The local community in Bacup has seen its spirits lifted after a group of young army cadets dedicated their time to a special restoration project.
Despite facing hailstones, wind, and rain, 16 young people and two leaders from the Lancashire Army Cadets worked tirelessly to transform a local site. The group of 12 to 18-year-olds spent hours clearing turf from 57 gravestones located above Earnshaw Road.
Their hard work followed a disappointing break-in at the Bacup Pride storage facility which had frustrated local volunteers just after Easter.
Pat Smith at Bacup Pride said: “It’s really sad because there’s nothing of value in there, and honestly, it’s frustrating for the volunteers who try so hard. It’s also unfortunate for all the young people who are very misrepresented because of this sort of behaviour - so many young people are brilliant and have a lot to offer.”
The cadets showed great teamwork as they cleared the stones that had been previously uncovered by the charity.
Pat Smith said: “The cadets did it with such great enthusiasm, humour and absolute diligence. I was honestly so impressed with the teamwork between the youngsters, and both of the sergeants who came worked tirelessly too. I think Sergeant Matthew Fletcher must have moved more than 30 wheelbarrows full of turf.”
This restoration is part of a larger project to make the gravestones more accessible for people who want to explore their family history.
The work will also help improve the environment in a nearby wooded area that has not been regularly maintained. Bacup Pride is a dedicated group of volunteers who look after the town through litter-picking and planting more than 1,700 flowers every year.
The town is currently preparing for this year's Britain in Bloom competition after winning a Gold award last summer.
The cadets are expected to return later this year to finish the job by cleaning the stones with soap and water.
Anyone who would like to help the group can join them at Hempstead’s Memorial Garden on the first Sunday of every month.
The volunteers also meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning for those who wish to get involved in local projects.
