Dear Editor:
I recently spent time wandering through St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery (Giant’s Head) and was appalled at the condition of many of the grave sites.
As I first entered the area I noticed three graves half way down that have fallen in — there are huge gaps between the headstones and the ground under them. There are holes where small animals could easily find their way in.
There are many grave sites that have collapsed on one side, and the concrete tops are cracked. One large concrete cross lies across the grave.
There was a “bouquet” of plastic flowers that had been scattered around, I assume either by wind or animals. And other garbage that I also picked up.
While it has been a while since I was at Peach Orchard Cemetery, I understand conditions there are similar.
My understanding is that it is the family of the deceased who is responsible for upkeep of the grave.
I suspect there are no descendants of some whose final resting is at one of these sites.
Some of the graves are over 100 years old.
To play devil’s advocate I would assume it was either the city (or a subcontractor) who excavated and (literally) did the ground work for the graves.
Would that not make them responsible for the actual ground? Families may be responsible for the specific graves but who is responsible for the cemetery?
I suggest it doesn’t really matter whose responsibility it is.
Something needs to be done. It is something we, as a community, need to resolve.
The state of these two cemeteries is a reflection of our community and I don’t think it speaks favourably.
How do we show respect to those who have gone before us? How do we show those still here that these people were important? How do we instill the importance in the next generations?
I don’t know the answers but I think the issues need to be addressed.
So very sad. I respectfully suggest citizens of Summerland take time to visit these cemeteries.
Dorothy Inglis
Summerland
