Friends of Fulford Cemetery

11/06/2026

Things have changed a lot in the last year and we're keen to keep things growing and we'd love you to be involved! 💚

26/05/2026

Meet our Kes!

21/05/2026

Sakura 🌸

19/05/2026

We had an unexpected visitor today.

This cheeky chap was hanging around in the toilets which took us all by surprise!

🦇

14/05/2026

Fulford Cemetery Friend Darran was out last week and tended to Arthur and Ethel's son, Second Lieutenant Arthur Douglas Mountstephen Merchant from Putney.

Arthur was an 18yr old pilot who had recently joined 68 Squadron at RFC Bramham Moor near Tadcaster when his Maurice Farman Shorthorn biplane crashed 3 miles from the airfield during his first solo flight, with Arthur succumbing in Fulford military hospital a week later on May 13th 1917.

He also tended to Ellen and John's son Corporal Cyril Ernest Butchers from Bishopworth in Bristol, a 21yr old air mechanic with 33 Squadron at RFC Bramham Moor. On the evening of May 13th 1916 Cyril was returning to base from a night out in York when his motorcycle crashed on Little Caterton lane near Tadcaster.

Thanks for all you do Darran ❤️

12/05/2026

We moved a small oak tree last year and gave it a new home in the middle of this circular bed. Yesterday's volunteer group prepared the ground around the tree and we're looking at doing some planting soon!

Thanks to the team at Staycity Aparthotels York who do so much to help us. ❤️

10/05/2026

Friends of Fulford Cemetery will be meeting tomorrow (Monday 11th May) between 10am and 1pm to continue the excellent volunteer work at Fulford Cemetery. Everyone welcome, all tools, plus tea and biscuits provided! Look forward to seeing you there 💚 York Labour Fishergate Labour Fulford Parish Council Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington; Local Area Coordination Sam Watling

02/05/2026

I Never Showed You the Cherry Blossom Trees

I never showed you the cherry blossom trees
Or how the world brightens as they flower

I wanted you to see their branches
Heavy with cotton-candy petals
Clusters of plump tendrils
Shameless overabundance of bloom

I come alive under the cherry blossom trees
In love with their fleeting, ripe perfection
Drunk on their swaying dance

I hoped you would be seduced with me
That winter's pain might thaw
And we could find our wav back to love

But you aren't here

We aren't lying on soft grass beneath falling petals
Or walking with fingers entwined through rose-
filtered dreams

As I wilt under the cherry blossom trees
Their blushing faces turn down, towards me
Clear, magnetic, siren songs of colour
Inviting me to love them

What if this. here. now. is all I need?
This stirring within me, even when alone
This tree my lover, this sky our bed, this moment
our kiss

I couldn't show you the cherry blossom trees
But they still exist without you

- Anoushka Shankar

25/04/2026

We've been talking to Fulford Cemetery Friend, Darran about some the graves he tends to.

Barbara Jane Harrison was a 22yr old air hostess from Bradford with British Overseas Airways Cooperation. On April 8th 1968 she took off from Heathrow bound for an indirect flight to Sydney aboard a Boeing 707 G-ARWE 'Whisky Echo'.

The final black and white photo shows one of the engines falling off as it climbed away. The pilot made an emergency landing back at Heathrow and the aircraft was on fire. Barbara ushered many to safety and kept going back to rescue other passengers when she was taken by the fire.

She is the first female recipient of the George Cross for heroism during peacetime.

08/02/2026

Come and join us Monday at 10am and spend some time in this lovely peaceful green space 💚

Next volunteer day at Fulford Cemetery is this coming Monday, from 10am til 1pm. Come and join Friends of Fulford Cemetery and help us look after this special place. All welcome, tools etc provided. Come for as little or long as you want! Sam Watling Fishergate Labour Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington; Local Area Coordination York Labour