It may take six people to change a light bulb in the NHS but it takes just half that number to maintain the churchyard at St Bartholomew’s.  In an age when so many churchyards are neglected and overgrown we can take justifiable pride in the fact ours is kept tidy and well-manicured.

 

A small but loyal “band” (John on hoe & secateurs, Alan & Mel on mowers) of volunteers give freely of their time throughout a major part of the year to keep the churchyard up to the standard we have come to expect.

 

Recent mild winters means the grass continues to grow for much of the year resulting in a longer mowing season with the first cut being as early as March and the last as late as November (weather permitting in both cases!)  During the peak growing period the grass needs to be mown at least once a week and each cut can take up to four hours to complete.

 

Unlike most lawns, the churchyard contains many obstacles to be negotiated.  Apart from the more obvious headstones, during early spring the many hundreds of daffodils have to be carefully avoided, not only while they are in flower but until they have died back ready for next year.

 

Beautification of the churchyard owes much to the enthusiasm of the late Keith Crump, a great friend of St Bartholomew’s.  Keith was the driving force behind various churchyard clean-up campaigns and ever the groundsman, he left clear instructions as to what to do, when to do it and how to do it.  It may be pure coincidence but very often a blackbird will take up position on a strategic headstone and show a keen interest in proceedings.  The thought that you never know who is watching ensures standards are maintained!

Churchyard Team