Church of The Holy Trinity, Chantry

Jottings from a country churchyard

WELL, HERE WE ARE in March, and I hope that the weather is unlike as it is in mid-February as I write this, is really showing signs of spring. When I last walked round the churchyard the snowdrops I had bemoaned as late were at last appearing along the western edge and the purple crocuses along the south wall were growing in greater profusion than ever. Have they just magically increased or has some generous soul added a few? And the brave little one which has crossed the path to the corner of the grass on the south side of the church. As our back path has become fully grassed over those using it tend to take a short cut across the grass, and I hope he doesn’t get trampled on by anyone not expecting to see him. My snow drops are at last appearing - belatedly - in the garden and orchard but in close clumps rather than a scattered carpet. Is this underground movement by moles, quarry vibration or are they gathering close to protect themselves from some kind of threat? Do they know something we don’t?

While we are around the churchyard, an item of news which might be of interest to someone, who like me, had no idea it existed. Apparently, a beautiful young tabby cat was found killed with no visible injuries near the church and was placed in the church doorway for someone to recognise. I was told that another kind neighbour had taken it to our local vet which sounds ridiculous but is actually sensible so it could have its microchip scanned and the owner identified. Unfortunately, although microchipping for cats has just become compulsory it was too late for this poor pussy who had not availed himself of it. And that’s when I learned of the wonderful thoughtful service provided by Garston Group vets who voluntarily freeze for a month any unidentified casualty so that an owner might have the chance of claiming to recognise and retain it. I think that is really wonderful service which might well be a comfort to someone as unaware as I was. This may be rather briefer than my usual “jottings” (who’s that at the back who said “hooray!”?) because for my 93rd birthday last weekend the present which I least appreciated was severe pneumonia. However, with brilliant care at the RUH I am now home and recovering. Two things I have been sharply aware of during this week which I had previously only been just accepting or taking for granted. First, the absolute dedication, professionalism and compassion of nursing staff. They come in all sizes, colours, religions and genders but are all equally wonderful. In the assessment wards the constant coming and going of new patients mean they treat different sets of patients every few hours. They work 12-hour shifts which one hour’s break throughout and while visibly lilting like flowers by the 11th hour, they bounce up again with a smile to do whatever anyone needs. God bless them all at the RUH which runs like clockwork. I am now under a scheme called Hospital at Home for a few days. The other thing that struck me forcibly was seeing the hundredweights tonnes? – of plastic waste which all this care engenders. Aprons, gloves for every separate bed visit plus all medical waste. Bins filled and emptied every few hours. No doubt all this careful hygiene is saving our lives but, inevitably, what is it doing to the environment? What is the answer? Save the humans and kill of all the wildlife? I have plenty of time to ponder this question but so far have no answers.

Anyway, away with the doom and gloom. Spring is here (I hope) and I am recovering. See you in April – yes, I will!

Hazell Tovey