Hi, my name is Kerron May and I am your tombstone tourist or a “taphophile” being someone interested in cemeteries and collecting epitaphs.
Over the past few months I have brought you pieces concerning cemeteries, their traditions, rites and usage as a vehicle for remembrance. I have always been intrigued by the demographic cemeteries present in providing a social snapshot of the people and families who lived in the district, using them to share the dynamic which makes these places special in bringing a community history back to life.
You may remember me – I worked at the local Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited Community Branch® in Galston for 14 years before retiring in 2015, ending my long career with banking spanning more years than I care to remember. My time with the Community Bank® was enjoyable, and I shared wonderful times with extraordinary people.
I enjoy travel, gardening, reading and early morning walks in/around and through Fagan Park and environs with my faithful dog. As a long term resident of the area, I enjoy all it has to offer and live happily with my partner Ralph, two dogs and two horses in the Galston area.
I have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree through Macquarie University majoring in Philosophy with minor degrees in Sociology and Culture Studies. As a member of the Nina de la Cruz’s ZumbaNina’s Crew I enjoy meeting for regular workouts with like-minded ladies at the Community Centre where to quote Nina “we never miss a chance to dance”. We Zumba off after dance sessions to one of the fabulous cafes situated within Galston and its environs for cake, coffee and a chat.
I hope you have found my articles interesting and entertaining. I have a few more insights to present about the cemetery customs we use as aides memoire to recall our departed loved ones. It is all part of the art of Remembrance.
