ST ANDREW'S CHURCHYARD
RoseMary MusgraveThe most obvious work undertaken in the past 12 months was the painting of the railings on either side of the Lime Walk. This was masterminded and organized with enthusiasm by Dorothy Brown. It is greatly to her credit that it was achieved. Those painting were of all ages and from all walks of life. There was great camaraderie which reflected the fact that this was truly a community effort. Thank you, Dorothy, for getting this accomplished.
The new trees planted by the Council for CHIS are doing well. The Betula pendula 'Tristis', which replaced the weeping ash by the war memorial is not `weeping' as much as was expected. This is being watched. The Sorbus interniedia, replacing the dead almond, is growing well and had a good display of berries. In the main churchyard the cherry, Prunus avium, planted to succeed the lovely white one on the east side is doing well, so when the sad time comes and the old one has to be felled, the new one should be well established. The Acer campestre `William Caldwell', which took the place of the Lombardy poplar, should give a nice display of autumn colour.
Shrubs have been planted along stretches of the west wall; these include dogwoods with good coloured bark for winter colour; hydrangeas which will grow into fairly big bushes and others. They are all quite small at present, but over the years should grow and make a pretty effect in front of the wall. They have been chosen for display through the year and biodiversity.
A bed has been established with sweet scented shrubs. mainly lavender and rosemary species together with some herbs, a honeysuckle and a jasmine. It was pleasing to see the butterflies and other insects around the bushes in the summer. Our hopes for biodiversity are starting to be fulfilled.
The area on the west side in front of the wall owned by the Post Office has been cleared of undergroxvth and some old laurels removed. This will be turfed for ease of management and some Acer species planted.
The monthly working parties have mainly focused on routine maintenance and `cosmetic' work, such as taking the basal whiskers off the limes. The thanks of everyone go to the small, but loyal, band of workcrs.