The churchyard is much loved by Chipperfield residents and there is an expectation that it will be properly cared for and maintained by whoever is responsible. In this case it is the Parochial Church Council of St Pauls church with the assistance of a small grant from the Parish Council. In past years that grant was sufficient to pay for the cost of mowing throughout the year, but now this grant pays only part of that cost.
When Tony and I moved to Chipperfield at the end of 1999, I was the Treasurer of Christ Church Chorleywood with a lovely church and churchyard on the Common, much like St Pauls. No part of their much larger income was needed for the upkeep of the churchyard as the churchyard was closed and the Parish Council had become responsible for its upkeep. So I was very surprised a year later, persuaded by Angela Butler to take over as Treasurer of St Pauls, to find that seemingly endless resources were needed for the maintenance of St. Pauls churchyard – to mow the grass, look after the trees for appearance and safety, repair and replace the gates and repair the wall. Recently, after endless discussion and much hard work by PCC members, a Memorial Garden and Memorial Wall have been provided for the benefit of the residents of Chipperfield. There has been some assistance in funding for part of these projects from gifts in memory of loved ones.
I feel strongly that the Chipperfield churchyard is a village amenity and should be funded not just by members of St Pauls church but by members of the village community. It has become clear from recent successful fundraising that the church holds an important place in the life of Chipperfield, including those who are not regular members of the church.
We therefore propose to set up an informal Friends of Chipperfield Churchyard Fund and would welcome offers of time, talents and money from residents to enable us to maintain the churchyard as residents would like to keep it, without jeopardising the funding of the main ministry of the church. If you would like to contribute, or comment, please contact the St Pauls Churchwardens, Yvonne Collette and Phil Waine, or talk to our rector, Jim Stevens (See top of Unity page for telephone numbers). Your support would be much appreciated. There will also be one of our regular churchyard working parties on Saturday, 25 April starting with bacon butties and coffee at 9.30am. All are welcome to come and help.
Janet Cornell