Cottenham Dissenters' Cemetery

05/06/2026

This inscription, found on a kerbstone in the Cemetery, “Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me,” is the opening line of Crossing the Bar, one of the best-known poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Written in 1889, the poem was later set to music and became a popular hymn. It remains a frequent choice for funerals and memorial services. The full text reads:

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

02/06/2026

It's national Volunteers' Week!

Which is a perfect opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all our wonderful volunteers who give their time and support to help care for the cemetery.

If you'd be interested in joining our friendly team of volunteers, you can sign up to our mailing list here:
https://forms.gle/xhvoqwrFYadsn1AX8

You can also find us on GoVo:
https://govo.org/charity/cottenham_dissenters_cemetery_cio/opportunities/cemetery_clear_up_volunteer

Join us from Monday 1st - Sunday 7th June 2026 as we celebrate Volunteers’ Week and look to inspire more people to make a difference.

25/05/2026

Sunlight beautifully filtering through the branches of one of our cedar trees on a very warm day.

Thanks for the great photo Ian Johnston

20/05/2026

Occasionally we come across early photographs of the Cemetery. Although quite rare, particularly pre 1980s/90s they’re always fascinating to see, helping us understand how the Cemetery has evolved over the years and revealing features now lost to time.

If you have any old photographs of the Cemetery you’d be willing to share (the earlier the better), please comment below or email [email protected] Thank you!

17/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our cemetery clear-up yesterday morning. It was really lovely to welcome our new volunteers along.

Together we concentrated on the lower east side of the cemetery, with tasks including grave clearance, levelling, cutting back, mowing, strimming and sweeping - all making a difference to an area in need of some TLC.

If you're interested in joining us in caring for this special space in our village, you can sign up at:

https://forms.gle/xhvoqwrFYadsn1AX8

and we'll add you to our mailing list!

We can also be found on GoVo:
https://govo.org/charity/cottenham_dissenters_cemetery_cio/opportunities/cemetery_clear_up_volunteer

Thanks for all your valued hard work and support!

25/04/2026

Happening tomorrow afternoon at the wonderful Histon Road Cemetery...

Do come along this coming Sunday 26th April to our Tales and Trails family day in Histon Road Cemetery! There will be storytelling by Marion Leeper www.marionleeperstoryteller.co.uk, a Discovery Trail, cakes and refreshments, FREE ICE CREAMS and a warm welcome!

While mainly for primary school children and their families, the stories and Discovery Trail will be fun for adults too - did you know, for instance, that there's someone buried in Histon Road Cemetery who logged 14,500 stars in his lifetime from the Cambridge Observatory? How did he even find the time? (A rather dry remark from one friend is that someone else fed him!) There are lots more interesting stories like this so if you're free and fancy a nice afternoon, do join us.

22/04/2026

Colours and calm amongst the stones...

Happy !

21/04/2026

Many thanks to Cottenham Parish Council for inviting us to last night’s Annual Parish Meeting. It was a pleasure to attend and share updates about the cemetery. Thanks also to everyone who stopped by our stand for a chat - it was lovely to meet you all!

You can read our Annual Report on the past year’s work, plus reports from the other local groups, here -

19/02/2026

Voting is once again open for the Movement for Good Awards run by the Benefact Group.

Please take a moment by following the link below to nominate Cottenham Dissenters’ Cemetery and help us win £1000!

Thank you for your support!

We could receive a £1,000 donation with your help through the Movement for Good Draw.