AN EXTENSIVE project to record over 2,500 memorial inscriptions in Malton cemetery has been completed by a local history group.

Ryedale Family History Group in partnership with the City of York & District Family History Society have photographed, recorded and transcribed the inscriptions for a CD and book.

The CD is a culmination of over 2,000 hours of work over a six month period, involving about half a dozen dedicated volunteers from both groups who have given their time freely and worked tirelessly to clean and photograph all the memorials in the cemetery.

Malton Cemetery opened in November 1859 and now covers about eight acres. Managed by Malton Town Council, it is divided into five sections and has a chapel situated within.

The recording and transcribing of monumental inscriptions is carried out by teams of volunteers up and down the country and is an important and essential part of our heritage.

This work provides a unique resource for family historians and those interested in local history, art and architecture. The photographing of each memorial stone is a vital record as so many are being lost due to the elements and damage and they can quickly fall into decay.

Janice Wood, chairman of the City of York & District Family History Society and vice chairman of Ryedale Family history Group said she would like to pay tribute to the team of volunteers from both organisations.

“So much hard work has gone into this project and we are delighted by the end result," she added.

"Congratulations to all the team members, who have been out in the fresh air, winter and summer, cleaning the headstones and cutting back the foliage to get every last bit of text recorded”.

John Blanchard, a Ryedale Group member, has transcribed the Burial Registers which will be published shortly. He has also kindly donated a sum of money to support this project.

All the work has been published along with plans of the cemetery and is now available on CD from the following websites: www.ryedalefamilyhistory.org or www.yorkfamilyhistory.org.uk

The transcribing of memorial inscriptions forms part of ongoing work for both family history organisations, if anyone is interested in joining and taking part in this work then please contact either organisation’s secretary through the websites.