Grieving can be a very lonely business. We can feel that people expect us to get over our loss and get back to everyday life when we are just not ready. The reality is we can never fully get over our grief, but we can learn to live with it as an expression of love for the person who died.
Everyone grieves in their own way and the circumstances of becoming bereaved vary hugely too. Sometimes we need to seek help In order to share what we are experiencing with someone outside the circle of those directly affected. We can offer advice about local counsellors. Sometimes just being with other people who have also been bereaved can make a real difference.
At Westmill on the last Friday of every month we hold a Coffee Morning which is sometimes combined with a craft activity from 11am-12pm at Root and Branch, the horticultural therapy project in the Westmill Farmyard. This is open to everyone.
Nature can also be hugely comforting, and our site is open all the time for anyone who just wants to come and have some quiet time soaking up the expansive views of the Downs, listening to the skylarks or watching the kites as they glide over. Look out for our friendly robin who is often waiting at the entrance. And many of us find the expansive view up to the Downs and the Uffington White horse lifts our spirits and brings a sense of perspective. You are welcome any time. Our gates are never locked and there is a small car park adjacent to the site.
We hold public events regularly at the burial ground. On Saturday June 8th we hold our annual Open Day. From 2-5pm delicious cake and hot drinks are being served. There is a children’s nature trail and tours of the site looking out for flowers, birds and butterflies using some new guides created by one of our Friends and Family group members. We will be having guided walks with experts on flowers, insects, and butterflies from 3.30-4.30pm and Q&A on green burial 4.30-5pm.
You can find out more by visiting www.woodlandburialwestmill.co.uk or calling us on 01367 700615.
The office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-1pm.
