Ben, Tour Guide Volunteer

For a long time, I have had a keen interest in cemeteries.  As much as my family would allow, we would visit cemeteries wherever we travelled.  While celebrity grave spotting is certainly part of the fun, I also enjoy the peaceful atmospheres and exploring the hidden histories behind the cemeteries and their residents.  When the heritage project was announced at Willesden Jewish Cemetery, I saw is an ideal opportunity to build on my interest and signed up for the initial guide training.

It was an excellent programme that helped set the groundwork for being a successful guide.  We were taught best practices for being a guide, as well as being introduced to the history of the cemeteries and the key people buried here.  We were also given the opportunity to practice with our peers.

It still required a lot of research, planning and hours of preparation to consolidate the material into an informative as well as entertaining tour.  I have found guiding to be both a fun and rewarding experience.  I have learned about the varied contribution of Jews to British life and been able to share that with the many visitors to the cemetery.  It has also been an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.