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 Save St John's Church
GRAVEYARD INFO
If you are able to tell us about the life of your relations or friends buried at St John's please let us know. We have found out some fascinating details because people were good enough to come forward and tell us. Examples: George Thomason, Military Medal holder, saved the life of Queen Elizabeth II's Uncle Viscount Lascelles Sgt Major Thomas Harrison, 2nd West India Regiment; denied full military honours at burial due to a technical issue to do with his pension, the streets were lined with thousands on the day of his burial William Fisher: 'Private Jack Fisher' a boxing champion during and after his military service Thomas Brassington: Timpani player for 36 years at Dudley Opera house We have a large number of military graves from all three forces represented at St John's. Plus some on which there is no indication on the grave regarding the military achievements of the deceased. Please let us know as much as you can about the military stories at St John's. FACT did you know there is a plaque to a Dambuster inside the church? Flt Sgt Stephen Burns. FACT the grave of George Thomason at St John's does not indicate that he was awarded the Military Medal and saved the life of a member of the Royal Family in WW1 - we now have the story courtesy of his nephew FACT we have at least eleven Commonwealth (protected) graves FACT The local Ex Servicemens Club, RAFA and British Legion are following our work very closely. We hope to do something to celebrate Remembrance Day this year. As the grounds clearance continues we have noticed flowers appearing on many graves which could not previously be accessed. We would welcome feedback from you about how you felt when you found the grave accessible again, how long it had been since you had seen the grave and what prompted you to visit and see if you could find the grave. And of course any details about the person who is buried there. savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk Now located: Tipton Slasher (William Perry, Champion Bare Knuckle fighter in England 1850-1857) Julia and Thomas Hanson (Hansons Beer) Marion Richardson (Educational Pioneer, handwriting,art and penal reform) William Masefield (William Masefield Chapter, Grand Provincial Lodge of Worcester) Mary Ann Mason (Her gravestone is the only one in the UK as far as we know so far to show the name of her murderer, Joseph Meadows) Rev Noott, Vicar at St John's for 62 years until 1905. Godson of Edward Jenner inventor of smallpox vaccination. Married into Hickman family 'Hickman Park' Bilston and founder of Wolves Football Club. Email us for a copy of the graveyard plan - if you already have the plot number this will show you where it is. If you live out of the area we will go and have a look for you and email you a picture of the grave. savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk Enquire with Dudley Archives about the Memorial Inscriptions - this will give you the location on the plan. You may have to visit in person or pay for a researcher. Be prepared for disappointment - clearance has revealed many areas where the graves have simply disappeared. However many remain remarkably intact and legible. We have copies of the Memorial Inscriptions book for St John's Churchyard in our drop in centre. These show details of the graves that were visible in 1991/2 so does not contain detail of every burial - the Burial Records at Dudley Archive should be able to help there. You are welcome to come and look in the MI book in our drop in centre or email us and we will have a look for you. Can you help with more information about the following family or individual graves: Bunn (Bunn's Lane?) Dando (Dando Road?) Marsh (large monument at bottom of graveyard) Caldicotts (by West Door) Smart (By Vestry door) Hillman (former Mayor) Meredith Grave (Top of main path by church) Downing Graves (bottom left of graveyard) Whale graves Washington grave If you are living abroad or out of the area or for a genuine reason cannot tend the grave please write to St John's Church Preservation Group, The Old School House, St John's Road, Kates Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 7JT giving details and written permission for us to tend the grave on your behalf. Are you willing to 'adopt' an untended grave and look after it? savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
We always welcome new helpers whether regular or occasional. Please do not leave any rubbish including old flowers on the site. DO NOT USE WEEDKILLER SPRAY EXCEPT INSIDE THE GRAVE YOU ARE TENDING. NOT AROUND IT AND CERTAINLY NOWHERE ELSE ON THE SITE. THERE ARE AT LEAST 32 SPECIES OF BIRD IN THE GROUNDS AND WEEDKILLER KILLS THEM. DO NOT SPRAY! WE WORK ON THE GROUNDS ALL YEAR ROUND EMAIL savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk to arrange to meet up. or ring 0787 119 5042
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