Caring For God's Acre

Our churchyards are fascinating spaces, holy and secular, where our most personal and private moments are mingled with public and parochial concerns. Visiting at quiet times, bringing flowers, tending or being still, simply walking through: we are reminded of the hundreds of souls whose stories lead to our story. The famous, the brave, the young, the sad, the forgotten; all now united and Resting In Peace.

And our churchyards serve us in other times too.

There are the chaotic times like Easter Saturday in Broadheath when children and families joyfully (and respectfully!) scampered in search of eggs.

Learning times like the recent History Group walk to launch their booklet full of potted biographies of Hallow’s great and good.

Pilgrim times when children of  Grimley School will visit Holt churchyard in June.

And hard work times such as when children of Broadheath planted saplings and wildflower seeds in winter rain to enhance the biodiversity of that churchyard.

This is a key feature of the importance they have for us, even in a rural area surrounded by farms and fields. Here there is little disturbance year to year; no pesticides, heavy traffic or constant change. Here a wide range of flora and fauna can settle and thrive.

Behind the scenes a small army of paid and volunteer workers cuts grass, prunes trees, clears weeds, checks for safety and removes litter all year round. We can all play a part in helping them and the wildlife by not introducing plastics into this precious environment. Use real flowers not artificial; remove cellophane; chose natural materials for seasonal memorials.

Nothing is certain but death and taxes. Whether you plan to be a future resident or have ideas for a different Resting place, do spend some time in God’s Acre, especially as spring turns to summer.   Just to be there is to join in the ‘unending Hymn of praise’.

Ian Craigan