St CHAD’S Church in Prees has issued a public notice to say members are working with Lichfield Diocese to apply to their Chancellor to reposition 11 headstones and four tombs from the south section of the old churchyard.

The headstones identified are all more than 100 years old but remain the property of the families who bought them.

Bridget Hodges, from the church, said: “We seek direct descendants of the people identified:

Hannah Williams d1858 Dogmoor Gate; John Humphreys d1892; William d1892 and Sarah d1903 of Prees Green; Charles Humphries d1834; Thomas d1851 and Sarah d1888 of Prees Green; Jayne Chidlow d1890 also George d1914 of Aldersay; Richard Chidlow d1822; George Shinglar d1818 of Fauls Green; Elizabeth Mills d1810 of Fauls Green; Randell Clorley d1834; Elizabeth d1848; George d1849; Jane Wilkinson d1877; Thomas Ash of Prees; Thomas Ash; William Batho d1839; Anne d1846; Hannah d1842; William d1872 of Prees; Richard Whitfield d1847; Ann d1872; Richard Thomas d1868 of Breids (Brades?); Paul Gregory d1785; Sarah d1787; Paul d1788; Sarah d1815 of Prees; Mary, wife of Richard Chidley d1745-6; Mary wife of Hugh Chidley d1810; Harriet Whitfield d1860; Mary Pate d1869 and Thomas d1869.

n Write to the churchyard administrator, c/o The Vicarage, Prees SY13 2EE or saintchadsprees@hotmail.com by January 10.