28/11/16 Now there are far too many recent burials near the location so I have found a more appropriate place for it.
24/05/10 I replaced it today. Last time I was here I noticed that there were a few people who have passed on since the cache was placed who now are a little too near the cache for my liking. One in particular was quite close and seemed to be brand new (no headstone). Looking today I saw that this grave has not changed at all and almost appears to be unmarked. Looking closely you can see a name on the pot of some wilted flowers. I keeping the cache where it is for now but would be grateful if future cachers can keep me posted on this. If it makes anyone feel uncomfortable please say so in your log.
Another good view out of Blackrod, this time from The Cemetery. It opens at 7.00am and closes at 5.00pm in Winter but much later in the summer. The title was inspired by the song by The Smiths. There is parking in the cemetery.
The main reason for placing a cache at Blackrod Cemetery is for the fantastic view over the Douglas Valley towards Winter Hill. How many cache sites can you see? As I swept from North(Rivington Services) to South (Reebok Stadium) I counted at least 20. Its a shame they can't pop up with little icons like in Google Earth!
Also take a look at the impressive cenotaph. This was erected in 1925 to honour the 43 men of Blackrod who died in the First World War. After the second world war 19 more casulties were added to the other side.
The cemetery itself was consecrated in November 1886. The first burial was David Milner who died of fever in June 1886. (He was apparently buried before consecration because he was a 'non conformist'). As I walk around and look at these old headstones I always think of Morrissey's words
"So we go inside and gravely read the stones all those people all those lives where are they now?
With loves and hates and passions just like mine.
They where born and then they lived and then they died.
Its so unfair I wan't to cry"