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The Friends Of Helmdon Churchyard |
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Report March 2007 Rex Jessett (following in the footsteps of the Branson brothers and Reg Batchelor who have in the past given considerable time and attention to work in the churchyard) has been busy all winter, tidying up, and repairing walls. With the aid of some willing helpers he has removed the ivy which was destroying a section of the wall by the road. The ivy trunks were as big as trees and it was a huge effort to get them out and move them to a place where they could be sawn up. During his clearing and cutting back of overgrown bushes he has revealed graves in the old part of the churchyard which have been hidden for years. We cannot say too often how grateful we are to Rex for his help. A big thank you, too, to Andy Pitts who cleared the ivy from all along the front wall from the horse chestnut tree to the gate. We are grateful to our other volunteer helpers and look forward to commencing our monthly clean up sessions in the spring. This report is going to be largely made up of expressions of gratitude as we would like to also say a very big thank you to the HYHOs who have given us the money to buy a badly needed new heavy duty strimmer. In the past we have only had second-hand ones which were always breaking down, so we really appreciate the generosity of the HYHOs, who contribute so much to village projects. The millennium yew, provided by the Diocese and planted in the new area, is growing well, but will take hundreds of years to rival in size the ancient yew near the church. We would like to point out that trees and shrubs must not be planted in the churchyard without permission being obtained from the Archdeacon of the Diocese. The layout of the graveyard and also the design of gravestones is strictly regulated. We look forward to the spring and summer when the churchyard really looks at its best and its beauty and serenity can be really appreciated not only by those visiting their love ones' graves, but also by those who walk through. Judy Cairns Secretary (01295) 760537 Conrad Woolley, Church Warden in 2003, wrote..... Peace and tranquillity. That's what some visitors say about the Churchyard. Come on, Helmdonites, have you wandered up there recently? You can follow the narrow, mown path between the Church and road double bend and you will come to the Garden of Rest where ashes are interred. You will find a seat where you can rest a moment, with the Church, Saturday House and the ancient Great Yew tree ahead of you. Walk on down past the newest graves and look over the valley, beyond the sheep and horses, towards Astwell and further, if the weather allows. By now you are appreciating the wonder of all this creation - the span of age from the smallest insect to the largest yew. Where do you fit in? Leave this computer and take a walk up there in the air. |
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