On a chilly Saturday morning in early November last year, members of the recently formed Friends of Heybridge Cemetery took trowels and spades for a mass bulb planting session along the cemetery drive.

The Friends of Heybridge Cemetery is the first group in Essex to join the National Federation of Cemetery Friends and it aims to promote for the public benefit the restoration, conservation and maintenance of Heybridge Cemetery as a public amenity and to advance the education of the public in the cemetery, it’s heritage, social and natural history.

The first work party was well attended and Friends planted 800 daffodil bulbs that had been donated by Heybridge Parish Council and their effort was rewarded by a spectacular display of blooms flanking either side of the main drive.

Miriam Lewis, Friends group chairman, said: “The avenue of daffodils is a beautiful addition to the cemetery, a bright golden path at a potentially grey time of year. We are delighted. The display is beyond our expectations and it has encouraged us to do more."

The cemetery roof has been repaired and the Friends next work party is to give the building a good clean before opening the chapel more often and in preparation for National Cemeteries Week in May.

The group will work closely with Maldon District Council to keep the cemetery tidy and well maintained and are willing to help families who struggle to manage plots or have moved away if requested.

Retiring Maldon District Council chairman Henry Bass visited the cemetery and met some of the Friends who had planted the bulbs.

He said “This is a wonderful community initiative. The Friends group can be rightfully pleased with what they have achieved, not only the very impressive display of daffodils but also the obvious shared pride in their special place.”

If you would like more information or to join the Friends of Heybridge Cemetery contact chairman Miriam Lewis on 01621 842838 or miriamlewis@btinternet.com or secretary Brenda Harker on 01621 333023 or brenda.harker34@gmail.com