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QUIN RIVERTON CEMETERY PLOT UPGRADE

  • Update well overdue

      15 April 2025
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    We struck significant delays with our builder in Riverton and he, prodded by Shane's help and strong encouragement (!!##??), has only just completed the concrete nib foundations earlier this month. The engineers have done a wonderful job of welding and reassembling the metal surrounds for the plot. They were badly damaged, and these have been set into the concrete on three sides.

    The boxing will be stripped and the concrete nib plastered, then pebbles will be spread in the plot area.

    It's looking pretty magnificent already. A big thanks to Shane who has really put the hard yards into this one.

    I'll post a photo when all is finished.

    Brian

      3 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 15/04/2025 by Carol

      That's looking great Brian! Shane has done a fantastic job getting this project to near completion.

    • 15/04/2025 by Karl

      Thanks for the update, Brian. It's an impressive job and I look forward to seeing the finished result when we make a pilgrimage to Riverton next year. As it happens, Jolanta and I visited the graves of Charles and Jane Quin in Hawera a couple of weeks ago and can report that they're in excellent nick (the graves, that is, not Charles and Jane). For this I believe we can thank Mary Quin (daughter of Frank and Molly), who paid for them to be restored several years ago.

    • 15/10/2025 by Syd

      Gidday from across the Ditch.

      Hoping to visit Riverton 2026.

      Are there progress & final photos?

      Syd ( Noel ) Bourke

  • Overdue update!

      14 November 2024
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    Due to horrible weather in Riverton (and a bereavement in the family of the monumental mason) things haven’t progressed quite as quickly as we anticipated.

    The headstone was removed, (the heaviest piece of granite he’s ever dealt with! were the words of the mason), the metal surrounds extracted and the tree felled. The concrete plinth for the headstone was levelled and the headstone reattached. Previously the headstone was just sitting on the plinth, which was being tipped over by the tree roots, and now it has been pinned to the base. The recording of the two infant children of Charles and Jane will be transcribed on the lower panel of the headstone, with the headstone being polished.

    In the interim Shane has had the metal surrounds pieced together and welded to create three sides, which will be incorporated in the concrete nib footing around the plot.

    I will keep you posted as we progress.

    Brian

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    • 21/11/2024 by Karl

      Belated thanks for the update, Brian. I can see I'm going to have to schedule a road trip to Riverton to view the finished result.

  • Thanks for your incredible supprt

      5 August 2024

    The idea of restoring the Quin plot in Riverton has been overwhelmingly supported, while the issue of whether the tree could be retained in some way has been a source of good debate among the clan.

    The result of the ballot about the two options was that 79% supported the removal of the tree, 11% wanted it kept and 10% were happy with either option.

    I think Charles and James would be happy that we have come to a considered decision and are restoring this plot to something better than it is now. It should last for another 150 years.

    I will maintain a record of all income and expenses and report back to all donors once this project is completed. It should be finalised in 4-5 months.

    Thanks again to all donors for your most generous support.

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    • 06/08/2024 by Karl

      Thanks for all the work you've done in making this happen, Brian. I'm on the losing side, but that’s hardly unusual.

      Regards,

      Karl

  • Quin Riverton Plot - One week left to donate

      28 July 2024
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    Thanks to those who have donated to this cause so far. The support that you have given to restoring our ancestors plot in Riverton is incredible and we have already surpassed our initial target. However, following a site inspection the budget has been reviewed, to allow for a more appropriate scope of works and the Givealittle commission, and is now around $9400.

    There is the question of the tree that is on site. It has been agreed to put it to the vote and so please consider the two options below.

    Option A: Remove the tree:

    The tree roots and stump have become too large for the plot and have damaged the concrete nib, metal surrounds and offset the headstone. It will continue to do so. We doubt that it was planted by Charles but, even if it was, the headstone is more important and needs to be the feature of this plot. Future maintenance will be minimal with the removal of the tree.

    Option B: Keep the tree:

    The core case for keeping the tree is that it is a far more important – culturally and religiously - and longer-lasting tribute to our ancestors than the stone and ironwork it has temporarily displaced. It is extremely unlikely it was self-sown, or planted by anyone other than the Quins, given their cultural and religious background, and given the other yew trees of similar age likewise deliberately planted in the Riverton cemetery.

    Indicate your preference and thanks for your support.

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