing of 15 monuments in Brookwood Cemetery.

Woking Borough Council and the cemetery’s owner Ramadan Guney received news that some of the most treasured monuments can be saved. An application for listed status was submitted 18 months ago to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport which has given 15 monuments grade two listed status.

150th anniversary celebrations

2004-09-12T16:00:00.002+01:00

The Woking News & Mail publishes a report covering the celebration of Brookwood Cemetery's 150th anniversary.

More than 100 guests including the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff of Surrey, the Mayor and Mayoress of Woking and military and religious representatives from Canada and India attended the anniversary celebration last Sunday.

Cemetery owner Ramadan Guney said: “I am very pleased so many people have attended this anniversary celebration. The cemetery has been in my ownership for the past 20 years and I have tried to improve and restore it to what it was 150 years ago. With the help of other people and organisations we hope to keep it in good condition for future generations.”

High Sheriff of Surrey, Dr Grace Dowling praised the event which brought so many representatives of different faiths and cultures together. She said: “It is a privilege to be invited here to witness what is a major event and an historical occasion and to meet so many people from all over the globe.”

New guide to Brookwood Cemetery published

2004-06-15T16:10:00.003+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reported the publication of John Clarke's new guide "London's Necropolis" which celebrates 150 years of Brookwood Cemetery.

Work continues to improve Brookwood Cemetery

2004-01-11T12:31:00.002Z

The Woking News & Mail reports on recent improvements throughout Brookwood Cemetery. Phyllis Colley wrote: “Early in 2003 my family complained about the state of Brookwood Cemetery. Now I am writing to say how nice it is looking. As you walk through the gates it looks very scenic and you feel relaxed. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the clear up.”

Cemetery owner Ramadan Guney and his team have worked hard to improve the appearance of many of the areas and many of the previous problems have been resolved. Mr Guney said this week: “The cemetery is looking nice at the moment but obviously we want it to always look nice. But as I have said before, Rome was not built overnight. When you try to do something to improve things, some people will be pleased and others not. Eventually when they see improvements, you will get a good reaction. We have also received letters saying how nice things are looking. We did take on some extra staff. We have cleared up the burial grounds and are currently working on the high banks by the railway.”

St Edward Brotherhood granted permission to build new accommodation

2003-08-16T14:00:00.001+01:00

The St Edward Brotherhood has been granted permission by the Planning Committee of Woking Borough Council for the erection of a building off St Cyprian’s Avenue to provide two-storey accommodation on the site of the former South Station building; a workshop at ground level and parking spaces.

The application was deferred on May 19 to take account of the design and its effects on the green belt, Brookwood Cemetery Conservation Area and locally listed buildings. At that time, the committee considered that any new scheme should incorporate features to enhance the site and open it more to the pubic. Revisions were then made regarding the scale, design and form of the proposed building and its impact on the surrounding area.

You can read more here

Brookwood Cemetery Society Open Day

2003-08-16T13:41:00.001+01:00

Deputy Mayor of Woking, Cllr Graham Cundy visited the Brookwood Cemetery Society's open day during the afternoon and saw for himself the variety of stands and attractions. These included a society stand, selling information about the cemetery and its history as well as stands from other organisations such as Woking Hospice, Cats Protection, Woking History Society, East Surrey Family History Society, Aldershot Historical and Archaeological Society.

The Brookwood Cemetery Society was formed in 1992 to promote a wider interest in the cemetery and its history. Many society members have undertaken voluntary restoration projects or lead initiatives to fund such work.

You can read more about the open day.

Brookwood should be a World Heritage Site

2003-06-12T13:47:00.000+01:00

The Woking News & Mail reports on the restoration work undertaken by the Brookwood Cemetery Society, the hope that several monuments in the cemetery will be officially listed, and the cemetery's potential to become a World Heritage site.

Major funding needed to restore Brookwood Cemetery

2003-02-28T13:52:00.000Z

The Woking News & Mail interviewed cemetery owner Ramadan Guney about Brookwood Cemetery, the improvements he has undertaken, and the need for additional funding support. “If this cemetery is going to be maintained as it used to be in 1854, you would get very little change from £2m to £2.5m as a one-off payment and then £150,000-£300,000 per year to keep it in that condition,” he said.

1945 air crash near Windlesham

2002-08-30T13:30:00.001+01:00

Mr Lindsay has led a personal investigation into an air crash that took place on 20 April 1945. He is hoping friends and family of the seven men will contact him and attend a special dedication to them in April.

As the crippled Stirling bomber passed low over Windlesham, Pilot Wing Commander Richard Bunker, swerved the plane to avoid the people in the village and crashed into a nearby field.

All the seven crew were killed and are buried on home plots, except Richard Bunker from Redcar, Yorkshire, who is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery.

There has been no memorial for the crew but Mr Lindsay, with strong support from local people, decided something should be done.

You can read more here.

A memorial to the crewmen was dedicated in St John's Church, Windlesham, in April 2003.

Dodi Al Fayed to be reburied in Oxted

1997-10-10T16:44:00.001+01:00

Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed has been granted permission for his son's body to be reburied within the grounds of the family home in Oxted.

In accordance with Muslim tradition, the Egyptian-born film producer, aged 42, was buried within 24 hours of his death in the Isna Ashani Muslim plot in Brookwood Cemetery.

Mr Al Fayed had wanted his son to be buried on British soil, said his spokesman Michael Cole, who stressed that at the time "there was a lot of legality and bureaucracy to get through."

A round-trip of about 40 miles, Mr Al Fayed has been visiting the grave most days from his Oxted home. Now, said Mr Cole, he wanted his son to be nearer him and the rest of the family.

You can read more here.

The burial of Dodi Al Fayed

1997-09-07T16:37:00.001+01:00

The Woking News & Mail describes "Surrey's place of pilgrimage" following the burial of Dodi Al Fayed at Brookwood.

Brookwood Cemetery

New Cemetery Sign

Funeral of Lieutenant David Boyce

Pilgrimage Stroll Against Poverty

London's Necropolis: A Perfect Place of Rest

Celebrating Age Concern Woking's 5th Anniversary

Visit by Representatives of the Johor Government of Malaysia

Funeral of Major Matthew Collins

70th Anniversary of the destruction of the Necropolis Station

Report into UK Funeral Customs

Europe's First Funeral School

Horse drawn funeral at Brookwood

Increased burial fees in Brent

Cemeteries: Far from the madding crowd

Any Human Heart

Ebay Shop

Rupert the Bear at 90

MP's Speech refers to the "national significance and importance" of Brookwood Cemetery

Booklet on the Glades of Remembrance

Pilgrimage Stroll Against Poverty

Consecration of the Church of St Edward the Martyr

Booklet on the Columbarium

Heritage Open Day: 11 September 2010

Lieutenant Mark Evison's diary

Funeral of Captain Jonathan Allen

Centenary of the Columbarium

60th Anniversary of the Glades of Remembrance

Blue Plaque for Forest Frederic Yeo-Thomas

Funeral of Warrant Officer Darren Chant

Memorial to Ramadan Guney

Exploring the headstones at Brookwood

Hallowe'en Walk

Pilgrimage Against Poverty

Restoration of the Lake

Funeral of Lieutenant Mark Evison

Funeral of Major Sean Birchall

Brookwood Cemetery designated a Grade I historic park & garden by English Heritage

Forthcoming Events

Revised Opening Times

Access from Brookwood Station

The Council's proposed new burial ground

Cecilia Colledge (1920-2008)

"100 Miles for 9 Smiles" Charity Walk

Vandalism in the Cemetery

The Colquhoun Family Mausoleum

Security in the Cemetery

Thanking Mary Cockram

New Permanent Exhibition at the St Edward Brotherhood

Necropolis railway station

Tales From The Country

Commemorating Turkish Airmen

Douglas Wright MM

"Shadowtracks" Review

Woking Clay Pigeon Shoot

Every Square Mile Website

Celebrating 16 years of the Brookwood Cemetery Society

Cemetery Sign Refurbished

More questions over the proposed Muslim burial ground

Secret talks over proposed new burial ground

W11 Opera produce "Shadowtracks"

New memorial to Thomas Hawksley

President Václav Klaus´ visit to the Military Cemetery

"Gillian's Meadow"

War Memorials in the Borough of Woking

New cemetery sign

Funeral of Zdenka Pokorna

St Anne's Obelisks

Directors' meeting

Inauguration of the Three Wheels Buddhist Stupa of Namu-Amida-butsu

Funeral of Captain David Hicks

New security gates

John Sergeant visits Brookwood Cemetery

New arrangements for guided walks

Bigger Coffins

Brookwood Cemetery restoration fund

New memorial for Private William Reynolds VC

Bury yourself in Brookwood

Ownership of Brookwood Cemetery

The death of Ramadan H. Guney

Veterans pay tribute to the Battle of Britain