Churchyard corner curiosity has been set free for all to see

At last. At long last, one of the most interesting features of Ashford churchyard has been set free. For years – as long as I can remember – the strawberry tree in the corner of the churchyard has been choked by brambles and other assorted weeds but now these have all been cleared away and the tree (it’s officially classed as a shrub) can be seen in all its glory.

Apparently, we have the council to thank for this – I’m told they assumed responsibility for the churchyard in the 19th century. The Arbutus unedo, which means “I eat only one”, is a curious plant that blooms in winter with blossom, ripe and unripe fruit all to be seen at the same time.

The fruit has a bland, uninteresting flavour – I know, I’ve tasted some – though it can apparently be used to make a pleasant jam and a liqueur, called madrono, neither of which I have tasted.

The leaves, bark and roots have medicinal qualities, though my mate, Google, tells me that these are rarely exploited and more research would prove useful. I imagine that someone with a love of horticulture has been making his or her voice heard recently. Not only has the churchyard been sorted out but the planters all over the town are proving to make pleasantly colourful receptacles for discarded cigarette butts in among the flowers.

We keep hearing that the litter police are doing a great job but I have noticed no real change in the town centre; Neil’s successor still employs his grabstick as frequently as ever.

Whatever complaints we may have about the council, it deserves praise for the decision to find homes for 250 Syrian refugees over the next five years. The number may represent a mere drop in the ocean when viewed against the monstrous tide of dispossessed individuals seeking refuge but if all British councils were to exercise the same humanity as ours, we could all be truly proud to call ourselves British.