Churchyards come alive

Two Wimborne churches have achieved recognition in the 2009 Living Churchyards Competition.

The Minster Church of St Cuthburga in the centre of Wimborne and St Michael’s Church, Colehill on the outskirts.

The Minster entered the competition with God’s Acre, the area of land to the east end of the Minster.  It gained Very Highly Commended in the New Entry category.  The judges said it was “A wildlife oasis in the heart of a busy town, offering peace and relaxation away from the bustle all around.”

St. Michaels, which has been taking part in the competition for a number of years received a Highly Commended Certificate in the Best Managed Category.

The Prizegiving was held at the headquarters of the Dorset Wildlife Trust which organises the competition and certificates were presented by Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of the Trust on Saturday.

Around 35 Churches from across Dorset took part in the competition this year.