Friday, June 03, 2005

On Tuesday, 14 June, we shall hold an English Tea in Florence's 'English Cemetery' to launch its Emergency Appeal. We shall read the messages of support sent from interested persons.

Aureo Anello Associazione Biblioteca e Bottega Fioretta Mazzei e Amici del Cimitero ‘degli Inglesi’

We request the honour of your presence at an English Tea to be held in the Swiss-owned, so-called ‘English’ Cemetery, Piazzale Donatello, Tuesday, 14 June, 2005, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. * * * Siamo lieti di invitare la S.V. a un Tè all’inglese nel Cimitero Evangelico Svizzero, detto ‘degli Inglesi’, in Piazzale Donatello, martedì 14 giugno 2005, dalle ore 18.00 alle ore 19.00.

R.S.V.P. 055 582608 http://piazzaledonatello.blogspot.com

Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, 3/5/05, writes:

'The 'English' Cemetery in Florence is a kind of miniature, overseas Poets Corner, and deserves the most profound respect and veneneration. Like thousands of others, I bitterly regret the plans to abandon it, and wholeheartedly support the scheme to save and restore it. This is vital - for poetry in particular, and for civilized values in general.'


The Chairman, The Browning Society, Berry Chevasco, writes:

I do agree most wholeheartedly that the English Cemetery in Florence should not be closed without further consultation and without the careful consideration of other alternative sources of financing. I am sure that there would be widespread dismay amongst both academic specialists and general enthusiasts if such an important historical site were to close. I send the Browning Society's support for your efforts to at least delay this process until all concerned can consider possible solutions. . . . I feel sure that our membership would wish to join in your campaign in any way you feel could be useful.

With best wishes
Berry Chevascvo