Our Churchyards
BIOBLITZ Saturday 15th June 2019 |
Help for carers and users of Lichfield (St Michael’s) churchyard
The parish of St Michael’s, Lichfield covers much of Stowe, Boley Park and St John’s wards in Lichfield. Anyone resident in the parish is entitled to be buried in St Michael’s churchyard --- but not to reserve a burial place in advance. Over the years the pipework serving the two water taps in the (very large) churchyard have deteriorated badly and have needed to be replaced. The PCC have managed to provide funds to replace the pipework leading to the tap in the ‘Old’ churchyard (adjacent to the fork in the drive) but are unable to fund the more than £3,000 needed to pay for the extension pipework into the ‘New’ churchyard. Folk who have loved ones buried in the ‘New’ churchyard have a long walk with a watering can to refresh flowers or plants placed in their memory. The PCC is inviting those who would like to make a contribution towards the cost of the extra pipework to indicate how much they would like to contribute; no cash is asked for at present, but an indication of commitment would be helpful, as some have already done. E-mail: office@stmichaelmaryjohn.org.uk Post: St Michael’s Church, Church street, Lichfield, WS13 6ED |
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News about the Trees in Saint Michael's Churchyard
In November 2016 we consulted the District Council’s tree adviser about the state of the trees in the area of the churchyard around the driveway and the area facing the main road. This was prompted by a significant branch fall and the toppling of an oak tree by the wind. The chestnut tree in the “roundabout” in front of the entrance to the church was found to be in an advanced state of decay due to chestnut canker. Because the tree is beside the drive and passed by everyone using the main paths to the church it was decided to take the upper parts of the tree down before the Christmas services. This was prompted by the forecast of high winds in the days leading up to Christmas. |
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The work on this tree was completed on January 11th 2017 when the remainder was felled. At the same time the remains of another chestnut tree near the road front were also removed because it was considered to be in an advanced state of decay. This tree had already had it branches removed some years ago and was dead.
At the same time a couple of other small trees have also been removed because they were considered either to be diseased or have insufficient root formation because they were growing out from between grave stones.
All this work was carried out by the District Council using fully qualified personnel. The City Council is responsible for the maintenance of the main part of the churchyard and they pass the work on to the District. At all times we have been in full consultation with the relevant officers.
The current work has been prompted by safety concerns and our desire to ensure that everyone using the churchyard can be safe. No other tree work is planned at this stage. However we are very aware that some of the trees in the churchyard are getting to the point where they may be nearing the end of their life and over the years some have already fallen. If anyone believes that a tree near any pathway or other access is in a dangerous state please inform the parish office or the churchwardens.
At the same time a couple of other small trees have also been removed because they were considered either to be diseased or have insufficient root formation because they were growing out from between grave stones.
All this work was carried out by the District Council using fully qualified personnel. The City Council is responsible for the maintenance of the main part of the churchyard and they pass the work on to the District. At all times we have been in full consultation with the relevant officers.
The current work has been prompted by safety concerns and our desire to ensure that everyone using the churchyard can be safe. No other tree work is planned at this stage. However we are very aware that some of the trees in the churchyard are getting to the point where they may be nearing the end of their life and over the years some have already fallen. If anyone believes that a tree near any pathway or other access is in a dangerous state please inform the parish office or the churchwardens.