Hello Rye News readers,
I am a volunteer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, looking after those who made the ultimate sacrifice and are buried in local churchyards. I cover six villages on and around the Isle of Oxney, as well as five cemeteries in East Sussex, making up 26 casualties overall.
As a so-called “eyes on hands on” (EOHO) volunteer, I ensure that the headstones are in good condition (scrubbing down if necessary), are aligned properly and that the area around each grave is cut back and spruced up twice a year.
My EOHO coordinator is very keen for someone to join the EOHO team in order to look after Rye Cemetery (20 casualties) and Rye Harbour (Holy Spirit) churchyard (one casualty).
As a local, having been born in Westfield and living near Wittersham, I have volunteered to try and identify a couple of people who would join the ranks of the eyes on hands on team and assist the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in looking after those soldiers, sailors and airmen who lie in those two churchyards. This is a link to the volunteer site which will give a little more background: https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/volunteer/.
I am happy to be contacted by anyone interested on either 07774 980908 or robwatsham@btinternet.com.
With many thanks & best wishes,
Robert Watsham
Image Credits: A. Kimber , Robert Watsham .