We’re excited to announce that gravestone recording at Ballast Hills Burial Ground begins this June! Sponsored by the Ouseburn Trust and supported by Newcastle University, these volunteer-led sessions are helping to document the site’s fragile memorials before they are lost to time.
Whether you’re a first-time participant or a returning volunteer, all sessions are drop-in friendly, and no previous experience is needed. Training and equipment will be provided on site.
Confirmed June Drop-In Sessions
- Tuesday 10 – 18:00 to 20:00
- Thursday 12 – 13:00 to 16:00
- Saturday 14 – 9:00 to 18:00
- Monday 16 – 10:00 to 13:00
- Wednesday 18 – 9:00 to 15:00
- Saturday 21 – 9:00 to 18:00
- Sunday 22 – 10:00 to 13:00
Additional sessions will be scheduled throughout the month. If you’d like to join a future session or be notified when new dates are added, please email us. Updates will also be posted on this blog. As we are not sure how long the process will take, we appreciate your patience as the work progresses.
What to Bring and Expect
All necessary supplies will be ready for you on the day. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Volunteers typically work in pairs or small groups and contribute according to their interests and comfort level, whether sketching, transcribing inscriptions, photographing details, or measuring dimensions.
We also encourage volunteers to take photos and upload them to the project folder.
Want to Prepare in Advance?
You can read or download the recording instructions and form. A quick read-through beforehand will help shorten the on-site induction and get you started more quickly.
Weather Contingency Planning
Gravestone rgravestone recording requires dry weather, but thanks to recent rain and sunshine, we will still make good use of any sessions by continuing with tidying up the gravestones.
To avoid disappointment, please check this page for updates and cancellation notices before attending.