Richard Goodridge the interim chairman of the charity recollects that in the summer of 1986 when he was a mere 26 years old he first wrote a letter to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission expressing his concerns over the condition of the five CWGC headstones in St David’s.
Now 40 years on he recalls the efforts he had to make to get them replaced due to their poor condition largely due to the fact that the cemetery was completely overgrown and accessing them was so difficult. “Who would have though it he says that 40 years later he would still be standing in that very same cemetery restoring memorials himself with the support of other volunteers, friends and helpers, and looking after the entire 11000 square metres of cemetery.
It’s been a job of huge physical commitment, not forgetting the time, money and sheer dedication that has gone into this project. My hope for the future he says is that the Thomas and Elizabeth Mayhook Charity will gain additional volunteers, helpers and additional trustees to see it through the next 40 years and beyond. The hard work has been done, and we now have to ensure that the cemetery is maintained to an acceptable standard that meets health and safety requirements and this can easily be achieved providing there is the interest to do so plus the financial support from the Friends of the charity which enables us to do the work on a day to day basis.
