Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Sharon and Geoff Hopkinson, a kind couple who visit our area on a regular basis. They travel all the way from Coventry to pay their respects to loved ones and to care for the family plot, which holds significant memories and dates back to the first burial of Emily Winterbottom in 1924. This plot also commemorates her daughter, Elsie Pearson, who was laid to rest in 1950, and Elsie’s son, Carl Pearson, who passed away in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of cherished moments and family ties. Visiting the gravesite is not just a duty for Sharon and Geoff; it is a heartfelt commitment that reflects their deep respect for their family’s history. They especially remember Sharon’s Mum, Valerie McMahon, who was buried in 2010, adding another layer of remembrance. Each visit is a solemn yet beautiful occasion that honors the memories of those who have come before, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the connections that link us across generations.

Sharon hopes that she will be able to contribute to our heritage project. Over time, she plans to submit their story. Our project is to help protect their memories and ensure they remain integral to our collective historic narrative, allowing future generations to understand and in a little way come to know the people buried at Saddleworth Church. We believe that through the act of storytelling, we can honor these individuals and keep their spirits alive in the hearts and minds of all.

Sharon also shared some photographs of their visits, highlighting the impressive improvements to access that our churchyard heritage project has successfully delivered. These enhancements not only facilitate ease of movement for visitors of all ages but also ensure that everyone can fully appreciate the rich history and beauty of our surroundings.

Sharon and Geoff were very grateful, as the work has significantly reduced the enormity of their workload in maintaining the grave, allowing them to honor their loved one without the overwhelming burden of constant upkeep. They could now visit more frequently, bringing flowers and spending quiet moments in reflection, rather than worrying about the state of the grave or the tasks that seemed never-ending. This newfound ease not only gave them peace of mind but also let them focus on cherishing memories, creating a space that felt more like a tribute rather than a chore.

One of the images also depict the plot before subsidance repairs were carried out and a stonemason from Coventry also refurbished the memorial stonework making it much more stable and lasting.