RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Cheshire => Topic started by: RipleyAnne on Sunday 09 June 13 09:32 BST (UK)
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I am travelling from Australia to England in a few weeks time, incorporating a holiday with family research. I am also visiting Widnes to do a little research on behalf of a friend. I will be visiting the Library to look at some old newspapers on microfilm and am also hoping to visit the cemetery to locate and photograph the graves of some of my friend's relatives.
I have the following plot numbers to try and locate: Matilda CAMERON (bur 8th Jan 1918) Plot 11R, Grave 2696; William CAMERON ( died 16 Mar 1954) - Plot 12C Grave 4644; Matilda POUNTAIN (died 22 Feb 1983) - Plot 17R Grave 5609. I will also be looking for a memorial or grave for Eric PRIESTLY, an Australian soldier who was married to Ellen CAMERON and who died in June 1918.
I have a couple of queries I am hoping someone might be able to help me with.
- Is anyone able to tell me whether headstones exist for any/all of these graves?
- Whilst I have a basic plan of the cemetery, I have no idea of its actual size or how well it is signposted. Can anyone help me with this?
- Can anyone help me with the exact location of Eric Priestly's grave/memorial as I would like to place a poppy on it on behalf of my friend.
- Finally, can anyone advise me on how I can get to the cemetery from Widnes itself. I will be staying in Liverpool and travelling to Widnes for the day by either bus or train. Is the cemetery within walking distance of the town, is there a bus or would I need a taxi to get there?
Sorry for all the questions but I really need the help of someone whop knows the area.
Thank-you in advance for your help.
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A Birds Eye view of the cemetery http://binged.it/UHXuNk which is adjacent to Widnes railway station.
Stan
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Have you see this plan of the cemetery? http://www.johnhoughton.me.uk/content/images/widnes_plan.jpg
Stan
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Hi Stan,
Yes, that's the same cemetery map that I have. Unfortunately, I have no idea of its scale.
I'm very pleased to find that the cemetery is so close to the station, which I am hoping is also close to the Library.
Thanks for your interest and help.
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I live 5 miles away - I wouldn`t walk from Widnes city centre to the Cemetery - probably 30 mins ..
I am in Garston ,Liverpool ...my wife goes to Widnes Market every WEDNESDAY ...if you arrange to go to the Cemetery on a Wednesday - you could come to Garston on the bus from Liverpool City Centre - I will pick you up -in Garston - drop my wife at Widnes Market - and I will take you to the Cemetery ...my wife takes 2 hours looking around the market - so that should be enough time for your visit ...I will be going to Widnes anyway - so you`re welcome to a lift , but it has to be a Wednesday ...are you staying in Liverpool City Centre ??...if you are by any chance staying around Garston /Speke ( Airport ) area I could pick you up on the way to Widnes ....my fathers Funeral Service was at Widnes Cemetery in the Chapel there ... if the weathers nice this Wednesday ,I will see if I can find any headstones for you ...
The Library is about a mile from the Station - but IS on the same stretch of road ...
allan :)
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Forgot to say - my wife and I are in our early 60`s and retired - we go to Widnes on a Wednesday around 10 am ...( for the bargains.. lol )...PM me if you would like to take up the offer - it will depend on the dates you are in Liverpool ...
allan
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Eric Priestly died 11 June 1918 at the No1 War Hospital,Reading and was buried in plot 1977, section 4C at Widnes Cemetery on 15th June, the address he was taken from was 16 Margaret Street, Widnes, at street now long gone.
When or if you visit the Cemetery you are wise to take a map with you as it is not clearly marked, however the plot is on the left of the main drive to the crematorium.
If visiting from Liverpool and the only destination is the Cemetery and not Widnes itself you are better catching a train from Lime Street to Widnes, the cemetery is next door to the station at Widnes.
Hope this helps
GeoffW
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Thank-you Geoff and Allan for your replies.
Allan, that is an extremely kind and generous offer but, unfortunately, my visit to Widnes has to be on a Monday as I only have a few days in Liverpool. (I have no family connections here but am visiting for my friend.. and, of course, to soak up a little Beatles nostalgia). Even though i can;t take up your kind offer, I do appreciate it.
Thanks Geoff for providing me with details of Eric Priestly's burial plot.
I need to visit both the Library and Cemetery so think the best plan will be get a taxi from the station to the Library (aiming to be there around 10ish), do what I need to do there and then get a taxi back to the cemetery. I can then have a good old look around before walking back to the station and getting the train back to Liverpool.
To you knowledgable locals, does this seem feasible?
Thanks again for everyone's help.
Sandra
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Sandra,
This shows the relationship of the station and the library http://goo.gl/maps/nXKGv
Stan
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You can get a taxi from the station to the Library, however before you go to the Library if you are wanting to view copies of the Widnes Weekly News enquire first that they have a micro film reader, only the last time I was there, a couple of months ago,the one they had had been sent away for repair and they did not know when it was due back, also if you know when you are going there you are better booking an appointment for the use of a reader.
Regards
GeoffW
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Thanks Stan... a nice straightforward trip by the look of it.
Thanks for the advice Geoff. I contacted the Library a few weeks ago and have booked a microfilm reader along with the relevant microfilms I'd like to view...hence me wanting to be at the Library around 10am. I will, however, contact the Library again a few days beforehand as I would hate to get there and not be able to look at the newspapers I want to see.
Thanks again, gentlemen.
Sandra
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Hi Anne
That's my nana and grandads grave and the grave is still there apart from my uncle had died and they opened the grave so the headstone is been taken down for inscribing to done.
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Hi Joly99. Is there a chance I could pass your name (and maybe an email address) on to my friend...this is her family.
I know she would be very interested in getting in touch with anyone from the family and would be happy to share anything she knows.
Regards,
Sandra