Award recognises creativity and imagination in churchyard
From left, the Rev Tom Lusty, the Rev Di Blakey Williams, Sue Nelson and David Nelson
The Rev Tom Lusty, the Rev Di Blakey Williams and Sue and David Nelson represented St Mary’s Church, Kettlewell, at the recent AGM of CPRE The Countryside Charity, to receive the award for The Best North Yorkshire Churchyard 2021.
After the award giving one of the trustees remarked on how visiting Kettlewell Churchyard had given her real hope for the possibilities churchyards offer within local communities.
We came away confirmed in our experience that sensitively managed and creatively and imaginatively thought out churchyards across the country, can be places of contemplation, beauty and peace for we humans and welcoming, safe places for birds and small animals who seek sanctuary, food and habitat within their boundaries.
*See below for more stories about Kettlewell Churchyard, including the original award announcement from CPRE.
After the award giving one of the trustees remarked on how visiting Kettlewell Churchyard had given her real hope for the possibilities churchyards offer within local communities.
We came away confirmed in our experience that sensitively managed and creatively and imaginatively thought out churchyards across the country, can be places of contemplation, beauty and peace for we humans and welcoming, safe places for birds and small animals who seek sanctuary, food and habitat within their boundaries.
*See below for more stories about Kettlewell Churchyard, including the original award announcement from CPRE.
Creating a space to reflect on memories of couple who were devoted to Parish
Picture shows, from left, Jillian Carr, Ann Ralph, Ian Potter and Susan Stanford with the bench in Kettlewell Churchyard. (Picture: David Nelson.)
A PLACE to reminisce and reflect has been created in a churchyard in our Parish to celebrate the memory of a couple who devoted more than two decades of care to our community.
A bench has been placed outside St Mary’s Church, Kettlewell, in memory of the Rev John Potter and his wife Betty.
The bench was presented by members of the Potter family, who gathered at the churchyard on Saturday, October 16, for a memorial service for Mrs Potter, who died earlier this year. Mr Potter died in 1999.
Four of the couple’s children – Jillian Carr, Ann Ralph, Susan Stanford and Ian Potter – attended the service along with 24 other family members. Their brother, Tony Potter, lives in Australia and he and his family were unable to be present.
A packed church heard the present Vicar, the Rev Tom Lusty, welcome the Potter family back to Kettlewell, where Mr Potter was Vicar for 22 years, from 1960 to 1982.
After the service the congregation went into the churchyard, where Mrs Potter’s ashes were laid to rest alongside those of her late husband, close to where the new bench is situated.
Mrs Ralph said: “We wanted to put something in the churchyard where people can sit and reflect and reminisce, and it’s nice as well that we were able to do this so close to where our parents are, back together in the Dales.”
She added that the bench would need to be looked after, but this would be a good excuse for the family to get together in the future.
Mr Potter was born in Germany, and Mrs Potter was originally from Salisbury. The couple met and married in Salisbury, before he started his ministry in Croydon.
The Potters left Kettlewell when Mr Potter took up a new post in Ipswich, before eventually retiring.
Mrs Ralph said her father was a “proper Vicar” who knew everyone in the village. Her mother was involved with many local organisations, including the WI, and was a keen singer.
Mr Potter founded Diocesan Summer Camps, which were held in different parts of the region and catered for 90 youngsters and 30 staff at a time, with Mrs Potter also very heavily involved in running them.
The members of the Potter family who attended the memorial service were: Jillian and Paul, Ann and Stan, Susan and Mark and Ian and Lisa; with grandchildren and partners Ruby and Joseph, Bradley and Willow, Edd and Georgia, Evie and Alex, Molly and Paul, Zach and Kate, Harry and Ella, Finley and Layla; and great-grandchildren Otto and Juniper.
Family members unable to be present were Tony and Suzanne, and grandchildren and partners Oliver and Giorgia, Lucy and Lauchlan, and Frazer and Georgia.
A bench has been placed outside St Mary’s Church, Kettlewell, in memory of the Rev John Potter and his wife Betty.
The bench was presented by members of the Potter family, who gathered at the churchyard on Saturday, October 16, for a memorial service for Mrs Potter, who died earlier this year. Mr Potter died in 1999.
Four of the couple’s children – Jillian Carr, Ann Ralph, Susan Stanford and Ian Potter – attended the service along with 24 other family members. Their brother, Tony Potter, lives in Australia and he and his family were unable to be present.
A packed church heard the present Vicar, the Rev Tom Lusty, welcome the Potter family back to Kettlewell, where Mr Potter was Vicar for 22 years, from 1960 to 1982.
After the service the congregation went into the churchyard, where Mrs Potter’s ashes were laid to rest alongside those of her late husband, close to where the new bench is situated.
Mrs Ralph said: “We wanted to put something in the churchyard where people can sit and reflect and reminisce, and it’s nice as well that we were able to do this so close to where our parents are, back together in the Dales.”
She added that the bench would need to be looked after, but this would be a good excuse for the family to get together in the future.
Mr Potter was born in Germany, and Mrs Potter was originally from Salisbury. The couple met and married in Salisbury, before he started his ministry in Croydon.
The Potters left Kettlewell when Mr Potter took up a new post in Ipswich, before eventually retiring.
Mrs Ralph said her father was a “proper Vicar” who knew everyone in the village. Her mother was involved with many local organisations, including the WI, and was a keen singer.
Mr Potter founded Diocesan Summer Camps, which were held in different parts of the region and catered for 90 youngsters and 30 staff at a time, with Mrs Potter also very heavily involved in running them.
The members of the Potter family who attended the memorial service were: Jillian and Paul, Ann and Stan, Susan and Mark and Ian and Lisa; with grandchildren and partners Ruby and Joseph, Bradley and Willow, Edd and Georgia, Evie and Alex, Molly and Paul, Zach and Kate, Harry and Ella, Finley and Layla; and great-grandchildren Otto and Juniper.
Family members unable to be present were Tony and Suzanne, and grandchildren and partners Oliver and Giorgia, Lucy and Lauchlan, and Frazer and Georgia.
John and Betty Potter at a wedding at Kettlewell Church in 1994
Churchyard declared 'best in county'
A CHURCHYARD in our Parish has been declared the best in North Yorkshire.
The space around St Mary’s Church in Kettlewell is the “overall and unanimous winner” of the first-ever Best Churchyard competition held in the county by CPRE The Countryside Charity.
The churchyards at Giggleswick and Lothersdale were also praised by the judges
The charity said: “Kettlewell is a very busy, post-pandemic tourist hot spot, but walk down the little lane through the lych gate and you are in an area of peace, tranquillity and contemplation – the journey is immersive.
“The churchyard is big enough to swallow many visitors whilst at the same time allowing room for sitting undisturbed on the numerous seats and enjoying the yard itself and the views of the Dales.
“There is a rich and developed flora with a good insect population and busy bees. Whilst many piles of wood are havens for insects there is much high-value standing dead wood in the churchyard.
“There is a meandering route through the churchyard that takes in the flora that ends up at a well-designed labyrinth. In 45 minutes within the churchyard there were 21 bird species and four species of butterflies.”
Charity trustee Rosy Eaton said: 'What really stood out for me about Kettlewell is how reverence and compassion for the natural world is woven into every aspect of the churchyard: the considered planting of the borders with bee and butterfly friendly plants, the quotes carved into wooden plaques, the way long grass, mature trees and wildlife-rich habitats were interspersed throughout the churchyard.
“Even on an overcast damp day the amount and variety of wildlife we saw was fantastic. The sense of peace and opportunities for contemplation were outstanding. The church and local community should be commended on creating an exceptional space where people and wildlife are so nurtured and welcomed.”
The Bishop of Ripon, the Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, carried out a blessing in the churchyard during a visit to Kettlewell last September.
The Bishop said: "Huge congratulations to St Mary's Kettlewell for this award, and my congratulations also to all those who were shortlisted (including a number from the Ripon Episcopal Area).
"As the winning citation describes, a visit to Kettlewell Churchyard is a truly immersive experience. It was a joy to bless the labyrinth and wooden inspiration boards during my visit in September 2020. From those wooden boards, a quote from Mother Julian stands out; 'You will not be overcome…all shall be well.'
"In the continued challenges of our current age, I am thankful for a reminder of this wisdom, etched in wood and lived out in the rich habitat that the churchyard is enabling to come to life and flourish. Well done to everyone who has worked so hard to make this valued and now award-winning project to happen!"
Our Vicar, the Rev Tom Lusty, said: "This morning when I took our dog Betty for our regular walk through the churchyard we saw at very close range a regular visitor, a baby tawny owl, perched on the bench outside Church. I was able to wonder afresh at the spectacular diversity of wildlife this churchyard offers.
"As incoming Vicar I am proud to share in this celebration of what has been achieved by a hard-working team of volunteers, particularly during a national pandemic. I look forward to assisting with implementing the changes needed to be true to the parish’s vision for the churchyard in the future."
The Rev Di Blakey Williams, co-ordinator of the Kettlewell Churchyard Project Group, said: “The group want to say a huge thank you to all in the church and local community who give of their time and energy to tend the churchyard throughout the year.
“The contributions of those who cut and trim the grass, the farmer who cuts and bales the wildflower meadow, the folk who tend the graves of loved ones, those who have planted beds with flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other insects, and the children who have made bird nesting boxes, a hedgehog house and insect homes have together made the churchyard a beautiful and welcoming place in which humans and wildlife can find nurture and peace.
“The judge from The Countryside Charity who visited our churchyard really understood what the churchyard means to us when she said: ‘What really stood out for me…is how reverence and compassion for the natural world is woven into every aspect of the churchyard…the sense of peace and opportunities for contemplation were outstanding.’ It has been a community effort and we are rightly pleased and proud that our churchyard is deemed worthy of this award.”
The churchyards at Giggleswick and Lothersdale were also praised by the CPRE judges, who said Giggleswick was “everything you would expect of a churchyard in a beautiful area. Well-developed flora for a limestone area of the Dales well managed and developed by the local community”.
Meanwhile at Lothersdale “moving onto gritstone contrast with the Dales area to the north and has its own developed flora and mature trees. Evidence of much hard work and commitment in this churchyard. A tranquil spot and one I will revisit. Very strong links with flora walks based from the church”.
Charity trustee Dr Morris Charlton said: “It’s been a real privilege to be on the judges’ panel for this competition and visit some really outstanding churchyards throughout August.
“Congratulations and much appreciation to all the volunteers, who have worked so hard, during exceptionally difficult times to ensure that these little havens are so beautiful and tranquil to visit. All of these churchyards have conservation at their core and all should be on a visit list.”
The space around St Mary’s Church in Kettlewell is the “overall and unanimous winner” of the first-ever Best Churchyard competition held in the county by CPRE The Countryside Charity.
The churchyards at Giggleswick and Lothersdale were also praised by the judges
The charity said: “Kettlewell is a very busy, post-pandemic tourist hot spot, but walk down the little lane through the lych gate and you are in an area of peace, tranquillity and contemplation – the journey is immersive.
“The churchyard is big enough to swallow many visitors whilst at the same time allowing room for sitting undisturbed on the numerous seats and enjoying the yard itself and the views of the Dales.
“There is a rich and developed flora with a good insect population and busy bees. Whilst many piles of wood are havens for insects there is much high-value standing dead wood in the churchyard.
“There is a meandering route through the churchyard that takes in the flora that ends up at a well-designed labyrinth. In 45 minutes within the churchyard there were 21 bird species and four species of butterflies.”
Charity trustee Rosy Eaton said: 'What really stood out for me about Kettlewell is how reverence and compassion for the natural world is woven into every aspect of the churchyard: the considered planting of the borders with bee and butterfly friendly plants, the quotes carved into wooden plaques, the way long grass, mature trees and wildlife-rich habitats were interspersed throughout the churchyard.
“Even on an overcast damp day the amount and variety of wildlife we saw was fantastic. The sense of peace and opportunities for contemplation were outstanding. The church and local community should be commended on creating an exceptional space where people and wildlife are so nurtured and welcomed.”
The Bishop of Ripon, the Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, carried out a blessing in the churchyard during a visit to Kettlewell last September.
The Bishop said: "Huge congratulations to St Mary's Kettlewell for this award, and my congratulations also to all those who were shortlisted (including a number from the Ripon Episcopal Area).
"As the winning citation describes, a visit to Kettlewell Churchyard is a truly immersive experience. It was a joy to bless the labyrinth and wooden inspiration boards during my visit in September 2020. From those wooden boards, a quote from Mother Julian stands out; 'You will not be overcome…all shall be well.'
"In the continued challenges of our current age, I am thankful for a reminder of this wisdom, etched in wood and lived out in the rich habitat that the churchyard is enabling to come to life and flourish. Well done to everyone who has worked so hard to make this valued and now award-winning project to happen!"
Our Vicar, the Rev Tom Lusty, said: "This morning when I took our dog Betty for our regular walk through the churchyard we saw at very close range a regular visitor, a baby tawny owl, perched on the bench outside Church. I was able to wonder afresh at the spectacular diversity of wildlife this churchyard offers.
"As incoming Vicar I am proud to share in this celebration of what has been achieved by a hard-working team of volunteers, particularly during a national pandemic. I look forward to assisting with implementing the changes needed to be true to the parish’s vision for the churchyard in the future."
The Rev Di Blakey Williams, co-ordinator of the Kettlewell Churchyard Project Group, said: “The group want to say a huge thank you to all in the church and local community who give of their time and energy to tend the churchyard throughout the year.
“The contributions of those who cut and trim the grass, the farmer who cuts and bales the wildflower meadow, the folk who tend the graves of loved ones, those who have planted beds with flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other insects, and the children who have made bird nesting boxes, a hedgehog house and insect homes have together made the churchyard a beautiful and welcoming place in which humans and wildlife can find nurture and peace.
“The judge from The Countryside Charity who visited our churchyard really understood what the churchyard means to us when she said: ‘What really stood out for me…is how reverence and compassion for the natural world is woven into every aspect of the churchyard…the sense of peace and opportunities for contemplation were outstanding.’ It has been a community effort and we are rightly pleased and proud that our churchyard is deemed worthy of this award.”
The churchyards at Giggleswick and Lothersdale were also praised by the CPRE judges, who said Giggleswick was “everything you would expect of a churchyard in a beautiful area. Well-developed flora for a limestone area of the Dales well managed and developed by the local community”.
Meanwhile at Lothersdale “moving onto gritstone contrast with the Dales area to the north and has its own developed flora and mature trees. Evidence of much hard work and commitment in this churchyard. A tranquil spot and one I will revisit. Very strong links with flora walks based from the church”.
Charity trustee Dr Morris Charlton said: “It’s been a real privilege to be on the judges’ panel for this competition and visit some really outstanding churchyards throughout August.
“Congratulations and much appreciation to all the volunteers, who have worked so hard, during exceptionally difficult times to ensure that these little havens are so beautiful and tranquil to visit. All of these churchyards have conservation at their core and all should be on a visit list.”
Take a 'walk' around Kettlewell Churchyard using the images above.
Brought to book for Church funds
To all avid book readers, Buckden School Room Porch now has books on a bookshelf available for people to take for a donation in an honesty box for Church funds. The porch outer door is not locked so you can go anytime.
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