Christian offended by picnicking on Sidmouth tomb stones
- Credit: Getty Images/Comstock Images
A Christian was left offended by the sight of people picnicking on the top of tombstones and camping in Sidmouth Parish Church over FolkWeek.
Robin Farrant said it showed a lack of respect for those buried there, while others reported seeing people use the site as a toilet.
But a member of church staff said she saw no evidence of anyone staying overnight or acting inappropiately, and welcomed the use of the garden.
“As a Christian, I find this offensive, not just because it’s probably consecrated ground, but because it shows little respect for Christian traditional burial values,” said Robin.
“If this had been a mosque and Muslims offended, then there would have been arrests made for public order offences.”
You may also want to watch:
On the online forum Streetlife, one user said the FolkWeek organisers should take control of the situation.
“More responsibility needs to be taken by the organisers to stop the abuse of our town that we have to put up with,” they said.
Most Read
- 1 Nicola hoping to inspire Sidmouth slimmers through weight loss
- 2 Sidmouth artist paints a picture of hope for the NHS
- 3 'It’s amazing how much you take for granted and how much we have to be grateful for'
- 4 'Follow the spirit of the lockdown restrictions'
- 5 Police chase driver facing jail for 90mph pursuit in country lanes
- 6 Commemorative elm tree planted to mark National Tree Warden scheme's 30th anniversary
- 7 17th century chest from Ottery manor to be auctioned
- 8 Free Zoom workshop for parents, carers and professionals during Lockdown
- 9 £12,500 donated to lockdown laptops for schools appeal
- 10 Retired GP's 'curated anthology' of fly fishing experiences
“It is consecrated ground – the lack of respect shown is truly shameful.”
But church-warden Heather Knight said she was at the church every day and saw no evidence of camping.
“We wouldn’t encourage people picnicking on the tomb stones but they are very welcome to use the gardens,” she added.
“Police came several times because people were concerned so it was all under control.”