Tours

Night-time cemetery tours to reveal untold stories

MACQUARIE Park Cemetery has found a quirky way to bring to life the stories of those buried there. The cemetery has taken a lead from some world-renowned cemeteries, such as Pere-Lachaise in Paris, to start regular historic tours of the grounds.

But Macquarie Park has given it a twist – these tours will be held after dark. With tongue firmly in cheek, cemetery community relations officer Tom Sweeney will host the tour dressed as the undertaker Mr Sowerberry from the celebrated musical Oliver! Mr Sweeney will guide people to the graves of some of the cemetery’s best-known residents. He’ll recount the stories of singer Johnny O’Keefe (1935-1978), former prime minister William Morris ‘‘Billy’’ Hughes (1862-1952) and star of the Australian silent screen Lottie Lyell Cox (1890-1925). There is a wealth of historic importance among the 98,000 gravesites in the 64ha park, which opened in 1922. The two-hour walking tours by lantern light are part of Mr Sweeney’s aim to demystify cemeteries, funerals and cremations.

‘‘We’ll be visiting about eight famous gavesites and have some fairly fun paranormal experiences along the way,’’ Mr Sweeney said. There will also be a behind-thescenes look at the crematorium and the cemetery’s state-of-the-art chapels that can broadcast funerals around the world via the internet. ‘‘I want to make Macquarie Park a park of the people and not just for sad times,’’ he said. He said he wanted to host citizenship ceremonies on the park’s grounds and even outdoor cinema sessions.

‘‘I have told Ryde Council, it’s the most multicultural place in Ryde.’’ Macquarie Park’s first Night- Time Historic Lantern Tour will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 7.30pm. The $25 cost includes supper.

Bookings: Destiny Tours 9943 0167. Free day tours in courtesy buggies are held regularly during the week.

To book for a day tour call the cemetery on 9805 0499.