A GROUP of volunteers which has been helping to look after Welford Road Cemetery for more than 25 years has received an Honoured Citizen award from the Lord Mayor of Leicester.
The Friends of Welford Road Cemetery, founded in 1999, encourage people to enjoy the history and surroundings of the cemetery by helping visitors to research their family history, staffing the on-site visitor centre and holding regular events, including annual commemorations of ANZAC Day and Armistice Day.
They were put forward for an Honoured Citizen Award after the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress visited their Remembrance Day service and talked to them about their work, which includes helping with the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery as well as preserving the historical significance of the site.
Honoured Citizen Awards aim to recognise Leicester residents who have made an outstanding contribution to the city.
The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Bhupen Dave, said: “We were so impressed with the work of the Friends of Welford Road Cemetery when we visited them, and especially with the length of time these volunteers have committed to their roles. I’m very pleased to be able to make them Honoured Citizens in recognition of their unwavering dedication to the cemetery - which as well as being an important historical site, is a real haven for peace and for wildlife right in the heart of the city. I congratulate all of the Friends on their award.”
Richard Taylor, chairman of the Friends of Welford Road Cemetery, said: “I welcome this recognition of all the hard work done over the years by the many volunteers past and present, including students from the University of Leicester. It has been a privilege to help so many people from Leicester and abroad find out about their ancestors and to learn the many stories they have to tell. We are a strong group and hope to carry on promoting this special site for many years to come.”
Alan Brown, bereavement services manager at Leicester City Council, added: “I’m so delighted that the fantastic work of the Friends of Welford Road Cemetery has been highlighted and recognised in this way. Their efforts over quarter of a decade are hugely appreciated and they have made a real difference to many people in Leicester and beyond, so it’s wonderful that they have received this award.”
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