Apologies for the lack of update recently - its not through lack of activity. The Matchgirls Memorial charity has really taken off now so we are kept very busy running that alongside this campaign to save Sarah's grave.

Please may I call on your further help? Could you ask your own MP to write to Alex Chalk the Under Secretary of State for Justice to urge him to investigate the brutal mounding process used at private cemeteries such as Manor Park Cemetery. Here is why . . . 

We had the meeting with Manor Park Cemetery in September, which, although cordial, revealed they only add 4 feet of new soil to the flattened ground over existing burials, rather than the 7 feet they had cited previously, in writing. This new information means that when new interments are made, the existing plot will be dug into and there is therefore a real risk of disturbing the early remains.

We have again written to the Ministry of Justice who, just before Christmas, offered to Chair a meeting between us and Manor Park Cemetery. We responded positively but the Cemetery declined so the MoJ will have to continue discussion in writing instead.

The MoJ say they have limited powers over private Cemeteries but we are pressing them to undertake an inspection of the mounding process. As above, I would be very grateful if you would write your MP to call on Alex Chalk to investigate. If you would like more information or have questions, please contact us at matchgirls1888statue@gmail.com.

We have also heard from other descendants who are concerned about losing loved ones' graves to mounding. There are also concerns at the nearby Tottenham Park Cemetery, where human remains have recently been discovered on the surface. We have linked up with their campaigners who are now calling for a change in the Law to regulate private cemeteries - see their petition here.

I'll be in touch when we know more but for now Covid is preventing the mounding process from moving forward. 

Many thanks, Sam Johnson