mysterious "shining gravestone" in Smethwick

[Folk&Fable]

Hello, I have come across the following quote in a memoir of life in Smethwick in the 1920s-30s and wondered if anyone knew what it refers to? I have done some newspaper searches but hard to find without further information!

"West Smethwick park would hit the headlines when it was besieged by reporters and photographers, as from there they could see, or could they, the shining gravestone in the adjoining cemetery. It must have been the silly season when they had little else to write about and they made-up all kinds of stories. But it all died down after a week or so."

I'd love to know what this is about?!

 

[Astoness]

Hello, I have come across the following quote in a memoir of life in Smethwick in the 1920s-30s and wondered if anyone knew what it refers to? I have done some newspaper searches but hard to find without further information!

"West Smethwick park would hit the headlines when it was besieged by reporters and photographers, as from there they could see, or could they, the shining gravestone in the adjoining cemetery. It must have been the silly season when they had little else to write about and they made-up all kinds of stories. But it all died down after a week or so."

I'd love to know what this is about?!

hi and welcome...maybe someone could have a look in the online newspapers to see if this was reported

lyn

 

[Stokkie]

The cemetery concerned would be Oldbury Cemetery.

 

[mikejee]

Searching the whole archive "Shining gravestone" gives 4 hits, none in the midlands and all just commenting on the stones shining in the sun or suchlike

 

[Stokkie]

BOY LAYS THE GHOST
It Was a Lamp Shining on Tombstones
By climbing a street lamp-post and obscuring the light with his coat, a boy succeeded last night in laying the 'liveliest ghost that has troubled the Black Country for many a day. Each night this week there has been talk of spectres in Oldbury Cemetery. Wonder grew, until last night several thousands of people assembled in the road which runs between two cemeteries (each belonging to Oldbury. although really in Smethwick). People came from all directions, and cars and bicycles blocked the road, so that vehicles had some difficulty in passing. A Birmingham Gazette correspondent went to the spot In search of the mysterious " spirits," and found the crowd in such a state of anticipation that many were startled whenever a motor-car back-fired. [...]

Birmingham Daily Gazette Sat 21 April 1934​

 

[Stokkie]