After more than four decades, the churchyard of All Saints Church in Longhope has once again echoed with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the hum of gardening tools.
Inspired by a black-and-white photo tucked away in the vestry, creating a village memory, a new generation of volunteers has stepped forward to restore and revive this precious historic space.
The recent work party marked the beginning of a four-session community project to reclaim and care for the churchyard. It was a powerful reminder of how much can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
In just one afternoon, volunteers removed 12 builder’s bags of green waste. Ivy was carefully pulled from the church’s stone walls, weeds and brambles were cleared from gravestones, and an old path began to emerge once more. The School Lane corner was opened up, and bushes and trees were trimmed back — all while taking care not to disturb local wildlife, including nesting birds and slowworms.
Tina Coull, who helped organise the event, reflected on the day: “There was such a fantastic atmosphere — people dropped in for half an hour or stayed all afternoon, and every pair of hands made a difference. We didn’t manage to capture everyone on camera, but the sense of achievement and community was clear.”
The 1983 team — proudly shown in the photograph — was honoured that year with The Little Badminton Plate, awarded for the best-kept churchyard in the Gloucester Archdeaconry. Tine continued, “Though decades have passed, the same spirit of care and commitment is once again taking root.
“This isn’t just about tidying a patch of land. Churchyards are vital parts of our national story. They are places of memory, heritage, and quiet reflection — uniquely British spaces where history, nature, and community meet. Yet many are quietly slipping into disrepair, simply because there aren’t enough hands to keep them going.
“Longhope is showing what’s possible. This revival is not only transforming a churchyard; it’s reconnecting people with their past and reminding us all of the value of giving time to something that matters.”
As future sessions approach, Tina and the team encourage more local residents to join in — no matter their age or ability. Even half an hour of help makes a difference.
“You don’t need to be an expert gardener,” Tina adds. “Just come along, bring gloves, and be part of something good. And yes — there might be hotdogs and cider, too!”
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As a child Longhope was my family’s church and my Father a keen advocate of the churchyard being able to be a place of peace and to be maintained. He advocated tombstones being moved to the wall to facilitate easier mowing. At his funeral Donations were made towards the upkeep, flowering trees were planted and benches bought, sadly some of the trees are no longer there. I am thrilled to see once more people want to care for it.