Churchyard Jottings

Philip Hunt

An extremely successful working party was held in St Bartholomew’s churchyard on Saturday 15 April to generally tidy up the area and prepare for a long awaited Spring. Seven volunteers worked on a number of tasks, largely of their own choosing. These are generally relaxed affairs and everyone is welcome to stay for as little, or as long, as they are able. We always start at 9.30am and aim to finish by 12.00. It is not intended to be onerous, given the average age of the participants!

I would normally refrain from naming individuals but, on this occasion, I must praise everyone for the hard and effective work that was carried out. Chris Lemar and Geoff Martin carried out stirling work to clear all the ivy from the perimeter wall along Derby Road. Although some people may like its appearance, it is very invasive and can damage the mortar between the stones and lead to some expensive repairs. Elizabeth Eyre worked tirelessly in thoroughly renovating the area around the memorial wall, by the ashes interment ground, while Margaret Hunt worked away on the flower bed beneath the war memorial wall. Their combined efforts transformed this area. They also had time to chat, as seen in the photograph. Meanwhile Roger Davis worked meticulously clearing bramble from the ancient brick graves at the west end of the churchyard and quite near the lych gate. Finally, we had the professional assistance of David Simmonds, who carried out numerous pruning tasks and provided much helpful advice, and is seen in action in the photo. The pile of green waste near to the Derby Road gate was evidence of the extent of activity. This was removed by Waverley’s contractor early the following week.

The very wet spells that we have experienced have brought their own problems. My own garden has been waterlogged at times, but not to the same extent as Weycombe Road churchyard. I have referred before to the high water table in this churchyard and how this directly led to its closure, back in 1990, when there was still some spare capacity. On one recent inspection it was so boggy that it was only negotiable in wellington boots. So, it was no surprise that on at least one occasion Waverley’s contractor was forced to defer cutting the grass because of ground conditions. The three young oak trees planted by Waverley last year appear to have survived the weather, although perhaps are not thriving as well as one would have hoped. The most promising one is shown in the accompanying photo.

A walk around the main churchyard on 3 May (see photos) was rewarded by the colours of the bluebells and tulips and also, in the war memorial garden, the blooms on the small rhododendron which was planted in memory of Colonel Toby Sewell, who tended this garden until he was 91 years of age.

Finally, mention should be made of the planting of two trees in the newly reclaimed area along the wall in Derby Road, close to The Link. This is the initiative of Verity Sutherland and members of The Den, with the assistance of Peter Clarke, as mentioned in the last magazine. The first tree is a quince and the other, a variety of espalier cooking apple, known as Schoolmaster and supplied by RHS Wisley. This was thought to be particularly appropriate on the verge outside the The Link given its origins as a school. It was also in full blossom on 3 May and is deserved of a place in the photo album too.