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Captain G.A. Graham's Grave Appeal
Dear Fellow Irish Wolfhound-lover,
Whatever your association with the Irish Wolfhound, whether as breeder, competitor, pet-owner or supporter, you must be aware of the pivotal role played by Captain George Augustus Graham (1833 -1909) who, in the latter part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries, did so much to preserve and promote this noble breed which you and I now enjoy in the 21st century.
Furthermore you may have seen, in various specialist Irish Wolfhound publications, over the last couple of years a number of articles about the dilapidated state of Captain Graham’s grave in St. Mark’s churchyard in Dursley, Gloucestershire. We have local historian Andrew Barton to thank for bringing this matter to our attention.
Inspired by these articles I have, over the last few months, been engaged in identifying and tracking down living descendants of Captain Graham. This work culminated in September 2007 when Andrew and I visited the grave of Captain Graham with his great grandson Rory and subsequently met other family members.
Andrew and I are committed, if at all possible, to the restoration and maintenance of the grave and the replacement of the memorial cross originally erected over the grave but which has since, sadly, disappeared. Captain Graham’s family unreservedly support and endorse this venture.
We are conscious that 2009 will see the centenary of Captain Graham’s death. Coincidentally, in the same year the new buildings for Rednock School in Dursley should be opened. The school is built on the site of, and named after, Captain Graham’s home where he and his dogs lived for over 40 years until his death. It would be marvellous if we, the current custodians of the breed, could provide an information board/display for the new school buildings so that present and future pupils are able to appreciate the history of the site and the origin and significance of their school’s name.
Of course for such plans to come to fruition hard work and hard cash are required. Andrew, Rory and I are prepared to “project manage” the venture. For financial support we turn to the individuals who make up the Irish Wolfhound community. All of us who derive so much pleasure from this breed, do, I believe, owe a great debt of gratitude to Captain Graham. It is no exaggeration to say that without his dedication and perseverance over many years we would not enjoy the privilege that we do; sharing our lives with these magnificent dogs.
In conclusion, I appeal to each and every individual who truly loves the Irish Wolfhound. Please, in a practical and very tangible way, say “thank you” to Captain Graham and make a donation to the fund we have set up so that the vision may become a reality.
I thank you most sincerely for taking the time to read this and in anticipation of your generous support.
Best Wishes.
Dr Nicholas Wilkes
STRICKENOAK
Donations should be sent to:
The Captain Graham Memorial Fund
The Stanegate
Great Whittington
Northumberland
NE19 2HA
Sterling cheques payable to The Captain Graham Memorial Fund.
Payments may be made online via PayPal. These payments can be through your PayPal account, or on a credit card, and PayPal membership is not required.
Sterling, Euro or US Dollar cash donations accepted.
To discuss alternative forms of payment please email me at:
nicholas.wilkes@btopenworld.com