The first time I set foot in the Lister Lane Cemetery I was a lost cause. I love the quietness and serenity of the place. Inside the walled cemetery you are in another world, hard to believe you are in the middle of a town. The place is full of life, yes the plants and animals but mainly the lives of the local people who are buried here. You can spend hours reading the memorials and odes to loved ones. I was part of a team of volunteers on my first visit, helping to clear an area of graves, to free them from weeds, small trees and brambles. There were about 40 volunteers and we made great head way, we all had a rewarding day uncovering stones which had not seen the light of day for many, many years. We all thought the day had been worthwhile and I promised myself I would be back to help again.
Not only have I been back to help but I have now been taken on as chair for the Friends of Lister Lane, a job I am proud

to do and one I really enjoy. It is wonderful to be part of a group of people who care so much about our history and culture. I think this is why I enjoy being part of the Lister Lane Friends, my great interest in local history and my love of the outdoors and gardening. Being able to help to with the up keep of the cemetery with friends combines both these interests. Lister Lane is a special and magical place, one that is a valuable part of the history of Halifax, come along and see for yourself!

Mark Andrew, Trustee, Friend and Committee Member

Mark has supported the Friends of Lister Lane for several years. A staunch supporter of meetings, he has contributed valuable research on his special subject, war graves and information about soldiers of the second world war. He continues as a trustee and Friend of the cemetery, but has resigned from the committee, due to hearing problems. He will continue to be a much appreciated member of the group and this year will liaise for us with the Calderdale In Bloom competition.

THE CHAPEL

Conservation and Management Plan

English Heritage and Calderdale Council shared the costs of producing this report, produced and edited by Jessica Sutcliffe with contributions from Jenny Lynn, Yvonne Hosker, Rob Clegg, and Dr Madeline Holloway.
The report examines the feasibility of returning the cemetery to public use as a learning resource and wildlife oasis, and refurbishing the chapel as a study and resource centre, exhibition space, and meeting place for the Friends and other local groups.

The report contains a business plan as well as an interesting and inspiring assessment of the site and an outline plan for rehabilitation of the chapel.

It will provide the basis for application for lottery funding that would make the cemetery a manageable part of the Calderdale museums and heritage outreach system.

A copy will be available to read at the library, or may be received on line.

Work on the chapel to date.

Last year Calderdale MBC funded work to consolidate the chapel walls, prop and repair the façade and clear the crypt of fallen masonry, rubble and earth.
The work continues. It is intended to replace the floor with a reinforced structure and leave the shell of the building safe, but go no further.
The crypt turned out to be about 15ft deep. The bodies of several small babies, simply wrapped in cloth, were found laid at the bottom. They had not been registered in the burial records book, and may have been the still-born babies of women from the workhouse across the road, or other women who could not afford a conventional burial.

New Interpretation Board

In 2008 Calderdale Council funded the design and production of this splendid ‘interpretation board’, which stands in a prominent position near the gate on Lister Lane.

It features a simple map of the site beside a historical map of the neighbourhood, with illustrated information about 14 of the most interesting people buried here, and is decorated with images of wild flowers found on site.

We hope in the near future to open the gate to the more frequented Gibbet Street as well, and provide seats for casual visitors. A similar board there would be an asset, but would require further funds.