Under the Yew Tree

The Ashes Memorial Area at St James was, judging from the dates on its plaques, begun about 45 years ago.  Set out with some optimism under a yew tree whose berries and birds splatter the stones, while roots twist and lift the soil, it is nevertheless a beautiful peaceful place with spring bulbs, summer flowers and pink carpets of cyclamen later in the year.  Hilary Thompson and I have been weeding and tidying there regularly for some time now and whatever the day or season it is common for friends and relatives of those memorialised  to visit as we work,  to remember these people important in their lives.  Many share stories and connections with us,  it feels a privilege to be there . 

The ashes burial area continues to grow and is an important village amenity

Less welcome are invaders: couch grass, dandelions, cats ear, moles and rhodents, that cause twisting and tipping of the plaques  and threaten their readability.  Nothing will eradicate these but since July last year Hilary and I have worked on a scheme to help us maintain the area so that it shows the care taken with it, while retaining its natural country-style ambiance.  We have now dug round each plaque and mulched the margins with fine eco grit.  This demarcates and defines for us where to clear and clip.  Weeding around the edges is easier as the roots are not all embedded in our characteristic Herefordshire soil, rock hard in summer and slimy, sticky and messy when wet.  It has been possible to lift some plants, notably cyclamen and Iris foetidissima, and re-site them at the periphery. 

Now we are planning our maintenance visits and with some additional help from professional gardener Jutta Chisnall, Hilary and I are hoping we can keep it a welcoming and comfortable place for our community.  If you can spare an hour occasionally to help us,  please get in touch via the Parish Office. 

Sue Bienkowska