Having a lovely walk and following the deer over the Chase - when we came across Freda's Grave... read more
Having a lovely walk and following the deer over the Chase - when we came across Freda's Grave... read more
Better than last time. Just catches your emotions raw on the wire. Crumbs. The light caught on a... read more
We've been hiking around Cannock Chase Forest for a few months now and this is the first time Paul and I had been to Freda's grave site. We are pleasantly surprised to see the surrounding trees with blossoming flowers leading to the grave of 1st World War NZ Great Dane Mascot. It was adorned with poppies and heartfelt messages. Parking is easy and if you enjoy varied hiking elevations and an occasional deer sightings - this is the place to go.
Teary... quite a moving place... lovely floral tributes in this well kept location. More to see and do around.
Fredas grave is the resting place of a Harlequin Great Dane dog who was a mascot of the New Zealand Rifles,. The battalion was stationed on Cannock Chase during the first World War. The much visited grave is tended by a team of dedicated people. There are many poppies placed on the grave every Rememberance Day by regular visitors to the area.
There are lakes and forests, with lovely walks, and a Visitor Centre has lots of interesting information, and also a museum about all aspects of Cannock Chase.
I heard about this grave a few months back, looked up some information about it and found it very interesting.
I just wanted to find this grave, cannot explain but it was something I wanted see.
How touching that someone decided that Freda should be buried with a proper headstone and even more touching seeing the wreaths and notes. Touching to know that even after all these years that Freda has not been forgotten.
As someone previously commented not much to see but it is worth paying a visit as it is in a beautiful part of the Chase with some lovely walks surrounding it.
Also saw a herd of deer. Well worth a visit especially if you read the history of Freda's grave.
Those expecting anything more 'than just a headstone' shouldn't bother. This is a grave stone simply but it was worth a visit for me. Lovely surroundings and I was glad to pay my respects. It was quite easy to find because we had the OS map coordinates and there is a post a little before the stone on your right. The car park is close to it. Go if you would appreciate this, don't if you expect more than a headstone to pay respect too. No gift shop guys or whatever you expected. Show some respect.
This grave has an interesting history. You need to know where to find it and despite there being not much to see its still worth a visit.