EMI MEMORIAL GRANTED GRADE II LISTED BUILDING STATUS - 23rd February 2010
AS part of the long-term plan to draw attention to significance that the cemetery has for the local community, the three War Graves’ Officers on the CLAD Committee made an application to English Heritage in 2009 to have the EMI Memorial Listed. Independently of EMI, the committee provided photographs and the relevant documentation including supporting statements from Mr Phillip Sherwood, Local Historian and Professor James Steven Curl, Architectural Historian & Author.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport authorised the inclusion of the Memorial on the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest because it is
- “a simple yet poignant memorial”
- “of historic and cultural special interest as a grave marker and memorial to the 37 civilian causalities of the Gramophone Company and an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on their families and the local community”.
CLAD is delighted with the outcome and is grateful for the efforts made by the parties mentioned above, to English Heritage and the Secretary of State for acknowledging the significance of the Memorial. and to the many well-wishers who have been in contact.
Click on the highlighted words to read the full advice report and schedule from English Heritage.
CLAD Meets BAA - December 2009
TWO members of our committee met Mike Forster (Director of Strategy and Planning) and Cheryl Monk (Communications Manager) for an update on their intentions toward the cemetery. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.
The first question asked by us was about the "10 alternatives to the cemetery route" that Mike Forster mentioned at our public meeting in November 2008. He wrote to CLAD on 29th January 2009 and said, "the ten alternative layouts which were produced for the DfT consultation were all purely indicative. Some showed road schemes that passed through the cemetery, others did not". Our question was why these had yet to be published. We were told that the abandonment of the Aviation White Paper 2003 and the Government change to the consultation process i.e. introduction of the IPC meant that they had to abandon what they had and work on new road layouts. This means that they do not have any layouts at all, and when they do produce them, they will not be available until after the Election. He stated that whatever happens they will have to change the motorway junction and the connection will be with the Stockley by Pass. Of course, this means that if there are no other road schemes, the "indicative" map still stands and the cemetery remains the preferred route for the dual carriageway. Thus, nothing has changed and the threat has not passed.
We then asked about a misleading BAA quote in relation to the commitment to use an alternative to the cemetery - "We have given a number of genuine commitments and we stand by them". Mike Forster concurred that BAA has only made one "commitment" to us, which is they will not put the road through the cemetery. He went on to say that it would be foolish of us to take their words at face value, and that we (CLAD) have to monitor them to ensure that BAA kept to its promise.
FROGSDITCH FARM - December 2009
RUMOURS have been rife on Facebook and among local residents concerned that the construction work being carried out on Frogsditch Farm (the land adjacent to the cemetery) was to do with the Heathrow expansion and the proposed dual carriageway. CLAD approached Hillingdon Council and asked that the matter be investigated. The Council came back to us with the following statement in red.
Hillingdon Council's Enforcement Team have been down to the site and confirm that it is being used as temporary storage site for the deposition of earth and stone materials by Costain Ltd., to do with a civil construction project where they are strengthening an existing Railtrack tunnel in Gerrard's Cross so they can build a new Tesco Superstore over it. Costain are also making up steel cages on site which are filled up with stones and put back on site to stabilise the ground around the tunnel. The Council confirms that these works are not related to BAA or any airport activities, but will be monitoring activity on the site.
Many dignitaries were invited, including BAA (they declined), but present were The Worshipful the Mayor of Hillingdon, the Local MP, Councillors, a representative from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, a Sergeant Major from the Territorial Army and members of the Royal British Legion. They provided the Guard of Honour and Standard Bearers.
As the last rays of the setting sun were disappearing, hundreds of lit candles set the scene for a very special ceremony. In the gloaming, a single piper played the haunting tune of “Flowers of the Forest” and as he ended, the Chair, Natasha La Mothe welcomed everyone then invited the Mayor to tell the story of the EMI bombing, followed by Sergeant Major Gilfrin reading the Act of Remembrance and the debt of Honour Roll to the 32 people interred in the War Graves. At the completion, the Mayor was invited to unveil a memorial, which up to that time had been kept secret from everyone but the committee, Council and Media.
The memorial came about when our committee approached John Purcell, the cemetery manager, with the idea of having a permanent monument dedicated to a united community from a united community in recognition of the modern-day battle we face in keeping this cemetery safe from Heathrow expansion and in remembrance of those campaigners who we have lost along the way. We were delighted when this was approved and sent in an inscription that we thought best signifies the campaign we have run – that is “This is our cemetery. This is our community. This is everyone’s fight. We will remember.”
Gasps were heard from all around when Madam Mayor pulled away the covers to reveal the “Community Monument of Remembrance” bearing the inscription “who kept the faith and fought the fight; the glory theirs, the duty ours” by Wallace Bruce inscribed on each of the four faces, while encircling the plinth was “8th November 2009, donated to cherry lane cemetery on behalf of a grateful and united community”. Wreaths were then laid at each corner of the memorial by the Mayor, the MP, Councillor Burrows and CLAD. Others were laid by the War Graves Commission, Royal Signals and many crosses were laid in Remembrance of their loved ones.
John McDonnell MP and Councillor Burrows roused the crowd with stories of remembrance and unity. Then out of the darkness, a lone bugler played “The Last Post”, and after two minutes of silence, “The Reveille” was played.
Thank yous to all the various participants completed the official ceremony, and the piper played out the dignitaries.
Photograph of the Community Monument of Remembrance taken by Mr Albert Thurling.
Album photos taken by CLAD Secretary, Mrs Catherine Stevenson and Campaign Photographer, Mr Kevin De Silva.
HILLINGDON COUNCIL EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS
July 21st 2009
AFTER our very successful marches on the 2nd May, a few committee members wrote to Hillingdon Council to praise the Parks and Cemeteries Manager, Mr John Purcell, for all his help, and nominated him for an Employee Recognition Award.
Since the start of our campaign, he has given his unstinting help, answering questions, giving details of the history and statistics of Cherry Lane, and being of assistance in every way possible.
At the ceremony of Employee Recognition awards, it gave Edna La Mothe, Vice Chairwoman, great pleasure when John’s name was called as recipient for the help he had given CLAD, even during his own time.
With the help of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Puddifoot, she was able to present John with the trophy that CLAD had won at the Hayes Carnival for Best Float. This was an additional token of our gratitude for his help with the carnival and the marches. For once, John was speechless! He now proudly displays this cup in his office at Breakspear Crematorium.
HAYES CARNIVAL - July 11th 2009
AS a community campaign, CLAD participates in many local events. When a committee member suggested having a float at the Hayes Carnival, confusion, misgiving and downright fear, were the order of the day. How could we convey the seriousness of the threat we may face in such a high-spirited event? We agonised that ideas could come across as disrespectful to the dead and distressing to the living. Finally, we came up with a scene from a cemetery, with mourners occupying the benches, contemplating the loss of Cherry Lane. We tried to show that not only would this threat affect our loved ones there, but also, when the time came, our own plans to be buried with them. Nevertheless, the cemetery is blessed with guardian angels watching over it and keeping it safe from those who threaten its beauty and sanctity.
The following paragraph is written by the two Angels of Cherry Lane, Danielle and Nicole Cody (ages 10 and 9 respectively). "We had a really great time being part of the float for 'save cherry lane cemetery' at Hayes Carnival this year. It was good fun waving at the crowds and helping more people become aware of the cause. The float looked lovely with benches to sit on and flowers everywhere. We dressed in white and wore angel wings and halos. The best part of the day was when we found out that we had come first in the competition for best float! We had a great day."
In addition to our beautiful float, CLAD had a stall in Barra Hall Park, which was manned by Linda Gritt and Lubna Mohammad. We had 3 large inflatable punch bags with the faces of Geoff Hoon (former Transport Secretary who approved the Third Runway), Gordon Brown (Prime Minister) and Colin Matthews (Chief Executive of BAA). This is where the public could vent their anger by throwing plastic balls at them; a direct hit won them a lolly. This was a big hit and a lot of fun, for the crowds and for us. We gave out information leaflets and spoke to people as to why the threat has not passed, and collected signatures on our petition sheets. Support for our cemetery is still as strong as when we first started this campaign. The highlight of the day was winning the award for BEST FLOAT, especially as we didn’t expect to win the competition.
See our photos from the carnival. Pictures taken by Campaign Photographer, Mr Kevin De Silva, and Honorary Committee member, Robert Andrews.
EMI MEMORIAL RESTORATION PROJECT - June - July 2009
THE summer of 2009 saw the removal of the EMI Memorial for renovation. Our War Graves Officer, Albert Thurling, contacted EMI with photographs showing the lack of maintenance and general dilapidation of the once proud monument. It was returned three weeks later, sandblasted, with the beauty of the white marble hauntingly aglow, and the penmanship highlighted in black lettering, paying tribute to the fallen. The memorial now stands as the tallest, most prominent memorial in the cemetery, standing among the 32 War Graves scattered around it.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO PETITION 'CHERRY LANE' -
26th June 2009
IF you signed our e-petition by May 12th 2009, you would have received the following email from the Government (text colour changed to red to differentiate its message from ours).
The Government acknowledges the concerns expressed over the protection of Cherry Lane Cemetery in Hillingdon, but believes they are unfounded.
Following January’s announcement confirming policy support for a third runway and sixth terminal, it is now for the airport operator, BAA, to develop final details and bring forward a planning application. BAA are very much aware of public concerns about Cherry Lane Cemetery and have, following discussions with Cherry Lane Against Development, confirmed that they will only develop schemes that avoid the cemetery. Similarly, the Highways Agency have also ruled out any plans affecting the cemetery.
Plans published as part of the Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation in November 2007 illustrating access roads to an expanded airport were clearly marked as “indicative”. They did not purport to show the proposed third runway precinct or road layout in detail because, pending consultation, such plans were necessarily at an early stage.
CLAD was in correspondence with BAA earlier in the year to get firm assurances that our cemetery will be safe both now and in the future, and so far, our suggestions of:
1. a legally binding guarantee protecting not only the cemetery grounds but also a 100m perimeter around the cemetery has been rejected.
2. a call for BAA to lobby the Government with CLAD to abandon plans to use the cemetery grounds to house the dual carriageway has been rejected (the Highways Agency and DfT can overrule BAA's new promise to not use the cemetery).
3. providing funding to look at all of the legal ways to protect the cemetery (including a Protection Order that covers our 100-year lease) has been rejected.
However, contrary to the Government’s response, CLAD has not received any correspondence from the Highways Agency and so there is no evidence that their road network will not affect the cemetery. We have not heard from the Department of Transport either.
Despite the promises of BAA that they won’t put a road through the cemetery, there has been no change to the "indicative" map and no release of information about alternative routes. We are firmly against a dual carriageway linking up to the proposed Third runway and Sixth terminal albeit in the Cemetery or in Pinkwell or Harlington (or any other surrounding village).
During the Heathrow debate held in Parliament on the 28th January 2009, the former Secretary of State, Geoff Hoon, MP, refused to rule out further expansion at Heathrow. This means that even if the cemetery is safe now from the proposed Third Runway and Sixth Terminal, who is to say it is safe in the future?
We must remain alert to this threat, and not be fooled by non-binding commitments and empty promises.
PARLIAMENT AND CEMETERY MARCHES AND SERVICE -
May 2nd 2009
WHITEHALL momentarily came to a standstill today as a funeral procession was held to honour the lives of those interred at our cemetery. Over a hundred mourners followed an empty hearse from Trafalgar Square along Whitehall to Old Palace Yard.
The morning dawned bright, if slightly chilly as we awaited the arrival of the hearse with a tinge of fear and yet anticipation. Bearing the slogan “Save Cherry Lane Cemetery” in white flowers bordered by red roses and ribbons, it became no longer a dream, but a reality – it was happening.
In the silence, we made our way following the hearse. Here Saturday morning traffic stopped so we could carry on in procession. Where one might have expected noise or even hostility from other groups protesting their own particular concerns, they fell silent, many with bowed heads. It was eerie that amid the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest thoroughfares in London, silence so deep could prevail. A funeral where we were all suitably and soberly attired was in progress and due respect was shown by all the bystanders on the street and on public transport.
At the end of the march, the crowd was addressed by our local MP, John McDonnell, who lead our eulogy - our homage demonstrated and crusade reiterated. John Purcell, the Cemetery Manager spoke touchingly of the myriad of emotions conveyed to him by the mourners, and two children whose relatives are buried at the cemetery told us what that place means to them. Finally, our committee member, Albert Thurling read our battle-cry poem “An Inspiration” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
The second procession from Harlington to the cemetery was no less convincing. People stood in reverent silence as our local religious emissaries lead the march. Many people joined the procession en route while some waited at the cemetery. As the hearse entered the western gates, tears streamed down many faces and a lump in the throat was experienced by a number. It was so reminiscent of the funerals of our loved ones – no matter how long ago they had taken place.
At the top of the hill with the cemetery spread out below, the procession stopped at the bandstand. The flowers were taken off the hearse and arranged to be seen by all who had gathered there. After thanking everyone who had given assistance, Mr McDonnell read “An Inspiration” before prayers and blessings were led by Reverend Kip Bennett, followed by Muslim, Sikh and Hindu representatives, and closed by Reverend David Jenkins who was vicar at Harlington for 25 years. The Reveille reminded us that the battle has not concluded as the crowd was invited to light a candle in memory of their loved ones. The dignity of the occasion, the emotion and the inclusiveness of all races, nationalities, ages and creeds showed that, in the end, we all suffer grief at the loss of our loved ones and the loss of the cemetery will be felt by all parts of the community.
Our regret was that the crowd attending the marches was not as many as could have been, but they were big enough to make an impact. We achieved what we set out to do, and with good weather throughout, it was a very special occasion – tiring, harrowing, but very, very special!
Look at our album put together by our Campaign Photographer, Kevin De Silva, of the Harlington procession and Blessing.
Watch John McDonnell MP interview Rev. Kip Bennett after he lead the prayers and blessings ceremony at Cherry Lane Cemetery.
Read the poem "Shame and Blame" written by local poet, Stan Taylor, for the occasion.
SIGNATURES PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT - March 11th 2009
ALL three MPs who serve the London Borough of Hillingdon (John McDonnell, Hayes and Harlington; John Randall, Uxbridge & Nick Hurd, Ruislip and Northwood) have stated publicly that they are opposed to the “indicative” dual carriageway through the cemetery. All three of them have submitted thousands of signatures to Parliament to make clear that we will not tolerate this proposal. Many supporters of the Save Cherry Lane cemetery campaign were present to hold a vigil before going through to the House of Commons.
Read the Hansard
HEATHROW ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT -
January 15th 2009
SECRETARY of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon announced in Parliament today that permission has been granted to BAA to construct a Third Runway and Sixth Terminal at Heathrow Airport. This means that the cemetery remains a target as it is still displayed in the consultation document with a dual carriageway going through it.
Read the stories of people affected by this news including mourners at the cemetery.
Watch the Guardian interview with many local people affected by the Third Runway, including mourners from Cherry Lane Cemetery.
CLAD PUBLIC MEETING - November 19th 2008
OUR third Public Meeting was attended by Mike Forster, Strategy and Regulations Director at BAA. The reception he received was hostile, despite making a promise that BAA won't put the road through the cemetery (BAA press statement). He did not anticipate that the people of Hayes, having learned from previous dealings with BAA, do not believe him or BAA and will continue to fight to save the cemetery.
Listen to the Hayes FM coverage of the meeting.
CLAD PUBLIC MEETING - October 1st 2008
AT our second Public Meeting, local councillors vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with residents in front of bulldozers if plans to build a road through a cemetery are passed.
Click here to read the report from John McDonnell Hayes and Harlington MP.
Watch the interview with committee member, Crystal Gritt as she talks about the proposal and how it affects her family.
SIGNATURES PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT - July 16th 2008
JOHN McDonnell MP submitted the first batch of signatures collected (8,000 from two months campaigning) to Parliament, and earlier in the day, he raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions. Read Gordon Brown's response here.