Walk and talk event at Cannock Chase war cemeteries proves a success
A series of walk and talk events at a Staffordshire cemetery site have proved a success.
Two heritage days were held at Cannock Chase War Cemetery and German Military Cemetery on Friday and Saturday, allowing people to learn the history of both sites.
The former cemetery contains graves of past British armed service personnel, while the latter contains the graves of German and Austrian service personnel, alongside a small number of Ukrainians.
The walk and talk events proved so popular staff had to draw up a waiting list for people wanting to attend. In the end, two tours were held on Friday and two more on Saturday.
Sarah Moody, public engagement co-ordinator at the cemetery, said: "People could find out more about war and history and the Commonwealth Commission.
Diverse
"It was really well attended. The talks sold out really quickly to the point where we had to draw up a waiting list.
"This is an important piece of history on our doorstep and it is great so many people turned up.
"It was really good that we have a diverse group of people attend. We had families from different backgrounds, people with young children and people who have personal interests in our history."
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of spaces was limited to five each tour while social distancing was maintained.
The site is run by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Thankfully, both cemeteries have not been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Each cemetery is free to enter while the organising both, CWGC, does not rely on ticket or entry sales for financial support.
Ms Moody added: "Our ground work outside and work singularly or in small numbers so we have been able to continue maintain the sites, although not up to a high standard."
