Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

We do not have a current appeal – however, we are always grateful to receive donations towards the upkeep of the Cemetery as a community asset or towards our ongoing activity programme.

Our most recent successful appeal was in 2019, raising funds through the Big Give to install the Read In Peace (RIP) seat.

The Big Give is the UK’s No 1 match funding platform. They specialise in bringing charities, philanthropists and the public together to multiply their impact.

The Read In Peace seat is very special – it encircles a Liquidambar tree and will have a special area for books, integrated into the seat – a secret lending library – during the summer months.

In August we secured Pledges from key supporters – promises to contribute to our Christmas Challenge Pledge target of £2,950.  In September we were chosen by a BigGive Champion (the National Lottery Heritage Fund) who offered to match our Pledge fund.  In December with Pledgers and a Champion on board we were now able to launch our campaign for online donations – in the knowledge that every sum donated would be matched from the Pledge/Champion fund, effectively doubling the value of the donation!  Donations were made online and via our pop up High Street shop during the week of 3rd – 10th December.

Our target was £11,800.  Overall, including pledges, matched funding, donations and Gift Aid, we raised over £14,000.

The foundations for the Read In Peace seat were started immediately and the installation of the seat was completed in 2020.