Plea for new volunteers at cemetery

Roger Jenkinson, who has almost single handedly produced the colourful displays for the past nine years, told Batley Cemetery Support Group that he would not be able to continue his role.

In his message to the group Roger said that finding the time to re-plant and maintain the 12 flower beds on the approach to the chapels, and the six-tiered planters around the buildings, was becoming increasingly difficult for him.

To try and ease the situation he had considered removing the planters for the winter months and also asking Kirklees Council for permission to fill in four circular flower beds and grass them over.

“This would save a great number of visits each month and save time over watering and weeding,” he said.

Roger added that the decision to cut back on his cemetery work had not been an easy one to arrive at but said: “I literally can’t carry on as I have done in the past.”

Committee members, worried by the prospect of the flower beds disappearing and a drop in the care given to the cemetery, decided to launch an appeal for volunteers willing to give any spare time towards its the upkeep.

It is hoped Roger could advise potential volunteers about what needs doing and when.

And by reducing the pressure on him, it could make it possible for him to continue his important guidance role with the group, members hope.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer can contact the group via its e-mail address batleycemetery@live.co.uk or turn up at its next meeting at Batley Older People’s Centre, Upper Commercial Street, on Wednesday, November 4 at 7.15pm.