At last winter seems to have given way to spring!

“How do I know this”, you say, as the north east wind blows through April like a mad March day. Well, it’s because the primroses are carpeting St Mary’s churchyard, and many other spring flowers are sunning themselves there too.

Our churchyards at St Mary’s and St James are precious open spaces where wild and cultivated flowers grow in abundance and early May, before the grass gets too high and the budding leaves on the trees obscure their blossom, is the best month to see them.

So take a stroll there this month and whilst you are there read this poem by William Wordsworth in praise of one of the flowers you will see there, which is not always welcomed in more cultivated gardens.

To the Small Celandine Pansies, Lilies, Kingcups, Daisies,
Let them live upon their praises;
Long as there's a sun that sets
Primroses will have their glory;
Long as there are Violets,
They will have a place in story:
There's a flower that shall be mine,
'Tis the little Celandine

Ere a leaf is on a bush,
In the time before the Thrush
Has a thought about its nest,
Thou wild come with half a call,
Spreading out thy glossy breast
Like a careless Prodigal;
Telling tales about the sun,
When we've little warmth, or none.

Prophet of delight and mirth,
Scorned and slighted upon earth!
Herald of a mighty band,
Of a joyous train ensuing,
Singing at my heart's command,
In the lanes my thoughts pursuing,
I will sing, as doth behove,
Hymns in praise of what I love!

 This article is written to publicise the Friends of St. Mary’s and St. James, a registered charity dedicated to maintaining the fabric of the two churches in our parish.

If you would like to learn more about the work of “the Friends” contact Gillian Cole (tel: 301259) or pick up a leaflet from the table in St Mary’s.

Also if you would like to join the team of volunteers who look after the churchyard at St Mary’s, contact Jeremy Quitman (tel: 301510)