New memorial on Roseberry

I must admit to feeling some disappointment when I found this wooden cross erected on the summit of Roseberry this morning. It’s some weight and would have been quite a task to carry it up.

Even if it’s not intended to be permanent, is it fair to blight the hill for everyone else? And is a Christian symbol appropriate? There are some who might actually find it offensive.

I have later found out the cross was carried up yesterday, on Father’s Day, by a man whose son took his own life a few years ago¹.

But this knowledge has not altered my feelings. I know grief can be very difficult and people find different ways of coping with it, but I am uneasy with such a display of grief in a public space, forcing it on complete strangers and spoiling the countryside.

1
“Guisborough News & Views. : Met This Man on a Walk Today.” 2020. Facebook.com (Facebook Groups) <https://www.facebook.com/groups/272546466241319/permalink/1890883477740935/> [accessed 21 June 2021]

Posted

21st June 2021

North York Moors, Roseberry Topping

Fhithich

Tags:

hill, memorial, summit

Comments

8 responses to “New memorial on Roseberry”

Peter

21st June 2021

I agree completely with your feelings about this and in general about the exponential increase in displays of memorial “tat” in public places. There is place for grief but not in public locations please except perhaps a churchyard.

Reply
Janet E Cochrane

22nd June 2021

I also agree with the inappropriate siting of this huge private memorial, which has presumably been erected without any form of planning permission. Have you raised it with the National Park?

Reply
Janet E Cochrane

22nd June 2021

I second the above comment the inappropriate siting of this huge private memorial, which has presumably been erected without any form of planning permission. Have you raised it with the National Park?

Reply
1. Fhithich
  
  22nd June 2021
  
  I contacted the National Trust ranger.
  
  Reply
Janet E Cochrane

22nd June 2021

By the way apparently it’s been taken down already …

Reply
Glynis Johnson

22nd June 2021

I agree with your feelings completely…….I have recently been ostracized by HM runners for airing my feelings about a cairn that has been built on Cleveland Way below Huntcliffe…..

Reply
Peter

22nd June 2021

Here is the story.
My view has not changed.
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/derek-carries-9ft-solid-wood-20867923
So did Derek plan to carry down the cross afterwards?

Reply
Paul A. Sherwood

23rd June 2021

It needs removing, has there been any permission granted from the North York Moors Park Authority? The fact it’s a religious symbol makes no difference to its rediculous siting and as big preportion of this country are totally disinterested in so called chrisianity that carries no bearing, and the symbol is totally offensive to other faiths.

Reply