A COMMEMORATIVE plaque was unveiled at the Quaker graveyard on Saturday 20th July by mayor, cllr Mike Sutton, to celebrate the completion of the burial site’s renovation by Westbury Lions and Leos.
The plaque was presented to the club by West Wiltshire and East Somerset Quakers.
Westbury Leos started the clear-up of the 300-year-old Quaker graveyard, behind Pinniger Finch & Co in the town centre, last year. During the project, they discovered that it was the resting place of William Matravers, who bequeathed £1,000 to the town to fund a school, still known today as Matravers School.
Michelle Strout, newly-elected Westbury Lions president said, “This project has been an honour to take on for the Leos and we are very proud of them. What we have enjoyed most is how it has brought communities together with the older people and younger people in this town.
“Around 20 young Leos took it upon themselves to restore the area with help from other people in the community.
“It’s great to see the Leos become more enthused about the history of the town and to get them more excited. One of my daughters, who is a Leo and worked on the project, said that she cannot wait to bring her children here in the future and tell them the history and how she was a part of the group who found the grave of Mr Matravers.
“Having Julian Richards on board, a local archaeologist, has really increased the experience for the Leos. Finding old bits of bottle, pottery etc is great, but for a teenager it isn’t that exciting. But Julian took them aside and explained what it could be, when it could have been from and made the process full of opportunities to learn about the history of the area.
“On behalf of Westbury Lions and Leos I would like to thank Westbury Area Board, Westbury Town Council and The Laverton Housing Trust for their monetary donations to the project – without which we could not have started or completed the renovation.
“Thank you to 1st Call Skip Hire for their donations of skips – as there were plenty! To Westbury Heritage Society, especially Sally Hendry, for all of their work researching the grave in which a full report will be produced with their findings; to Westbury Shed, in particular John Fryer for their handy work and most of all Julian Richards for his wealth of knowledge and expertise.”
Julian Richards said, “It has been a great honour to be a part of this project. Unfortunately, with many projects like this, I never get to see how they come about in the first place but I am always around for their completion and this time I have enjoyed it thoroughly.”
A representative from the Wiltshire and East Somerset Quakers said, “There are not many Quakers in this area any more, but we are thankful to Westbury Lions and Leos for uncovering a Quaker burial ground that we were unaware of. It is part of our heritage and it has been uncovered and presented so nicely. It can now be used as a quiet place for those visiting to contemplate their thoughts.”
Cllr Gordon King said, “As chair of the Westbury Area Board, I represent the money! As soon as we saw this application come in, we didn’t think twice about awarding them the grant to begin this project. It represented community involvement, the contribution of the old and young, and to help uncover the rich tapestry that is our town’s heritage.
“Not only has it taught the young Leos transferable skills and knowledge, it is a marvellous achievement for them. It has been a pleasure to contribute and watch this project unfold and I give my many congratulations to the team of volunteers and I hope that many more projects like this happen in the future.”
Mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton, said “I am so pleased to have been invited to the grand opening of this area, it is a tribute to the town and the people within it. There is a depth of history in Westbury and it is the commitment of volunteers that helps to showcase this. We can’t do it all as town council, but the heart of the community is its people and it shows what we are capable of together.
“A special mention to the Leos, there is always a lot of negativity towards young people when in fact a vast majority do good. It’s great that they have taken the time out to do this.
“Also thank you to Pinniger Finch, who have allowed this project to take place. It coincides with the business’ 200th anniversary working in the building that looks onto the graveyard, so an opportune time to celebrate even more history in the town.”
