Volunteers have been busy planting thousands of crocus bulbs at Penrith Cemetery today (Sunday 1 November), as a community effort to bring a splash of colour to the cemetery next spring gets underway.
The Friends of Penrith Cemetery have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses, residents and cemetery visitors who have helped make the community planting project possible, with volunteers rolling up their sleeves this morning to get the first bulbs into the ground.
The aim is to create a colourful carpet of crocuses that will return each spring, brightening the cemetery for families visiting loved ones and those enjoying a walk through the grounds.
Today's planting was the first of two community events, with a second planting day planned for Sunday 15 November, giving more people the chance to get involved and help transform the cemetery.
The project has been driven by Ron Thompson, whose dedication to the cemetery and determination to make the planting happen has been recognised by the Friends group.
Following today's event, the group thanked the volunteers who had worked throughout the morning, along with passers-by who stopped to plant bulbs and become part of the community effort.
They also thanked the many businesses, residents and cemetery visitors who have donated money and bulbs to support the project.
Among those supporting the planting are Penrith Building Society, Walkers Funeral Directors, MKM Building Supplies, Huws Gray Penrith, JT Atkinson Builders Supply, Penrith Tool Hire, Able Memorials, The Toffee Shop, Hearth and Home Penrith, Atkinson's Builders, Fellside Carpets, Richardson Funeral Directors, PFK Penrith, the Freemasons Lodge of Unanimity No. 339, David Bailey, Roundthorn Country House, Jim Walton Car Sales, DCB Accountants, Dave Hudson Electrical and Harpers Toy Shop.
With another planting day still to come, the Friends of Penrith Cemetery are hoping more local businesses and residents will come forward to help the project grow.
Paula Thompson, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Penrith Cemetery, said: "We are still looking for further donations from local companies for the 15th. It has been such a well supported event, we can't thank local people and businesses enough for their generosity and kindness."
The group has also paid particular tribute to Ron Thompson for the work he has put into organising the project, describing it as a reflection of his hard work, dedication and fondness for the cemetery.
The next community planting morning takes place on Sunday 15 November from 10am at Penrith Cemetery on Beacon Edge, with volunteers asked to meet at the main gate.
Everyone is welcome to take part, including families, cemetery visitors and anyone who would like to lend a hand. All crocus bulbs will be provided, and there is no charge to join in. Volunteers are simply asked to dress for the weather.
There is still time for local businesses and members of the community to support the project through donations ahead of the second planting day.
And for those who have already been busy planting today, there will be something special to look forward to when spring arrives, as the bulbs they have planted begin to flower and bring a new carpet of colour to Penrith Cemetery for years to come.
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