By Amanda Kenhard

If you had walked past the Grade II listed war memorial in the lower garden of St Cosmas and St Damian church in Keymer early last year, you may have noticed that the sloping grass bank behind the war memorial was looking a little sad. A more attractive and inspiring backdrop for the parish war memorial was clearly needed. What better year than 2019 - the 75th anniversary of D-Day to be chosen to give this area a makeover?

Conversations were started between the Hassocks Community Organisation’s (HCO) Green Group, the church Rector, Rev Alex Baxter and the volunteer group who look after the church grounds. Whilst the church team were very supportive and agreed that rejuvenating and tidying the Memorial Garden was highly desirable, they had no budget to be able to get this work done. Father Alex agreed that completion in time for the Remembrance Service on the 10th November would be an excellent goal. We enrolled the help of local professional gardener Jenny Curling for advice on suitable low maintenance shrubs and to produce an estimate of costs involved. With funding from HCO and a further grant obtained from Mid Sussex District Council, the work could begin and volunteers appealed for. During October the grass bank was strimmed and the volunteers met on the 26th October to start the planting. Beds around the memorial itself were also created and planted up with a mixture of red cyclamen and white heather. Happily, most of the work was completed in time for the Remembrance Service. Remaining funds will be used to add more spring bulbs and plant a few more shrubs by which time, the shrubs planted last year should be in full growth and looking great!

Thanks to Sage Garden Centre for their support and to Jenny’s mum for the tea and cake which fuelled the volunteers!