Northampton Saints: Phil Dowson supports war graves volunteer appeal

Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson cares for 31 war graves at Dallington Park cemetery in Northampton

A Premiership rugby boss who looks after war graves says doing so allows him to "keep perspective".

Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson is also a volunteer for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The role means he has responsibility for 31 war graves at Dallington Park cemetery in Northampton, including those of some of the club's ex-players.

Mr Dowson, who "likes history", said: "there are so many ways we can contribute towards society".

"Our club's [Northampton Saints] first captain Jim Barker is buried here," he said.

"I'm just trying to show some respect to the people who have given their lives to their country."

'Making a difference'

Mr Dowson, who succeeded Chris Boyd as Saints' director of rugby last year, visits the graves twice a year to check their condition and his role involves taking a photograph of each grave to upload to the commission's database.

"You don't have to look after a whole cemetery," he told BBC Look East.

"You're just checking to make sure the gravestones are in good repair. After all these people have done for this country, I think it's the very least thing you can do.

"There aren't many people who haven't been touched by some sort of conflict, particularly now.

"It's about getting some perspective, understanding the bigger picture."

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is appealing for more volunteers to join Mr Dowson in maintaining memorials at about 12,000 locations in the UK.

Claire Jones, from the commission, said: "We need volunteers to look after the war graves, the difference it makes is enormous.

"Phil makes notes on the condition of the graves, cleans and clears, and it means our team can then deal with the bigger stuff."