My brother and his wife came up from Cambridge for the Easter weekend. On Saturday, with dad, we went to the kirkyard at Midmar to visit the gravestones of family members - dad's 2 sisters, his parents and his Murray grandparents as well as 7 aunts and uncles from his mother's side of the family.
On arriving at the graveyard, dad marched straight over to the gravestones and went though each name telling us a bit about them all. Dad's grandfather, John Murray, died just days after dad was born, and dad always likes to tell us that the last entry in his grandfather's diary was apparently 'John Duff born'. Quite a nice story.
Other notable things about this graveyard - there is a circle of standing stones, including a massive recumbent stone with the flankers (seen here), with brother Steve posing against it. Also - the church has been for sale recently for 'offers over £50,000' and is currently under offer. It's a lovely building, but I don't fancy living surrounded by gravestones. Seemingly, the purchase of the church will not prevent families from visiting the graveyard. I'd like to think not.
Wow that graveyard & so many of your dads & your family in there, These days when families are spread all over the world that’s something. Your dad would have a day to remember & with your& your brother there too. £50,000 sounds cheap foe such a solid building but much money will have to be spent I guess. I used to live very near a graveyard ( Harry & I just walked a few steps on our wedding day!) so it wouldn’t bother me.
Fabulous photograph. The green jacket sets it off.
When I read “…the last entry in his grandfather's diary was apparently 'John Duff born'.” it brought a tear to my eye.
Memorable visit for your father and family. I wish I could remember more of the stories about my grandparents and greats.
The standing stones and flankers are fabulous! They add a more mystical atmosphere even to a graveyard.
Nice to see your brother.
Nice memories but I think like you, it doesn’t matter how nice I couldn’t live in a graveyard! I had a friend who lived in a graveyard lodge for years!!
Interesting that the church building is for sale. I wonder if sold to a private owner who then becomes responsible for tending the cemetery.
Glad that your father is still able to get out and about a bit and that your brother was able to visit with him.
Beautiful shot and nice story. My son lives close to the cemetery and he appreciates the neighborhood very much. He said that at least no developer would build a skyscraper in front of his window.
April 4th, 2024
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Lovely photo of your brother…
Always such wonderful and interesting narratives Issi xx
When I read “…the last entry in his grandfather's diary was apparently 'John Duff born'.” it brought a tear to my eye.
The standing stones and flankers are fabulous! They add a more mystical atmosphere even to a graveyard.
Nice to see your brother.
Glad that your father is still able to get out and about a bit and that your brother was able to visit with him.