The old adage “many hands make light work” was proven true once again at Langford Cemetery’s work bee when 36 volunteers gathered for the annual cleanup and maintenance day. Tree and brush cutting, raking, and the moving and levelling of soil were this year’s priorities.

Subsequent to this activity will be the cemetery’s fourth annual Family Heritage Day on Sunday, May 25 at 2:30 p.m. Following a brief service of remembrance, families and friends of those interred in the cemetery will take this opportunity to decorate the gravesites with flowers.

The participants in this year’s program are Sharon Mace, who will provide bagpipe music, Matthew Ruttan, guest speaker (and a very recent graduate from Presbyterian ministerial training) and John Paul Ruttan, special singer and guitarist.

Time will be taken to honour the 12 veterans who are buried in the graveyard, one from the Fenian raid of 1866, two from World War I and the remainder from World War II. A flag is placed beside the headstone of every veteran’s grave throughout the cemetery “lest we forget.”

Though there are sufficient invested funds to pay a grass cutter, all other work at the cemetery depends on volunteers and donations. Once again a calendar will be available for sale to help raise funds for the ongoing work on the grounds.

Langford Cemetery is located on Forrester Trail on the north side of Muskoka Road 117 overlooking the Muskoka River near High Falls. Land for the site was donated in 1873 at the time of Macaulay Township pioneer Isaac Langford’s death.

Given with the intention that this cemetery would serve the community as a non-denominational burying ground, the Langford Cemetery Board continues to fulfil its purpose.

The Family Heritage Day service will be held rain or shine and refreshments will be provided.