Workers weathered the weather (as reported in the Camden Haven Courier 1st April page 3- with thanks) A GROUP of dedicated volunteers toiled through showery weather at a recent working bee at Herons Creek cemetery. Organisers were prepared to postpone the planned maintenance, but when workers arrived with their sleeves rolled up, ready to go, it was decided to press on. "A handful of Herons Creek Chapel members were there, plus Debbie Crabtree, a former Herons Creek woman, who had a number of relatives buried in the cemetery, and drove up all the way from Port Stephens," said local pastor and Herons Creek Heritage Trail coordinator, Martin Parish. "She was just a ball of enthusiasm to warm all our hearts, so we decided we would make a start until the rain arrived. Some good progress was made on the day. A few tired and neglected corners of the cemetery were cleared, and another group washed away years of dust from the timber mill next door. "The advice from Edstein to wash gravesites with soapy water really did make a transformation, with a fair amount bit of elbow grease," Mr Parish said. A further working bee has now been scheduled for April 18. In addition to the cleaning and weeding tasks, work will start on the construction of a picnic table and shelter in the newer area of the cemetery, to the right of the entrance. The project, funded by a $500 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council "My Place is Ace" grant, will provide a significant boost for the facility. Our working group is blessed to have the assistance of some very generous and talented local tradespeople; people like Martin Hocking, Ron Morris and Geoff Owens, who help us stretch the funding considerably," Mr Parish explained. Additional support for the clean-up has come in the form of assistance and advice from Council staff, and donations from two local businesses. "Bunnings supplied gloves for the workers and Woolworths provided items for our morning tea and lunch," Mr Parish said. Anyone interested in lending a helping hand is welcome at the next working bee on Saturday April 18. "Many hands do make light work," Mr Parish said. Call Betty & Bill Boyd 6585-7022 or Daphne & Les Latham 6585-5383