Hi Linda & Tony, I was able to locate the burial location of my ggf, George Smith, through Jackie Clark. He's buried at Kingston Cemetery. I was surprised to learn that his eldest son. 8, died just six months later and is buried in the same unmarked grave. I have begun to think I might like to place a grave marker but, of course, have no idea where to start (except perhaps through Jackie). Would like to know if you have any suggestions as to how to go about doing so. As I live several thousand miles away, it would be nice to get a recommendation rather than risk going to someone of dubious reputation. Thanks for any help. Michael Kinney Portland, Oregon

Hello Michael In answer to your query about erecting a grave marker, I can pass on my very recent experience. Like yours, some of my ancestors - the Ords and Gamblins are also buried at Kingston Cemetery. One in a grave that had an M.I. but it was apparently taken down as unsafe in the 1970's, and the other never had a headstone. As I live in Edinburgh my first port of call was Jackie Clark. She identified where the graves were and who was buried in them - giving me the exact locations and grave numbers which you will need. She then advised me that I would have to purchase the grave sites and rights before any permission can be given for memorial erections. The reason for this is that at the time of burial the family were given 14 years rights to the graves (it may vary between graves and families) Once that period had expired the rights reverted back to Portsmouth City Council. Grave Purchase Fees - 2008 25 Years Rights - Portsmouth Resident Address - £198.00 25 Years Rights - Non Resident Address - £396.00 She sent me the forms to fill in and send back to P.C.C. When the transaction was completed I received the necessary certificates showing I had purchased the grave and rights. There are strict regulations as to the size and details of M.I.s and Jackie told me only stonemasons that have been registered with P.C.C. are able to work in the cemeteries. She sent me a list of authorised stonemasons and I chose Stonerite Memorials. They have been extremely helpful and it was a simple process. They sent me a comprehensive brochure and I was able to do it all at long distance. The M.I.'s are nearly ready and they are going to send me photographs of the completed and erected memorials. All of the above only took about 10 weeks. Whilst it has not been cheap - due to me being a non resident with the grave purchase, I am very pleased I started the process and feel that the family members buried there (including a little 11 year old who died of measles complications) will have some recognition. Jackie has been superb throughout, so be guided by her. Good luck. June in Edinburgh