Visitors to Mid-England barrow were treated to a previously unseen spectacle when the owners opened the gates to the public having lit not only the inside of the barrow, but also the exterior with candles, totalling in the region of 400.
The amazing opportunity was described as ‘magical’, and ’stunning’
Night of our Light…. the barrow looks spectacular all lit up.
Moon rise over the barrow and memorial garden tonight 16th september 2024
Memorial Garden at Mid-England Barrow
We are delighted to announce the opening of our Memorial Garden so that more people can benefit from our beautiful rural surroundings, by placing a tribute to a loved one close to the placement of their ashes. Ashes may be buried in an urn or scattered, or just a tribute, placed in a special position, to a life lost.
The Barrow
The barrow was constructed in 2019 as part of a farm diversification project. It is a 21st century celebration of the barrows/tumuli which are thousands of years old, found throughout the UK. Situated on the boundaries of Warwickshire, Northamptonshire & Oxfordshire, niches nestled into the hand carved stone give perfect final resting places for loved ones ashes.
We finally got around to repainting the front entrance gate, it has been a job on the cards for some time waiting for the weather to ease and we are more than happy with the result.
Mid-England Barrow 2024 Charity Events
It has been evident that our local communities have benefited considerably from the coffee mornings, not only through the money raised for charities, but also by offering support and companionship.
We are therefore pleased to announce that from Saturday March 30th, we will be opening the Barrow, Memorial Garden and Safari Tent Venue from 10am to 3pm, on the last Saturday of each month. Coffee and homemade refreshments will be available and the money raised will go to the charity of choice on that day.
If you would like to nominate a charity to benefit from the funds raised, please get in touch. There is no catch, we donate the use of the venue and refreshments free of charge. We just ask that you publicise the event and of course join us for a delicious piece of home made cake!
100% of the money raised goes to the charity.
Please see our events page for more information.
Visitors’ Reflections
“It is the perfect place to store your ashes, or those of a loved one. It is hard to describe how stunningly beautiful it is, you really need to visit it to experience for yourself how peaceful it feels. Sarah and Richard are so welcoming, and instantly put you at ease. This is the perfect place to hold a funeral too. Highly recommended.” -Ruth Jewell funeral celebrant
“Living in the US this has been a great option for me and the piece of mind that I will return home one day to my little spot at Mid-England barrow. Picking the niche and transferring the payment was made so easy. Working with Sara couldn't of been easier and was kept up to date with everything that was going on from the start of the build to the end wonderful experience all round”- Anne.
“Thank you so much for showing us round this afternoon. The barrow literally took our breath away with its stillness and peace. We love the way it has been built with great reverence to ancient tradition and yet still relevant to the here and now. It is a beautiful space, suitable for anyone from any faith, or none at all, and in time when the wood has grown it will be even more amazing still. I can see it becoming a real landmark in time.” - Tracy Hope
The wild flowers are growing nicely now over the barrow . .
Gorgeous orange berries on one of the Rowan trees in the woodland walk through the Memorial Garden, up to the barrow entrance.
Flowers put into the entrance to the barrow for an ashes placement ceremony
As spring has sprung at Mid-England Barrow, we've added a new feature, marking the start of the journey to the Barrow. . .
The arch, made using beech harvested from our garden, gives a lovely sense of mystery, as to what may be at the other end of the path, through the Memorial Garden………
With kind permission of the family, what a lovely way to remember a loved one after their ashes placement by taking away a handmade rose.
Flowers in the entrance trough in full bloom . . .
Willow chamber view from within ….
An ariel view of the barrow site, to the left hand side, the Safari Tent Venue with 5* rated adjoining kitchen and mains WC, situated next to the car park. Walking through the 600 square metre grass meadow, the winding gravel pathway takes you through the newly planted trees in the Memorial Garden and past the Covid 19 Memorial Cairn. After a glimpse of the secluded pond, the stunning stone barrow entrance comes into sight.
VISIT MID-ENGLAND BARROW
Why not come along to visit the Barrow, and experience the atmosphere for yourself.
FUNERALS
What’s more, you can hold a funeral, celebration or ashes placement ceremony at the Barrow, incorporating as much or as little in the way of religion as you choose, taking as much time as you want to. Why not celebrate a life with a picnic, hog roast, or a traditional afternoon tea.
At Mid-England Barrow we are now taking booking for funerals or celebrations of life. We have a 5* registered kitchen, and all the necessary food hygiene certification. Anyone is welcome to hold a funeral here. The Safari Tent can be used free of charge (as long as catering is required), and examples of costs are available on our website.
The Covid Memorial Cairn.
We have built a traditional cairn in the Memorial Garden along the path to the Barrow.
We were inspired to build it after seeing cairns whilst on holiday in Scotland a few years ago, and wanted a fitting tribute to the lives lost to Covid 19, not only in our three nearest villages, our three nearby counties, but indeed, everyone affected throughout the entire world. We were aware that many organisations are ‘considering’ building a cairn, we thought it was important to actually have a tribute in place now.
The National Day of Reflection marked at the memorial built at Mid-England Barrow near Farnborough was a very beneficial time for all of those who attended. Visitors enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful surroundings, spent time reflecting and speaking about the lives lost, many lighting candles.
Anyone wishing to visit the memorial at other times, can make an arrangement by calling Sarah on 07791807970.
Covid Memorial Day of Reflection, 23rd March, 10 am-2.30 pm
Covid 19 Memorial cairn and plaque
The cairn is built from stone left from the building of the Barrow, and stone from around the farm. A local artisan, Kevin Short from Dassett Barns very kindly donated the slate plaques, which depict what the cairn is all about.
Whilst the cairn is built within the grounds of the Barrow, anyone is welcome to visit. Please telephone prior to travelling in case a private function is booked, thank you.
Gallery
Niche prices start at £500. Celebrations are competitively priced.
Mid-England Barrow - An idyllic rural modern-day Round Barrow for the safe keeping of cremation ashes as well as a Memorial Garden for the burial of ashes and tribute. We also provide a unique countryside Funeral venue.