This initiative began when neighbours of Stanford's two old cemeteries in Moore Street, once called Grafstraat, formed a working group to uplift these "forgotten" spaces. The team became known as the Forgotten Ones. The oldest grave dates from 1835. It belongs to Hester Parlby, wife of Samuel Parlby, who farmed De Kleine Rivier Valey from 1831 to 1838. Among the notable graves is a Commonwealth War Grave for Matthew Dreyer (1911–1944). There is also a tree-stump tombstone for Jan (Hertzog) de Villiers (1918–1940), grandson of the village founder Philippus de Bruyn. His was the first military funeral in Stanford.
For many years these quiet places risked becoming exactly what people feared: forgotten. Volunteers clear the overgrowth, gently uncover headstones that had almost disappeared, and weed, prune and water plants that villagers have donated. Once a month, three sponsored gardeners do the heavy work. This year the team also improved the entrances and walkways, and took on care of Aeroplane Park at the corner of Queen Victoria and Moore Streets.
Next up: walkable paths to some of the most significant graves, and a 67-minute Mandela Day event, so more people can get involved.
Join us on Tuesdays: 06:00 in summer, 08:00 in winter. Get in touch via admin@stanfordconservation.org.
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