The restored 1900 Lychgate, at Brighstone Overflow Cemetery, was officially reopened with a dedication, following a successful funding appeal.

As previously reported, an appeal was launched to raise £7,000 and donations came from across community groups and individuals. It is thought the lychgate dates back to World War I, when the cemetery was first used after the original cemetery at St Mary’s Church was full. One of the first people buried there was Edith Appleton, a nurse from the war, and it is home to several Commonwealth War Graves.

The substantial repairs were carried out by Mick Sivell, of GJ Banks, using Island oak. The replaced timbers will be fashioned into tea light holders by Men in Sheds.

A small ceremony was held at the lychgate, which was opened by Joanne Murray Smith, after a dedication by Alison Mascarenhas, with a special poem read by Gill Bradbury. The party then retired to St Mary’s Church for tea and cakes.