Munro’s grave set for an upgrade
An Invercargill woman is organising a makeover for the grave of motorcycle legend Burt Munro at Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery.
Ann-Maree Thomas has approval from Munro’s family to pursue the idea, which popped into her head after she noticed the ageing grave site on a visit to the cemetery in December.
‘‘For what he’s done for Invercargill, he deserves it,’’ Thomas said.
‘‘He’s put us on the map worldwide and the Burt Munro Challenge brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars [into the city] every year.’’
Thomas plans is to have the headstone cleaned, new lettering applied, a small wrought iron fence erected around the plot, polythene laid over the grass and covered in white pebbles. A concrete planter box will be placed close to the headstone.
The fence will be painted in Indian Red – the colour of Munro’s famous motorcycle. ‘‘It’s going to look pretty cool.’’ Thomas said she would contact businesses, including cafe, restaurant and motel owners and hotel-liquor operator the Invercargill Licensing Trust, for donations to meet the cost of between $10,000 and $15,000.
‘‘A lot of businesses have made a lot of money from people coming here [for the Challenge].’’
Some businesses have offered to place donation boxes in their stores for customers to make donations. Other fundraising activities would be arranged, Thomas said.
The upgrade would be carried out by Southland tradespeople using materials sourced in the province.
Munro is in a family plot with his brother Ernest William and parents William and Lily Agnes.
His son John Munro thought the makeover was a ‘‘great’’ idea and it would show Invercargill people recognised what Burt’s achievements had done for the city.
The Southland Motorcycle Club supported Thomas and the Munro family’s decision to spruce up the grave, vicepresident Garry Jamieson said.
‘‘We all agreed it’s a good idea.’’