HAY Meadow Burial Ground in Glascwm had an excellent turnout for their recent official opening. Local businesses in and around the valley generously donated prizes for the raffle and auction raising over £600 for The Bracken Trust.

Richard and Sarah Vale, owners of Hay Meadow Burial Ground are truly grateful to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets to help with their first fundraising event for The Bracken Trust.

Richard and Sarah were inspired by Carol, Richard’s late mother to create a natural place to rest. Carol sadly died from a brain tumour 12 years ago, but many years before she died she had told them she wanted to be buried naturally, so she could go back to nature.

She had her final wish and she is buried in a natural burial ground which is a pleasure to visit. Attending her funeral was such an uplifting experience, it sowed a seed in their minds to create their own natural burial ground.

Richard, Sarah and their three children wish to support The Bracken Trust and have decided to donate all money raised to the charity in Carol’s memory. “We chose a beautiful day for our opening event the sun was showing off the hills, yet it was a bit hot,” said Sarah. Homemade refreshments such as fresh Lemonade and Elderflower Cordial were served as well as the traditional Welsh favourites – Welsh cakes, Bara Brith and Welsh Ginger Honey Cake. Beautiful natural flower arrangements by Vicki Workman of Edw Valley Flowers were delicately positioned in and around the hay bales which many sat on. Several different types of eco-friendly coffins were available to be viewed including a lovely oak coffin made by Peter Bishop of Mitre Coffins, Eardisley. A touching speech was made by parents who had recently buried their child at the site. Nigel Elgar from Franksbridge, who played a key part in the development of the site led the speeches with Richard Rathbone from Cregina also reading out a poem written by Sarah.

Hay Meadow Burial Ground is a working hay meadow where sheep are able to graze and wildflowers are allowed to flourish; providing a crop of hay every year for the sheep at Busnant Farm. At their official opening, it was also announced that Richard and Sarah will soon be offering woodland burials, having recently been granted planning permission to develop the adjoining meadow into a woodland area.

Written by Amy-Marie Vale daughter of Richard and Sarah