News

The Tree Team was not present today, having been urgently called away to attend to an emergency arising from last night’s severe weather conditions. This unforeseen event required their immediate attention, temporarily halting ongoing activities at the site. In the absence of the Tree Team, Bruce continued to monitor and record the site’s progress. Using the drone, Bruce captured a new series of photographs that vividly illustrate the developments made so far. These images are valuable in assessing the condition of the area and provide a clear visual record of the recent work. Fortunately, the number of headstones damaged by the adverse weather is not excessively high. While some headstones were affected, it is apparent from the photographs that several of these exhibited signs of prior damage, which predated the tree falling on them. Although any damage is regrettable, it … Continue reading →

Progress Report: Continues On the third day of the Weeping Beech tree removal, the Tree Team returned to continue their work. Despite challenging weather conditions, with relentless rain pouring down, the team pressed on with the dismantling process. The day was marked by heavy rainfall, as captured in the photographs kindly provided by a member of FoSOC. These images reveal the difficulties faced by the team, working in wet and uncomfortable conditions. One of the main obstacles was the exceptional weight of the branches, which required careful handling. In addition, the main trunk of the tree remains, and as seen in the photos, it is extremely large and will likely present further challenges as the team continues their work. The Tree Teams came in again for remove further branches but are still waiting on the ‘Heavy Equipment’ back from repairs … Continue reading →

Yesterday, the ‘Tree Team’ began addressing the fallen ‘Weeping Beech’. Their efforts focused on clearing the smaller branches, but they were unable to manage the main trunk and the larger branches. These sections require the use of heavy equipment, which was not available during this initial phase. It is hoped that the team will return in the near future, equipped to tackle the larger branches and the main trunk. Their continued work will be essential in fully clearing the fallen tree. In the meantime, Bruce Larner has documented the current state of the fallen tree. He has taken several photos highlighting the smaller branches that have been cut. Notably, some of these images were captured using a drone, providing a unique perspective on the scene. Many thanks to Bruce for his efforts in photographing and sharing updates on the progress.

Sub Title Trees One that was particularly admired was the Weeping Beech on the southern part of the main carriageway.  Its moods through the year were wonderfully caught in photos by Bruce, shown here. It was always well worth going up to the cemetery, in the different seasons of the year, to look at this wonder. The main feature or previous photo is the Weeping Beech in full bloom. Sadly, early on Boxing Day morning, the tree fell, landing among the gravestones.  Both Bruce and Geoff have happy memories of the same poem, ‘Trees’, by the American poet Joyce Kilmer, Bruce from having it recited to him in childhood and Geoff from a sung version by the American, Paul Robeson, in the late 1950s. For those who may not be familiar with the poem, here are the words: I think … Continue reading →

During the period between Christmas evening and Boxing Day morning, the cherished ‘Weeping Beech’ tree in the Old Cemetery was uprooted. Today was the first occasion that Billy, the Chairman, and I, as Secretary, were able to visit the site and see the tree that had fallen. It was very sad to witness the magnificent tree, which had stood for many years in the cemetery, now lying on the ground. Having been present for countless events and changes, the tree had silently observed a great deal of history. For many members of the community, it offered shelter from the hot weather, while others marvelled at the distinctive knots and bumps that had formed over decades on its trunk and branches. This year, the tree served a special purpose as the ‘Memory Tree’. Members of the public were invited to place … Continue reading →

It is with great sadness that we reflect on the recent losses within the FoSOC community. Just over a month ago, we experienced the unexpected passing of Professor James S. Curl, who served as President of the group. His loss was deeply felt by all who knew him and worked alongside him. Tragically, we have also lost two other dedicated and hardworking supporters of the group in the past few weeks: Sheelagh Horton and Nick Bryant. Their commitment and contributions to FoSOC were invaluable, and their absence will be profoundly felt by everyone connected to the organisation. We are extremely fortunate that the FoSOC Treasurer had a photograph of Sheelagh Horton and Nick Bryant together, as Sheelagh was not fond of having her picture taken. This image will serve as a treasured memory of their friendship and dedication to FoSOC.

Just a few of the lovely colourful baules that are hanging in the Old Cemetery for Christmas and a couple of FoSOC “Wishing all a Merry Christmas “sign, wreath, table decorations and Christmas tree from inside the chapel.

We continue the second part of our Act of Remembrance here at the Belgian Cross. It’s one of the earliest memorials commemorating First World War dead, having been erected and dedicated as early as 1916. It commemorates those Belgian soldiers named here, and the response of the people of Southampton in giving sanctuary and support to them and civilian refugees.  Today’s Remembrance Sunday marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe, on 8 May 1945, and the formal ending of the Second World War on 2 September 1945 following the Japanese surrender on 15 August.  Standing here at this Belgian Memorial, it’s appropriate to recall events in Belgium. On 10 May 1940 German troops advanced rapidly into Belgium. On 18 May, the first civilian refugees from the Netherlands, Belgium and France began disembarking here in Southampton. Arrangements … Continue reading →

FoSOC’s Remembrance Commemoration 2025 was, once again, in two parts, first at the Cross of Sacrifice led by Geoff Watts and afterwards at the Belgian Memorial with Graham Linecar, both members of FoSOC.  At the Cross, Geoff began by letting everyone know the very sad news that our President, the highly acclaimed and distinguished architectural and cemetery historian Professor James Stevens Curl had passed away on 5 November. Geoff paid a moving tribute to him and there was a silence in respectful memory.  We had the honour of our commemoration being attended by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr James Baillie, and distinguished guests. The Escort for the Lord Mayor was excellently   provided by Southampton Sea Cadets with their Commander, Lt. Lindsay Bassett RNR. Geoff recalled that this year marked the 80 th anniversary of the end of World War II with commemoration … Continue reading →

FoSOC have been very saddened to learn of the death, last Wednesday evening (5th November), of FoSOC’s President, Professor James Stevens Curl, peacefully at his home in Belfast. He has been our President, and a very good friend to us, from our very beginning, 2003. He and his wife Dorota took such a great personal interest in FoSOC and our activities at this cemetery, a place he regarded as a Treasure of Hampshire. He was always available and very willing to give his invaluable help and advice to us. He and Dorota came to our Remembrance Commemoration only just a few years ago. Our thoughts are with his wife Dorota, his daughters Astrid and Ingrid, and the family. We shall all miss him greatly and will remember a highly respected and lovely man.  Photo of bust; In September 2017, he … Continue reading →