APCM 21/05/2023 – Sarah Adams

It was lovely to see the new growth of the planting that took place to celebrate Creation at an Eco Worship Service in our Community Garden.

Over the past year our main focus for our team has been tidying up the churchyards. The difference that has been made has been amazing. The contractor has removed a lot of shrubbery and brambles making access for all, much easier. Providing safer access has been a priority and this has enabled many more families to attend their plots.

In the words of one visitor I travel some distance and cannot visit as often as we would like, but what a difference, so many more graves have flowers, now that access has improved, we would like to bring my less abled sister who has struggled in the past and had to stop coming…

Churchyards are now considered as Green Spaces, not only are they repositories of information on people and places, but we are fortunate to have such interesting architecture that makes the area significantly visually different and yet a peaceful place next to nature for walking and pondering.

We do intend to instal some wildlife cameras to record some of the wildlife, not just Sheep, and it is not unusual when you visit to catch sight of deer and if you settle for long enough highly likely plenty of other animals and birds can be seen.

As well as making the yards look more welcoming, this green space, has had organised visits from the children of St Chads School who have enjoy several outings.

Working parties have been led and encouraged by volunteers, Tim Edge and Andy Ward. The PCC are very grateful for their hard work and dedication to protecting these historical assets and natural habitats and plants of our Parish.

The Saddleworth Incredible Edibles continue to expand their hub at the Parish Centre and more people are now enjoying their produce.

Saddleworth WI have made good use of the other area of the yard and last summer won an award for Best Small Garden from the council’s Saddleworth in Bloom.

The Methodist’s Thursday group have used the garden for meetings and the Uppermill Scouts and Cubs also met there in the summer months.

The Scouts had a fundraising evening to twin the garden with one in Kenya (in fact, enough was raised for two gardens)

Together with the Saddleworth WI we intend to plant some cutting flowers for the Flower Guild.

Weather permitting, we will be in the garden weekly, Thursday 10am, so please do come and have a look.

Saddleworth St Chad is working towards its Gold Eco Church credentials and, there are things we still need to start doing to get the award and if anyone would like to get involved in any of our eco projects then please use the contact button, to email our team.