Ladywell-Live takes a look at some of the local groups that have helped make Ladywell a strong, active and vocal community
Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries (FoBLC) was formed in July 2007 to protect and improve these beautiful and historic Victorian cemeteries which opened in 1852, writes Geoffrey Thurley
Under normal conditions, the group has about six meetings a year as well as work days throughout the year.
The intention of the work days is to improve the cemeteries for users, relatives of the deceased and for wildlife, achieving a balance between their purpose as active cemeteries and the abundant wildlife that has made them a Borough Grade One site for Biodiversity.
The group works closely with the Council’s Bereavement Service officers on this. Unfortunately, this year, the group was not able to hold the July anniversary event nor its public committee meetings, and has had to curtail the programme of guided walks.
History of people and events are being researched by its members, resulting in regular posts on the website www.foblc.org.uk.
Vice-chair, Mike Guilfoyle (a regular contributor to this website), has written up some of the research in three guides which are available to purchase at £3.50 each (plus postage).
A significant achievement was the restoration of a memorial to the civilian victims of enemy action in the first world war.
The Hither Green & Sydenham memorial in the Ladywell Cemetery was funded by grants from the Ladywell Ward Assembly and the Heritage Lottery Fund and unveiled in October 2017.
Interpretation panels were also erected at this memorial, and near to the memorial cross in the Brockley Cemetery commemorating civilian victims of two bombings in Deptford.
The group welcomes new members who have an interest in the Cemeteries, the history of its “residents” and the wildlife