Chain Gang volunteers dig deep for final phase of Utterby churchyard project

A GROUP of volunteers have begun the final stage of a churchyard renovation project in Utterby.

The team, nicknamed The Chain Gang, recently spent time clearing rocks and stones from the western end of St Andrew's churchyard.

They were preparing the ground for rotavating and seeding in the final phase of a restoration project which began just over 12 months ago.

In the first stages, with advice from the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, they cleared weeds from the churchyard, revealing lost gravestones.

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The volunteers then created a seated rest and reflection area surrounded by wildflowers.

They hope that when complete, the lower churchyard, which has no graves in it, will resemble a wildflower meadow and will have paths cut through to enable visitors to enjoy it to the full.

Spokeswoman Linda Sproston said: "The churchyard restoration is one part of the Utterby St Andrew's Heritage Project.

"The project aims to create a centre in the church for visitors to learn about local history. Work is about to start on providing toilet and catering facilities.

"It has been made possible because of grants from the Big Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincoln Diocese Extension Fund and the Utterby volunteers."

The next major fundraising event will be the Christmas Tree Festival, which runs from noon to 6pm each day between December 8 and 16. Part of the proceeds will also benefit the Louth & District Hospice.

Then, on February 10 next year, there will be a country weddings event in the church from 10am to 4pm.