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On Saturday 22nd April Lizzie (O’Sullivan) and Val (Ferguson) had a small stall at Shirley Public library from 11.00am – 1.00pm. There was notice boards, booklets, posters (on the Titanic) and leaflets on forth coming FoSOC walking/tours of the Old Cemetery, Lots of interest in the Old Cemetery, some people were amazied at the work FoSOC has done and is still doing. Many thanks to Shirley Library for allowing FoSOC to be there

Anyone who has used Southampton’s Local Studies Library over the years will no doubt have met Vicky and probably been helped, considerably, by her. She was a great researcher and always willing to talk and assist with research enquiries, not just about Titanic. With the Titanic tragedy she rendered tremendous service to this city with her dedicated work as to people from Southampton who were involved, research that benefits anyone who wants to know more and, for which, she should be acknowledged. She retired a couple of years ago, continued researching – particularly Methodism in Southampton – but, sadly, passed away, suddenly, only recently. For our Old Cemetery Titanic Walks over the weekend of 15/16 April, we dedicated those walks to the memories of Brian Ticehurst, Vicky and Jackie Chandler. RIP Vicky Geoff Watts

On the morning of 25 April, bringing with her lovely sunshine, Lord Mayor, Cllr. Jacqui Rayment came on a visit.  She was greeted, on arrival, by the Chairman and Secretary of FoSOC, Billy and Val Ferguson with their new ‘rescue dog’, Skye in attendance. The Lord Mayor was escorted to the former non-Conformist chapel of which, thanks to the kindness of the city council, FoSOC now has the use. The interior features of the building, previously obscured, can now be seen and this will, in future, be a meeting place for FoSOC and all our future Guided Walks will begin there. At the time of the visit, an extensive display, all related to Titanic, was still there, at which the Lord Mayor looked with great interest. She was also able to meet members of FoSOC’s Task Force, who, completely voluntarily, … Continue reading →

More photos for the Sunday walk, taken by Bruce Larner. Two walks – three guides, Geof Watts, Graham Linecar and Val Ferguson on a not so sunny day.

This year, FoSOC’s Titanic walks, on 15 and 16 April, started from the non-Conformist chapel. Those attending were able to see a splendid display relating to Titanic, set up by Val and Peter (Shawyer). The four walks over the weekend were taken by Val, Graham, Lizzie and Geoff and the total number on those walks was 54, £176 being generously given to us as donations, all of which money will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of our late member, and researcher, Jackie Chandler. Geoff and Val dedicated this year’s walks to the memory of Brian Ticehurst, who first researched Titanic connections in the cemetery, Jackie Chandler and Vicky Green of the Local Studies Library. Vicky, who contributed much to Titanic research in Southampton, sadly died suddenly, very recently. We were able to show descendants of the … Continue reading →

On 18 April Billy, Val, Jean and I attended the funeral of our late member, John Virgo. John belonged to the local RAF Association and had been a member of the Royal Observer Corps. His coffin, draped in the Association’s Standard, was received outside the chapel by a detachment from the Association and preceded in to the chapel by the Standard of the Royal Observer Corps, with two black ribbons attached to its head. John had personally chosen the readings and hymns and the service concluded with the great hymn, ‘Abide With Me’, at which point the Corps’ Standard was dipped, raised again at the conclusion of the hymn and the Standard Bearer then led everyone from the chapel. A lovely ‘touch’ was that one wreath was in the RAF colours: a blue circular base, with white flowers on top … Continue reading →

In the memory of a very long time supporter and ecologist to the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery, John Vetterlein who passed away on the 6th February 2023….sadly missed by all the FoSOC members who knew him very well.

Once again Santa’s little helpers have been in the Old Cemetery brightening the place up with Christmas baubles. They all look amazing and the “Memory Tree” is back too! Many thanks Photos taken by Bruce Larner

Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) – will be closing down for the ‘Festive Season’ will effect from 12th December 2022 and reopening 9th January 2023. The next ‘Task Day’ is Tuesday 10th January. There will be no admin, this means email and phone request will not be dealt with from the dates shown above. Many thanks for all the members of FoSOC who have worked extremely hard this year and going that extra mile to make the Old Cemetery look very pleasurable for the public to walk through.

Two ‘Task Day’ mornings FoSOC was planting, the 24th November, a Thursday, after another week of more wet weather and the following Tuesday 29th. Two members from the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) planted around 850 Crocus corms which were kindly given to the Friends, from the Southampton Solent Rotary. The Friends had hoped for some help from Southampton Solent Rotary but it seemed the days clashed with other events. Eventually with the help of these extra Crocuses (Clausentum, had planted some last year) there will be an appearance of a carpet of purple flowers, when entering the Old Cemetery. Many thanks to Nick Brant and Huw Thomas for their help. Photos taken by Bruce Larner (FoSOC)