FoSOC takes Clausentum for a walk!

Billy, Val and Geoff were delighted to welcome members of Southampton Clausentum Rotary, and guests, to the Old Cemetery, recently, for an evening walk.

The sun shone on us and the walk visited the four different sections of the cemetery, Anglican, Non-Conformist, Hebrew and Catholic with fascinating stories being related from each. Billy and Val spoke about the ongoing work of FoSOC in helping the city council with conservation work and were able to show the new flower border, created by FoSOC, just inside the main gate. The new memorial, to those with no grave marker, was also shown to our visitors, this being the generous gift of a member of FoSOC who wishes to remain anonymous.

At this time of the year, the light does tend to fade after 8pm but the walk was completed in slightly nocturnal circumstances!

FoSOC is particularly involved with Clausentum for Rotary International’s ‘End Polio Now’ campaign and more about that will be found in another of our news stories. The latest, exciting, news is that for this year’s new plantings, in October, more bulbs will be provided for us at the cemetery. This will increase the wonderful display of purple crocus we have had in past years so look out for that in February 2022.

FoSOC is always happy to take groups around the cemetery and this is all part of our voluntary contribution to a place that is very special to us and of great importance to the City of Southampton’s heritage and wildlife.

Photos by Mike Smith Southampton Clausentum Rotary Club