Restoration and construction works will soon be underway to help Ryde Cemetery return to its former glory. Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project is an exciting initiative being led by Isle of Wight Council.

The scheme is mainly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is providing almost £500,000.

The project is also supported by members of Friends of Ryde Cemetery (FORC) and Ryde Social Heritage Group (RSHG) which through volunteering, historical research, mapping and grave restoration, has contributed enormously to the project.

The 12 acre cemetery site is rich in Victorian and Edwardian architecture and holds an abundance of monumental gravestones, tombs and vaults which commemorate many historic events and prestigious local families whose ancestors have shaped the buildings, social heritage and historic commerce of Ryde.

One of the main aims of restoring the Cemetery is to encourage local residents and the wider community to have an active involvement in the site through restoration, conservation and heritage related activities.

The project is working with Isle of Wight schools, giving Island youngsters the opportunity to engage with a range of activities.

Restoration work will begin within the next few months and is scheduled to take around 18 months. Signs will be erected at both cemetery entrances showing details of the development.

There are many aspects of project, including:Restoration and repair of the three chapels, brick entrances and archway gates Restoration of iron railings and gateway in Pellhurst Road General clearance, cleaning and restoration of selected headstones

Development of a heritage learning centre within the existing North chapel Conservation work to existing trees, shrubs, ivy’s and lichens

An activity open day in conjunction with FORC and RSHG will be held at the cemetery on 6 July between 11 - 4 as part of Ryde Festival of Arts Week.  Restoration plans, historic photographs and school project work will be on display.

Isle of Council Cabinet member for Safer Communities Diana Tuson said

“In restoring the cemetery, the project will create a natural conservation area in Ryde. The council would like to publicly thank all the groups and organisations involved for their time and help in making this project possible”

IWC Media: Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.