December 21st, 2021Offering company, comfort and a cuppa

MEMBERS of the Malmsbury Cemetery Trust will be at the cemetery on Christmas Day offering light refreshments, shade and seating for those visiting passed family or friends.
Board member Jeff Smith said whether people were “coming to contemplate, visit family or loved ones, or just take in the serenity of it all, we will be there to offer some company, beverages, and snacks to everyone that wants them”.
“We all know that Christmas can be a lonely time for some people and visiting loved ones on this special day is a tradition for many families. So, we are inviting people to the cemetery to remember those that we can no longer give that big Christmas hug that fills our hearts with joy. We’d love for people to come along and enjoy Christmas with those that are missed and take a small break and tell us a story about them.”
Mr Smith said the Trust members appreciated learning more about the people that they are looking after.
“It reminds us of the strong bonds of community and family in the district. Providing people with the opportunity to comfortably reflect and reminisce on Christmas Day seems a perfect way to honour those that rest with us.”
Chris Byrnes, pictured left with registrar Ray Brindle in front of the historic Malmsbury bluestone lodge near the main entrance, said Trust members would be at the cemetery between 10am and 11.30am.
“It’s an initiative by the Trust to engage more with the local community and make the cemetery a more integrated part of the community.
“We have been having discussions during the year about what we can do to achieve that, and one member came up with the idea of morning tea on days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Of course, with Covid, we couldn’t do that, but Christmas Day will be the perfect time to provide support and comfort. It’s a kindness thing.”
Chris said most people would be locals or those coming to visit passed loved ones.
“We are not sure how many people we will get but we will definitely be looking at doing this again on other important days throughout the year.”
The first burial at Malmsbury Cemetery, which overlooks the Malmsbury Reservoir, was in 1862.

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed