The Graveyard Shift
24 August 2007
On 6 August the North Down Conservation Action Team (CAT) began work at Maghera Old Church, Co. Down. The graveyard at the Old Church had become terribly overgrown with brambles, hawthorn, blackthorn, etc. So much so, that the ancient gravestones could no longer be seen.
Alongside the North Down CAT was the Belfast CAT and a number of German visitors from the Kolping Group who were volunteering with us for two weeks. This large group of people were split up into little groups and sent to different areas with a supervisor – slashers, loppers and billhooks in hand.
Local press took a great interest in the event when they heard about it. We were visited (and ‘snapped’) by photographers from The Mourne Observer, The Down Recorder and The Down Democrat, all of whom were impressed by the determination displayed by all involved.
The day’s work uncovered many gravestones, and even an old tomb that had been covered for decades. When the graveyard is completely clear and ready for visitors, tourism in this area of Co. Down could be greatly boosted.
Maghera Old Church graveyard has burial slabs from the Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods and the site consists of a modern church c.1825, a ruined 13th century church and the stump of a 10th century round tower.
With the hard work of the Conservation Volunteers, this important site will soon be back to its former glory.
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| Conservation Action Teams |