WITH reference to your article on 8th March about drunks in the cemetery, we are members of the Friends of Wisbech General Cemetery (to give it its correct name), a very small group of volunteers who give our time to manage the cemetery and keep it tidy and attractive for the benefit of visitors and wildlife.

We know that it gives pleasure to a great many people and we get lots of compliments. We speak to everyone we meet and they are nearly always polite and friendly, certainly not intimidating.

The cemetery is owned by Fenland District Council. They empty the bins and pick up litter regularly. If the bins are over-full then a quick phone call in our experience means that someone comes out the next working day.

The fence at the back of the cemetery was sadly broken down some months ago and at that time FDC already had plans to replace it with a secure metal fence and gate. These should be installed soon.

The Friends would welcome more volunteers to help with maintenance or with research into family history.

We have monthly work parties and also carry out small-scale work as and when needed.

We invite people to join one of our guided walks and find out more about the history and wildlife of the cemetery and of local residents who are buried there.

We regularly receive requests from people wishing to trace their ancestors and assist them wherever possible.

We welcome responsible dog walkers but request that they keep their dogs on leads and clean up after them as it can be very unpleasant for the volunteers otherwise.

We can be contacted through Fenland District Council on 01354 654321