Bradwell-on-Sea: St Thomas

St Thomas’ Flower and Bells festival

The Flower Festival held in St Thomas’ Church over the Bank Holiday weekend was a fantastic success, the church was so full of great flower displays all depicting different forms of music and singing in the church over the centuries. During its long history the church has made use of various musical instruments to call to worship and assist in worship in the services, and the festival told this story in flowers. The programme was full of information on music from Gregorian chant to Contemporary music, this was complemented by the music in the church representing all the 12 exhibits.

The story started with a display on bells, this was arranged by Linda Barnes and had as a centrepiece one of the bell wheels from Tillingham church. Next was a the 23rd psalm in green and white with many wild grasses by Jane Galloway and David Thorpe, then we had ‘Who put the colours in the rainbow’ by Jenny Cole. The piano was beautifully depicted with white flowers and black leaves by Jane Cowell. Nancy Anthony produced a wonderful display of the Church Organ. The sanctuary was full of ‘Heavenly’ flowers by Barbara Roe. The choir were depicted singing ‘All things bright and beautiful’ by Sue Pirret. The font area had a modern display of ‘Bird of paradise’ flowers and contemporary instruments by Samantha Lonergan. ‘Evensong’ was arranged by Christine Gould, and ‘Gospel’ music by Zanny Lawrence. The children from St Cedds School produced a wildlife ‘Bug’ garden that was most popular with the visitors. The last display representing Gregorian Chant was in the entrance porch and had an arch of flowers around the door by Ann Fagg and Sheri Warren. With the help of Jean Thorogood who decorated the windows the church absolutely full of flowers.

The festival was open for three days with teas provided by many volunteers and demonstrations on bell ringing by John Pryke and Laurie Main and other ringers. The money raised from the festival will go to the organ restoration project. Thanks to all who helped in so many ways over the weekend. The hundreds of visitors who come to the festival loved the experience, and some who had been to Chelsea the week before thought is as good.

Bradwell-on-Sea: St Thomas

News and notices

St Thomas Flower and Bell festival at great success!