Jane Agg, Churchwarden

We have recently been carrying out some improvement work in St Luke’s churchyard, a lovely quiet space between Sutherland Park and Burpham Primary School, which is surprisingly peaceful given how close it is to the A3.

The work in the churchyard, started by clearing brambles and felling some dead trees along the school boundary fence. We have also removed ivy growing on the wall of the church, and cleared a lot of rubbish – including a derelict shed – from inside the wooded area. Over the next few weeks, we are hoping to clear more of the edge of the wooded area, to reveal a number of old graves which have become lost in the trees. Going forward, we are hoping to do more work in the churchyard, to improve its visual appearance. This work should also improve the biodiversity of the site, which is important because churchyards are recognised as being important wildlife sanctuaries.

Many residents visit to St Luke’s churchyard to remember loved ones, we want it to be place that is honouring to their memory. To keep the churchyard tidy we have placed a bin for the wrappings from flowers near the entrance on Burpham Lane and have created a new compost area behind the church for flowers that are past their best. We would ask that visitors make use of these.

We invite you to come and enjoy the tranquillity of St Luke’s churchyard, maybe even turn off your phone and simply be still. While you sit you may find it helpful to think about these words of Jesus; “I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Matthew 6:25 & 26