New look for Whaplode Cemetery

A revamped artwork has been installed in a village cemetery.

Whaplode Parish Council has been undertaking a number of changes at the village’s cemetery in recent years - including the installation of the Buttercup World artwork.

The cemetery chapel had been removed from the High Road site and a new roadway with additional car park spaces have been added to the site.

But now it has been adorned by a sculpture which had been commissioned by Stan Hoyes, a retired farmer who was well-known for commissioning artwork so Whaplode became known as the ‘Village of Sculptures’.

Coun Pam Longstaff said: “The cemetery has a new look.

“Since the demolition of the Cemetery Chapel in 2019, Whaplode Parish Council has gradually transformed the centre of the cemetery - improving the access road, designating an area for vehicle parking, planting a few trees and bulbs, installing some new seating for reflection and adding a bin for rubbish.

“Its central feature though is Buttercup World. This sculpture was originally commissioned by Stanley Hoyes in 1998, but needed refurbishing.

“Its reconfiguration from resting on a brickwork plinth to a metal frame with panels that indicate details of its history has now been put into place. G & D Engineering worked with councillors Bob Merchant and Paul Stafford to produce this stunning piece of work.

“Pop down and admire.”

What do you think of the new look? Post a comment below…