WORKING in partnership has again brought rewards for Chester’s Overleigh Cemetery–- with three tonnes of debris removed from the Handbridge site.
Volunteers from Lloyds Banking Group spent a day with the council’s Streetscene’s Neighbourhood Environmental Action Team, clearing away undergrowth and ivy from memorial stones and graves.
They were joined by stonemason Stephen Blackwell, who undertook memorial repairs, and local historian Len Morgan.
Lloyds Bank representatives approached Cheshire West and Chester Council for a volunteering opportunity, made possible by the bank’s ‘Day to Make a Difference’ scheme which allows colleagues to spend a day volunteering for a charity or local community project of their choice. Overleigh Cemetery was earmarked as the perfect location.
Overleigh councillor Razia Daniels, said: “I was very impressed to see so many people from the Lloyds Banking Group who gave up their valuable time and spent the day working very hard ripping away the overgrown ivy, revealing interesting historic monuments.
“It was also lovely to hear a fascinating talk about the history of the cemetery and the famous people buried there given by the local historian Len Morgan.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and enthusiasm.
“Overleigh Cemetery is a historical landmark for Chester and by working closely with external partners it gives us the opportunity of making a real difference to the site. The improvement work started in February with great results to date.”
Overleigh councillor Arthur Harada said the clean-up means the cemetery can now be included as part of the tourist trail of old Chester.
