Snowdrops of both hope and remembrance

Mary Shirville moved to Cotterstock in 2007. Her abiding love was of all things related to the garden and the natural world. This love had taken root in the early 1950’s when she became a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and she later helped to launch the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS). 

She judged at Chelsea, became a fellow and, in 1993, was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH). Only 63 can be holders at any one time, an honour she shared with Prince Charles.

From her days living in Tansor, she developed a keen interest in snowdrops and had many varieties in her garden.

During landscaping work at the back of the village hall (after dear Mary’s passing) the snowdrops had to be moved, or sacrificed.  James Rowlett had an idea, and it was decided to replant the bulbs down the church path in memory of Mary. Alec and David Turner spent many hours planting them carefully in the churchyard. Those snowdrops are just appearing this month and looking “bonnie”.

A poem to remember her by and the dedication of Cotterstock villagers to caring for our village.

The Snowdrop Fairy

by Cicely Mary Barker

Deep sleeps the Winter,
Cold, wet, and grey;
Surely all the world is dead;
Spring is far away.
Wait! the world shall waken;
It is not dead, for lo,
The Fair Maids of February
Stand in the snow!