Image Ref : VAR07 0022.tif

Bertha Winchester

Bertha Winchester- sexton/grave digger at Totnes Cemetery. Bertha Winchester lived at the Cemetery Lodge on Plymouth 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. Bertha had two brothers, one an assistant to a vetinary 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. *** Photo lent for scanning by Letori