The Friends of York Cemetery

The Friends of York Cemetery (registered charity number 701091) was established in 1988 to help York Cemetery Trust and the cemetery staff to manage the site. The Friends:

"provide for the public benefit the preservation, care and improvement of York Cemetery as a burial ground and as a place of historic, educational and ecological interest and beauty" (Friends of York Cemetery Constitution)

The Friends have their Annual General Meeting in May, when they elect their committee. All members are welcome to attend the meeting to find out about the previous year's activities and to vote.

The Friends committee meets every two months. The Warden and a representative from the Trust also attend committee meetings.

The Friends raise money through their public programme of walks and other events (see Events), private tours (see Organising Events), grant applications and donations (see Make a donation, below).

Funds are used in a wide range of ways, reflecting the aims quoted above. Examples of recent expenditure include the purchase of tools and equipment for the cemetery business and for volunteers; from gardening gloves to a sit on mower, plants, chairs and tables for the chapel, and re-tarmacing the drive.

Join the Friends

By becoming a Friend, you will contribute to conserving the cemetery and helping to ensure its future protection.

Having high membership numbers implies positive support from the community at large, showing that the Friends is not just composed of a few well meaning enthusiasts. This helps when fundraising applications are made for grants, as well as encouraging others to offer their support.

So as a Friend you can demonstrate your support simply by paying your membership; we have members from all around the world. Some of our more local members also volunteer on site, giving more practical support.

Benefits for members

Members receive two newsletters per year (April and November) and free admission to guided walks (usual charge £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children), which take place on Sundays during the summer months. Walks cover a range of subjects, including history, flora and fauna. For details see the Events page.

Membership form

You can download and print our membership form in PDF format or Word format (files open in new browser windows). Please send the completed form together with your membership fee to:

The Membership Secretary, Friends of York Cemetery, The Gatehouse, Cemetery Road, YORK YO10 5AJ.

Please make cheques payable to "The Friends of York Cemetery".

Make a donation

If you would like to make a donation to the Friends, please print and complete the form - available here in PDF or Word format (files open in new browser windows).