There was a blooming wonderful show of community pride last weekend when several volunteers gave up their Saturday morning to get their hands dirty at Badshot Lea Cemetery.
Farnham Town Council invited volunteers to help clean and spruce up the award-winning cemetery as preparations for the 2025 Britain In Bloom competition heat up along with the weather.
The tranquil cemetery next to the railway is one of the region’s best, and hopes are high the site will win a coveted Green Flag award this year.
The groundwork was evident last Saturday with volunteers taking part in a range of tasks from tree and wildflower planting to litter picking and raking.
And although volunteer numbers were a little lower than expected, organisers were happy with Stacey Wills, community project and enhancement officer, and others happy to muck in.
She said: “Badshot Lea Cemetery is an important site for us and we’re going for a Green Flag award.
“We’re planting some hazel trees to support dormice, which they love, and some shade tolerant wildflowers as when the leaves come out it’s quite a shady place.
“In the area by the notice board we’re planting some perennials and we’re also doing some litter picking.
“It’s a popular walkway so sadly there’s always litter. We’re always finding lots of different things.”
Volunteers filled up several bags with rubbish, with an empty beer box being one of the larger finds. The reluctance of dog owners to use a bin was also sadly evident, with more than a dozen bags of waste being found in the undergrowth off the main paths.
Drinks and goodies were provided but volunteers didn’t want rewards for their efforts, with many taking part because they want to do their bit for the community.
“I just want to help out,” said Badshot Lea correspondent, Maurice Hewins, during litter picking duties.
“I’ve worked on volunteer projects before but I’m also doing it just to keep myself occupied.”
Members of the Badshot Lea Bloomers also got stuck in with Les Hunt and “Oli” helping with hazel tree planting close to the railway.
“Why am I here on a sunny Saturday morning doing this? I’ve been asking that myself,” said the latter.
“We are part of Badshot Lea Bloomers and we tend to join in things like this. It’s part of the community and it’s our contribution.”
“I enjoy it, just helping out and doing my bit,” added Mr Hunt, in between digging holes for the hazel trees.
David Arnall is a regular In Bloom volunteer and decided to help out after seeing the FTC plea in the Herald.
“I’m doing it to keep myself out of mischief,” he joked, clutching a rake. He added: “I just want to do my bit for the community.”
Would-be volunteers can learn more during a Farnham In Bloom Community Day from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, March 22, at Gostrey Meadow.
Visitors can help with flower bed plantings, litter picking, with further highlights including children’s activities and live music.