Housebuilder donates cash to fund cemetery improvements

An award-winning community group set up to restore Bardney Cemetery has received a further funding boost from a developer building homes in the village.

Chestnut Homes has donated £1,000 to Bardney Cemetery Improvement Fund, which was established in 2014 to improve the appearance of the cemetery.

It is the second donation of £1,000 made to the fund by Chestnut Homes, which has started building on the third phase of its Manor Farm development off Horncastle Road. The Lincolnshire developer has pledged to donate the same amount every year it is building in the village.

Led by a small group of dedicated volunteers, Bardney Cemetery Improvement Fund has already paid for unkempt graves and kerbs to be cleaned and restored, seats to be painted and repaired, and bushes and trees to be pruned.

Last year, the group received the Rogers Family Shield, an accolade awarded to those who volunteer in the village, in recognition of their efforts, and this latest funding will enable them to continue their work.

Margaret Sankey, a founder member of the Bardney Cemetery Improvement Fund, said: “People have been delighted by the difference we have made to the cemetery since we formed in 2014.

“However, there is still much work to do, which is why we are so grateful to Chestnut Homes for their continued support, which will enable us continue our work to improve the cemetery for the benefit of villagers and the wider community.”

David Newton, Managing Director of Chestnut Homes, said: “The ongoing maintenance of the cemetery is extremely important to the residents of Bardney, and we are pleased to be supporting the Bardney Cemetery Improvement Fund in their efforts.

“The group has done a fantastic job in transforming the appearance of the cemetery and we hope our latest contribution will go a long way in helping them to continue their excellent work.”

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