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Thorley church flower festival celebrates victory of light over darkness




Churches from across Bishop's Stortford contributed to the St James the Great flower festival at Thorley.

Organiser Pippa Roy-Chowdury said: "The theme was Darkness to Light. Floral arrangements included the dark and formless earth, followed by the creation of night and day.

"Another display depicted the darkness of war and destruction, overcome by hope and light. Candles shone brightly to show the beauty of our world and to give hope for the future.

Cakes and bakes for sale as a bank holiday treat (58951774)
Cakes and bakes for sale as a bank holiday treat (58951774)

"There was a wonderful tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, giving thanks for her 70 years of service and dedication, and for her Christian faith which has sustained her throughout her reign.

"A wonderful display in the lychgate welcomed visitors with sunflowers and flags from around the world and a pledge from St James to 'serve our community'."

The festival's music, organised by Emma and Malc White, included choral items, solo performances, organ and piano, Woodwind of Stortford and culminated in the 'Big Sing'.

Darkness into Light floral display reminds visitors of the terrible war in Ukraine
Darkness into Light floral display reminds visitors of the terrible war in Ukraine

Thorley Bell Ringers chimed to open and close the festival each day and were on hand to welcome visitors throughout, many opting to find out more by visiting the ringing chamber and trying their hand at bell-ringing.

Next door, in the St Barnabas Centre, refreshment stalls were busy serving cream teas and cakes, along with Pimm's and local beer from Hadham Brewery.

The Fair Trade stall sold a fabulous selection of cards and gifts, and Matthew's Plants were popular throughout the weekend. Second-hand books were also on offer.

Pippa said: "This year's festival was a great team effort, with so many people from St James helping to make it a success and to be on hand to welcome our wonderful visitors. All donations received will go towards the upkeep of our buildings."

Flowers adorn part of the original steeple – more than 600 years' old (58951781)
Flowers adorn part of the original steeple – more than 600 years' old (58951781)
Browsing bargains (58951772)
Browsing bargains (58951772)
Bank holiday refreshments at St James the Great flower festival, Thorley (58951776)
Bank holiday refreshments at St James the Great flower festival, Thorley (58951776)
Ukrainian refugees decorated the church port with sunflowers - their homeland's national bloom (58951747)
Ukrainian refugees decorated the church port with sunflowers - their homeland's national bloom (58951747)
This pup looks happy, despite the cone of shame (58951783)
This pup looks happy, despite the cone of shame (58951783)
Plants for sale (58951768)
Plants for sale (58951768)
Floral display to show international support for Ukraine (58951751)
Floral display to show international support for Ukraine (58951751)
The Woodwind of Stortford perform (58951760)
The Woodwind of Stortford perform (58951760)
Floral display hits the right note (58951762)
Floral display hits the right note (58951762)
Sunflowers reminded visitors of the ongoing war in Ukraine (58951753)
Sunflowers reminded visitors of the ongoing war in Ukraine (58951753)
"Jesus Light of the World Shine Upon Us" floral display (58951764)
"Jesus Light of the World Shine Upon Us" floral display (58951764)
Bellringer Ron Sambridge and his grandson Jack Sambridge. (58951766)
Bellringer Ron Sambridge and his grandson Jack Sambridge. (58951766)

A new festival on July 15 and 16 next year is already being planned.



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