Angela’s Letter
Heralding a new era…….for Farsley and Rodley residents.
The following letter was gratefully received from a daughter, following the burial of her beloved father at Farsley Rehoboth on Friday 25th January 2025. Angela has given her permission for the letter to be circulated.
Late on Sunday evening we posted on one of our three social media channels (Facebook), the response has been unbelievable with hundreds of comments, likes and shares – the biggest response we have ever received, which is a testament to Angela’s beautiful words and her father’s memory.
Angela’s letter:
“For as long as I can remember, the graveyard on Coal Hill Lane was locked and overgrown. As a family, we would often pass by it on our way to visit my grandma in Bramley, never imagining it would one day hold such a special place in our hearts.
Years ago, this burial site was purchased by a property developer with plans to build houses. But seven years ago, the land went up for sale again, and extraordinary individuals stepped in to save it. A charity was formed with the vision of restoring this historic burial ground to its former glory, ensuring the Commonwealth War Graves within it were preserved and respected.
Through their hard work and dedication, this small but remarkable charity has brought Farsley Rehoboth back to life. Every penny they raise is used for the benefit of this beautiful site. From the trustees to the chairperson and volunteers, everyone involved gives their time freely, motivated by a heartfelt dedication to the community and its heritage.
You may not know that Farsley Rehoboth conducts ashes interments and has since October 2022. For ashes to be interned here, a person must have strong ties to either Farsley or Rodley villages. That's why today is such a special and unique occasion.
When I visited Farsley Rehoboth a few weeks ago, I mentioned to one of the trustees, that my dad had always wanted to be buried. They simply said, “Leave it with me." Thanks to the team, today we are witnessing something truly extraordinary—the first coffin burial in a new grave at Farsley Rehoboth since the 1960s.
My dad loved Farsley deeply. He bought his house here at the age of 21 and lived here until his passing at 87. He and my mum even had their wedding reception at what was then the Coniston, now Whiteheads Sandwich Shop next to Homeconomy. They shopped in the village, and my dad played cricket for Farsley before moving to Horsforth Cricket Club. He was proud to call this village home.
We brought Dad, (Allan Bailey) back to his beloved home for his last night before his final journey to this perfect resting place. When you stand where he will be laid to rest, you can almost see the top of his house; it's as if it was meant to be.
Nothing has been too much trouble for the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this possible.
Their passion for preserving Farsley Rehoboth as a space for the people of Farsley and Rodley is unwavering. They haven't just protected the Commonwealth War Graves; they've gone the extra mile to trace surviving families, reconnecting them with the final resting places of their loved ones.
They've given us the most perfect resting place for my dad, in a burial ground that is not only beautiful but lovingly maintained.
If you'd like to learn more about their efforts, or perhaps get involved, I encourage you to visit their website: www.farsleyrehoboth.co.uk or email farsleyrehoboth@gmail.com
Near where my dad will rest, there is a fallen tree stump that serves as a squirrel sanctuary. Everything here is ecologically maintained, with wildflowers blooming in abundance. In fact, they're trialling a method of seeding, where different wildflowers will bloom each year for 20 years.
Just last week, they shared a picture from their CCTV cameras of a fox walking through the graveyard on freshly fallen snow. My dad loved nature, restoration, and tending to his allotment. I can't think of a more fitting place for him to rest, surrounded by the beauty he cherished”.
With love and gratitude.
