BBC News
By David Wilson
image captionOpened in 1853, Londonderry s City Cemetery is one of Northern Ireland s most historic graveyards.
On a steep sprawling hillside overlooking Londonderry, the headstones and memorials of the City Cemetery stretch back over three centuries.
After almost 170 years and 80,000 burials, it is almost full.
A short-term expansion plan has been given the go-ahead, while a longer term solution sought.
Making sure there s enough burial space is a challenge for all NI councils and BBC News NI looks at how they are planning to meet future demand.
Dr Julie Rugg, of the University of York s cemetery research unit, said meeting demand for burial space was an ongoing challenge for local authorities.
A SISTER of the late Basil Elliott has paid tribute to her supportive big brother, who she described as an “absolute gentleman”. Basil (79), a resident of Meadow View Care Home, formerly of Fairview Avenue, Enniskillen, passed away peacefully on December 7 after contracting Covid-19 following a long period of ill-health. Describing Basil as an “absolute gentleman”, Anne Elliott-King spoke highly of her late brother, who was like a “father-figure” to her and her two sisters. “He was very supportive to us all; we couldn’t have asked for better. He was always there,” she said, adding: “Some years ago, I went through breast cancer chemo and radiotherapy, and when I was alone in the house he would have come out and just sat in the house just to be there in case I needed him.”
FRANCES Marina ‘Rene’ Perry (nee Power) sadly passed away peacefully in the County Care Home on December 1. Born on October 4, 1934, Rene was one of four daughters and two brothers born to James and Rebecca Power. She was always very proud to call herself a genuine ‘townie’, having been born between the bridges in Paget Square. A former pupil of Enniskillen Model Primary School and Enniskillen Technical College, she then took employment in the Taylor Woods factory, aged 16. Rene had also enjoyed her time in the Girl Guides, Brownies, and St. John s Ambulance service. One of her greatest loves was attending the Enniskillen Town Hhall Dances with her sister Iris, and both their dance cards were always full.