The Project has now been running for twelve months and recently celebrated its first anniversary with an exhibition at the Guildhall as part of the Oswestry Heritage Open Days.
Although the event was held at the same venue as the first promotional event last year - the exhibition was new and improved with progress reports, but it had very different neighbours. The exhibition shared the Council Chamber with archaeological finds (products of the dig taking place on the castle mound), and at times with Charlie Chaplin!
The enquiries were somewhat bizarre. A little boy in one breath, spoke knowledgeably about his school work on World War One and showed an interest in the Cemetery's War Grave section. He was proud to report he had previously visited the Cemetery with his Mum. In the next breath, he wanted to know who Charlie Chaplin was. A long conversation then ensued about silent films. He went off determined to search YouTube intrigued with the concept of not only silent, but black and white films. It is surprising how heritage work can often go off topic!
At the event the Oswestry Cemetery Project website had a soft launch. The website contains a database of the burial registers and will also incorporate the Cemetery records catalogue over the coming months. The website is a work in progress and is currently being evaluated by volunteers. If you would like to undertake a search of the burial registers the web address is www.oswestrycemeteryproject.org.uk. Any feedback will be gratefully received. The website will be formally launched at the end of the Project in March 2015 when more information has been added.