Wisbech Society thanked by Government minister for its work during pandemic

The Wisbech Society has received a letter of thanks from a Government minister for its important contribution to England’s cultural, heritage and creative sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The letter was sent by Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries.

Forced to cancel events and regular activities from the onset of lockdown in March 2020, the Society’s income dried up, but the Culture Recovery Fund grant enabled the completion of postponed and planned work in Wisbech General Cemetery and the Chapel.

As a result, the Chapel and Cemetery were ready to resume activities and a ‘Welcome Back' open day was held last July, with more events and activities planned for 2022.

Highlights of the extensive work funded include painting the large area of fencing lining the Lambert’s Walk access to the cemetery from North End, and the replacement of stolen fence boards along the boundary with Asda.

The chapel’s gutters were cleaned and the roof, stone gables and parapets inspected, while the main door and windows were repainted. A professional company deep cleaned the chapel’s interior.

Back in the cemetery, tools and other equipment were acquired, along with an ex-shipping container for safe storage, providing much needed resources to the Friends of Wisbech General Cemetery in their constant effort to keep the area in good order.

Furthermore, ten monuments were repaired and re-erected, and additional planting completed.