Felicity's Trail #Heavens walk Traditional Cache

At the beginning of the 20th century, it became obvious that Amble’s original Cemetery to the East of the town would not be sufficient for the increasing population and could not be easily expanded due to the possibility of coastal erosion. Therefore land was purchased at the West of the town; 11 acres of which were drained and landscaped for just under £4000- a considerable figure in 1903.

The Cemetery opened for burials in 1905. The entrance has a stone fountain dedicated to Mr W. Gibson, Clerk to the original Burial Board and Surveyor to Amble Urban Council.
The original site contained consecrated and unconsecrated areas and a mortuary. The mortuary building still stands but it is many years since it was used for this purpose and at present it is a valuable machinery and tool store. Over the years Amble Urban Council and lately Amble Town Council have obtained further areas of land to ensure interments can continue for the townspeople well into the 21st century.

In order to accommodate people’s wishes, the Cemetery has expanded to include a children’s section, areas for the interment of cremated remains and, to the west of the original cemetery, a natural burial area.

This was opened in late summer 2011. There is an increasing demand for this type of burial alongside cremation and normal interment and Councillors felt it was right to offer the townspeople as wide a choice as possible. Whilst still relatively new, in time it will become a beautiful copse as shrubs and wild flowers will be planted as part of the interment procedures. It is hoped these will become a haven for birds, insects etc. provided the rabbits and occasional deer allow them to grow to maturity!