Public Statement Regarding Recent Events at Lumbutts Graveyard

The Calderdale Methodist Circuit would like to acknowledge the distress caused by recent events at Lumbutts Graveyard. Our primary goal has always been to ensure public safety, and we regret the unintended consequences that have occurred.

During a recent visit, it was discovered that a number of gravestones were loose, leading to the laying down of several of them. It has been noted that some of these stones show signs of damage. We understand that this may have been alarming and distressing for visitors to the graveyard, and we sincerely regret any upset or concern this may have caused.

We are committed to resolving this issue with the utmost care and respect. We have been in regular communication with professionals to address the situation and ensure that the headstones are treated with the dignity they deserve.

Please be assured that we fully recognise the cherished and significant nature of this space. Our intention is to make it a safe, peaceful place where people can respectfully continue to remember their loved ones. To this end, we have now appointed a Conservation Architect, to guide us in identifying the necessary rectification work and in developing suitable methods for repairing the damaged stones. Following this expert advice, we will engage the appropriate professionals to carry out the recommended work.

We ask for your understanding and patience over the coming months and assure you that we are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the graveyard.

Thank you for your support.
Revd Vicky Atkins
On behalf of Calderdale Methodist Circuit

Welcome to Methodism in Calderdale. We are an outward looking Circuit that is committed to finding creative ways to engage with and serve the communities we are located in. The Circuit covers the area of the Calderdale Metropolitan Borough which includes a variety of communities from towns to villages.

There are 18 churches in the Circuit, two of which are Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs), one with the URC and a second with the Church of England. Two of the churches, Mount Zion Methodist Church, and Heptonstall Methodist Church are heritage churches with Heptonstall being the oldest church in Methodism which has been in continual worship.

Hospitality and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do here in Calderdale, we are passionate about fulfilling the mission of the Circuit, Seeing what God is doing in Calderdale, and joining in. So please feel free to come along to any of our church services or church activities; you will receive a very warm welcome.

Please note that you SHOULD NOT respond to any requests for money or vouchers which might appear to come from Circuit staff. Such emails are a scam

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