Learn about the Friends

We are group of volunteers with the following objectives:

To develop the cemetery environment as a community resource;
To promote the contribution of the cemetery to the cultural heritage of the city;
To protect and enhance the biodiversity and wildlife in the cemetery;
To ensure respect for those buried in the cemetery and their families; and
To provide information and develop opportunities for visitors to appreciate the historical, cultural, educational, and recreational potential of the cemetery.

Executive Committee

Chair: Dr Adrian Adams
Adrian is a local resident. He is a retired social worker and academic.

Vice Chair: Brian McHenry
Brian McHenry is a retired lawyer and a retired Vicar. He is active in the Canterbury heritage scene and in the local Church of England.

Treasurer: Richard Frost
Richard has lived in Canterbury for the majority of his life, residing alongside the Cemetery for around a decade. Richard works locally as a Chartered Financial Planner, regularly providing financial advice to Charities and Trusts, in addition to individuals and businesses, from which he is looking to bring this extensive experience to the Friends.

Secretary: Mary Adams
Mary is a recently retired social anthropologist with extensive experience in public and community engagement. She has lived in Canterbury and has been an immediate neighbour to the cemetery for over 20 years. She often uses the cemetery for walking, bird spotting, and visiting her parents, who are buried there. She is a keen gardener and a member of Soroptimist International, Canterbury.

Communications:
Heidi Schwartz
Heidi a full-time content editor for a London-based charity and volunteers at the cathedral in her spare time (when she’s not working on the website for the Canterbury Cemetery Friends). Before moving to Canterbury in 2024, she volunteered at Highgate Cemetery.

FRIENDS FAQs

Who are the Canterbury Cemetery Friends?

The Canterbury Cemetery Friends is an independent organisation entirely reliant on the work of volunteers. We are keen to recruit not only new members, but also people with the time and energy to help raise the profile of the cemetery by promoting awareness and appreciation of this important site.

How can I become involved?

We are happy to welcome new volunteers in many different roles based on individual interests and availability. However, if you are unable to volunteer your time, you can support our work by making a donation. Details are available from the Support page.

What kinds of activities take place in the cemetery other than burials?

There are plans to hold special events (such as talks, concerts, exhibitions, and other community activities) in the cemetery, particularly after the special renovation project is complete.

Are there organised tours of the cemetery?

While there is already a self-guided walking tour available from the visits page, the Friends are in the process of organising a variety of walking tours that will focus on different areas of interest, including: history and heritage, trees, funerary sculpture and symbolism, biodiversity, and more. There are even plans for a family oriented treasure hunt. For more information, contact us.