Wed 12 May 10: Angels Plot Remembrance Garden
Angels Plot Remembrance Garden update of works:
Following discussions with parents who contacted us, Glasnevin Trust scheduled to undertake a range of works at the New Angels’ Plot. However our progress has been slowed due to the freezing weather and snowfall over the Christmas and New Year period and we decided to postpone the works until the weather conditions improved.
We will be undertaking the following works in the coming weeks and months :
• Re-align the memorial plaques on the perimeter of the plot and improve their positioning. Completed by 30th May 2010.
• Complete the renovation of the pathways and kerbing in the vicinity of the plot.
• Landscaping a sample portion of the pre 1987 section to make the ground levels uniform and even. This section will be completed in time for the Angels Remembrance mass on 30th May 2010 and will be a template for the other section prior to 1987. This area was selected as there are virtually no markers on the surface and it will give a clear view of the appearance of the plot when the landscaping is completed. (see map)
• Landscaping of post 1987 sections will commence thereafter, up to August 2010. (see map)
Glasnevin Trust assures all families of Angels buried in the plot that no graves will be disturbed during the renovation. The work will be expertly and sensitively undertaken as was the case in the work undertaken in the renovation of the Old Angels Plot, elsewhere in the Cemetery, in 2005.
The landscaping process involves the levelling of the uneven ground through the placement of 300-600mm of topsoil over the existing grounds and this topsoil will then be levelled to avoid any future subsidence of the plot.
We are continuing to improve all areas of the cemetery, including the area around the New Angels’ Plot, so as to make the cemetery an even more dignified place to visit.
Following discussions with parents over the past months, one of the main issues raised is the desire of some families to be able to individually mark their child’s resting place.
The Trust has agreed that if any permanent marking is to be allowed (other than headstones in place at post-1987 graves) then it must be officially approved by the Trust, very discreet in size and style, uniform in type and capable of carrying an inscription.
We have spent the last few months sourcing, with an Irish foundry, a selection of plaques that would be very suitable to achieve the above criteria and families’ collective aims.
We propose that 4 options are available: 1) A Teddy bear plaque, 2) A heart shaped plaque and 3) A Square shaped plaque and 4) An Oval shaped plaque.
All plaques will have inscriptions and can be placed directly on the resting place of your child.
Further feedback and consultation on this design or any alternative is invited before the landscaping works commence.
Cut flowers are also allowed to be placed on the graves.
This year it was decided to hold two Blessings of Remembrance in Glasnevin Cemetery. The first takes place in May at the Old Angels Memory Garden where we will have parents, family and friends taking part whose babies are buried in both the old and the new burial areas.
As the proposed work on the New Angels graves is starting in May of this year. For that reason and obviously for the health and safety of managing a large crowd on the day we have postponed our Blessing at the New Angels graves until December, this will also incorporate the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
ISANDS Blessing of Remembrance takes place in Glasnevin Cemetery at the Old Angels Memory Garden only on the 30th May 2010 at 3 pm.
ISANDS Blessing of Remembrance & Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in association with Glasnevin Trust takes place in Glasnevin Cemetery at the New Angles Graves only on December 12th December 2010 at 4pm.
About Glasnevin Trust
Glasnevin Trust is a voluntary, not-for-profit body (registered charity no. – CHY 5849). The Trust is the largest provider of funeral services to bereaved families in Ireland through five cemeteries (Dardistown, Glasnevin, Goldenbridge, Newlands Cross and Palmerstown) and two crematoria (Glasnevin and Newlands Cross).
Through its services to the public, Glasnevin Trust preserves the heritage of past generations, serves the needs of the present generation, and provides a legacy for future generations.