An estimated 1,500 people attended the annual Woronora Memorial Park¹s Open Day on Saturday, April 22, making it one the biggest in the history of the event.
The day was part of the National Trust¹s Heritage Festival and included rides an an authentic Cobb and Co coach anda medieval combat and weaponry display, both which attracted big crowds.
Other highlights included the Scottish band pipes and drums, the children’s petting zoo, and the Rural Fire Service brigade fire truck.
According to Woronora Memorial Park chief executive officer, Graham Boyd, there are few better places to gain an insight into a community’s heritage than its cemetery.
This was shown by the large numbers of people who toured the memorial park either by bus or on self-guided walking tours throughout the day.
“We were overwhelmed by the response, and were delighted by the positive comments about our cemetery having wonderful and well maintained grounds,” Mr Boyd said.
“Many visitors saw some of the cemetery’s developments such as the Stations of the Cross, the Gardens of the Pieta mausoleum, the Military Memorial, the local Police Memorial, Wollemi Lawn, along with acres of roses and the newly opened Wonderfully Made memorial in memory of those who give their bodies to science.”
Mr Boyd said that the Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to find out what really goes on at a cemetery and crematorium.
“We were delighted by the number of visitors who involved themselves in this side of the Open
Day,” he said.
“The tours of the crematorium and questions and answers associated with how a crematorium works was a very educational experience for all involved.
“Guided walks were held in the park including walks to and from the Stations of the Cross explaining the spiritual significance associated with the various landscaping and monumental elements.
“Many family and friends took the opportunity to visit loved ones who have passed. As in previous years, the cemetery staff working at the free sausage sizzle BBQ¹s and were run off their feet.
“Celeste Cottage was fully engaged in handing out hundreds of free scones with tea and coffee, and the grave digging teams showed off their equipment, and showed onlookers how to properly dig a grave, with pride and safety.”