Following some successful days of clearing and weeding in St Michael’s Churchyard in the past year, the project continued with a planting day on Saturday 1st October.
Eighteen volunteers (including four children) rolled up their sleeves and got to work in the afternoon sunshine.
With help from Asda, Waitrose, town councillors, Friends of St Michael’s Church and Melksham Town Team, the group cleared weeds and brambles and planted 3,000 crocus bulbs and over 20 shrubs in the churchyard. Much appreciated refreshments were provided by Asda and Honeys on the Corner.
Kathy Iles, one of the volunteers at the Churchyard Challenge Day said, “It was fantastic to see everyone getting out and supporting such a lovely event, and really enjoying themselves too!
“The churchyard is a beautiful, peaceful place in the heart of Melksham and it is great that people take the time to keep it looking lovely for everyone. It was also fantastic to see gravestones we had uncovered last time still looking so neat and tidy several months on.”
Another special element of the day was that all the volunteers who took part earned time credits for their work, as part of a national scheme that has just been launched in Melksham. They can use these credits for cinema tickets at Melksham Assembly Hall and the Melksham Fireworks Night at Forest Community Centre, as well as participating places in Chippenham, Corsham and Calne.
Anyone who is interested in joining in future Tidy Town events can get in touch on 01225 704187 or email miriam.zaccarelli@melkshamtown.co.uk.
