St Laurence Churchyard
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. St Laurence Churchyard is in desperate need of more volunteers to join Barbara Byne and her team on a weekly basis to cut the grass and keep it tidy. This spring has been wonderful for growth of the grass and weeds but unfortunately with COVID-19 restrictions in place the churchyard has now become seriously overgrown. If you or someone you know who is now allowed out, as restrictions have been eased a bit, and would love to help restore the churchyard to a lovely wildlife and human friendly place please contact Freda in the parish office on either 01843 592478 or office@stlaurenceparish-ramsgate.org.uk
Book Review ‘The Forbidden Wife’
There are many amazing stories about the lives and times of people buried in St. Laurence Churchyard but the one of the family in the Royal Mausoleum (known as the d'Este Mausoleum) takes some beating.
Thanks to Catriona Blaker (Pugin Society/The Grange/St.Augustine's) who recommended it, I have read a book during “lock down” called ”The Forbidden Wife – The Life and Trials of Lady Augusta Murray” by Julia Abel Smith. This well researched book is in a class of it's own. It reads like a novel – and takes in swathes of History, from the American War of Independence and Paris, before the French Revolution, to a tour of Italy, where Lady Augusta Murray met the sixth son of George III and married him. To understand why this marriage was considered “illegal” you must read this book. To understand why the family – Lady Augusta Murray, her parents -- the 4th Earl of Dunmore, his wife Charlotte, Lady Augusta's two children – Augustus d'Este and Augusta d'Este and her husband, Baron Truro, are buried in St. Laurence Churchyard, you must read this book.
It seems hard to believe that this incredible family, who rubbed shoulders with George Washington and Marie Antoinette, should be laid to rest in St. Laurence Churchyard.
Although the East Cliff of Ramsgate has many streets named in their memory – Augusta Road, d'Este Road, Truro Road, Augusta steps, to mention a few – the story is mostly forgotten and the connection with St. Laurence also. Apart from the Ramsgate Society costumed walks and the tours of St. Laurence Churchyard it is hardly known. Not so in Virginia, U.S.A. Over the years visitors who are part of a Re- enactment Group have crossed the ocean to visit the monuments in St. Laurence Church and the Mausoleum in the Churchyard, to bring them closer to the final chapter in the story of the famous people they play in this amazing story.
NB Margaret Bolton is thanked in the credits for sharing her knowledge of the Church and the d'Este Mausoleum.
Barbara Byne
Latest singing session with Adrian Bawtree, Organist at Canterbury Cathedral
Adrian Bawtree, organist at Canterbury Cathedral set up a singing group for older people, including those with dementia, called FRIENDly Music for Wellbeing, on behalf of Friends of Canterbury Cathedral. It started to meet before lockdown, and Adrian is now making short films to encourage people to sing at home; they are on Canterbury Cathedral’s YouTube channel and the links are below. They could be used by carers struggling at home with a relative with dementia under lockdown, and also staff in care homes. Friends of Canterbury Cathedral are keen for us to spread the word, so please do pass on information to individuals and care homes you are in touch with. Here is the link to his latest sessions: https://youtu.be/iC1B3qBGGuw
New Parish Website
A new Parish website constructed by Beachshore Design Ltd will be launched very soon. Each of our five churches will then be better able to better promote their services and group activities to a much wider audience. Once the website goes ‘live’, constructive comments will be most welcome.
With my love and prayers,
Andrew
Rev I Andrew Jacobson
Priest in Charge
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