Image Ref : VAR00 0022.tif

Bertha Winchester

Bertha Winchester lived at the Cemetery Lodge on Plymouth Road and was responsible for the upkeep of the Cemetery on her own after the death of her father. She kept the grass down with a scythe and shears and knew the names and resting places of all in the cemetery. Seen here with Bertha is Alice Radford who went to live with her and became her companion/housekeeper for over 20 years. This photograph taken at Harbertonford at the wedding of Robert Farr, son of Harold Farr whose family lived the house next door to the Cemetery Lodge. Bertha had two brothers, one an assistant to a veterinary surgeon and one was a butcher (says George Heath). March 1967, Bertha Winchester, 70, on semi retirement is presented with a handbag and bouquet by the Mayor, Courtenay Blake.