Families in Everton and the surrounding areas are finding comfort through a community memorial project which has been backed by a Bassetlaw councillor grant.
A £150 Community Grant from Cllr Steven Pashley, Ward Member for Everton, has helped the Friends of Everton Cemetery Group to construct a memorial post box. It’s designed for the initiative ‘letters to heaven’ which has been a valued process across the country.
Letters to Heaven are not intended to be read by others but are a way for individuals to express grief and feel closer to their loved ones as well as share memories. These letters are treated with confidentiality and compassion.
Steven Wiles, Chair of Friends of Everton Cemetery Group said: “On behalf of Everton Cemetery, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Cllr Pashley for his thoughtful contribution of the new memorial post box.
“This addition provides a meaningful and convenient way for visitors to leave messages and tributes, helping families and friends stay connected to their loved ones. It’s a small but significant gesture that enriches the experience of remembrance here at Everton and the surrounding villages.”
The post-box will be located in the quiet corner of Everton Parish Cemetery, which serves the surrounding communities of Everton, Harwell, Scraftworth and Drakeholes.
Cllr Pashley said: “It’s an honour to be able to support Everton Cemetery with this new memorial post box. For many people, writing a message to a loved one is an important part of the grieving process, and this post box offers a special place for those words to be kept. I hope it will bring comfort to families and visitors, knowing they have somewhere dedicated to share their thoughts and memories.”
Friends of Everton Cemetery formed two years ago, and it consists of Parish Councillors and volunteers. The group maintain the cemetery, restoring gravestones and taking over additional projects. The group meet every three months at a local café in the village.
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor receives a small discretionary budget to support community activities in their ward. Grants may be awarded to projects that focus on sport, culture and heritage, the environment, social welfare, and wider community benefit.
Pictured: Cllr Steven Pashley, Ann Hickman, Gaynor Waddington, Steven Wiles
Last Updated on Thursday, October 2, 2025