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Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery celebrates 135 years

Tuesday, 20 August 2024 at 14:50

By Nathan Spackman

Barry Town Council will hold a special open day to celebrate the occasion.

BOn Friday 30th August, Barry Town Council will celebrate 135 years of Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery.

To mark the anniversary, there will be an open day held at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery from 1pm – 4pm, with the chapel opening its doors for the community to browse the historical burial books, learn about the heritage of the cemetery, and tours available with the Victorian Barry Experience at 1.30pm and 2.45pm.  Booking is required to secure a place on the tours: https://www.barrytowncouncil.gov.uk/services/our-signature-events/

Cemetery Approach Community Centre will also be open for tea, coffee, light snacks and fun activities.  No need to book for the open day, just come along.

First opened for burials in 1889, the cemetery’s 135 years of history has witnessed multiple extensions of the grounds and it now spans across 31 acres of land, making it one of Wales’ largest cemeteries. One of its most precious features is the Victorian stone chapel, which stands as a listed building and is one of the Vale of Glamorgan’s County Treasures.

While the cemetery grounds are open to visitors 365 days a year, the Open Day offers special insights into its history through talks and tours, as well as public access to view the historical books and grave deeds. There will also be opportunities to learn from staff members and the War Commissioner about the cemetery’s rich history and those buried there.  The Council’s cemetery records detail all of the burials that have occurred in Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery since the late 1800’s. Also imparting knowledge of the cemetery’s history is local group, Victorian Barry Experience, who will be providing free bookable tours on the day, guided by Cllr Nic Hodges.

Following their visit to the Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, attendees can head to the Cemetery Approach Community Centre which will be open to showcase the hall’s potential as a space for community groups and private hire events. There will be biodiversity activities for children and a chance to meet local nature groups to discuss what they do. FAIRTRADE Tea & Coffee will be available.

Redeveloped by Barry Town Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council, the community centre boasts a number of attractive features and facilities, from being a light and airy contemporary space with a patio and landscaped garden area, to having free WIFI, a sound system, fully-equipped kitchen, disabled and baby changing facilities, and children’s play equipment – all at an affordable hire price.

If you have any enquiries relating to the cemetery, please contact the Bereavement Services Team Leader, Thomas Thorne – by emailing Info@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk

 To keep up to date on all the events coming up, visit www.barrytowncouncil.gov.uk or search Barry Town Council on social media.

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