The churchyard today
A really special place
We know that everyone needs a special place, and we have that really special place in our churchyard. We want to share it with you.
Heart, soul and strength
Come and find heart, soul and strength surrounded by nature
We know that everyone needs a special place, and we have that really special place in our churchyard.
Whether you want fresh air, exercise, a space to listen to the birds or investigate the vast range of vegetation, a quiet moment or a chat with a friend, we think you will find it with us, and we want to share it with you.
Walkers and Doggy coffee
If your week has been ruff
If your week has been ruff, why not bring your fur-ever friend for a coffee and a biscuit. Who nose where it might lead.
We serve coffee and biscuits (for humans and dogs) from March to November, and we look forward to seeing you there.
- When
- The last Saturday of every month
- Time
- 8.45am to 11.30am, March to November
- Where
- St James churchyard, Old Milverton
2026 dates for doggy walkers
- Saturday 30 May
- Saturday 27 June
- Saturday 25 July
- Saturday 29 August
- Saturday 26 September
- Saturday 31 October
Churchyard clearing
An enjoyable morning's work
There is a rota of mowers who take it in turns to keep the grass under control in various sections of the churchyard. During the growing season we also hold Saturday churchyard clearing mornings, once every couple of months, and we are always happy to welcome offers of help.
A band of about fifteen people usually turn up armed with strimmers, secateurs and shears, and set about keeping things more or less under control. There is always someone to oversee progress with a list of jobs, and a break mid-morning for coffee and homemade biscuits. Occasionally we have a bonfire.
On the day, please introduce yourself to any of us, and we will show you who to speak to for guidance. Some tools can be provided, but bring your own, especially if you have a favourite task you like to do.
- Gather
- 9.30am at the church door
- Break
- Coffee and biscuits at 11.00am
- Finish
- Usually about 12.30pm
Clearing mornings for 2026
- Saturday 13 June
- Saturday 22 August
- Saturday 17 October
- Saturday 12 December (leaf clearance)
Quiet Garden
A space for calm and rest
We have joined the Quiet Garden Movement: a network of over 250 outdoor spaces and gardens worldwide.
They are used for a little calm, meditation and rest, to promote the spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities.
Muddy Church
Spaces to wander and wonder
The heart of Muddy Church is to offer spaces to wander and wonder together. It is a place for people of all ages to gather outside, to discover gifts in the community and to connect with their space and with God.
At one session the children made birdfeeders from pine cones to hang outside in the winter months. The hot dogs and tasty marshmallows rounded off a perfect afternoon.
Footpaths, nature & the Camino
The paths across the fields to the Saxon Mill and the river, the plants and wildlife, and our link to the Way of St James.
In our churchyard
Back to the churchyard: a place of sanctuary, the notable people who lie here, and our war memorial.