Open Weekend and Summer Days

Our Open Weekend was quite a mix in the end.  On Saturday, with cool breezes, bursts of rain and moments of soft sunshine, not many stopped by at the burial ground, but Sunday was a different story.  The sun gently shone and the air was completely calm, with wonderful patterns of clouds tumbling and drifting past overhead, and a steady flow of visitors arrived, walking the site and sitting in our marquee enjoying tea and cake.  Our violin recital, given by professional violinist Steve Bingham, was a real delight, music playing over the meadows as families listened, shared picnics, and enjoyed the calm of the afternoon. Thank you so much to all our volunteers and to Steve and his family!

Last summer the drought meant that we barely mowed at all throughout the entire season, but this year we are mowing regularly.  As a result, the paths look far more distinct through the areas of long grass – it all looks beautifully tidy, for a day or so after the mower has been around, but a few days later the grass and flowers are pushing through once more!

It isn’t only the grass that’s growing.  Our saplings have grown more this past month than in the last 18 months of drought.  How glorious to watch the little trees pushing out leaves and stretching into new wood growth.  The roses too are splendid in bloom, both around the Roundhouse and in the hedges and upon graves.  It is well worth taking a few hours to come and visit ..

Paths through Woodland Burial Area

Paths through Woodland Burial Area