Genealogy Chat

See in a mo!

Three weeks ago I telephoned the cemeteries department of a South London Borough. I wanted some advice about two of my relatives who were buried in this borough. My family had said that they were buried in the ‘local’ cemetery, but couldn’t say which of the local three it might be. I explained the situation and I gave dates and addresses to the lady I spoke to and just asked if it were likely that this would be their local cemetery. I explained that I was perfectly happy to visit to find the actual graves (and it would be a long journey for me), if they could just give me some of idea which would be the most likely of the three. I am a polite lady, yet I was met with a level of hostility which I simply could not understand. She spoke like a robot and cut me off at every sentence. I was feeling quite upset when I put the phone down. I will not name the Borough. Two weeks ago I visited a town in Kent where many of my relatives have lived. I made enquiries at the Information Office and was introduced to the Parish Clerk. I explained a similar story to her. She stopped what she was doing and ploughed through several large books before giving me the names of all my relatives who had lived and been buried in the area, directed me to the correct cemetery, gave me grid references and photo-copied a plan of the cemetery and was altogether delightful. I had a wonderful day, made possible by the kindness of this lady. So…… Thank you Coral of Cranbrook!!

Three cheers for Coral.....makes you want to send her a bunch of flowers and the other people a delivery of manure (as long as they are NOT gardeners!) Merry