Graves damaged (From Penarth Times)

Graves damaged

A DISABLED ex-service man from Penarth, who recently buried his wife, then lost his wallet containing £300 and priceless photographs, has been dealt a third blow.

Bob Orchard, 80, of Culver Close, hobbled to the cemetery last week on crutches, to tend his wife's grave, and to his horror, discovered that it was in a "frightful mess."

Nancy's grave was in the process of being refilled, so Bob was unable to place flowers anywhere nearby.

Nancy died on August 22, at the age of 73, and her funeral was held on August 30.

He then went to tend his parents grave, only to find that their cross had been knocked down, a vase damaged and cut grass had been strewn all over the place.

Retired gardener Bob, was unable to tidy up his parents grave, as he did not have any tools with him, but he managed to straighten the cross above it.

He described the state of his wife's parents grave as "another shambles."

Bob said: "I used to work there during the 1960s, and the area was never like that then.

"We used to tend the graves and do what was required at the time, not break items and scatter the grass everywhere."

On a positive note, Bob would like to thank the gentleman who offered him a sum of money to compensate for the recent loss of his wallet, which contained £300 that Bob had put aside to go towards the cost of flowers for his wife's funeral.

Bob said: "I would like to say I am truly thankful for your kindness, and did not mean any ignorance by saying that I do not accept charity.

"I was, at that particular time, really upset." Penarthians Bob and Nancy had been married for 22 years and had lived in Culver Close for the past ten years.

He would also like to thank friends and neighbours for their kind words and floral tributes, the Rev Susan Rees and funeral director Simon C Probert for their kindness at the service.