Linking to school curriculum and aspects of our programme where our young people acknowledge Remembrance in November, understand the meaning and significance of the poppy and have visited the Imperial War Museum over recent weeks, our ‘Community Service’ has involved working alongside local veterans and Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) as volunteers within the ‘Hands on, Eyes on’ scheme.
It’s a global project! The CWGC has 23,000 locations across 150 countries. Rochdale cemetery where we have been based is just one! The project also links to our broader work on Horticulture and Sustainability; The CWGC is probably the largest horticultural operation worldwide and working practices are evolving to attain ‘new normals’ of sustainability. Also, orienteering and navigation skills covered at the start of the programme last September, whilst also being used presently by some attendees as part of their Duke of Edinburgh have been revisited; before work can start, the sites have to located which is no easy task!
Through this project, our young people are involved in preserving history and heritage, sensitively, with respect and empathy as well as working together with and importantly, for others.
The weeks weather has not been as expected in May and hasn’t been kind for some. That said, all have turned out, contributed and battled on!
It has been great to hear them discuss links to their studies of World War 2 in history and also talk about the different stone used in headstones which have been mentioned in Geography classes back at school. Also to realise the age and numbers of some of the fallen. The activity has stimulated some good discussion and brought aspects to life.
Its also been great to have Veterans visit, work alongside them and other volunteers to contribute together to a national and international scheme.
- John (Jock) Mooney – Chairman Rochdale RBL
- Keith Russell – HOEO Volunteer
- Grounds staff at Rochdale Cemetery
- Sam Eccles – Hands on, Eyes on Coordinator (North) CWGC
Reports of the activity and work done regarding details and images of sites covered, condition and any damage will be submitted to CWGC.
Thanks and congratulations to all involved.