Guided tours of the restored graves at the older section of the Millicent Cemetery recently attracted 30 history buffs.

The guide was local historian Noel Boyle who has coordinated fellow volunteers in the restoration of the sacred area which dates back to the 1870s.

His free hour-long tours formed part of the annual Celebrate Seniors program.

Mr Boyle is a renowned public speaker and shared the personal histories of those at rest.

He is the president of the South East Family History Group and vice chairman of the Millicent National Trust

Although a sombre topic, Mr Boyle injected his trademark humour into proceedings.

“I have told my friends and family that I do not want them to send flowers to my funeral; I would rather have tea bags as I will be heading to a place where there is plenty of hot water,” joked Mr Boyle.

On a serious note, Mr Boyle said he was keen to tell the stories of the names on the headstones by researching old newspapers and official documents.

Among the notable graves which attracted attention were early publican Robert Grist, pioneering postmaster Edwin Harris and mother-of-15 Clara Wehl who was the sister of Baron Von Mueller.

Another grave marker is for a local World War II RAAF pilot who went missing in action over Europe in 1945.

Flying Officer William Sowden DeGaris was only 20 years of age when he made the supreme sacrifice.