THE BROOKWOOD CEMETERY SOCIETY

This memorial is one of several on St David's Avenue that the Society has been restoring over a period of about two years. This page shows the main stages in the restoration of this memorial. It commemorates the life of Arthur Francis Vincent (c.1827-1905) and comprises a latin cross of calvary set within a generous kerbed allotment. The memorial and the kerbing are made from grey granite.

(1) The memorial as it was in 2003 (above). This shows the memorial in its original state. The calvary cross was leaning to one side and the kerbing is almost invisible. The grave space is virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding area.

(2) The memorial restored (above). The next photograph shows the memorial after its initial restoration by the stone masons. This work followed on after volunteers from the Society tidied around the grave and removed the turf from within the kerbing. Note that the calvary cross is now upright on its new base, but that the grave space requires infilling. 

(3) Sheeting over the grave space (above). This photograph shows the one of our volunteers fitting geotextile sheeting after cutting it to size from a roll. This has been used to reduce the likelihood of weeds growing back and future maintenance of the grave. 

(4) The completed memorial (above). The final photograph shows the grave space infilled with gravel. We intend to use a variety of materials along St David's Avenue, partly to produce a variety of finishes and partly to assess which materials last longest. Other memorials will have bark chippings, slate chippings, and other aggregates such as limestone. 

If you are interested in becoming involved with this project please contact Margaret Hobbs, 75 Ranelagh Crescent, Ascot, Berks SL5 8LQ, or telephone (01344) 891041.