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The Zakynthos Informer and members of the Zakynthos Volunteer group have been trying to access the English Cemetery for over a year, to help clear it up and write up a post about its incredible history. Unfortunately, the site has been closed and despite many attempts to get more information about its current situation we were unable to find out what was happening.
Recently we attempted again, to find out who had ownership of the site and try and see if access could be granted or learn more about what was happening with the site. So, myself and Louise put together a letter and sent it to Commonwealth War Graves Commission to see if they could help. We also contacted the UK Ministry of Defence.
A few days after emailing, we received a response from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and this week the Ministry of Defence also responded to us too. Both responses were more than we could ever have expected or hoped! Not only have we found out who owns the cemetery and manages it, but we have also discovered that the current state of the cemetery has been noted and is being dealt with as we write this!
In essence, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are monitoring the cemetery on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence. A structural and conservation survey has been given permission to go ahead but has been delayed due to the pandemic. Local contractors have been given permission to clear the site of undergrowth, which will allow the surveys to take place as soon as is practicably possible. Once the surveys have been done the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and UK Ministry of Defence will look at developing a future plan for the cemetery.
Until this takes place the site will remain closed to the public.
This is positive news though and we are going to stay in touch with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, get updates and to see if we can assist in any way.
Hopefully, when the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and UK Ministry of Defence have done everything they need to the cemetery, it will be opened up to the public again, so that locals and tourists may visit it and learn more about its incredible history.
Louise and I would like to thank both the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the UK Ministry of Defence for taking the time to read our correspondence and respond to us on this matter that’s very close to our hearts. It’s very much appreciated.
Source: Chrissie Parker and Louise Inzk, Zakynthos Informer. Please quote in any reproduced article.
Photos: Wiki Commons
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