A team of 12 volunteers spent the best part of two hours on Saturday morning, 13 April, clearing a lot of overgrowth from the back of Tawa Cemetery. Most of the cemetery is well maintained. It was just the rear portion that needed attention, and considerable progress was made on the day.

A few hidden gravestones were uncovered including that of Henry Francis Hooper who died in July 1891 at the age of 38, and his wife Elinor Susan who died in April 1938 at the age of 85 (bottom left photo). That gravestone was lying flat and completely covered with vegetation and soil. Satisfying to bring it to the light of day again.

Thanks to the all those who pitched in, and thanks to Richard Herbert from Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves who gave clear instructions to some of the botanically-challenged on what exactly to do. That's Richard in the gumboots top right.