Photo-a-Day  (Friday, 17th January, 2020)

Nice shadows Brian, but that sprawl would have to go, … and what secrets lie behind that particular green door, I wonder.

It will be a Waterhouse in there with that big hole in the roof,Alf would be proud.

I know the chapels are in a bad state but I would hate to see them go. They are such a familiar part of Lower Ince.

The significance of Ince Cemetery in the career of Alfred Waterhouse should not be forgotten - and should ensure that, eventually, the two chapels there are restored in some way (even if it means taking them down and re-erecting them elsewhere).
Waterhouse began his architectural practice in 1854, and his first commissions were private houses. Local authorities began establishing public cemeteries from 1855 - which is when Waterhouse was granted the commission here by Ince Council. This was his first public works commission. My belief is that his family connections helped him land the job. His brother, Edwin, is the Waterhouse in the Accountancy firm Price, Waterhouse and Cooper. Harmood Banner, 'the father of professional accounting', had local interests and connections (his son married the daughter of Thomas Knowles, Wigan's MP and local coal-owner) - which I think helped land Waterhouse the job.

Interesting Rev.

A lot of times a restoration project like this or a new church roof etc , are paid for by a local parishioner or monies left in a Last Will . I may be wrong , but can’t see a Local Authority giving it priority somehow , perhaps a lottery grant . With a new roof and timbers ,and this summers pending heatwave , I’m sure it will quickly dry out . There are many trades who go to church who I’m sure would do it for free in their spare time . I once cleaned up a large very badly overgrown cemetery , on my own. I felt upset that it was left to get into that state . Took me a number of weeks but I found it spiritually fulfilling . Two weeks after I had finished ,my house , which was directly next to the cemetery , was broken into and the robbers more or less emptied my home . They gained access via a window on the cemetery side . I either made access easier for them , or ..... one or more of those resting did not approve of my work . Best leave alone sometimes as they say .

XPat, I admire the optimism displayed in your comment on many levels, in particular your bit about this summer's pending heatwave.

XPat - the chapels and the cemetery are the Council's property, so there is no parish involved. But maybe Price Waterhouse Cooper will step in, given the family connection....