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I was having a wander in the graveyard at the Cathedral last year when I spotted this stone, and it just amused me.
Incidentally, can anyone give me a rough idea of where the stone with the 31st February (I think that's the date) on it is? I want to get a photo, just so I can prove to folk it does exist and I'm not going daft!
[Name blurred just in case- Steven]
Picture added on 21 June 2007
Doesn't this give you a sinking feeling?
Added by Tom Scott on 21 June 2007
Through the big main gate and up the path to the top, over to the left and you should find it somewhere there. It has a white heart on it if I remember right. Not far from it there's another big square stone with the date 51st December!
Added by Paul Groundwater on 21 June 2007
There is another "funny" thing over to the right if I remember correctly -
God she is thin - the "e" is missing!
God she is thin - the "e" is missing!
Added by Barbara on 22 June 2007
Thanks, Paul!
Next bonny day when I need something to pass my dinner hour, I'll go and have a hunt for them!
Next bonny day when I need something to pass my dinner hour, I'll go and have a hunt for them!
Added by Alison Ritchie on 23 June 2007
I looked up the details of the "30th February" stone a few years ago. The deceased was John Mainland, Seaman (Merchant Service), Single, died 1887, JANUARY 30th, 8h 15m AM, 21 Catherine Place, Kirkwall; Male, 35 years, son of John Mainland, Master Mariner (Merchant Service) and Mary Mainland maiden surname Drever (deceased); cause of death Phthisis Pulmonalis [ie consumption/ TB]; and the death was registered on 1st Feb by his father who was present. He was born in Papa Westray as was his father. His mother was from Eday. The stonemason must have had his mind on other things. I'd not heard of the one with "51st December" on it. Are you sure it's not just the way it's weathered?
Added by Paul Sutherland on 23 June 2007
Sorry, I may be thick, but I can't see what is funny about this. Glad the name was blurred out it could have been quite insensitive.
Anonymous comment added on 23 June 2007
Apologies if this photo has caused any offence. This was never my intention. Maybe it would be better just to remove it?
Thanks to Steven for having the foresight to blur the name.
Thanks to Steven for having the foresight to blur the name.
Added by Alison Ritchie on 25 June 2007
I'm sure the unfortunate owner of this headstone and their descendents would see the humour here! Spike Milligan's headstone has the brilliant statement "I told you I was ill" on it! Also, it was him who said the best cure for seasickness was to sit under a tree. Pure genius!
Added by Paul Groundwater on 26 June 2007
Perhaps I shouldn't have said "funny" in my comment but "strange"! I certainly didn't want to cause a problem either!!! I'll watch what I write in future. Thank goodness some people have a sense of humour though nowadays!
Added by Barbara on 26 June 2007
Relax Alison, the majority see no harm in the photo. It is indeed worthy of Mr Milligan
Added by Spoot on 26 June 2007
Oh, sorry, I didn't mean that I didn't find it funny, I just couldn't see the funny side until my very patient husband explained it to me!! A blonde moment!!
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Added by Anon from 23 June on 28 June 2007
Kirkwall
