A HARD-working group from Settle's U3A Family History group, their friends and supporters plus Revd Julie Clarkson and members of Holy Ascension met recently to dismantle and clear away the church's compost heap.

Recent extensive research by Sarah Lister and the Family History group into the history of Holy Ascension's 'ancient' graveyard has revealed that scores of infants were buried in unmarked graves by the churchyard wall.

Unfortunately the compost heap had been sited over these unmarked graves.

Revd Julie Clarkson, the parishioners of Holy Ascension and members of the U3A Family History group, would like to acknowledge these graves and create some form of memorial for the children. Ideas and thoughts are being considered of how best to do this.

They would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to clear the area and Settle Coal Co for supplying rubble bags and taking them away.

Last year, as a result of Sarah's extensive research, a book - "Tales from the Ancient Graveyard" - was produced, several exhibitions were mounted in church and Sarah also led very popular Graveyard Tours.

A wonderful community archive is being created, and fascinating facts concerning Settle's development as a town and stories of its population have come to light.

More exhibitions and tours are planned for later in the year.