8:50am Sunday 5th July 2009
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
A CHURCHYARD in the centre of Thornbury has been turned into a haven of peace.
After 18 months of hard work the churchyard at the United Reformed Church, Thornbury, has been transformed into a beautiful garden where people can go and visit.
Church members took the decision last year that something needed to be done about the churchyard after many of the graves had become overgrown with ivy, valerian and many other weeds.
Advice was taken from Adrian Jones of Thornbury Community Gardens and Sue Aitken, chairman of Thornbury in Bloom, to create a better environment in the churchyard.
A church spokesman said: "Many of the graves, dating from when the church was first built in the 1820s, now look well cared for with colourful flowers and shrubs planted on them. The grass is neat and tidy and new paving has been laid."
The new garden was officially opened by mayor of Thornbury Phyllida Parsloe, who was accompanied by her consort for the day, Castle School pupil Matthew Wood.
Rev Stephen Lewis, from United Reformed Church, said: "The garden is a haven of peace and tranquillity right in the centre of the town. We all hope that it will be well used."
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