Cowthorpe Gathers to Open Bert's Garden

 

Adjacent to the beautiful church of St Michael and All Angels, Cowthorpe, lay a piece of Glebe land. One of the Parish Councillors, Clive Billenness, spotted the fact that it would make an ideal garden - the only area of land in the village which could be open to the public and shared by all. Tockwith and Wilstrop Parish Council purchased the land and a garden was planned and planted. The result is a lovely, sunny corner next to the churchyard, lined with hedges and sheltered by trees, where there are see-saws and twirly saucers for children, seats for the less agile and flower beds for the horticulturists. Yesterday, the village gathered to open the garden which is called Bert's Garden in memory of Bert Rountree who lived opposite the site for many years. The ribbon was cut by Bert's daughter, Sarah. The Cowthorpe Hand Bell Ringers turned out for the occasion and entertained us with 'Grandfather's Clock', 'Oranges and Lemons' and other well known tunes before leading a rousing rendition of 'In an English Country Garden'. This was followed by a very interesting tour of the unique, historic parish church by Derek Gaunt (well worth another visit!) and a slap up bring-and- share tea at the home of Ian and Heather Hartley whose hospitality was particularly generous because their garden had been under water just a couple of days earlier.  English village life at its most resilient, sociable and very best! Thanks also go to The Revd Paul Spurgeon and Hunsingore DCC for their support with this project.  

 

 

An English Country Garden

 

How many kinds of sweet flowers grow

In an English country garden?

We'll tell you now of some that we know

And those we miss you'll surely pardon.

Daffodils, heartsease and phlox,

Meadowsweet and lady smocks,

Gentian, lupins and tall holyhocks,

Roses, foxgloves, snowdrops and forget-me-nots

In an English country garden.

 

How many insects come here and go

In an English country garden?

We'll tell you now of some that we know

And those we miss you'll surely pardon.

Dragonflies, moths, gnats and bees,

Spiders climbing in the tress,

Butterflies drift in the gentle breeze,

There are snakes, ants that sting and other creepy things

In an English country garden.

 

How many songbirds fly to and fro

In an English country garden?

We'll tell you now of some that we know

And those we miss you'll surely pardon.

Bobolink, cuckoo and quail,

Tanager and cardinal,

Bluebird, lark and nightingale.

There is joy in the spring when the birds begin to sing

In an English country garden.



 

 

With many thanks to Clive Billenness and Shaun Stothard for the photos.