Barrie's grave

[GOSH]

Last week came the disturbing news that Barrie's grave in Kirriemuir was vandalised, and stones removed to another part of the cemetery. However, this news seems to have refuelled the debate about the restoration and "embellishment" of his grave for his 150th anniversary in 2010. Despite Barrie's specific wish to be buried in the family grave and not to have any adornments on his tombstone, a wall was erected around it, with an even more controversial plaque. Barrie fans are now asking for the wall (and the infamous plaque) to be taken down altogether, not just to respect Barrie's wishes, but as a matter of taste, and have started a petition.

What do people on this forum think about this? What's your view?

http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/books/grave-of-peter-pan-creator-jm-barrie-desecrated-1-3458057
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/kirriemuir-community-council-to-reinstate-to-its-former-condition-the-grave-of-sir-jm-barrie-and-remove-the-wall-and-plaque-built-in-2010

[Iain Buik]

As the one responsible for organising the petition to remove the wall and plaque i have to place on record that the family of Barrie were duped/ manipulated into having this wall built they never saw what was done until it was completed. They were told that it had been designed by Angus Council. This was not true, at the JMB 150 celebrations in may 2010 a certain person was at great pains to go around all to say nothing in case it caused upset. Enquiries made has revealed a totally dishonest motive, of greed and personal kudos, which is now being investigated and hopefully those involved will be exposed and brought to justice. For legal reasons i cannot divulge any more details,
    From the relatives, barrie followers , and the vast majority of the townspeople of Kirriemuir are unanimous in their opinion that the wall is totally disliked, and unwanted. I feel angry that the family was conned into paying out£4000 for the " privilege" and is one of the reasons that I put forward the suggestion of having an "unfondation stone celebration" this will be held at a suitable date with the idea that people and or groups can "adopt"a stone from the wall and have the stone removed or sledge hammered! As they would see fit, the point would be to restore the grave to its original condition, the funds raised  be donated to GOSH but I would also make a case for the family, that a portion be given to a fund for the maintenance of the gravesite  in perpetuity  i hope that this will find favour with you all

[smp]

Alas, the grave is now back to what it was before. The hideous plaque has been reinstated despite the opposition to it.