Ian Shipley Interview

If you hate early starts and late finishes then gravedigging is not the job for you. But someone has to do it and that man is Ian Shipley. With over a quarter of a century’s experience of frequenting church graveyards he has had an insight into life, and death, which will fascinate certain readers. What makes this self-published author particularly intriguing is that he is not religious but simply a very humble man performing an incredibly emotional job. Regrettably emotion is lacking in his book, which may not be much of a surprise given his profession. He kindly put down his spade and took the time to dispel the myths of his honourable profession.       

How did you get into the profession?
After a brief stint as a trainee car paint sprayer I decided (after being made redundant) to pursue outdoor work and with that the careers office promptly sent me for an interview for the position of gravedigger.  I admit the job did kind of appeal to me but unfortunately it turned out that there was no vacancy.

So what did you do?
I then spent an enjoyable six months on parks and gardens and a further six months on a government training scheme. As the course neared its end I was encouraged to write to all local authorities from which I received one reply. It was an offer of an interview for the position of gravedigger at Newark cemetery.  As it turned out I was offered the job and so on the 10th May 1982 my career as a gravedigger began.

How has the profession changed over the last quarter of a century?
I personally believe that a grave should be of traditional shape and hand-dug. This is the way I was taught, the way it’s always been done and so from that perspective very little has changed. However, technology means that many gravediggers now use machines and I am required by Health and Safety to shore the majority of the graves I dig. The reasons I can fully understand, though it can make the job awkward as well as ruining the final presentation. But no matter how things change, my trusty shovel, fork and pick have always been enough for me.

So what could wannabe gravediggers expect?
It can be an extremely physical and manual job and if like me you’re continually moving from village to village then be prepared for early starts, late finishes, tough digs, flooding, exhumations, bad weather and very little holiday. There’s also HSE to consider, risk assessments etc. Tight deadlines mean you can find yourself running around like a headless chicken as you’re required to be in 2 or 3 places at the same time so you’ll need a reliable van and more importantly some dependable help.

It sounds quite stressful, what is the most pleasurable part of your profession?
There’s nothing more I like than to be out in the summer sunshine in a village churchyard digging out a traditional shaped grave to the correct size and depth, without any added shoring. To tidily dress the grave with care and consideration and to see the coffin safely interred. To carefully backfill and reinstate the grave before arranging the floral tributes to the best of your ability. This is the pleasurable part for which occasionally I am thanked.

And the worst?
Without any doubt that has to be the unpredictable British weather. There is nothing I hate more than digging out in rain, snow or a bitterly cold wind. This is followed closely by last minute grave collapses and of course there are the occasional tough digs.

If you could dig a grave for a celebrity, who would you choose and why?
This may sound morbid to some but it would be digging a grave for a relative or family member as it is the last thing you could ever do for them.

I enjoyed reading about the oddball characters that hang around the graveyard and would have liked to have known more. Are there any others that you didn’t mention?
Yes, over the years I have met many strange oddball characters and in my second book which I have just finished I have made reference to a number of others which includes `Wad Man Morris`, `The scary Russian shot-putter`, `Tramp man`, Jack Frost` and `Old Waldo`.

You can invite any four departed people to dinner. Who would it be and why?
Probably my two sets of grandparents as it would be nice to talk to them again now as a grownup. I would liked to have learned more about their own lives and have got to know them better for when you’re a youngster growing up you seem to take it for granted that they’ll always be there, and of course when there not it’s too late.

Why did you decide to write about your profession?
When people find out what I do for a living they usually do one of two things. They either backed off completely or they are totally intrigued by it and so bombard me with all types of questions. On many occasion I had been told that I should write my stories down as it would make an interesting book.  That idea had always stuck with me and as life is far too short, rather than wait until I had retired I decided to do exactly that. The response has been encouraging and I’m pleased I took the chance.

Having worked in church’s for so long you must have developed an appreciation for the architecture and settings. Are there any in particular you like or recommend?
Although I regularly visit churchyards I never ever enter a church though I do appreciate the architecture as it is craftsmanship at its finest. The detailed carvings, the windows, the tower or spire must have taken many man hours to complete and when you think that there builders would have been paid very little it makes you more appreciative. As churches go Brant Broughton in Lincolnshire is one I’d recommend.
Myself I much prefer the churchyards and when waiting for a funeral I often walk around reading the inscriptions on the old headstones. It’s surprising what you can learn.

Are you religious?
No, I am not religious in any way at all, never have been and never will be in-fact. I pay very little attention to that side of things as it does not interest me whatsoever.

What’s your relationship with the region?
I was born in Nottingham but I lived and grew up in Balderton near Newark (Nottinghamshire). Four years ago aged 41 I moved to the country and now resided in the village of Swinderby in Lincolnshire with my wife Alison and Wag the dog. It was probably the best move I ever made!

Advice to budding writers with similar aspirations...
It’s difficult to find someone to publish your work especially if you have not been published before. I did not look too hard as I had already decided that I wanted to self publish. In hindsight it was costly but I’m more than happy with the end result. It was a learning curve! My advice would be to keep it simple and write about what you know.

Any plans to add to the book?
`Tales of a Gravedigger` is now into its second edition and I currently have no plans to add to that book. I have however just finished the follow up which I hope to publish in spring 2009.

What would you have written on your gravestone?
This is something that I have often thought about but as yet I have not really come up with anything I truly like as it has to be something witty and original. A pallbearer once said to me `Remember, every time that someone dies your name gets closer to the top of the list`. That could be a contender, however, touch wood I’ve got a good few years left yet and so I’ve still got time to think it over.

For anyone interested, copies of `Tales of a Gravedigger` are available direct from Ian priced at £6.99 (post-paid). His address is IAN SHIPLEY, 1 Chapel Cottages, 35 High Street, Swinderby, Lincolnshire, LN6 9LW. Any cheques please pay IAN SHIPLEY. Alternatively you can buy it from Amazon. The ISBN number is 9781904985655.

Ian's website

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